APR
800/680-7921
www.goapr.com
APR has a plethora of 1.8T parts. The firm's software retails for $400-500 for one program, depending on the model. What's neat is any additional software, with programs for 91-, 93-, 100- and 104-octanes, is toggled through with your cruise control stalk.APR's TIG-welded 2.5" and 3" cat-back stainless exhausts are offered for the A4, Golf, Jetta and Beetle, ranging from $970-1250. A turbo-back system for the TT costs $2600.
APR also sells the much-needed FMIC for A4, Golf, Jetta, Passat and TT from $1050-1200. This makes it safe for APR's K04 upgrade, which retails for $1700-1800, plus software and optional injectors. With the injectors and APR exhaust, this setup has reportedly shown 215whp.
Next, the stage 3 turbo for A4, Golf, Jetta, Passat and 180bhp TT uses a Garrett/Allied Signal ball-bearing turbo. The $4500 kit ($4700 for TT quattro) includes an inconel exhaust manifold, high-flow cat, hoses, injectors, larger MAF housing and hardware. Not included but required are APR's exhaust system and downpipe. Putting out 250whp, you're now approaching S4 territory.
APR's final package is the stage 3+ kit, good for 310whp with APR's exhaust. The $5000 kit is for A4, TT, Golf, Jetta or Passat ($5200 for 180bhp TT quattro, $6900 for 225hp TT including intercooler) and uses a Garrett Ballistic Series turbo; this stage needs an intercooler. On 93-octane, it's good for 320whp on '00-03 non-VVT models, and 330whp on '04-05 VVTs.
The APR cast aluminum intake manifold for big turbo cars goes for $900, or $1300 with a larger throttle body. APR has seen up to 40whp gains with the latter, but stronger connecting rods are recommended.
Autobahn Designs
951/351-9566
www.abdracing.com
ABD sells a variety of parts, starting with $495 GIAC software, and a $230 CAI for Golf/Jetta.In addition, the tuner offers a FMIC for the A4, Golf, Jetta, Beetle and Passat for $1100-1200.
After all that, you're ready for ABD's K04 upgrade, which costs $1295 over the basic upgrades. If this 65whp gain isn't enough, you can try ABD's K05 system, which costs $2985 and includes software, 3" MAF, injectors and the turbo (a modified K04). This package gives 5-10whp over the K04.
To capitalize on the increased flow from the big turbos, you can add ABD's $500 intake manifold with larger plenum, which reportedly gives 15whp on a stock 1.8T, and over 20whp on modified engines. ABD also sells exhaust systems from Brospeed, Supersprint and Techtonics.
Autotech
949/240-4000
www.autotech.com
Some of Autotech's entry-level products for the 1.8T include a $120 6061 aluminum cam gear for Golf, Jetta and Passat to advance or retard the cam timing up to 10, as well as its $50 intermediate shaft pulley for the Passat, with a 60% weight reduction.
Its exhaust system features 2.5" piping and a free-flow Magnaflow muffler. It's shown up to 14whp in Autotech tests. They also sell a $200 T304 stainless downpipe with flex joint made by a VW OE supplier.
AWE Tuning
888/565-2257
www.awetuning.com
AWE offers a K04 upgrade for '97-01 B5 A4 and Passat for $1700-1800 that's good for 50whp gains over stock with its exhaust system, which costs an extra $730-765. For manual transmission cars, AWE's $200 PC16 injectors and GIAC software will add another 10whp and 23 lb/ft.A K04 is also available for the Beetle and retails around $1875 with an exhaust.
For '02-05 B6 A4, AWE has a GT28R turbo capable of 235whp and in testing they found gains of 30whp over the K04, with more torque.
AWE recently introduced its Golf and Jetta K04 with GIAC software, Audi TT MAF and 380cc injectors for $2000. AWE reports you'll need an exhaust and intercooler to make full use of this kit.
Boost Engineering
418/723-8100
www.boost-engineering.com
Boost Engineering has a turbo kit for '96-06 Golf and Jetta, including six-speed cars. It uses a Garrett GT28 ceramic ball-bearing turbo, and includes downpipe, 2.5" high-flow cat, software and gaskets for a bolt-on package. A FMIC is also included, with powdercoated piping that allows you to revert to the stock intercooler during harsh winters to prevent damage to the new unit. The package retails for $3750 and is good for 260whp.
Carbonio
877/4.INTAKE
www.carbonio.com
Known for its carbon fiber intakes, these are the chosen intake systems for the likes of APR. Carbonio's CAI helps reduce turbo lag while improving power and throttle response. The kits start at $279 for VW, Golf and Beetle and reach $379 for the A4.
Dahlback Racing
www.dahlbackracing.com
The Swedish-based company is known for building the 580hp Golf RSI - check out the videos on the site. Dahlback has a variety of performance programs for the 1.8T, ranging from 170whp to well over 450whp if you've got the coin.
ECS Tuning
800/924-5172
www.ecstuning.comECS sells crank and accessory pulleys to free lost power for around $225 a set. For those going after 300whp, ECS offers stronger internals for your 1.8T short block, including rods, pistons and rings. JE pistons range from 9-9.5:1 compression. The rod and piston set costs $1550-1600, but you can order separately if needed. The firm also distributes APR parts.