Standard GTI Lacking Power

[RedRobin]

For a start am I right in understanding that the lack of power is experienced most in D-mode (DSG)? D-mode is not good for getting the best acceleration and overtaking - I used to pop her into S-mode for all overtakes. Even so, M-mode with the paddles (same as a Manual car) is best and gives the fastest and faultless gear shifts.

I think it wasn't until about 20,000 miles before I had a Revo Stage1 remap and that was after upgrading the brakes to AP Racing (absolutely faultless!). I've had occasion to switch between stock and remap (I always switch to stock for a service session) and there is a big difference mostly felt when overtaking. When accelerating very fast on overtakes there are the inevitable occasions when someone misjudges your speed or pulls out and you will be glad of the best brakes you can get. I've had to brake hard from all speeds including 130 mph (real on GPS not the inaccurate speedo) in Germany. Brakes are a mod which too many people overlook.

The GTI's standard brakes are good but simply don't compare with AP's. Pedal feel and response is streets ahead and stopping power (subject to road surface and tyre conditions) is truly awesome and without any snatching.

I have yet to drive either an Ed30 or a remapped Ed30 but a Stage1 GTI has plenty enough power for a FWD fast road car in my opinion.

[neg]

I agree when switching back stock I drive like I am in a different car and tend to just take easy as the difference is very noticable and so if you forget could be dangerous to a point.

[RedRobin]

I want to keep the car as OEM looking as possible so I doubt an exhaust will be on the list, but is there anything else I can do to get the power up higher?

Thinking back, I should have ordered the ED30, but the GTI felt ok at the time. 

Especially if its as powerful as you ED30 owners keep harking on about! 

....A Milltek twin pipe exhaust will hardly be noticeable visually except to the enthusiast but a Hi-flow+Downpipe will definitely release the remap's potential and also improve throttle response.

In the hands of a skilled fast driver, my modded GTI is likely to 'beat' a stock Ed30 on all counts, even in the upper 100+ speed range. But, no, I'm not going to put it to the test!

[NewGolf]

Thanks for the tips, the GTI's definately going to get a remap. I've emailed Superchip$ to see if they'll let me do a trial at my expense. No dealers over here.

The car was in Sport mode, I'm sure it revved too high before it changed gear, it seemed to hit a flat spot before it changed?

I miss TORQUE, gimme more!

[RedRobin]

....The DSG is totally worth it for the stress-free urban and crawling traffic situations in D, but I would strongly advise everyone to stick her into M and use the paddles to drive her 'manually' in all other situations - You then have far greater control, literally at your fingertips!

[AlanD]

Mine is a manual and not an auto (im sorry, DSG) and 2nd gear certainly pushes me in my seat, mines on 29k.

[NewGolf]

Mine is a manual and not an auto (im sorry, DSG) and 2nd gear certainly pushes me in my seat, mines on 29k.

Remapped AlanD?

[AlanD]

Nah standard, but Iv just (had the MK5 for a week) come from a MK4 so I'm still getting used to the extra power, might just be me.

[NewGolf]

Ah, I see.
Coming from an S4 perhaps thats part of the reason I'm feeling the GTI a bit lacking.

[AlanD]

Well yeah, coming from a 4.2 V8 with 340BHP to a 2.0T with 200BHP, obviously the GTi is going to feel slower