Upgrade path help!

[KingNysos]

Hi, I am fairly new to this form so I'm sorry if any of my questions are answered already.

I have a 2016 Golf 1.8 tsi with a 5mt and I'm trying to decide what mods\tune I should go with. I have a cts intake on the way. My end goal is to (if possible) have a is20 swapped daily driver that can survive winters in Southern Ontario. I've looked into both uni and apr (I have a uni dealer local) and I've read a bit about jb4 but I don't fully understand how it works lol

I guess my question is if this is possible and if so what recommendations or tips would you give me?

 

[GTI Jake]

You don’t need the intake at all, so for about the same money you could’ve bought a used is20.

Minimum mods would be a dog bone insert, intercooler upgrade, is20, downpipe and tune (APR > Uni).

Tires will make or break any set up summer or winter, so dedicated sets are the way to go vs all seasons.

 

[Dog Dad Wagon]

You don’t need the intake at all, so for about the same money you could’ve bought a used is20.

Minimum mods would be a dog bone insert, intercooler upgrade, is20, downpipe and tune (APR > Uni).

Tires will make or break any set up summer or winter, so dedicated sets are the way to go vs all seasons.

^^^^^^^^
This

 

[Mk7tsi3door]

For mine, I first bought good tires (I got Michelin ps3+), then I upgraded dogbone mount and then engine and trans mount

then I tuned to stage 1 unitronic, it feels as fast as I need currently, and can always go farther later. I’m getting a new SMF clutch next week, which I hope will help with weird engagement issues.

anyway, that’s what I’m doing!

 

[Desslok]

"Computer: engage tractor sounds"
I have poly mounts and a SMF and my car sounds like the Allis Chalmers tractor at the peach orchard back in 1973.

 

[odessa.filez]

I have a golf sportwagen 1.8 TSI and use a JB4. I think it's a.great place to start. Logging capabilities are useful and educational. There are many folks on the forum who kindly give feedback on logs, when asked.

I also have an is20 waiting for install. I'm hoping to push boost a bit more once installed. JB4 can accomodate this.

Ultimately, I might flash but I like the flexibility of the JB4. Unlike a flash, you can resell it.

Beyond power, a second set of wheels and summer tires is great, if you have the space to store them.

A rear sway bar upgrade is an easy install and makes a noticeable change in handling.