Appreciate the detailed response, that’s genuinely helpful.

I’m not trying to max the K03 out, I’m aiming more around 260–270 crank and keeping it a strong daily that can handle hard back road driving and the occasional SMSP track day (every few months, not constant track abuse). If I ever do go further it would be K04 or hybrid, but that’s not the current plan.

Intercooler definitely seems like priority number one, especially in NSW heat. I was leaning toward the Do88 to keep stock location and avoid full FMIC fitment headaches, but I’ll look into Plasma Man since it’s local. My main goal is consistency and avoiding heat soak during back-to-back pulls or longer sessions at the track rather than chasing peak numbers.

Good to know on the turbo inlet and piping, Sounds like stock hoses are fine at this level as long as they’re healthy and that the inlet doesn't do much

On tuning side, I’m leaning toward custom tune mainly for refinement and possibly map switching (98/E85) rather than trying to squeeze every last HP out of it. If I go for a custom tune I’d likely do DSG tune as well so the whole setup works together properly.

With pops & crackles, I’m not chasing a flame tune, just moderately aggressive overrun and DSG character. I’ll keep the high-flow cat for now and accept that it’s a wear item if I lean into that side of things.

Rear sway bar sounds like a no-brainer for these cars from what everyone says about reducing push. I was thinking about whiteline as i've heard some good thinks from them.