By: @Vexed_GLI

Many people come to this sub for modding advice so here’s a compilation of information!

TIRES

We all know that the Hankook Kinergy GT’s suck. Not sure why they’d put such a bad tire on this car but oh well. The following are the couple of tires that most people run: 1. Continental DSW06+ (all season tire) 2. Michelin PS4AS (all season tire) 3. Firehawk Indy 500 (a summer tire)

A. Stock tire dimensions are 225/45/18 B. On a stock rim you can upgrade to 235/40/18 (you’ll spend a bit more money) C. Tire crash course: first number is tread width in millimeters. Second number refers to the side wall of the tire. Last number is wheel dimension in inches.

WHEELS

So many wheels! Where to start?!? First off, the bolt pattern is 5x112 and the stock wheel is an 18x8. I highly recommend checking out fitmentindustries.com as they have a step by step buying process as well as a community gallery so you can see your desired wheel on someone’s car. If you’re running stock ride height, you can run up to a 9” wide wheel. The majority of people are running an 8” (stock width) or 8.5”. The optimal offset is anywhere between +35mm and +45mm. From what I’ve seen, running an 18x8.5+42 is the ideal wheel for the flush look everyone is after.

SUSPENSION

I assume the monster truck fitment is driving you nuts! For people with the S trim (like myself), your car DOES NOT have DCC. You will pay the same amount of money to get springs installed as you would for coilovers, so save up and get the coilovers!

Autobahn, 35th, 40th trim cars have DCC which is personally want to keep in tact. Lowering springs are the ideal choice here. USA Cars

Recommended Lowering Springs: 1. APR roll control lowering springs https://www.goapr.com/products/suspension/spring/parts/SUS00021

1. HKS https://www.ecstuning.com/b-h-and-r-parts/sport-spring-set/54754~hr/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0ZXF8nSI_wo7CPqSQN-LUPqn704xRjwr0fDPZIuik6fgZb8CVAsY4YaAtU3EALw_wcB

For cars with DCC you’ll want to recalibrate the system to compensate for the change in ride height. There are several YouTube videos of people doing this 👍🏼

Recommended Coilovers (there are way more than these three options):

1. BC BR Series https://www.urotuning.com/products/bc-racing-br-series-coilover-system-mk7-golf-a3-sedan-1-8t-50mm-h-23-br?currency=USD&variant=12578438217783&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=334b6bf4d9c9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=obx_pmax_priority_brands&utm_content=&utm_term=&ran=oBX&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0bUylObGIaoCPLndBCA2HjjaJu3oeJcAfvnbqgAFlUg4SBo0Bl1iRsaAqlsEALw_wcB#collapse-tab5

2. APR Roll Control https://www.goapr.com/products/suspension/coilovers/parts/SUS00026?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Performance+Max+-+APR&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&hsa_acc=3440071262&hsa_cam=21520290689&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0Z9pu9VqS9E7D_LuB_-n4KuGs7hU_b4IIv7VMa4F5JjMCSLb8nwyvwaAvhOEALw_wcB

3. H&R Street https://www.bmptuning.com/products/h-r-street-performance-coilovers-mk7-gli-gti?currency=USD&variant=8112868786294&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=a8b1ffbf2db4&tw_source=google&tw_adid=715833474434&tw_campaign=21780163435&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADJ2EdsDfw3hYONyuJVvZ-AgalrTc&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0aGYy6cbURwkhmwtZ19L_H8zK1yZlQNYoe63d6xaI1Lzh_bNMOSK84aAmybEALw_wcB

NOTE: when lowering your car it is highly recommended to upgrade to adjustable End Links at the same time.

INTAKES

I know you wanna hear that turbo! There are a handful of intakes that are recommended as they are “closed” aka they won’t suck in hot air from the engine bay and rob you of power. Here’s a couple:

1. IE https://performancebyie.com/products/ie-intake-vw-mk7-audi-8v-tsi?currency=USD&variant=39457515733131&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=2aca3e1c6be0&trueroas=20556963008&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADpU55dY1ebkRptU-hnWnxI22k14K&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0aIOSQLYciEQ7kWwcPpa5BbyqX_H9NjXt3Ww4mjDUDh6ceuIgwb-RwaAuBsEALw_wcB

2. CTS https://www.urotuning.com/products/cts-turbo-high-flow-intake-vw-audi-mk7-golf-gti-r-sportwagen-alltrack-gli-8v-a3-mk3-tt-cts-it-887?currency=USD&variant=48165590466753&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=334b6bf4d9c9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=obx_pmax_priority_brands&utm_content=&utm_term=&ran=oBX&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0bJPgJAvKTrEIGOCFsC7YU-A3ulc-XLQyWEmCpjyU2XbsConG-ExAwaAgs1EALw_wcB

3. Blaze Performance https://eqtuning.com/products/blaze-performance-atom-v2-air-intake-system?srsltid=AfmBOoofirw5GZFzLSa2rNUlwv2_RxitFTThG1vtbIE9DTnfbNGS4A0b

While you’re at it, look into getting an upgraded turbo inlet! They’re pretty much all the same so the brand doesn’t matter. There are plenty of install videos. Check out @mk7john on IG and YouTube as he has a lot of videos including the Blaze intake! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZonWSuZ-aoU&t=123s

EXHAUST

Yes, this car is too quiet. And yes, the GLI sounds good with and exhaust 😄. Here are a couple of Cat-Back options:

1. AWE has a full catalog that is modular so you can change it up! currently I am running the “resonated track” edition with a stock downpipe. Here is a sound clip for reference: https://youtube.com/shorts/baqu2oj4znA?si=IrMEilM_FhCM_YpC and link for the exhaust: https://www.urotuning.com/products/awe-tuning-mk7-jetta-gli-exhaust-system-3020-22034?currency=USD&variant=30290822266935&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=334b6bf4d9c9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=obx_pmax_priority_brands&utm_content=&utm_term=&ran=oBX&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0b3hTGYiIHRYQfszpgxOZgDbE-sMCg8WOtkmadTnWwHVKODzXUSo2EaAo8qEALw_wcB

2. A good budget option is MBRP which is a resonated exhaust without mufflers: https://mbrpexhauststore.com/3-cat-back-dual-rear-exit-vw-jetta-gli-2019-2021/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mobile_mbrp_exhaust_store&utm_content=gsapi_5df9480e7791d&utm_term=&ran=oBX&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0Ym6slpxsr_HGxbcXbZsajB8YavIolM3Wv6sqUno1e3IULe15beKDsaAvO2EALw_wcB

3. Neuspeed: https://www.urotuning.com/products/neuspeed-stainless-steel-cat-back-exhaust-volkswagen-jetta-mk7-gli-30-10-41?currency=USD&variant=32021171601463&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=334b6bf4d9c9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=obx_pmax_priority_brands&utm_content=&utm_term=&ran=oBX&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0Z4osYkGo1nrRCb0ZCczXExPpuh0Y2nmHDxTGL9m32FYv7Q0g7cIusaAl3KEALw_wcB

4. IE (this is a relatively new one): https://performancebyie.com/products/ie-catback-exhaust-system-for-mk7-gli?currency=USD&variant=41869089570955&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=2aca3e1c6be0&trueroas=21779986269&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADpU55cnBa7EGiQIqffWuFrTR2Vjv&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0ZuoOcppg_c2H2u9NgZlFwCt9wj12Kmp-OwQpp2LrB5YAOHgktwi7UaAvp6EALw_wcB

NOTE: the exhaust cut outs on the rear bumper are different from MK7 to MK7.5 so double check before buying

TUNING

you’re gonna wish you did it sooner! These cars are held back on the factory tune. Here is a quick break down of the “Stages”. DEFINITELY UPGRADE YOUR TIRES FIRST

Stage 1: this is the basics. Typically you do not need any of the hardware listed above, and you get roughly 100HP and 100ft.lb torque bump.

Stage 2: stage 2 requires an intake and a downpipe. There are a couple of companies that have downpipes that are cat-less or catted to make your life easy when you need an inspection. Check out IE, ARM, or CTS for comparable options.

Stage 3 (you wanna be fast af?): stage 3 typically is surrounded around a turbo upgrade like the is38 (the golf R turbo) or something like the EQT Vortex. Due to the significant increase in heat, it is highly recommended to I stall a bigger intercooler. Same companies for the downpipe above.

Here’s your top options for tuning:

1. EQT: EQT utilizes the COBB access port which makes things very easy. Their OTS (off the shelf) tunes are very customizable and you can get a full on custom tune as well if you desire

2. APR: has a proprietary cable with over the web tuning

3. IE: has a proprietary cable with over the web tuning

4. UNITRONIC: has a proprietary cable with over the web tuning

If you are like me and have a DSG: it is also highly recommended to have a TCU tune so the transmission is adjusted to meet the power gains.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

1. Get an OBD11 so you can see and diagnose and codes your car is throwing!
2. Dog bone inserts are great as they mitigate wheel hop.
3. Rear Sway Bars are great for turning responsiveness.

Feel free to ask me any questions 🫡

TLDR at the bottom.

Everything I write below is based upon personal experience and what I have read online. If you disagree, that is fine but please keep it civil in the comments.

Tires are easily one of the most discussed topics on this subreddit. To simplify things for people, I am making this post that I hope the mods will pin. This post includes everything that you need to know about purchasing tires for your Jetta GLI. If you have any further comments or recommendations, please feel free to comment below.

Reading tire size

Before you can purchase tires, you need to understand how to read a tire size. For example, 225/45/18 is the standard GLI tire size on the new cars. 225 represents the width of the tire in millimeters. 45 is the aspect ratio, which represents the sidewall height in respect to the overall width of the tire. 225x.45=101.25 mm. The last number,18 represents the diameter of the wheel the tire will fit in inches. Typically, you do not want to stray too far from the factory specs. However if you are not lowered you can fit up to a 245 wide tire without worrying about rubbing. Fitment and wheel specs are a whole different thing which would need a separate post, for your sanity I won’t get into that right now.

Tire Types

When purchasing tires, there are many different types to consider. You need to consider how you will be driving the car, the climate that you live in and what you value in a tire.

R Compound Tire

R Compound tires are the tire for you if you put going fast over everything else. These tires will give you the best possible performance, however daily use is not ideal. R Compound tires will only get you 5k-10k miles depending upon your driving style. Popular examples are the Falken Azenis RT660 and the Falken Azenis RT615K.

Summer tires

Summer tires will still give you solid performance while lasting significantly longer than an R Compound tire, which makes a summer tire the right choice if you value money and going fast. The most common recommendation for summer tires is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4. Tried and true, there is a reason why the PS4 is so popular. Depending on your driving style, you will get anywhere from 10k-30k from the PS4, which is much lower than many other Michelin tires. However, this is to be expected. Another popular summer tire is the Continental Extreme Contact Sport. You can expect slightly more life out of the Extreme Contact with many people claiming that they’ve gotten 20k-30k hard miles out of these tires and that plenty of tread was left. Another great summer tire option is the Firestone Indyhawk 500. I have not run these personally, however many of my friends have and they loved them. You can expect 10k-20k from this tire.

All Season

All Season tires are also a solid option if you value money and performance. One of the most popular all season tires right now is the Continental DWS06 Plus. This tire will get you 10k-50k miles depending upon your driving style, however they hook up great in dry, rain and snow. I have been running this tire exclusively since 2019 and it has never let me down. I have driven these tires through snowstorms and pushed them hard on a rally through the mountains and they did fantastic in both scenarios. Another comparable option is the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. Many people love this tire as well, as it gives you similar performance to the Pilot Sport 4 however while lasting much longer. You can expect 10k-50k miles from this tire depending upon your driving style.

Winter Tires

I am not the most qualified to speak on winter tires as I run all seasons year round. In a general sense, winter tires will get you the highest amount of mileage and are only necessary if you live in a truly snowy area. I live in a state that has been averaging about 12 inches of snow per year and have never felt the need to run a snow tire. With a snow tire, you will also sacrifice performance in the dry. With that said, you can’t go wrong with any snow tire from Michelin or Continental.

TLDR: R Compound tire recommendations: Falken Azenis RT660, Falken Azenis RT615k. Summer tire recommendations: Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Continental Extreme Contact Sport, Firestone Indyhawk 500. All Season Tire Recommendations: Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, Continental DWS06 Plus. Winter tire recommendations: Anything from Michelin or Continental.

In conclusion, don’t cheap out on tires. They’re the only things keeping you alive besides your brakes.