TURBO SWAPPED MK7 VW Golf GTI - The BEST Daily Driver Ever?

A warm welcome to everyone checking out my latest KZbin video!
In this episode, I share with you my insane experience driving and reviewing this unique Underground Performance Built Turbo Swapped Stage 3 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI. The GTI is the definitive hot hatch of our generation and this particular example is one that is is finely tuned in all characteristics. Find out what I think of this car in the video!
A huge thank you to the owner Dion - / heritagegti for letting me drive his pride and joy. Please go over to the link and check out his car in full detail!
If you would like your car featured in a KZbin video review on my channel, please send me a private message here on KZbin or to my Instagram / claywong
Please leave a like if you like this video and also leave a comment with what type of automotive content you would like to see next.

[@ClayWong]

Performance: - UGP Stage 3 ECU/DSG Tune + IS38 Turbo - CTS 200 Cell downpipe - CTS intercooler - CTS inlet pipe - CTS turbo muffler delete - Vogtland 35mm springs - Autotech HPFP - Leyo Motorsport 356mm BBK - Leyo Motorsport intake - Racingline Oil Cooler - Varex muffler - 034 Motorsports motor mounts - RS3 coilpacks - NGK race plugs Aesthetics: - Aspec bonnet - RS3 Tips - P3 gauge - Maxton Design front splitter - Maxton Design side skirts - 7.5 R dynamic tail lights - Mode Auto Concept red paddle shifters - Black badges/mirror caps/roof

[@StaticLowLife]

What wheels are those?

[@kevinnavarrete8760]

Clay Wong how much hp does it have ?

[@michele8791]

@@StaticLowLife Mars performance wheels 😉

[@jaelementsk8ter]

Do you have to upgrade the clutch as well or keep it OEM?

[@jordanle9803]

where did you get the aspec bonnet?

[@jboi9309]

I think those GTI's look far better than a Golf R.. The red piping through the head lights.. the whole ascetics of the car looks better.. and in white, it contrasts so well with the Black and Red..

[@user-lj7sr6xg2t]

istg i think its so much better. i even think about turning the golf r into a gti optic one

[@tredfxman]

Especially if you look at my european sold only: GTI Clubsport (40 year anniversary GTI). Check videos on my channel! 👍

[@muhamadaiman8683]

Kept the red lining . Swap on with R bumper . It even looks better . Aggressive and furier looking

[@LOUCABRASI]

Agree. Gti looks better than golf r.

[@alliemonster8149]

Now now kids,, they're all from the same family! Gti's and R's are both awesome in their own way!

[@davidcandelario2692]

Wow, this car left me speechless(or typeless). What a beauty in every aspect! Wish my mk7 looked like that.

[@andrewbaxter6432]

I was reading an article on tuning the R model, what most people don't upgrade is the cooling system. Just a stage 1 increases the amount of heat produced by the engine, turbo etc and you have a stage 3. Something to think about mate. Lovely car btw 👌👍

[@joshuacamilleri3923]

Deadass was considering buying an r, this vid has completely changed my perspective on the gti, gonna buy a 7.5 gti

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I have driven the R. I personally like my IS38 GTI better due to what you’ve explained in the video. Just more of a visceral experience. R is faster but less drama. I like the drama the GTI gives. Spinning tires, torque steer, lighter front end...all make for a funner daily experience for me.

[@BalkanBoyBiH]

Sorry to break it to you the R is only quickef from 0 any roll race and the R gets slaughterd

[@JacesOwnWorld]

CarPassion yeah I know. Which is why I like my GTI better like I said haha. R’s are cool for launches, but the more you launch your car, the faster it breaks

[@Wolfsburg2000]

Awd drivers will never understand.

[@hombrealfisti3997]

Excellent review of the mk7.5 GTI.............I have a stage 2+ APR and DSG TUNE on my Scirocco R and it's very similar to the GTI in terms of fwd and lightweight compared to Golf R. The driving dynamics are visceral! Nitto NT05 ARE GASPING FOR AIR!!!! excellent handling with minimal understeer in the corners. I LOVE embarrassing WRX, EVO'S, V8'S AND A45 AMG...........

[@jylongbun8790]

Gay as car lol

[@boostedbliss07MK5]

Haha! Looks like a blast! You nailed a well tuned higher hp GTI with visceral! I love a tuned GTI. It's like taming a beast! I've have 4 different gen GTi's over the yrs. I always miss them when I don't have one for a bit and get one I haven't had yet. Such a fun car! Anyone that's drives one done up gets why ppl have loved the GTI for almost 40 yrs (since 83 in USA) ! Thanks for the fun video.

[@Matty-bp7tt]

I have the same car, color and want to bang mine out soon here. Funny, i did not know you could stage 3 a GTI. Looks stunning!!

[@10Tenths]

That's got to be the maddest GTI out there!

[@-TJ-]

Hello again

[@10Tenths]

@@-TJ- Hey! 😂

[@LOUCABRASI]

Nah, doesn't look mad at all. Looks pretty happy actually.....

[@waterprice8872]

The whole R vs GTI rivalry is pretty fun, although one sided since I can’t think of any R owner that tries to make an R more like a GTI; it’s usually always GTI owners playing catch-up and that kind of lets you know which is the better car right off the bat.

[@mickholgate3347]

exactly!!! R for dayyyyyz

[@morgansherk424]

Lol not even, My GTi would rip apart an R any day 😭😭

[@StevoPvP]

Golf R wins at start simply cos of AWD, after 60mph GTi wins due to weight difference of both haldex units

[@tredfxman]

@@StevoPvP Haha esp my GTI Clubsport mk7 as the chassis is not from germany but hungary, and also sold with forged rims, have xtra light sunroof, downforce on front forks & rear spoiler, also not stupid enough to buy a manual, its dsg, (yes heavier but faster, safer for engine tuned) so that i can tcu tune it with TVS Engineering (worlds best dsg tuner) BSR stage 1 now but might go REVO Stage 2 laters for ecu pushing over the 400hp realm. Also building custom exhaust soon, have cobra sport nonres, will install invidia highflow dp wth sport cat soon, shall be interesting to see how bassey that combo gets.. 😄 Check vidz on ma channel & sub if yo like!

[@nstylemotorsportsracing1471]

Man I bought an N as a daily driver and swore I would not modify it! I didn't even think to look at the GTI'S because growing up i remember all my friends VW'S were always having problems! Ofcourse I've now have quite a few bolt ons and kinda wish I looked at the GTI'S! THEY JUST RESPOND SO WELL TO MODS ITS NUTS! BEAUTIFUL CAR!

[@334trax2]

I love my 2019 GTI with IS38 my daily and track toy.

[@nickfox4766]

That’s one sick looking GTI, sounds amazing too.

[@brendanfogel4573]

By far the cleanest gti on yt

[@Wolfsburg2000]

Great video! Many don't understand. Volkswagen's were NEVER meant to be dragsters lol. They make for great touring and canyon cars many find. That's where they began and that's where the heart of Volkswagen "motoring" will always lie. I've personally driven fwd, rwd, and awd cars, and fwd will trump over the others every time going through the canyon twisties. I've slaughtered rwd and awd with my fwd volkswagens in southern California back roads and highways. Never lost to anyone in the twisties, and never will.

[@kevinrotge4774]

are you sure it is the car and not the drivers? I have been on a few back road Cruz and although the car makes some difference the driver makes the bigger difference. you need proof of this look at this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/boaVfY1vmdOXqck the car being talked about in the video is mine but my friend is driving it. yes, it is an apr k04 swapped 2013 beetle turbo 2.0 with a short-throw shifter a Borla cat-back an apr down pipe an apr intake and an apr intercooler and k-sprot fully adjustable coil-over. I like sleepers

[@jylongbun8790]

Gay as boi

[@hartnettmedia]

Bags next, that’s a vibe

[@mkviis]

I do have the 7.5 GTI, for a front wheel drive, it handles really well, completely stock with stock tires from the dealership..

[@derekuhm]

that smile says it all! Really looking forward to stage 1 tuning my GTI :)

[@jameswong336]

Good job wrangling Dion’s car Clay! Love this vid! 🔥

[@m3ntas]

Whatching you from Spain mate, wow what a beast 😍😍👏🏼

[@rolexaddict4344]

Wheels spinning all the time Wet and snow no traction Wasted money on a fwd Tune the R same way it will be epic

[@luisherreras9980]

Sorry to hear that brohh, I love mine

[@KiranPatel-fk1pg]

I feel like if your gonna go and put on a Golf r turbo and tailights anyways you may as well get an R since it will handle all the upgrades that much better with proper traction

[@mk6_mark920]

Kiran Patel roll race 👀

[@devlad]

Looking for a newer, turbo car than my current 370z. I was thinking Golf R or S3, but good to know you can get most of the giggles from a tuned GTI

[@FinalFormation]

Easily. If you want the 4MOTION, get the R. Otherwise, save the $15K and put it towards mods for a GTI.

[@mbardos]

Leon Cupra comes standard wit IS38 turbo and adaptive chassis control, if available in your area...

[@davothegreat9990]

R any day. Traction is king, especially on the streets! Once seriously modding a R, no gti will touch you.

[@hombrealfisti3997]

That's what the Golf R Stage 2 owner said last week until I SMOKED him from the lights in my stage 2+ Scirocco R .....😂

[@davothegreat9990]

@@hombrealfisti3997 lier! Scirocco R are now way a match. I drive a stage 3 rs3, and think I would smash you in every way. Even give a 2 car head start...🤣

[@hombrealfisti3997]

@@davothegreat9990 I'll be ya HUCKLEBERRY.......Say when. 😉

[@almaadams3631]

@@davothegreat9990 RS3 is not a golf R,what a bozo! You know lithium may help with your narcissism.

[@frazerburton6534]

You have a really wicked charisma about you when reviewing cars

[@dionfountas3128]

Killed this review bro! Thanks again

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Dion Fountas agree. Probably one of the best on KZbin as far as an enthusiast review is concerned.

[@hombrealfisti3997]

Great car Bruh, if you're ever up in Sydney with your car.......... I have a Stage 2+ APR Scirocco R would love to go for a drive with my fellow VW brethren...........and embarrass some WRX's and a45 AMG's.

[@Sash-gt8rv]

@@hombrealfisti3997 you beat little chick car on that one cause I would like to see that against 480 whp subaru

[@hombrealfisti3997]

@@Sash-gt8rv I AIN'T HARD TO FIND BRUH...........480hp.........😂😂😂 Yeah right😉........how much boost are you 🏃 ? WRX boxer engine CANNOT handle that kind of POWER without FORGED INTERNALS!

[@Sash-gt8rv]

@@hombrealfisti3997 haha obviously you know nothing about tuning you don't need high boost to make power it's all in compression ratio...its not my Subaru Iam not a Subaru fan but if your game I would like to see your chick cars take on my car a 2jz chaser so let me know I could use a shitty golf as a daily driver 🤣🤣😅

[@PRELUDE2002]

You should try Seat leon Cupra 290 or 300 when it's tuned which is more Cheaper than the GTI , it also comes with differential lock and adaptive suspension from the factory ✌️

[@lavine0823]

The Seat Leon Cupra looks well lit 🔥🔥🔥 and has crazy performance but we don't get any Seat's in Australia 🙁

[@lkbipolar]

the seat is a cheap vw who do you think makes it

[@Jaredscott89]

Australian spec Mk7.5's all come with the diff lock and adaptive suspension.

[@HLife719]

What’s so great about losing traction when you apply power? Of course the front feels light, when it’s not connected to the road.

[@pummyy]

and ofcourse too much unused power and thats why R has 4 wheel drive system to put all of them down.

[@scar-rh3hq]

When you are already rolling you wont really lose traction

[@IBOO57]

Are you watching a different video?​@@scar-rh3hq

[@2doorduude]

Great review bro! You crushed it

[@s9523pink]

Very sweet, love that front end, exhausts and exhaust note, love the bonnet/hood! Beautiful car!

[@lemonmuffin4990]

This dudes channel needs more subs.

[@128Everton]

This is amazing car man unfortunately we don’t have this version here in Brazil 🇧🇷!!! But we have the GTi version it’s my dream!!! Congrats for the Chanel

[@tareqjawdat6401]

VERY lovely car and sounds like it gives tons of fun, I had a performance package and my only issue is lozin traction most of the time whenever aggressively accelerating! so with more power you'd be needed new sets of front tires very frequently and you'd be lozing tonz of traction. I still think the R would have the advantage of the AWD when it comes to this point. more grip and more stability.. lovely tasteful build u have there! enjoy it!

[@alannahglinski7569]

what a car 🔥 mad review 😍

[@JDDD33]

Why wouldn't you start with better foundations and build upon a Golf R ? By slapping on a Golf R IS38 turbo, you miss out on stronger default Engine internals the Golf R has like sodium filled valve springs, stronger reinforeced head, etc..

[@greedyracing8537]

such a beautiful gti omg😍 but im 100% sure my Stage 2 R will take it to gapplebee’s

[@davidyakutilov9181]

My stage apr stage 3 will take both y’all too gaplebees🤣

[@ur2slob724]

David Yakutilov I’ll run you on my s1KRR I’ll even put it on rain mode

[@davidyakutilov9181]

Gsxr b ok

[@jylongbun8790]

@@davidyakutilov9181 shame mate

[@LOUCABRASI]

​@ur2slob724 who brought bikes into this? My fighter jet will take ur s1krr to gapplebees then to gappistan if so then

[@LouieP1110]

Nice review mate. Would love to see a few more 'hybrid' turbo'd gti's on your channel though

[@swansmeister]

250kw is 340hp, for a stage 3 plus cause thats what he has a stage 3 plus those are low numbers, over here a stage 3 plus is around 400hp and 530nm.

[@leonardlee7799]

This car is tremendous!

[@contentcharleston4066]

Crazy man! Go GTI!

[@sv8you245]

Awesome GTI. Recently purchased a MK7 2016 GTI. Looking for some performance ideas now I know what I can be done. With VW front and rear where did the owner go.

[@stangtrax]

Just bought myself a new 2019 GTI SE three days ago. I'll be getting a stage 3 tune on it hopefully before July, 2020. I'm trying to figure out the widest tires it can take, to help with grip.

[@emldV2]

Have you gotten the tune yet?

[@morgansherk424]

pilot sports

[@iMann_iFail]

I don’t want to be the negative person here.. but only 335hp from all that work done. The car would of been better off with the hybrid IS38ETR turbo instead of the factory gold r turbo, that would of married well with the other modifications, allowing more capabilities.

[@grujicbby9430]

Great vid bro, amazing car too

[@automotivelin]

I like my car 7.5 tcr . I drive the cruise control ACC130KM. It will automatically stop and accelerate, and the fuel consumption is only 7 liters.

[@Countryguy5967]

As much as I love the GTI. I need the AWD. And the R has a better built motor from factory. Good video though

[@LOUCABRASI]

Agree. The gti looks so much better, but engine, handling and all else goes to the golf r

[@eric6650]

1:10......how’d you get it to sounding so beastly?

[@stopspin]

Golfs and most contempory sports turbo hatches naturally sound like that. Its the factory anti lag to maintain boost pressure which creates that crackling sound so that theres always power at low rpms. Once you fit a performance exhaust and down pipe to one of these performance turbo hot hatches it frees up the sound and exposing actual sound of the car and a few hp's.

[@contentcharleston4066]

I have lots of fun even with the good old 2016 GTIs.

[@andrelabrooy3007]

Got the same car but with a snail turbo in it doing 276kw 🤔😛😛😛

[@alliemonster8149]

Me too. Although I only get 273kw ATW😂, Hybrid turbos are the way to go!

[@toxic4660]

hey bro was it the i20 snail hybrid? or is38 hybrid snail turbo?

[@andrelabrooy3007]

@@toxic4660 is38 snail turbo tuned by Etuners.

[@JCTiggs1]

Crazy car! And your dentures look great!

[@haryjosephgilles84]

I have this car and i like it a lot.I liked watching you driving this car . I don't push mine as much as you viciously drive this one ha aha ah ah ah ah

[@andrewthach1989]

Why didn't the guy just buy a Golf R to build instead 😂😂

[@Oolivas006]

I mean besides the AWD from the Golf R this is technically a Golf R. It does have the same engine+ the same is38 turbo. If you even look at some videos there are some Is38 swapped GTI’s besting mk7 Golf R’s. It all really depends tho !

[@andrewthach1989]

@@Oolivas006 I know it's similar to the R but if he wanted IS38 could've just went R and built from here lmao

[@khabaaustralia]

Beach Rd and stepping on it, ya just looking for Fine's cop haunted day & night

[@neithyyy1377]

Hey bro it's me from last night haha 😂, I subbed

[@abutitheo6626]

In South Africa, they make a quick and easy snack out of such

[@opencarry3860]

Turn off the intro music (noise).

[@ehkhtoo2423]

Nice, I think might be better than it's brother GLI

[@adamski4873]

Sick vid,if you dnt mind me asking where did you purchase the bonnet?

[@patrickturcotte8616]

Here in Canada with snow, i need a AWD!!

[@lowkey5854]

Thats why I went with the R

[@alexkay7823]

Aspec hood is a piece of junk or it was installed incorrectly - look a little closer and you will notice those ugly panel gaps! 0:22 - panel gap between a left fender and the hood near the A-pillar is huge, then the same gap disappears closer to the left headlight because the hood is lower than the fender. 0:26 - gaps on left and right side of the hood are not the same. Also, you have to drive the car really hard on a technical track/piece of road to feel the weight difference. Even on a dry surface you can feel GTI understeering a little before front differential kicks in.

[@dionfountas3128]

Wasn't installed correctly at first, all fixed now!

[@kabenhanson5878]

This video makes me almost feel bad about my 7.5 haha

[@susanthomas1264]

How did he get the bottom front grilles gloss blacked out...looks stunning

[@dqa1013]

I love this car

[@nicholaspeter1900]

Mint video, subbed 🔥🔥

[@ferrygti8867]

nice car love it !!!! ! ( i drive vw GTI golf 7)

[@snoopfobz]

Besides the upgrades for a Super exspecive car for that price I'll be happy with a ford sprint xr6 turbo bang for buck 12s 1/4mile for around the same price stock barra

[@snoopfobz]

@beefcake502 less then that price still princess lol

[@pummyy]

There is a reason why R is 4 wheel drive. you can put them all down with 2 wheel drive.

[@AngelDaire]

As if heritagegti just gave you his car for a day 🙊

[@Khanh2khanh]

...and the total cost to this mod must be way more than the R, not cheaper. That said, it's a great mod and love that bonnet.

[@arekustienny2521]

No its not.. I paid 23k for my gti the equivalent r with same kms would of been 35 .. doesnt cost 12k to put exhaust downpipe intercooler and is38 on

[@cvz4072]

Omg wow i’m in love

[@RAVENCLAWforlofe]

One sick GTI🤙

[@michaepal4165]

Is this the 6 speed dsg or the newer 7 speed dsg? In the US we don’t get that digital dash so not sure how different your models are.

[@conscious___creators]

How does REVO compare to APR stage 2 For a Golf R? I’ve heard APR is more torque and power high up, but revo is more reliable and won’t blow up on you. Thoughts?

[@user-qi5hu2ty5g]

Both are really similar, REVO is basically a copy of APR but is a bit cheaper, APR is prob your best bet

[@pinalloy6505]

This is a beast! How much did you get this?

[@thetruthshallsetyoufree3402]

One positive note: A Golf GTI is definitely cheaper than a sex change.

[@syntrixxnl195]

I’ve have the same one great car Stage 2 chiptuning by JD engineering Eventuri air intake Armytrix exhaust system Dsg tuning Maxton design front lip and diffuser Pops & bangs 345 pk I like the brakes a lot mines are stock gti

[@eklektikTechno]

This is nice!! 👍🏾

[@josemontano7767]

Nice car. Where did you find the hood and is it carbon fiber?

[@Hunter1Lane]

Still won’t touch and R or ever put the power down and will all the mods your at the same price so just do the right think, buy and R!🤙

[@jansteen5640]

From a dig the R wins no doubt, but rolling race this GTI would probably win. Also I'd rather buy a car with money leftover to modify, instead of having the car from factory. But everyone has their own preference. I'd have liked the R more though if they put a bigger engine in it like in the R32 days. Performance wise not beneficial probably but it would fit my taste

[@onespeedyboi]

0:01 is the best reason to not get a GTI if an R is in the cards.... wheel spin 🤮

[@Wolfsburg2000]

Volkswagen's were never meant to be drag cars needing awd like the R line. They're great touring cars and are driven best in the canyons where fwd trumps awd any day of the week. It's science.

[@csfcleaner3248]

Lol, the R is the Best car in my opinion. Stock 2018 R. 12,4 sec. 1/4mile.Do that with a gti IT would be a 13,5 with his power

[@fk2733]

@@csfcleaner3248 The gti tcr is quicker from 100 to 200 than the R. Gti stage 1's also bc they are 200 kg lighter you ignorant twat.

[@gl4989]

@@fk2733 the golf r is still a better car tho. Tune the r and your in supercar acceleration territory

[@richardburns9772]

You realize wheel spin IS fun AF

[@matthewrankin5025]

Wow what a car

[@bluesintirol]

...you have a very nice car!

[@rcnacura]

Is that an RS3 exhaust on it? Or just the tips? Where did the owner get them?

[@gormo6403]

the heritage plate is tight

[@Rcbeeneatin]

Looks sooouuuu good

[@Mikeyk07002]

what kind of earrings are those out of curiosity? dope mk 7

[@anthonythatforeignguy8133]

Hey I want to get my first car a golf mk7 gti or r or A C63 2012 IF THEY WENT CHEAP WICH ONE DO I GET ?

[@frederickdibakoane8633]

The APR stage 3 Golf 7.5 GTI with the BorgWaner EFR7163 turbo would rape that GTI.

[@zebedee147]

He has done a good job other than buying a car with 2 too many doors

[@RookieRay]

Love to see your reaction in a big turbo Mk3 focus rs... if you know how to shift

[@lkbipolar]

the rs engine is also junk why do you think they recalled all of them for head problems

[@RookieRay]

lkbipolar the engine is solid as f open deck that’s very good for tuning. the recall was for aug 3 2015 to July 6 2017 because some engines in this period had the lower spec mustang gasket

[@kariahlukemacchan2230]

Where in world was that? That registration number is nice as the car

[@chriskamzol318]

Aren't the 2020 GTI and Golf R models getting 300 Hp and 400 Hp Respectively? But love that Model and Tune Up love the video!

[@ClayWong]

Chris Kamzol That’s right the 2020 MK8 Golfs are going to be beastly! Thank you so much Chris!

[@OldDirtyCollector]

Have you seen the front ends of the new golfs. They look like a hybrid car. So, subdued. Woof. Hopefully the GTIs and the Rs don’t look like that.

[@AlbertPerez-jw1ry]

No more golf R for a few years. Unless they took that back

[@DanielReyes-tr6zb]

Ok but how much power does it have in moon landing units?

[@juliocesaroteromanzo1003]

Where did you get that front black emblem???

[@PapiAndrey]

Definitely not a huge turbo, it’s quite small. And maybe this particular one is tuned to make 250kw to the wheels, but they can make much more on that turbo. You could make 250kw at the wheels with the stock turbo that comes with the car.

[@billyomar5667]

I’ve been in a GTI that’s been boosted up. The killer is the front wheel drive, it struggles to get traction. No point having power that’s not able to be put down cleanly. With all the money spent, would be better off with an R with a stage 1 tune! This guy has no idea what he is on about LOL

[@nikogeorgiafentis7450]

I thought that Mk7.5 do not have dsg fart shift noise?

[@TA-rr1bf]

What can I do about wheel spin? I have a stock GTI mk7.5 but the wheel spin is ridiculous even in the dry

[@jylongbun8790]

Buy a awd

[@6SPDMEDIA]

🔥🔥🔥 need that is38 asap - darkmk7

[@mkviis]

AGNB followed