Easy Performance Mods for the Mk4 Jetta 20l
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The 5 Best Performance Mods for the MK4 GTI
The Volkswagen MK4 GTI was first introduced in 1999 and ran production through 2005. When the MK4 GTI was first introduced, it featured a 2.0L but that only lasted one model year, 1999.5. However, Volkswagen moved to a 1.8L Turbo engine in 2000 through 2005 for the GTI. The 1.8L Turbo engine put down 178hp and 173lb-ft. Although it may not seem like a lot of power nowadays, this was revolutionary back in the early 2000's. It featured a K03 sport turbo with a 5-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen also released the MK4 GTI 337/25th Anniversary edition that had the same 1.8t engine but came with a 6-speed manual transmission option instead.
The way we look at it is an MK4 GTI will more than likely be a project car if you're looking to mod it out. So some of the upgrades below may seem unnecessary, but this will build a monster MK4 GTI and will turn heads on the streets.
Ignition Coils & Spark Plugs
Before getting into the mod guide below, we want to talk about the importance of fresh ignition coils and spark plugs, especially on a vehicle that is two decades old. Unless the spark plugs and coils have been changed in the last 10,000 miles this can be ignored. What happens with ignition coils and spark plugs as they age, is they start to become less effective and essentially take power away from the engine. Bad or foiled spark plugs won't be able to ignite all of the gas in the engine. When this happens, gas will be left in the engine causing pre-detonation or misfires. The last thing you want to experience is misfires when you are putting on mods, so we highly suggest replacing at least the spark plugs, if not both the coils and spark plugs, to be safe.
Buy Here: MK4 GTI 1.8T Ignition Coil Pack Replacement
Buy Here: MK4 GTI 1.8T Spark Plug Replacement
How to Make a Volkswagen MK4 GTI Faster – MK4 GTI Mods
- Intake
- Downpipe
- ECU Tune
- Diverter Valve
The MK4 GTI factory turbo can only handle around 215hp-225hp. If you are wanting to go for 300+ hp on an MK4 GTI, a K04 upgraded turbo is absolutely necessary. All of the products listed below are our opinion of what is the best on the market, however, there are plenty of other brands out there that supply parts too. We can't stress enough to do as much research as possible to get the most out of the 1.8t engine.
1. Intake – MK4 GTI Mods
Air intakes are always looked at as a waste of money, but if you are adding 3+ mods, it's one of the best supporting mods you can get. The factory airbox tends to be heavily restrictive when it comes to airflow into the engine. The more air that goes into the engine, the more power the engine is capable of putting out because of more pressure and combustion. You won't see the full benefits of an intake if it is the sole mod, but once you start going for real power it will absolutely make a difference. Aside from airflow and power, intakes also provide a great whooshing sound that many enthusiasts thrive for.
We've chosen CTS Turbo for the intake upgrade because they have been specializing in VW and Audi parts for over 10 years. There intake system has a high flow cone air filter, a heat shield, direct replacement to OEM, and provides 6-9hp out of the box. Not only is the product high quality, but CTS Turbo also provides a 12-month warranty on a defective intake.
Price: $169.99
Buy Here: CTS Turbo MK4 GTI Intake
2. Downpipe – MK4 GTI Mods
Just like the factory intake, the factory downpipe is far more restrictive than an aftermarket downpipe because of the catalytic converter. A downpipe connects the turbo to the rest of the exhaust system. An aftermarket downpipe like the CTS Turbo linked below is 3″ in diameter and has no catalytic converter or a high-flow catalytic converter. The perks of an aftermarket downpipe are reduced turbo lag, increased turbo spool, and reduced back pressure. To get the most out of a downpipe, it is highly advised to be tuned, but you'll definitely be able to tell the difference it makes regardless. Aside from the power benefits, it adds a more aggressive sounding MK4 GTI to turn some heads.
As stated above, CTS Turbo offers a catless option or high-flow cat option. Although there is still a catalytic converter when choosing the high-flow option, it is far less restrictive than the factory catalytic converter. Depending on where you live, emissions can be a big deal when it comes to inspections. Therefore if you are in a place where emissions are taken seriously, we would advise going with the catted option because it should still pass emissions. However, if you have a lax mechanic you could go to, you'll get the most, performance-wise, out of the catless downpipe.
CTS TURBO MK4 1.8T DOWNPIPE
Price: $399 (Catless) – $499 (High-Flow Catted)
Raceland MK4 1.8T DOWNPIPE
If you are looking for a more cost-efficient downpipe and aren't worrying about emissions, Raceland has a great product at a sliver of the price of their competitors. We can't suggest this downpipe enough for enthusiasts wanting a great-sounding downpipe that still provides the performance you are looking for.
Price: $169 (Catless)
3. ECU Tune
This is where the real power starts to kick in, an aftermarket tune. The factory ECU's are designed for efficiency and comfort, not to be aggressive. Not only will an aftermarket tune provide more power, in most cases, it'll make your engine more efficient. A tune is by far the biggest bang for your buck, especially if you have the proper supporting mods like the ones listed above. We chose the Unitronic ECU flash because this is what we have heard to be the best tune for the MKIV GTI. This software pushes the turbo to 18psi safely and gives an additional +35hp and +62lb-ft of torque.
Unitronic Stage 1 ECU Flash
Price: $400
4. Diverter Valve
An upgraded diverter valve may seem pointless, but it actually is important as boost levels increase. The factory valve can only sustain so much boost pressure before it opens mid-run. An upgraded diverter valve, especially the Forge dv pictured below, can hold up to 30+ PSI. The more boost that is held in, the more power that will be put out.
Forge Diverter Valve
Price: $180
Bonus Mods for the Ones Who Want More
This is where the real money in a project car steps in. If you're wanting the MK4 GTI to get over 250hp+ you're going to have to get an upgraded turbo.
6. Upgraded Turbo – K04
The factory turbo on Volkswagen's MK4 GTI is the Borg Warner K03 turbocharger. Although these turbo's are nothing short of magnificent for their time, the Borg Warner K04 will release much more power. What are the benefits of upgraded turbos? They flow more volume, sustain higher boost, and shifts the power curve to the right. Without having to mention, more power and higher boost will be safer for the engine with an upgraded turbo. However, with upgrading a turbo, it is highly suggested to replace the injectors and MAF housing, so keep that in mind. The most popular turbo is the K04, but there are many more on the market, like Garrett or Precision.
BorgWarner K04 Turbocharger
Price: $1,200 (New) – $500 (Used)
7. Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC)
Although not a necessary modification without an upgraded turbo, an upgraded front mount intercooler is a MUST with an upgraded turbo. Typically intercoolers are viewed as efficiency and reliability mods, and one of the best supporting mods if you are serious about modding out your ride. The factory intercoolers are made to cool off the charged air produced by a factory engine. However, the more mods that are added, the more charged air there is. When this happens on a stock intercooler, the air overwhelms the intercooler, and power is lost due to heatsoak. Not only will an aftermarket intercooler make the engine more reliable, but it will also retain the 20-20hp lost due to heatsoak. The CTS turbo intercooler pictured below is rated at 450 hp to the crank.
CTS Turbo FMIC
Price: $594.99
Conclusion – MK4 GTI Mods
Again, if you are looking to make your MK4 GTI a project car and build it to 300hp+, you'll need to go with an upgraded turbo. However, if you're just looking to do simple mods to make it sound better and add a little zip, we would advise going with the intake and exhaust (including downpipe). Remember the factory turbo can't take too much power, so try not to push it past 215 hp. We've seen some sick MK4 GTI's put out 300+hp.
If you want to read more about GTI's, here is our write-up on The 5 Best Mods for the MK5 GTI.
Source: https://vwtuning.co/the-5-best-mk4-gti-mods/
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