Well that sums it up pretty well and puts a nice big bow on it. There is the science and engineering side to oil choice, then there is the feels good side. Whichever you choose, you'll be fine. Just enjoy your car.
Are you running OE tire size? If so, it may be the shoulder profile of the Michelins which are more "square" than a Continental etc. Michelin does this to produce the rim protection portion of the sidewall. I've always had to be very careful with wheel/spacer combinations when using Michelin...
What some here aren't taking into account with those that desire to run something thicker than a 20wt, even for regular ole day to day driving, is these engine are notorious fuel diluters. Especially run at the typical low as they can RPMs for fuel economy sake. The forced induction at these...
I think 19s+ had a change to the ECM fueling tables and run a bit lean AFR-wise now. Check with George or contact Burger directly, but I don't believe it has anything to do with your JB4 or the AFR tap.
Actually, you should follow manufacturer approval regardless of the viscosity. This is what can be so damn frustrating with VW's recommendations of different weight oils. Folks tend to use viscosity over approval because they think as long as it's xW-whatever, they are good to go when in fact...
If you are going outside of the VW508 approved oils, why are you going to stick with the 20wt? My recommendation would be for a VW504 5W-30 with a MUCH higher HT/HS and make it worth your while for the added protection.
I take it when you said "rowed through the gears" it's a manual trans car? Same could be said for DSG but maybe "flapped through the gears" is more appropriate for that 😁.
Pretty sure its this:
https://images.app.goo.gl/ufDP7NRLMGAWKhKVA
https://www.shopdap.com/make-model-year/volkswagen/gti/mk7-5-facelift-gti-2018-present/engine/2-0l-turbo/repair/maintenance-kits/5k-maintenance-kit-0w20-508-00-spec-oil-vw-audi.html
FWIW, extremely good stuff.
After quite a bit of researching 508 oils (interested cuz I own the Tig), I have personally come to the conclusion that it is a fantastic spec, regardless of brand, for 99% of the folks out there requiring it. What some folks that really push their 508 spec cars hard do though, is to use a thin...
I have an almost new condition cargo mat and blocks for a MK7 Golf/GTI/R just taking up space. Ain't gonna use it, ain't gonna ship it, so hopefully someone could use it. First come for pick-up takes it. Simpsonville area.
All good, just be sure to do the excess drain while car is running. Fill, run car through P-R-N-D and back, leave car running and remove big drain plug and let excess out. If you stop the car and drain, too much excess will come out and level will be too low.