I want more (Jetta 2.0TFSI)

[DionM]

Short story - I want more out of my Jetta

Long story .... while I've enjoyed my Jetta for the last few years, I want more. Basically the issues are the lack of traction on launching (and associated 'axle tramp'), wanting more power and tidy up the handling (gets a bit tail happy with ESP off).

I am at a crossroads on whether to keep the Jetta (its only done 12000kms) and tinker (somehow) or look at something else. I've had a soft spot for R32s (noise, handling) but also considering 9N Polo GTIs with a fistful of mods throw at them. We originally bought the Jetta for family duties (pram etc) but we have a Pajero now that does all that, so a crossgrade isn't entirely inconceivable.

What sort of options should I investigate with the Jetta? I figure my budget is maybe up to about $3k-$5k, beyond that I'd really be seriously thinking of selling and buying something else.

Am not interested in lowering, as I need the current suspension height for driveways etc. I am conscious of not wanting to destroy my DSG and wish to retain extended warranty (till 6 years) - I am currently in protracted dealings with VW in relation to a suspension issue. My Jetta is totally stock at present.

[team_v]

Bayside Performance at cleveland are said to do some pretty good custom work for a bit less than the usual ecu remaps.
If you are having issues with traction then getting a lighter polo GTI is not going to help that.

For your budget i would get a custom tune, sway bars, engine mount and anti-lift kit.

[turboveedubb]

G'day

I'm kinda in the same situation at the moment.
If you do choose to keep your jetta (which i think is quite a nice car), there's a couple of things which I've been told to upgrade:
1. diverter valve: from diagphram to OEM piston 'd' diverter valve
2. pcv upgrade: something i've yet to decide upon.

Both fixes are pretty cheap in the grand scheme and I kinda see them as 'longevity' mods which keep ur engine performing the way it ought to for longer.

A software tune is definately the best bang for your buck mod. I encourage you to give it a try as many tuners offer obligation free trials of their programs. You might be pleasantly suprised about what ur jetta is capable of

With your budget of $3-5k you could potentially do a fair bit and if you don't mind doing some of the simpler DIY mods yourself, it'd stretch even further.

[maca]

I feel the same way out of my Jetta. I love it to bits but there's not much you can do in terms of performance thanks to both DSG, the loosest diff ever and FWD.

That's why I think my next car will be a 4WD, something off-road capable.

[Boon]

After driving my jetta for the last few weeks, I feel like I want more too. Mine is stock from head to toe and love the low range torque but hate the sound of the engine when revving above 4k rpm. Sounds very wussy due to it's high pitch but sounds ok on the lower ranges as has a slight growl. Will a ecu remap change that or will I have to do something else?

[team_v]

After driving my jetta for the last few weeks, I feel like I want more too. Mine is stock from head to toe and love the low range torque but hate the sound of the engine when revving above 4k rpm. Sounds very wussy due to it's high pitch but sounds ok on the lower ranges as has a slight growl. Will a ecu remap change that or will I have to do something else?

To change the exhaust note you will need to invest in a cat-back exhaust upgrade.
The standard one muffles the noise to keep the "clean and quiet" theme of VW.
Alternatively you could get a mufflerectomy (removal of muffler) or just cut holes in your exhaust pipe.

[DionM]

Thanks guys.

Yeah the front diff is another issue, it just throws power way too easily to one side. team_v do those mods you suggested address some of those issues (engine mount / anti-lift-kit).

I have thought about chip tunes but always concerned about warranty implications and the DSG; although I know there are heaps of people with GTIs and R32s with no issues so I guess I'm worrying about nothing.

I would probably start gradually - look at sorting traction issues and then think about more power. First I have to get VW to fix the current suspension groans.

Boon - funny you should mention the sound, I actually don't mind the high rpm engine noise.

turboveedubb - what do those mods achieve?

maca - 4WDing is an expensive hobby. My old 4WD (XJ Cherokee) was modified and I'm just starting on my new diesel Pajero.

[brad]

Stickier tyres.

[DionM]

Stickier tyres.

What's markedly better than the 18" RE050s I already have?

[brad]

What's markedly better than the 18" RE050s I already have?

RE050 or RE050A? Both good tyres about 3-5 years back but have been leapfrogged by the opposition.

These might be a bit noisy but they stick like poo to a blanket when they are up to temperature:
Kumho KU36, Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 (self-import only IIRC), Nitto NT05

These are probably a bit more liveable but not quite as sticky.
Michelin PS2 or PS3, Continental CSC3, Continental ExtremeContact DW (you'll have to personal import), ContiSport Contact 5P, Goodyear eagle F1A (or the new F1A2), Michelin Pilot SuperSport, Pirelli Pzero (the assymetric one), Kumho KU39