APR "Stages"

[flipstah]

So I'm still familiarizing myself with APR's work and their 'stages'.

Right now, I'm in Stage 1, which is just the ECU flash.

I'm interested in doing:
- VWR/Carbonio Intake
- Turbo back exhaust, so that means new DP

Now from what I understand, the APR system is as follows:
Stage 1: ECU Flash
Stage 1+: You need a HPFP.
Stage 2: Exhaust required.
Stage 2+: Exhaust and HPFP required.

Above stage 1, an intake is recommended.

Is this correct?

What would happen if I got those two interests and skip the fuel pump? I have a feeling that it won't become efficient but not familiar with the repercussions.

Because of this, I have a possible option and follow-up questions:

- If I do the turbo back exhaust, does that mean I should look for a new clutch too? I've read around Vortex that the excess torque will just cook your clutch. If that's the case, I may just opt for Stage 1+, which is a new intake and the HPFP.

However, I want a different exhaust note and like stock, I don't want drone.

If I don't want to go Stage 2 but want a different sound, what can I tweak/change?

I like groupthinks.

[CGY_GTI]

Re: APR "Stages"

You've got it! It won't hurt anything to run without the intake, however it will limit the gains you can get. I had my stage 2 tune, exhaust, and FMIC on for a few weeks before I got the intake installed. The HPFP isn't something you have to do on the MK6 GTIs, do I don't know much about them. As far as I know, you'll be fine without it until you go for stage 3 or above.

As for the clutch, the OEM ones are crap. Some people are even having to upgrade their clutches at stage 1. Others, however, have been fine with the stock clutch at stage 2 if they drive very carefully. Realistically though, I think you need the clutch at stage 2.

If you want a new sound and not have to worry about the extra stuff come stage 2, you could always opt for just a cat-back exhaust. The APR exhaust seems to be very popular, but I think the AWE Switchpath one is worth taking a look at. It's more similar to the MK4 R32 exhaust... there are valves in it that you can control to change the sound, so you can either have it nice and quiet or make it louder when you want to have some fun.

[jacktown]

Re: APR "Stages"

You can use the Stage 1+ tune with a performance exhaust like the APR TBE or a downpipe. Just because you have HPFP and downpipe does not mean you have to run 2+.
2+ is not for everyone. Eventually you will need a new heavy duty clutch which is not without its problems if your car is a daily driver. It'll clickity clack and feel quite heavy - but I like that kind of thing!
Also recommend an intercooler for 2+ although its not essential.

[flipstah]

Re: APR "Stages"

Well thanks for the clarification from the both of you. This just made things more complicated lol.

So technically, I can go:
- Stage 1+
- Intake (optional)
- Exhaust

Because of so many combinations, this could take a while but I definitely want those LED tails! GAH! I saw them again last night!

[reptile]

Re: APR "Stages"

Hey flipstah. I'm Stage 2+ and am still on the stock clutch with zero problems so far. (fingers crossed).
I've probably put 10K on the car since I had it done and it's been perfect. It sounds bad ass too when you get on it.
Highly recommend it.

Aaaaand I have LED tails too.

[flipstah]

Re: APR "Stages"

Hey flipstah. I'm Stage 2+ and am still on the stock clutch with zero problems so far. (fingers crossed).
I've probably put 10K on the car since I had it done and it's been perfect. It sounds bad ass too when you get on it.
Highly recommend it.

Aaaaand I have LED tails too.

Lol I'm aware of the latter part!

What component(s) do you have in it for Stage 2+?

Mine is >6500km right now

[reptile]

Re: APR "Stages"

Ive got the APR HPFP, Turbo back exhaust, and chip. I didn't do the cold air intake because it's a little too fast and furious for me. I had a neuspeed intake once in my GTI MKV and it sounded like an 85 year old man trying to breathe through his nose while eating a sandwich. Just not my deal... I might add the carbonio because Ive heard it's a little more laid back.

[CGY_GTI]

Re: APR "Stages"

On MK6s, pretty much any intake with a closed box is quiet. The Carbonio is supposed to be quiet from what I hear, and I can hardly hear anything from my AWE intake.

[flipstah]

Re: APR "Stages"

Well I've been chatting with a maker about a custom TBE with Titanium components. It's gonna be ~$2k for that setup alone + HPFP + intake.

I'm still unsure if I should drop that much cash on my Golf or just get a cheap sports car lol. I mean, it has a lot of power for what it has.

Plus, I want new wheels for the summer haha! #fwp

[turbomeyers]

Re: APR "Stages"

I have to chime in here . A southbend clutch is lighter pedal feel and better than a stock vw clutch . Also i have had a car out there with 100 k on stage 2+ and never needed the clutch . What are you guys doing to burn through the clutch ? Its fwd let them spin.... Tires are cheap ... Lol

[JustinKYC]

Re: APR "Stages"

Where'd you get your flash done flipstah?

[flipstah]

Re: APR "Stages"

Where'd you get your flash done flipstah?

I got mine done through Concept1, which carries APR.

Tunerworks carry AWE and I'm not sure what TuneDub carries (Uni-something?).

[luuluu]

Re: APR "Stages"

Tunedub does Unitronic. Calgary Autoworks does REVO.

[jacktown]

Re: APR "Stages"

I have to chime in here . A southbend clutch is lighter pedal feel and better than a stock vw clutch . Also i have had a car out there with 100 k on stage 2+ and never needed the clutch . What are you guys doing to burn through the clutch ? Its fwd let them spin.... Tires are cheap ... Lol

Golf R Stage 2+ > Golf GTI Stage 2+

[flipstah]

Re: APR "Stages"

Golf R Stage 2+ > Golf GTI Stage 2+