I EQT Tuned My MK7 GTI! GOODBYE Clutch LOL

[@adamcuente4606]

EQT is too good. Glad they’ve become so huge in this community well deserved and fantastic products

[@DArias]

I’ve really enjoyed their tunes and products etc. I always recommend them to whoever asks about tuning

[@gabelear]

I have eqt stage 1 and my stock clutch has been holding for 8k miles and no slipping at all. The car had a cobb tune for 5k before that and it currently has 63k miles 2016.

[@DArias]

Nice!! I’ve been driving the car pretty hard recently and it’s been holding up great so far so I can’t complain! I’m glad yours is rockin

[@TheNok610]

I'm around 35K still on stock clutch on my 2020 GTI S. Been tuned since 7k miles from Stratified and Eqt Stg 1 & 2 93 OTS tunes. No launching, or lugging, but do occasional pulls from 3rd/4th gear around 3k RPM's. I'm not replacing it till it's toast.

[@kylesebor1290]

Just replace it early and go have fun 🤷‍♂️

[@SethPlays01]

My Cobb for my mk7 is on its way and I’m about to EQT stage 1 atm until I get the downpipe and exhaust is all I need for stage 2 next 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@aaronjohnson311]

Dude-thank you so much. 🤙🏽 Super helpful.

[@Wargwarn]

Clutch will defo go with gear changes like that

[@sightaggression86]

Those wheels are so rad on a GTI! Nice man~

[@DArias]

Thank you! I love these on the gti too good

[@gregs4400]

i'm sure not rev matching on your downshifts at 5:01 and 10:51 probably doesn't help your fears

[@Benihana81]

Get the stage 1 e30 tune. I just tried it out for the first time the other day and it's awesome! I just stepped down from a FBO Vortex XL e30 setup for smog reasons, and the is20 has a lot more punch than I thought. I don't feel like I'm missing anything even though I'm down almost ~200whp.

[@Thepeug]

I wish EQT made tunes for the EA211. Get that down-pipe!

[@Alex88156]

When I was running my stock clutch last year it held the e85 stage 2 tune until I tried to do a quick pull

[@DArias]

Gotcha, big power difference too compared to just a stage 1 haha but at the same time mine has been holding great so it’s possible it’ll last a good while. I am getting the itch already for more power so that’s gonna go out the window

[@hamiltondossantos7655]

bro, i have 140k miles on my 2016 and its still fine. don't worry

[@davidbugarin]

Thanks for making this video! It’s exactly what I was looking for. I have a 2019 (mk7.5) GTI rabbit and I’m planning on getting an EQT stage 1 with the Cobb AP, but also heard good things about APR stage 1. I thought I read somewhere that the clutch on the mk7.5’s is the same clutch on an R, not sure if that’s true, but if so, the clutch should be able to handle the load from a stage 1 tune no problem (Fingers crossed). I’ve already installed an MST Performance turbo inlet pipe & intake tube, plus I “modified” the stock airbox. I’m also running pilot sport S tires which are amazing! I think the EQT tune is going to pair perfectly with these mods. Can’t wait! Your video was very helpful.

[@maanchuu5330]

Looking into doing APR Stage 1 Low Torque on my manual 2019, how's your clutch holding up?

[@davidbugarin]

@@maanchuu5330 I actually (finally) got the Cobb AP with the stage 1 93 EQT tune, if you can believe that. I’m going to install it end of the month, and I’ll post a video about it next month, so lookout for that. However, as long as you know how to manage your clutch, simply don’t be stupid with it, I’ve heard people ride the stock clutches with stage 1 tunes for a long time. I drive quite “spiritedly”, but am sure to take care when changing gears, rev matching, etc. I’m super excited for the tune though!

[@maanchuu5330]

@@davidbugarin Ah okay haha. How many miles are on your car? Mine is a 2019 at 68k, got it used though so about 35k of those were from the previous owner which makes it a little sketchier.

[@davidbugarin]

@@maanchuu5330 so, I’m the original owner, and I only have 33k miles on it, which is wild now that I think about it. So long as you’re keeping up with your recommended maintenance schedule, and nothing is broken, that’s still pretty good mileage for your 5 yr old GTI. Prefect time for a tune! I also considered APR’s stage 1 but ultimately decided to go with EQT.

[@ivanvrdoljak5523]

@@maanchuu5330my clutch is starting to slip after 5k miles on low torque Revo tune, 50k miles now, just ordered sachs performance clutch and waiting to install it. Just for info, clutch is holding up just fine in 2,3 and 4th gear but in 5th it starts to slip around 4k rpm

[@exothermal.sprocket]

This is why I have a motorcycle. Keeps me from going down the money pit route with the GTI. Hahaha

[@DArias]

Lolll that’s a great answer !

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@DArias "You know, I'm good with the better power. I think I'll keep it like this and be satisfied." Then he says, "You know, I'm kind of thinking of taking the next step, I want more power." Installs the upgrades and gets more power. "This is awesome, I get the roller-coaster feeling in my stomach." "You know, I was going to stay with that stage and run that power. But I got to thinking, I really want to upgrade to the next level, really want to see what the platform is capable of." Installs the next power level. And so on. And so forth. Next thing, Golf owner looks around the internet seeing who's actually tapped out the AE888 who had the engine built. "I was sitting at great power, lot of fun, really shoves you hard when you get on it, but I think I want to take the next step and open the engine and build it. Put in forged parts and a truly big turbo." And so it goes. Meanwhile, a 750cc motorcycle still turns out low 10 second quarter mile from factory, stock. Haha It's no different in the V6 and V8 worlds, with guys that build their cars to be monsters, just that you're dealing with a higher potential for power to start with and going into stupid-power zones. Finding places to actually exploit that power is more and more difficult if you care about a driver's license, zero-point record with law enforcement, low insurance rates, all the rest.

[@coreyzeynep9224]

Just go stage 2 e30 please complete animal with the quick spool of the is20

[@DArias]

Unfortunately I feel eventually I’ll get the itch but holding back so I can continue my main focus on the Audi

[@silentvalue]

Drove my car tuned for several years, but stg 2 power levels did make the stock clutch slip in 4th gear above 80 mph. Drove it like that for almost 3 years, and when i pulled the clutch, it actually looked fine with no hot spots on the dmf. I have the southbend stg 3 daily and although the clutch holds power without an issue, i will say it's a bit of a noisy unit compared to stock. Some days ithe sound doesn't bug me and some days it seems more pornounced. It almost sounds like a tank does when it rolls at low speeds from inside 😆

[@DArias]

Oh i hear ya man lol I’ve had a few smf clutches in my day and at first Idc but after a few weeks it kills me lol especially in drive thrus where is sounds like your car is falling apart. Tbh I don’t have much planned for this car going forward anyways besides suspension and wheels and that’s it I’m gonna stay stage 1 as I’ve been putting all my time and effort into the s3

[@saldorado3096]

That clutch is going to blow soon bro most likely. Make it happen and swap it out before you get stranded otherwise great video nice you’re enjoying it

[@DArias]

Hopefully it lasts, gave her more rips today and it’s solid but gonna cool it now for a bit lol

[@mthlaxer]

just through a TTRS clutch in there from Sachs.

[@enzojiles3068]

You’re going to itch for a stage 2 and probably e30. It’s inevitable just watch man haha

[@DArias]

Trust me I’m trying to avoid it but I know someway somehow I’m gonna just end up doing more than I say lol

[@dallasmitchell3878]

I really hope you do a different turbo on this down the line. Have a nice 400ish hp gti would be so awesome for a daily

[@DArias]

I can’t lie, I’ve been debating a simple setup. A vortex std with just a HPFP and 93 possibly e30. There are so many used turbos around my area for an amazing price. Possibly make mid 400s would be amazing in this. Idk lol

[@Flaming-sword]

How’s the clutch holding up?

[@dalewright9568]

Your clutch might last for a bit as long as you drive it well, don’t lug the engine around etc

[@DArias]

Gonna have fun here and there for now but keep the pulls to a minimum but I’m prepared to do the clutch as soon as it goes out

[@TheShadowang1s]

You mentioned your plugs are properly gapped is that to what EQT recommended of .024?

[@necc74challenger]

Good video! Thanks! My clutch started to slip from the very first moment after tune, that is stage 1+ What boost, afr and timing advance you have at 6000rpms??

[@DArias]

Thanks man! So boost peaks at around 27-28psi and tapers down to 21-22nd i at redline. AFRs are consistently between 11.6-11.8 through a full pull. Timing wise I’m not 100% sure tbh

[@salsam3778]

Go stage 2 well worth for just $500 Catless downpipe

[@DArias]

You’re absolutely right at the same time I’m just trying to keep this minimal with no drone and comfy for daily driving so I feel if I’m gonna spend another $500 and retune I rather put that into the s3

[@benclark5261]

People get lucky and run many miles on the stock clutch maybe you get lucky or maybe it’ll slip very soon. Keep us posted on the clutch

[@DArias]

Thats true and maybe I get lucky for a little while but either way I’m fully expecting to have to do the clutch sooner rather than later and that’s ok. I went into this knowing I would need to

[@VenomGaming]

anyone know what the alloys are called? they look amazing

[@DArias]

I know them as the black optics v split design wheel not sure if there’s another name

[@Obe2k_]

Thats wierd youre making peak 26.5psi boost im making that stage 2 high tourqe stratified tune maybe i have a boost leak? 🧐🧐

[@DArias]

I doubt you have a boost leak I think you’re good. I can’t speak on stratified but peak target for EQT if I’m not mistaken is 26.7ish stage 1 and around 28 on stage 2

[@londonwoudenberg5294]

Peak on stage 2 hits alot faster and holds longer on stage 2 without the restriction of the stock dp. Stage one hits the same boost but later in the rpm and doesnt hold peak boost as long

[@GTIclubdport9462]

How many power gain from EQT STAGE 1?

[@DArias]

The stage 1 93 tune is advertised to around 270-300whp. Not terrible the real fun is e30 where many people make mid 300s to the wheels!

[@GTIclubdport9462]

@@DArias you think down pipe is good idea ?

[@perfectlybalanced8995]

@@DAriasTo translate that to Crank hp, that would be around 297-341 crank hp

[@brunocam3710]

What gas station do you fill up at? shell? Costco?

[@DArias]

There’s a gulf gas station next to my house that I have good luck with. If not there I do Costco as it’s been good quality and pretty cheap

[@ScottyMK7]

What did you put on it to go stage 2 ? currently thinking about going EQT as well I have a unitronic dp with a Cobb intake on my MK7

[@DArias]

This is stage 1 rn. But all you need for stage 2 is aftermarket downpipe and 1 step colder plugs for the car to be good. Recommended is an upgraded intercooler. You will be good to go stage 2

[@Szeps_]

Hey man how does the cts turbo intake been?

[@DArias]

For the price it’s great man. Great sounds and def improved throttle response

[@andrewmiller1751]

What clutch are you going to go with?

[@DArias]

I think I’m just gonna do the sachs performance stage 2 clutch. Should be more than enough for what I wanna do. I was looking at Southbend but I wanna stick to dmf I don’t want any clutch chatter at all and it’s more than double the price and overkill

[@OpenSourceSlayer]

Will thie tune and access port work on a 2017?

[@DArias]

Yes I believe it’s 2015-2018 used one and then in 2019-2021 the ecu changed so that reuqires a different box code

[@kylesheehan3813]

How do you feel about the gearbox in the mk7? Debating if I want a mt or dsg. I currently drive stick but dsg is tempting

[@DArias]

It’s ok not awful but not great. Being that I have both my s3 and gti I’ll tell you from my experience. Buying a manual Mk7 has made me appreciate the dsg so much more. If youre looking for speed and being fast you need the dsg. If you want that deeper engagement then the manual is best. The s3 is my first auto/dsg car I’ve owned and it’s fantastic

[@Obe2k_]

What psi should i be peaking on a stratified stage 2 tune? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DArias]

You would need to contact your tuner and ask them what their peak boost target is

[@IBedtimeCookies]

When y'all talk about needing to replace the clutch, is that specific to manuals? I have an auto and plan to go stage 1 w/ eqt once my warranty is up

[@DArias]

Yes this is just for the manuals. The stock clutch is very weak so typically just a tune will ruin them. The DSG is so much stronger. They’re able to handle hybrid setups with over 450wtq with ease. Nothing to worry about with the dsg

[@IBedtimeCookies]

Sweet, thanks for the quick reply!

[@dylanwilson3445]

What kind of clutch did you go with?

[@DArias]

Currently still on stock clutch but if I upgrade I’m jut gonna go sachs stage 2 so it feels oem like and will handle up to an stage 2 e30 tune

[@maanchuu5330]

@@DArias Hey, just came across your video. I am thinking about going Stage 1 at some point. My car's a 2019 with stock clutch about 50k miles on it at the moment. I'm debating going stage 1 once the warranty's up, or maybe before then lol. Just wondering how your experience has been so far, how your driving habits have changed with it to avoid slippage. To be honest if I ever do go stage 1 I'll probably just get the clutch done at the same time, but who knows lol.

[@fabriziogrossi2651]

How long did the clutch end up lasting?

[@DArias]

Still going strong! Lol but car isn’t at all beat on so that’s a factor

[@itsjonduhh]

​@@DArias has it lasted you a year? I have an IE stage 1 ready to flash but not the cash for the Sachs clutch and labor 😅

[@limitededition3278]

You are worrying to much about your clutch. It is only a stage 1 you have to really abuse it over time to start having clutch slip. People have had stage 2 original clutch and it has last for a year or more depending on how they drive or how much. Hang on to the original clutch as long as you can then replace it when you feel the slip. I have had EQT stage 1 for a bit over a year on my manual GTI. But then again I do not abuse my clutch just some spirited driving and pulls occasionally.

[@DArias]

Yes ! I’m hoping my clutch treats me well it’s still my daily so I’m not gonna rip it around everywhere some pulls here and there. I’ve seen both sides of it. A friend of mine with a 2020 gti had 3k miles tuned his car and clutch slipped immediately but another friend with a 17 with 80k+ miles tuned his and 0 clutch slip lol

[@jasonocampo5770]

You do not make 300hp with a stage 1 tune 250-260 max whp

[@DArias]

Many people in the 280-300whp range on stage 1 93. Haven’t dynoed but can confidently say it’s more than 260whp

[@jasonocampo5770]

@@DArias I’m getting mine tuned on Monday with the base Cobb ots maps but I’m going to go with either sneeky or eqt

[@dougmaverick3287]

It looks to me like you're not flooring the accelerator, but just slowly, gradually pressing it down. Why don't you floor it??

[@RevlistheReviler]

If it doesn't slip now, it will in 1-2k miles lol.

[@DArias]

For sure lol I’m already prepared to do the clutch just surprised it didn’t slip for it being a stock 66k mile clutch

[@RevlistheReviler]

@@DArias Yea man I got a catless downpipe, 034 rear sway bar with matching endlinks, VWR springs, DG short shifter and bfi knob, MST TIP and silicone tubing with a drop in filter and the car handles so perfectly and feels so great, it’s practically just clutch and tune that is holding me back lol. I’m aiming for a Sneeky E30 at some point, but I know I’d slip in two minutes

[@RevlistheReviler]

@@DArias My car is around 78k miles, one owner for very cheap, gonna be a really fun budget build, may shove hybrid at some point

[@cilleneconnolly6569]

American spec GTIs are so basic compared to EU

[@DArias]

Absolutely 100%

[@zeitgeist2720]

How long did the stock clutch last?

[@DArias]

Still on it now, haven’t driven the car much lately though and don’t drive it too hard so it’s been lasting