stage 2 worth it?

[vwgtimk6]

Hey guys..

I'm currently stage 1 on my mk 6 gti and love it. So of course I'm thinking of stage 2! It seems like a lot of $$$ to spend....are the gains worth it?

As in it dosent look like you get a whole heap of kw for $$

Kos

[kryten2001]

Skip a step, go #3. You know you want to.

[Lucas_R]

Stage 2 is still a nice boost, but not as big of a difference as what stock > stage 1 is.

Considering a downpipe (get Eurojet or 42DD - they are nice units for the GTI's) is $800, an intake of some kind for $500-$800 (depending on which one takes your fancy) plus the cost for the revised stage 2 file - it does start getting expensive.

Also, depending on which company you are currently tuned with - some dont like you using products that are not theirs, and charge you extra for it. So just check with your tuner first.

[Tim]

Stage 2 is definitely worth it. You should usually see another 10 - 15kw at the wheels. (to put it in perspective a tune will normally add 20 - 30)

We are currently doing clearance specials on mk5/6 GTI DPs (around $650inc freight) in preparation for the new Steve Petty Motorsports range which will be landing in a couple weeks time.

Shoot me through an email for details if youre curious. sales@dubaddiction.com.au

[walbjj]

i ran stg 1 for a few weeks, but i picked up a new apr dp from a distressed party for $800 and a near new carbonio for cheap so it made the jump to stg 2 easier on the wallet.
also, the reflash doesnt cost any extra if ur running the apr hardware.

for all the talk of stg 3, imo, at stg 2, there is way too much power for the chassis, wheel spin is always an issue, and stg 3 would be undriveable. stg 2 is at a level that makes it enjoyable. there is plenty of surge when u need it without lighting up the tyres all the time.

everyone goes on about more power, but i think it needs to be useable power and i also do a lot of sydney peak hour driving so its pretty pointless

[kryten2001]

for all the talk of stg 3, imo, at stg 2, there is way too much power for the chassis, wheel spin is always an issue, and stg 3 would be undriveable. stg 2 is at a level that makes it enjoyable. there is plenty of surge when u need it without lighting up the tyres all the time.

everyone goes on about more power, but i think it needs to be useable power and i also do a lot of sydney peak hour driving so its pretty pointless

I both totally agree, and totally disagree with this (is that possible!)..

I'll preface this with my belief there is too much confusion over what constitutes a stage 1, 2 and 3.....

Anyway, in regards to power.. There is no such thing as enough. If another 100hp was possible, I'd have it in a heartbeat and I'm on Stage 3. Makes no difference where you are or what you do, more power on tap is good.

That being said, I totally agree that the power needs to be considered alongside all the other possible mods. Power without brakes and REALLY good suspension is a total waste. In fact, after a simple tune, I'd be looking at suspension and brakes before the big power upgrades came - no question.

But don't think for a second that there's such a thing as too much power, even in a FWD application. Just because it's there it doesn't mean you have to use it - but I tell ya when you do, you could always use more - however, only when balanced along with all the other things. I can't imagine running a 350+ HP golf without having the suspension and brakes well and truly sorted out as well.

[Tim]

there is power thats impossible to use on the street though. Big turbo on a small engine is futile. By the time the fun starts the speed limits are long gone.

[kryten2001]

If the point is commuting in inner city, then anything over a normally aspirated 1.6 is "too much", technically speaking. Doesn't stop any of us buying 2litre turbos though.

Power and more of it please. Personally I don't spec my cars on the speed limit, otherwise why aspire to anything more than a barina? And for some, building the best you can in every area (including power) is a goal within itself.

Nothing exceeds like excess, I say. I'll take all that's available then some.

I would agree that a highly tuned k04 is fairly well ideally suited for most conditions, as you get the power whilst still going legal speeds.. Above that though and you are left wanting.

[walbjj]

dont get me wrong on the whole "more power" issue. my brother used to have a b5 rs4 that was stage3 and it had unbelievable power delivery, and it was driveable all day.
my older brother has a 2011 mustang shelby gt500, and that car is a handful, i havent even revved it out yet as it breaks traction almost at will. seriously fast.

but for the sake of this thread, it was whether stg 2 was worth it, and imo, stg 2 for a golf gti is definitely enough. stg 3 is probably overkill, especially when looking at the dollar terms

[kryten2001]

Only you can answer that mate... Worth it, is very subjective. Is it worth it to you?

Many would look at my car and say the outrageous money I spent wasn't worth it.. But it was to me..

They also stopped saying it when (on a recent track day) their m3s were left in the dust.

But yes mine is not a daily commuter any more, and frankly I don't think it would make a very good one.