For Volkswagen Golf R MK7 enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle’s performance, especially after a Stage 1 ECU tune, upgrading the air intake system is a common consideration. The question often arises: is investing in a performance air intake truly beneficial, or are the gains negligible? Let’s delve into this topic, drawing upon real-world experiences to provide a clearer picture.
The Question: Air Intake for Stage 1 Golf R MK7
Many Golf R MK7 owners wonder if an aftermarket air intake is a necessary upgrade when moving to a Stage 1 tune. Manufacturers like Mountune with their X3 and R600 intakes, and brands like Ramair, offer various options. However, online forums and communities are filled with discussions debating their actual impact, with some claiming minimal to no performance gains at Stage 1 levels. Saving approximately £300 by sticking with the stock intake is tempting, leading to uncertainty about whether the upgrade is truly worthwhile.
Personal Experience and Performance Gains
Real-world experiences often provide the most valuable insights. One Golf R MK7 estate owner shared their setup, which included a Mountune ECU and DSG remap, alongside a Ramair open filter and MTC inlet pipe with a built-in elbow resonator delete. This setup, combined with other supporting mods like a dogbone insert and aluminium paddles, yielded impressive Dragy verified performance figures. The car consistently achieved 0-60mph in 3.69 seconds, 100-200km/h in 10.55 seconds, a quarter-mile in 11.96 seconds, and 0-100mph in 8.98 seconds. These numbers, achieved with multiple consecutive launches, suggest that heat soak, a common concern with open filters, was not a limiting factor in this scenario. The owner also retained the original air feed, modified for improved airflow, further optimizing the intake system.
Open Filter vs. Airbox Mod: Considering Your Preferences
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to an aftermarket air intake for a Stage 1 Golf R MK7 may come down to personal preference, particularly regarding sound. If a more pronounced turbo noise and induction sound are desired, then an open filter intake like the Ramair option can deliver a noticeable auditory enhancement. For those less concerned with sound and more focused on budget or a more subtle driving experience, modifying the stock airbox with a performance panel filter, such as a Ramair panel filter, can be a cost-effective alternative. This approach retains the factory airbox while improving airflow and saving on the expense of a full intake kit.
Conclusion
While the performance gains from an air intake on a Stage 1 Golf R MK7 might be debated in terms of outright horsepower numbers alone, real-world experiences and measured performance improvements suggest tangible benefits. Beyond potential performance increases, the enhanced turbo noise offered by open filter intakes is a significant draw for many enthusiasts. Therefore, deciding whether to upgrade your Golf R Mk7 Air Intake at Stage 1 involves weighing the desire for improved sound and potential performance gains against budget considerations and personal preferences.
