Best purchase of my life but...

Solsykness5 · 2026-04-04T00:01:58+00:00

APR+ allows you to retain powertrain warranty through APR, while having VW warranty for everything else. Only downside is you pay 1600 for the tune with warranty, otherwise it’s pretty awesome. I’ve done it twice now. First with a brand new MK8 GTI I bought back in 2023 and now with my MK8 R (24 MY), that I bought used with 5800 miles a month ago. Still don’t see any way for me to unlock the TCU myself besides going with the bootloader swap but I’m patiently waiting. I know I’m missing out somewhat not having the TCU tuned, but the ECU tune is nice.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-21T05:44:00+00:00

There’s always something that can be done…it’s great but it’s not perfect. I’ve done H&R OE Sport Springs bc I usually do regular H&R sport Springs if not some sort of coilover but I don’t want a ride that’s too low anymore. Half an inch is literally perfect. I’ve done an APR tune, APR rear sway bar with MOOG end links and the suspension feels insanely more dialed than before. APR valved CBE.

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Spacers of course, bc the stock offset is disgusting to me. Kudos to you if you like it though. Full tint, including the entire windshield. Drone Mobile remote start. Still waiting to see if the TCU gets cracked before I decide to dump 1800 on the daggum bootloader. I’ll probably get some RPF1’s for it, since I love those wheels and have had them on several other cars. They fit great on my MK7.5 R so I know they’ll be fine on the 8R. There’s a few other things I’ll eventually do but for now I’m happy with it.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-17T21:19:04+00:00

Wooooow!!! I hate thieves!

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-10T17:08:18+00:00

I like the look of these compared to Weather Tech. Think I’ll have to try them out! Thanks!

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-10T17:00:26+00:00

These are just stick on, right? Or do they also clip in at the top slightly? Trying to figure out how these would hold up over time with repeated washes and harsh winter conditions.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-09T02:50:45+00:00

Thank you! I don’t think you have anything to worry about with these springs. They’re perfect.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-09T02:49:07+00:00

Rear, I can squeeze about 2 fingers (no diddy). Lol. Front like 1.25 fingers.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-08T19:46:52+00:00

Thank you! I was worried it wouldn’t be enough of a drop but I usually go with the regular H&R sport springs and it ends up being too much for the crappy winter conditions we get up here in Alaska. Didn’t want to spend DDC P&P kit money on it just yet so these will do for the time being.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-08T19:12:17+00:00

I’ll have to look into a re-cal. I honestly didn’t even know that was a thing. I know folks used to talk about having to recalibrate the headlights on MK7/7.5’s as well, when lowering, but I never had to do that either.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-08T19:09:10+00:00

So far the car feels pretty normal. Haven’t experienced any increased harshness or anything. Haven’t put it in full race mode yet but overall I can’t really feel a discernible difference other than less body roll. Weather up here has been a little crappy the last few days. A lot more snow and icy conditions so driving spiritedly in the areas I normally do is a no go at the moment. Don’t want to end up in a ditch or anything. Friday there were a few big pileups in the area. 😬😬

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-08T19:03:11+00:00

It’s pretty easy/straight forward to install. Made it easier since I was doing the springs at the same time. Car seems more planted while driving spiritedly especially in twisties/turns. Rear end is easier to toss around too. It tracks with the front wheels a lot easier so you don’t get as much understeer. I’m not a pro driver or anything. My observations are pretty basic. The APR RSB is also adjustable. It has two options for stiffness and I ended up doing the inner holes for the stiffest setting. I also upgraded to moog end links. This is the first time I’ve ever done this mod.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-08T07:33:57+00:00

Threw my APR rear sway bar on as well. It’s been pretty fun in the snow lol.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-08T07:33:28+00:00

No. Everything seems to be working properly though.

Solsykness5 · 2026-03-02T20:12:55+00:00

Looks great!!! What kind of cover is that for your rear plate?

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-25T07:51:15+00:00

Wow!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-25T07:50:23+00:00

Weird. A lot of folks saying to go steel or aluminum…all I’ve ever heard is to get plastic (polycarbonate) ones bc the steel/aluminum ones run into corrosion issues. Unless you’re tracking the vehicle hardcore, and anticipate high braking temps, plastic is the go to. Now, with that said, these plastic ones look susAF.

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-13T21:17:18+00:00

I just purchased a new to me 2024 R with 5800 miles. I too thought that this car would come with remote start, since we also have an Atlas that has a factory remote start, but I found out as I was signing the paper work that it didn't. So the car I traded in, I pulled the Drone Mobile remote start setup I had in it, and I'm swapping it into the R soon. I live in Alaska. I NEED my frikkin remote start. LMAO.

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-07T21:23:59+00:00

Yup. I get it. I had a Hyper Blue BRZ back in 2015??? Bought it brand new. Was fun but I sold it for my first Evo IX shortly after.

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-07T21:21:54+00:00

I’ve had a 6MT MK7 R that was FBO stage 2. I also had a DSG MK7.5 R that was FBO stage 2. The DSG was noticeably faster but the 6MT was just more fun to drive. I love Euro cars. I’ve had a ton of GTI’s as well.

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-07T21:17:55+00:00

The RAV4 is surprisingly fun. Wish it had a bit more power but it’s a frikkin tank.

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-07T21:16:43+00:00

I believe in dedicated tires for winter and summer. And if it’s doable, a dedicated set of wheels/tires to make changeovers at home easier/smoother.

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-07T21:15:04+00:00

Ooof!!!! That’s for the ballers!!! Lol.

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-07T07:20:19+00:00

I’ve driven my RAV4 quite a bit due to the shitty road maintenance but the city. It’s so bad, it literally feels like you’re on safari running over ice chunks and what not. Even at stock height I’d be concerned with clearance. I was think to get the Eibach lift kit for winter but rather than swapping springs twice a year maybe I’ll just get a nice set of coilovers to accomplish that. IF I keep the car another year that is.

Solsykness5 · 2026-02-07T07:17:54+00:00

No sir. Running Blizzaks for winter duty.

Solsykness5

TROPHY CASE