OK just an update - with the transmission out we found that the main DSG/mechatronic connector had a broken tab so it's bulkhead style barrel lock wasn't fully engaged. The car is now shifting smoother than ever.
I then recently started getting some misfires, found out the coilpack was bad and it was slowly incinerating the spark plug in cylinder 1, replaced all coilpacks and plugs and she's running flawless now.
Did a compression test a couple days ago, 1-191psi, 2-188psi, 3-192psi, 4-190psi.
The engine is running strong and we are doing well. I am planning on going to the Pocono raceway in a month for the opening day slipstream event. I'll be sure to have some videos and draggy 60-130mph times then.
Love this build thread, thanks for all the work on putting the info for the rest of us to benefit from! I'm not ready for big turbo life yet, but I am going to do the fueling kit and associated hardware/tuning to go to 2+ on a 2018 Golf R. I've been wanting to run full E85 as that's what we have everywhere in Colorado, and then getting port injection
Any advice?
Yeah just go UM and PRW MPI with 1300cc, for LPFP go Iroz - it's expensive but it's the best. You technically won't *need* more than say the Walbro 525 with the stock turbo but if you can afford it, you won't regret having it.