Second this. Their stage 1 low torque file has done me well for over a year now. Clutch may still go slowly if you’re not careful in the top end of your higher gears. Once you’re between 4-5k it’s pretty safe to go full beans, otherwise roll into the power gradually. You’ll feel how your car reacts when driving.
Rocking Integrated Engineering myself, moved up to stage 2 because I wanted the downpipe(live in a freedom county) but their stage 1 tunes are awesome. Plus you can opt in for the ethanol uses with stage 1 as well if you get a upgraded hpfp with the trueflex harness
I would say it's more of a recommendation from me then. Not a bad idea if the car has a lot of miles because VW recommends new plugs around the 60k mile service interval. I'd say the next oil change you should get some new plugs as it's relatively easy to do yourself. Good to know u/spiritualzombie2063 I saw IE's post about which plugs to use.
I ran EQT stage 1. Now on their E30 tune. I’m a fan of the Cobb platform. No exp with any other tuner. Saving loose change on the side for a Sneaky E30 tune. DSG car.
You can. I had the low torque for a couple of hours before I had time to put on the DSG tune. The OE DSG tuning seems a little lost with the extra power. Shouldn’t affect it too much in manual mode, but realistically you’re going to want the DSG for the extra clutch clamping force to be safe.
IE is one of the easier ones to do yourself with the tuner tool, plus you can use that for all the tunes on your way up. You're gonna want to stick to low torque tunes if that clutch hasn't been upgraded.
I have a 2018 GTI with a stage 1 Tune from IE on my stock clutch and haven’t had an issue. Been tuned since 2020 and for the last 20k miles. I do have the low torque file, so that helps. I’m of the opinion that one’s driving habit plays a huge part in the life of the clutch. I’m a huge fan of my IE tune, but I do think any of the major options for Stage 1 stated in the comments would be exactly what you’re looking for.
I can agree with that got my ie stg1 low tq and 4 months later clutch began to slip luckily I had the sbc stg2 track clutch at the house cause I know it was going to shit the bed the way I drive. That being said iam now on stg1 high tq. An those 5.slow yotes can get away from me.
With a manual transmission, apparently you may need to save up for an uprated clutch. However seems to be hit or miss, as some people claim their stock clutch doesn't slip.
I’ve got APR stage 1 ECU/TCU on mine, I wanted to set it and forget it. Would never go back, power and drivability is awesome and smooth. I flashed at home with their Ultralink Dongle, took 15 minutes.
You’ll need a new clutch with a manual and a stage 1 tune. The stock clutch often slips a lot at stage 1 torque levels- so whatever you do, budget for a more aggressive clutch as well.
Hey also in the market for going stage 1 soon, how is the ape upgrade path do you just pay the difference like with Unitronic? I’m ready to buy a link cable I just can’t decide on what brand. This is such a hard decision!!!!!
I think so yes. I had APR stage 2 on my last gti, a MK6, and thought I’d give it a go on my MK7. Even stage 1 pulls really hard, harder than the stage 2 MK6 for sure. It can spin my continental summer tires all through second into third, where it then hooks up and you fly. It’s really quite fun, lots of torque down low. Really good for software only.
I've had Apr stage 1 high torque for 10k miles and eqt stage 1 for about the same mileage till I upgraded to stage 2 e85 and I definitely prefer EQT. It felt very similar to stock in its power delivery just with more ass. The community is great and customer service has been top notch for me.
You'll need an upgraded clutch if going higher than stage 1. I'm a big fan of the IE stage 1 tune on the stock clutch. They have a high torque version and a low torque version. I currently am running the low torque on the stock clutch (recommended) and can flash to the high torque version for free once I need a clutch replacement and upgrade
I have an aftermarket clutch. When tuning these cars most have issues with the stock clutch going out. I wish I could say what clutch I have but the po installed it right before I bought the car.
My clutch went from feeling healthy at stock, to slipping the first time I went over ~50% throttle after flashing stage 1. EQT turns your car into a whole nother beast and the stock clutch can't even come close to holding on.
You'll need a clutch. Having looked at logs some of the big names' low torque stage 1 tunes, they're really not "low torque", you'll kill your clutch unless you're driving it very, very conservatively down low. Many are still hitting ~26 psi down low, where their high torque tunes are targeting 28. That 2psi, while it will make a difference in feel, will not make a difference to the stock clutch.
A clutch will come down to personal preference. My car has a Southbend stage 3 daily in it for 40-50k miles with zero issues, and it holds IS20 power on ethanol without a problem, and will hold more than that.
IE stage 1 low torque. IE makes the best OTS tunes period. Also once you tune Id lose that ECS DV. You will lose all of your respool on your turbo. I ran one for 20 minutes and immediately returned it, great for a stock car terrible for a modded car
I’d say get a charge pipe too. R8 coil packs. Fresh NGK spark plugs. Sports cat downpipe. And get a stage 2. That way you save your money long term. You’re already halfway to stage 2, just get the extra mods listed as they will be cheap apart from the coil packs and you’re good to go.
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Cup brothers unite! https://preview.redd.it/gd8zsnlxk3wc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d571b8bf6f5b8466f1d0fc370fd6c05d73bb840d
Send me your IG!!!
Nice
IE Tune. That’s all you need
Second this. Their stage 1 low torque file has done me well for over a year now. Clutch may still go slowly if you’re not careful in the top end of your higher gears. Once you’re between 4-5k it’s pretty safe to go full beans, otherwise roll into the power gradually. You’ll feel how your car reacts when driving.
Rocking Integrated Engineering myself, moved up to stage 2 because I wanted the downpipe(live in a freedom county) but their stage 1 tunes are awesome. Plus you can opt in for the ethanol uses with stage 1 as well if you get a upgraded hpfp with the trueflex harness
Agree, love mine.
Colder plugs too.
Not really, for stage 1 IE recommends stock plugs. Cold plugs are only good if you consistently track the car
I would say it's more of a recommendation from me then. Not a bad idea if the car has a lot of miles because VW recommends new plugs around the 60k mile service interval. I'd say the next oil change you should get some new plugs as it's relatively easy to do yourself. Good to know u/spiritualzombie2063 I saw IE's post about which plugs to use.
I literally thought ‘holy shit , that’s the water cup’ and sure as shit. It’s the water cup
It’s even got the wax around the ring . I hope it’s wax
I was wondering why this decal was so familiar
This post makes me thirsty
Ugh. VW simps are the worst. /s my friend.
Can't go wrong with any of the big tuners as far as Stage 1 imo, that being said I prefer IE or APR
Doesn't that graphic already add +300HP? It's so legit
I ran EQT stage 1. Now on their E30 tune. I’m a fan of the Cobb platform. No exp with any other tuner. Saving loose change on the side for a Sneaky E30 tune. DSG car.
Is anyone running the IE Stage one tune without the DSG tune?
You can. I had the low torque for a couple of hours before I had time to put on the DSG tune. The OE DSG tuning seems a little lost with the extra power. Shouldn’t affect it too much in manual mode, but realistically you’re going to want the DSG for the extra clutch clamping force to be safe.
I did for a week, and got the DSG tune after. Definitely worth it cause it lets you safely flash high torque which is a healthy bump.
That’s the coolest thing that I’ve seen all day. Haha
PUPPYYY
IE is one of the easier ones to do yourself with the tuner tool, plus you can use that for all the tunes on your way up. You're gonna want to stick to low torque tunes if that clutch hasn't been upgraded.
Yeah! I also heard the stock clutch is ass for stage 1 lol
I have a 2018 GTI with a stage 1 Tune from IE on my stock clutch and haven’t had an issue. Been tuned since 2020 and for the last 20k miles. I do have the low torque file, so that helps. I’m of the opinion that one’s driving habit plays a huge part in the life of the clutch. I’m a huge fan of my IE tune, but I do think any of the major options for Stage 1 stated in the comments would be exactly what you’re looking for.
I’m assuming the POWERlink is needed for that right ?
Yes
I can agree with that got my ie stg1 low tq and 4 months later clutch began to slip luckily I had the sbc stg2 track clutch at the house cause I know it was going to shit the bed the way I drive. That being said iam now on stg1 high tq. An those 5.slow yotes can get away from me.
Just put on a Stage 1 IE tune a few weeks ago with the stock clutch. It feels like a different car.
With a manual transmission, apparently you may need to save up for an uprated clutch. However seems to be hit or miss, as some people claim their stock clutch doesn't slip.
puppy!
I’ve got APR stage 1 ECU/TCU on mine, I wanted to set it and forget it. Would never go back, power and drivability is awesome and smooth. I flashed at home with their Ultralink Dongle, took 15 minutes. You’ll need a new clutch with a manual and a stage 1 tune. The stock clutch often slips a lot at stage 1 torque levels- so whatever you do, budget for a more aggressive clutch as well.
Hey also in the market for going stage 1 soon, how is the ape upgrade path do you just pay the difference like with Unitronic? I’m ready to buy a link cable I just can’t decide on what brand. This is such a hard decision!!!!!
I think so yes. I had APR stage 2 on my last gti, a MK6, and thought I’d give it a go on my MK7. Even stage 1 pulls really hard, harder than the stage 2 MK6 for sure. It can spin my continental summer tires all through second into third, where it then hooks up and you fly. It’s really quite fun, lots of torque down low. Really good for software only.
Cool wrap
Unitronic!
This decal brings me back to 1994...nice dude👌
I've had Apr stage 1 high torque for 10k miles and eqt stage 1 for about the same mileage till I upgraded to stage 2 e85 and I definitely prefer EQT. It felt very similar to stock in its power delivery just with more ass. The community is great and customer service has been top notch for me.
If manual are you running stock clutch on these tunes or a stage 2 clutch ?
You'll need an upgraded clutch if going higher than stage 1. I'm a big fan of the IE stage 1 tune on the stock clutch. They have a high torque version and a low torque version. I currently am running the low torque on the stock clutch (recommended) and can flash to the high torque version for free once I need a clutch replacement and upgrade
I have an aftermarket clutch. When tuning these cars most have issues with the stock clutch going out. I wish I could say what clutch I have but the po installed it right before I bought the car.
My clutch went from feeling healthy at stock, to slipping the first time I went over ~50% throttle after flashing stage 1. EQT turns your car into a whole nother beast and the stock clutch can't even come close to holding on.
If this rolled up at a car meet I would lose my mind. Insanely cool
Broo u need a dp 100%
That’s sick af. I can feel the waxy paper in my soul.
You'll need a clutch. Having looked at logs some of the big names' low torque stage 1 tunes, they're really not "low torque", you'll kill your clutch unless you're driving it very, very conservatively down low. Many are still hitting ~26 psi down low, where their high torque tunes are targeting 28. That 2psi, while it will make a difference in feel, will not make a difference to the stock clutch. A clutch will come down to personal preference. My car has a Southbend stage 3 daily in it for 40-50k miles with zero issues, and it holds IS20 power on ethanol without a problem, and will hold more than that.
Free Refills!
If you lowered that thing it would look insane
Get an IE tune
IE stage 1 low torque. IE makes the best OTS tunes period. Also once you tune Id lose that ECS DV. You will lose all of your respool on your turbo. I ran one for 20 minutes and immediately returned it, great for a stock car terrible for a modded car
I’ve been running IE high torque for 4 years now. I love it and no complaints
I need to do this to my car 😂
I’d say get a charge pipe too. R8 coil packs. Fresh NGK spark plugs. Sports cat downpipe. And get a stage 2. That way you save your money long term. You’re already halfway to stage 2, just get the extra mods listed as they will be cheap apart from the coil packs and you’re good to go.
Trapper Keeper GTI!
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What wheels?!
This is my winter set up, they are reps of 3SDM 0.06 the wheels I actually want.
LaCroix?
Save some pussy for the rest of us
Clutch.
Nice woofer
An 80’s Taco Bell?
Solo Jazz design 1992
I hate it and simultaneously love it