I have a 2018 MK7.5 1.8 TSI automatic (09G). I had driven stock for 18 months and 35k Km before doing Uni Stage 1+ with Uniconnect cable.
Awesome mod, but only after solving annoying misfire issues at full throttle. The 1st attempt was changing the plugs to new RS7 plugs which improved the frequency of misfires but still experiencing them. The final solution: reducing the plug gap to 6 mm as advised on the
APR website for tuned ECUs. No more issues at all, I had driven more than 10k Km with the 1+ and gapped plugs, a fast smooth car and still fuel-efficient. The only mods at that time were the Uni tune, the plugs and a K&N drop-in filter.
I know other excellent tune options like JB4 can give you access to fine adjustments, but I liked the idea of a just plug, install and play software from a Canadian company, I'm a very busy senior-father-of-3
, and I live in Canada.
Of course, I got the "Mod-7 Fever", and 4 months ago I've installed the Unitronic DP, the Uni inlet elbow and the Stage 2 tune. Very noticeable difference compared to Stage 1+, and the sound and fuel efficiency still remained near stock (when driving on highways, cruise control). No issues, just happiness, after another 10k Km with this Stage 2 and expecting to have enjoyable power for a long time.
To help to transfer the obvious extra power to the ground I have good 225 Continental summer tires, lower stance with Eibach springs, APR dogbone + APR Insert, CTS engine mount + CTS transmission mount. On full throttle launches, the handling, traction and wheel hop have improved a lot. Yes, they've added cabin vibration, and to help with it and with the smoothness and durability of the engine I've also installed the Fluidampr. I know people have mixed opinions about the Fluidampr but I've been enjoying it, I noticed a difference and I hope it adds some durability to the engine as it claims.
My next, and last, stage will be the IS20, possibly a remanufactured, with warranty even if tuned, from turbopartscanada. I'm not thinking about changing the intercooler, I don't do frequently pulls that heat-soak would be a significant concern, and this is Canada ... I prefer using the intercooler money into that remanufactured IS20 instead of a cheaper used one, with a great chance not to have worked at stock boost levels ...
Just sharing additional thoughts and my experience with Unitronic throughout the stages. I'm not disappointed that Uni does not have an IS38 tune for the TSI with a 09G transmission, not my plan, I should find a good balance of performance, durability, etc with the IS20 package.
Cheers,