Quote Originally Posted by Corey_R View Post
Yep... Stage 2+
I did the APR Divorced Downpipe/Cat (not the cat-back to form the full exhaust), Intercooler, and High Pressure Fuel Pump. I have not installed an intake at this point as I'm exploring options.

I'm extremely happy with the results. Keeping the stock rear end of the exhaust means I still have the OEM look. It also means I have the flapper system still. When I turn it on and it idles on a cold start, there is no question something is significantly different as the idle is very loud whilst it's "warming up". The exhaust valve opens during this to help heat up the system asap. But after about a minute when the idle drops to it's regular operating revs, you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference between stock sound and volume.

Driving around with very light throttle is enough to keep up with regular traffic. The sound and volume is also basically the same as stock.

But the more you press the pedal, the more "new" sounds come from the engine bay. More turbo sound, more induction noise (yes, even though it's the stock intake), more other sounds (not specifically sure how to describe).

When you floor the pedal though - wow! The exhaust flap opens and the car snarls loudly. The "DSG far" turns into an explosive "Brrraaappp" sound. The car accelerates great. The only spoiler is Australia's low speed limits! It all ends so quickly.

I have to say that the car feels quite different now. It feels like it weighs a few hundred KG less in general driving just because of how responsive it is. It also doesn't feel as heat sensitive due to the intercooler.

Doing the Stage II+ is a decent whack of money, but I'm glad I did. I had Stage II in the MKV GTI, and it was awesome, but the biggest difference was the stock > stage I step. With the R, and having a K04 turbo, the difference between Stage I and Stage II+ is much larger than stock > stage I. (I went straight to this setup, so I'm not sure what just the DP and S2 software is like without the IC and HPFP). I completely understand why there seems to be more MKV Pirelli Stage 2(+) cars running around than Stage I cars (at least from the active members on these forums).

I'll definitely be adding an intake, but not just yet.
Good summary Corey...
Glad to hear you are happy with it with Stage 2+