2007 Volkswagen GTI 2.0T
Baseline
Peak WHP: 181 hp @ 5400 rpm
Peak WTQ: 193 lb-ft @ 2700 rpm
Pros
*Cutting-edge FSI technology offers the ability to increase horsepower significantly without overhauling the fuel system.
*DSG transmission offers quicker shifting than humanly possible.
*Launch control can turn anybody into a quarter-mile king.
*Electromechanical steering reduces torque steer.
*Turbocharged engine allows for efficient high-speed cruising while maintaining good overall mileage.
Cons
*Lack of an all-wheel-drive option.
*Diverter valve is prone to failure when subjected to excessive heat.
*Highly sensitive to modifications; for example, the wrong spark plug can cause the vehicle to misfire and lose power.
Notes
The GTI's odometer indicates 5013 total miles at the time of testing. The vehicle is running on the highest grade of fuel generally available in California-91 octane. All installations and testing are performed on the same day at ambient temperatures between 68 degrees in the morning and 70 degrees at the end of the day. The testing location is at sea level with 12.47 percent relative humidity. All dyno testing is performed on a Clayton chassis dynamometer, aka Mustang.
Neuspeed Engine Management Software
Gains
Peak WHP: 204 hp @ 5700 rpm
Peak WTQ: 241 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Pros
*Offers the highest horsepower and torque gains per dollar.
*No need to re-flash software after installing a 2.75- or 3.0-inch turbo-back exhaust, intake or any additional basic bolt-on modifications.
*Completely reversible, zero modifications to the ECU eprom, and saves a complete readout of factory software code including RSA encryption data.
*Free lifetime upgrades and free re-flash back to stock programming.100 percent compatible with all diagnostic software.
Cons
*No additional gadgets (hand-held controllers and so on).
Parts: None, software programming only
Tools: Laptop computer and Neuspeed Optican programming box
Installation Time: 2 hours
Notes
Turbocharged VAG engines have always responded well to engine management software upgrades. The GTI's 2.0T does not disappoint, with power gains of 37 hp and torque gains of 66 lb-ft at the wheels. No unpredictable surges. Power delivery is smooth and linear with strong torque and a solid pull all the way to redline. The software upgrade does not interfere with DSG's shifting, and if anything, driveability under normal conditions has increased. The vehicle is equipped with launch control and still functions 100 percent.
Milltek Turbo-Back Exhaust
GainsPeak WHP: 208 hp @ 5700 rpm
Peak WTQ: 252 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm
Pros
*70mm mandrel bent stainless steel tubing features optimal size for maximum flow, with no decrease in low-end torque.
*Downpipe is manufactured using a high-flow HJS 200-cell metallic catalytic converter that requires no special software to prevent a check-engine light.
*System can be configured as resonated or non-resonated without affecting performance; only the sound level is affected.
Cons
*Slip-joint construction requires some tweaking to line things up.
*Once the muffler clamps are tightened, the system is difficult to remove or adjust.
Parts: Latex gloves, exhaust sealant, downpipe with cat, mid-pipe, resonated/non-resonated section, rear silencer, Milltek stickers
Tools: 13mm and 16mm sockets, ratchet, anti-seize, 22mm box wrench, WD-40
Price: $1,848 resonated; $1,698 non-resonated
Installation Time: 2 hours
Notes
The quad-tip exhaust gives the GTI the aesthetic presence it lacks on the showroom floor. We test both the resonated and non-resonated versions, and are unable to see any changes in power or torque, only sound levels. The resonated system offers all the power and torque gains with a close-to-stock sound level-a bit too quiet for some. We leave the non-resonated system on the car, giving it a great sound with no annoying drone.