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Sub-to-Dub's 2017 GTI Sport

Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
Sub-to-Dub's Build Journal
2017 GTI Sport

PXL_20231008_164926514.jpg

This won't be the most adventurous build journal around but it'll be fun documenting the changes to the GTI.

Background:
I picked the car up from Stohlman Volkswagen in October 2016 for $22k. This is my first new car and my first Volkswagen. I'd always been a Subaru guy (previously drove a '94 Legacy Turbo and a '06 Impreza 2.5i wagon) but the GTI just had that perfect blend of sport and utility that was too hard to pass up as my daily driver. I've never owned a car with so many opportunities for upgrades and I'm looking forward to the adventures ahead!

Current Modifications:

Suspension/Chassis/Brakes

Drivetrain/Shifter

Wheels/Tires
  • BBS CO 18x8
  • Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus 3 235/45R18
  • Black APR wheel bolts

Exterior/Cosmetic

Interior

Utility/Protection

Small Tweaks/Mods

OBDEleven Tweaks
  • Vibration reduction - Deactivated
  • Reverse mirror dip - On
  • Soundaktor - Off
  • Hill start assist - Early
  • Seatbelt warning - Off
  • Windows up/down with remote - On
  • Front amber side marker/white dot - Off
  • Rear sidemarker - Off
  • Hot country AC - On
  • Increased blower speed - On



Previous Modifications:
 

Attachments

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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
November 2016

I was thankful the dealer asked if I wanted the bumper drilled. Naturally I decided on using a tow hook mount. I ordered a US Millworks quick release mount and couldn't be happier!

 
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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
November 2016

The Sport's Nogaro wheels were nice but I preferred the Austins found on other years/trims. I sold the Nogaros to a very nice local Tiguan owner and picked up a set of used Austins for $400 and put on some Continental ExtremeContact DWS06s.



 
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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
January 2017

Not really an upgrade but I prefer the size and feel of the standard Golf shift knob. It's certainly not as cool as the golf ball but the materials match others in the cabin and it feels much nicer in the hand. I had to pick up an EDM model since our Golfs only had a 5-speed.

 
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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
August 2017

I love my current DWS06s but found the grip under hard acceleration inadequate. I bit the bullet and picked up a set of used Laguna Seca wheels and Continental ExtremeContact Sport summer tires.





 
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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
August 2017

Installed a V2 034 dogbone mount adapter. It added some vibration at lower RPMs but feels more solid, helped reduce (but not eliminate) wheel hop, and added back a little "sport" to the GTI equation.



 
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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
August 2017

Installed an OEM metal shift cable bracket and Integrated Engineering solid bushings. It was a royal pain getting access without removing the battery but it's possible.

These parts make a very slight improvement in shift feel but it's also nice to know they'll never wear out and are no longer a weak link in the system. I also installed a Sigma shift kit but found it a little too notchy for me so I'm sticking with the Boomba adapter for now.

 
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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
September 2017

Just hit 7,000 miles and have had no sutstantial issues (knock on wood!) Ok, maybe a few noises here and there but that's just part of getting used to a new car I suppose.

The only noteworthy thing is that the car occasionally flashes the "key not detected message" even though I can unlock and start the car just fine and the fob has a fresh battery. Also, the 1-2 shift can grind a little during quick shifts.

So far, so good and I am loving the car!

 
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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
September 2017

I realized the other week that the dealer had drilled the rear license plate holes almost an inch too far to the right. I don't know how my OCD didn't catch it sooner!

I ordered a mount that uses two screws to secure the mount to the bumper and the four screws for the plate screw into the mount. It's a similar style to the Volvo one some other MK7 owners have used. This one was about $20, fits great, and feels more secure than before.



 
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Sub-to-Dub

Drag Racing Champion
Location
Arlington, VA USA
Car(s)
'17 GTI Sport 6MT
October 2017

I have since uninstalled this mod because the bolts securing it to the tranny came loose and bent. See the post here.


I decided to continue my quest to tighten up the drivetrain with a Roc-Euro stabilizer bar. This replaces the OEM part with the rubber bushing.

Installation was incredibly simple and took about 10 minutes including setting up the ramps and getting out the tools.

Not a massive difference but it seems to have lessened and smoothed out the vibrations introduced by the 034 insert. I've also noticed that starting smoothly in first seems slightly easier. However, I'm not sure if it would make more or less of a difference for someone without a dogbone insert.

Overall I am satisfied: it made a positive improvement to the driving experience and seems like a very well made product.



 
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