MK8 GTI: Stage 1 | FULL Torque Tune Update

With 034 Motorsport's recently released ECU software updates, users can achieve Full Torque output on locked TCU's. Ride along with the newfound, full power potential of Stage 1!

[@034motorsport]

Glad you're loving the update!

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@034motorsport It’s great. Thanks y’all! 💛

[@604parkour]

The LSD in these cars is about the best offered by any manufacturer for a FWD platform. Very impressive how it still manages the power while spinning but not dangerous torque steer all over the road.

[@TonyNguyen-uh1ni]

I just fell in love with your GTI mann. 😭👍🏻👏🏻 . I’m planning to get one in 2025 ❤ . Thanks for your video RJ .

[@rjbaldwin_]

I appreciate it man! So excited for you to join in on the fun 🩶

[@peteyification]

I'm perfectly happy with my 6MT, but it amazes me how the DSG turns the GTI into a straight line animal. Those shifts are lighting quick... can only imagine what a DSG tune would do for it!

[@rjbaldwin_]

The DSG is so good. Funny thing is I used to be in a manual before this, and I always heard how capable these cars can be when tuned. Took the chance and have been very pleased! Shifting has been improved a little with the update, but I can only imagine this thing would be even better with a TCU tune, but who knows how much longer that’ll be before they get that thing cracked 🙂

[@hovan2yourjunk]

I bought the tune a month or so ago but can’t take advantage of it yet because of the conditions here in upstate NY. My crappy all seasons can’t put the power down. Obviously waiting for the spring to get tires. Bought the dogbone inserts from them but haven’t gotten it up on a lift yet. Still on the 034 stage 1 low torque 93. Didn’t know about that update till I saw this. I’ll be up at the crack of dawn tomorrow to flash it…thanks for the heads up!

[@devilkinggaming1603]

bruh randomly found the video. Love the 2018 vibe way of doing the video more personal and less flashy

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@devilkinggaming1603 Awesome! I think a lot of people still prefer those types of videos as I try to keep things direct and honest. Thanks for the feedback!

[@rickyb-yo]

I got the email for the update a few days ago from 034 as well. It’s been snowing here so just holding off. I’ve been wondering if anyone has updated yet. Thanks for the video.

[@rjbaldwin_]

It really takes the power up a notch. Take it out to hoon once the roads clear up and you’ll love it!

[@basslover352]

That thing flies. This would destroy my manual 2023 40th anni GTI lol. I'm still stock but I'm afraid to run anything other than low torque tunes with the stock clutch. I can upgrade the clutch, but I heard that increases the risk of catastrophic crank walk.

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@basslover352 Definitely quick! With regards to the manual, I feel like it’s a mixed bag of opinions on how the stock clutch deals with the added power. Some say bad, some say it’s fine, some say it’s fine based on your driving, etc. Running an aftermarket clutch seems like the safer play, but I do see people voice your same concern. What tune are you on, and what does the tuner recommend for high torque applications? 🤔

[@basslover352]

​​@@rjbaldwin_​I'm still on stock tune but looking at apr low torque stage 1. I don't do pulls that often, maybe one 2nd gear pull every drive so I don't think I'd be a huge deal with full torque tune. We will see though haha.

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@basslover352 Low torque would probably be the best place to start and then you can reassess! Lol

[@xhelobro]

we need a GTI MK8 review

[@rjbaldwin_]

I have a 1 Year Review video I posted a few months ago. Check it out!

[@mrjkstark]

I had my mk7 stage 2 and it was a riot. In my mk8 now and I'm very okay with how much power it provides stock. I'm really not sure that I'll ever tune it.

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@mrjkstark From what I’ve seen, I think Stage 2 on Mk7’s are almost to Stage 1 MK8 numbers. The improvements to the turbo and fueling on the new generation definitely help. These things scoot when tuned!

[@mrjkstark]

@@rjbaldwin_ Dude are you in Aubrey? I'm just up in the Sherman area. We gotta meet at a cars and coffee!

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@mrjkstark Yeah I live in Aubrey, right around the Prosper/Frisco/Little Elm areas! I’ve been going to some smaller meets around DFW. Do they have C&C up in Sherman or Anna? The one down in Plano got moved to Southlake a few years ago. I do know there are occasional VW meetups in DFW as well.

[@MrMduchesne23]

I'm in the same boat. I bought mine brand new and was ready to tune in from Day 1. However, I still bought an extended warranty because of my relationship with the dealership. They are tune-friendly, and I've spent serious money getting parts with them on my last build. But after breaking it in, let's be honest: The MK8 is a different animal than a tuned Mk7 GTI. A stage one MK7 GTI is equal to a stock Mk8 GTI in most driving conditions. 0-60 and 1/4 mileare. The LSD engages far smoother in the MK8 than the clunky on/off engagement in the MK7. The DSG is still confused when it's doing anything other than hard acceleration into and out of corners, LOL.

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@MrMduchesne23 I definitely prefer driving in manual mode all the time for any spirited driving due to that reason. I like making the decisions and it’s way more rewarding. Coming from a manual I still can’t go back to the mashing the throttle in Auto to go. I’m so used to downshifting as needed 😆

[@windingroads_Louis]

Looks nice! 👍 I also love my golf gti 8. If you allow me to get your clip, then I put it with Korean subtitles on my channel for golf lovers here? I also put your link and tag for introduction.❤ Auto translation is not working well. 😢

[@huntergallagher6457]

how can i check to see if my tcu is locked? just flash the 034 tcu and see if it works? my only concern would be then bricking the tcu if it doesn’t work. i have my tcu specs through obd 11. i heard some 23 models could be unlocked. any help?

[@rjbaldwin_]

Only very early ‘22 models are unlocked. I also have a ‘23. The TCU will fail to flash if you try, so not worth trying.

[@huntergallagher6457]

@ okay to thanks i just did my first full pull with the new tune i don’t have any dogbone inserts or mount but will def be ordering them right now. This car is a beast now and is definitely more awake. but i did get a message saying hill assist parking break not available when i did the pull. any clue what that could be?

[@rjbaldwin_]

@ not really sure how that warning would be related to be honest. Hopefully just an odd occurrence.

[@shotbypash6332]

Love the video man. Have you had any issues with the car prior to tuning? I'm at 2k miles, but worry about losing the warranty in case something goes wrong if I tune it.

[@rjbaldwin_]

Thank you! Car was running strong, stock, up to almost 10K miles and then I tuned it. I felt that was enough miles to shake out any quirks if I had any. The car still has been running great with the added power without issues.

[@alanturton3394]

What exhaust are you running? Sounds awesome!

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@alanturton3394 Milltek Race exhaust! On stock downpipe too.

[@johnvillanueva26]

I have a Manual 22 GTI I wonder if my stock clutch will hold up i don't always get on it but when I do it's usually above 3krpm and going through like 2 gears lmk !!

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@johnvillanueva26 034 claims you can run high torque on a stock clutch with no issues, but I’d save coin for an upgraded clutch going this route. You could always run or stay on low torque if you want to play it safe.

[@iiChromEo]

Great vid. I’m not a huge fan of the pops that come with these burble tunes. Sounds very artificial. Hoping there are options to omit them

[@rjbaldwin_]

Yes. I have custom mode set to where there are no pops at all! Best of both worlds.

[@034motorsport]

Yes, we do offer no-crackle files for all stages!

[@oggo4253]

How do your H&R springs ride?

[@rjbaldwin_]

A little firmer than stock but still very compliant.

[@notsure3535]

Stock tires ?

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@notsure3535 yep! Still on the original tires at the moment.

[@notsure3535]

@rjbaldwin_ good to know. Thanks. Hopefully getting a new mk8 this week. First mods will be wheels n sticky tires along with lowering springs. That should help with traction and wheel hop.

[@rjbaldwin_]

@@notsure3535 I’ve ordered a dogbone mount insert. That upgrade will definitely help address wheel hop too. You’ll love the look and feel on springs. I’m running H&R’s.

[@notsure3535]

@rjbaldwin_ I'm gonna look into the dogbone that after I go stage 1. I was looking at the 034 springs. But they don't go that low. I had h&r springs on an accord they were great.

[@aqfia]

careful with that tune. i see gearboxes go on full torque tunes. i’m not trying to be an internet nerd here but have u considered a gearbox tune? my slim knowledge on golfs only extending to some golf R’s most tunes come with a gearbox remap however they unlock their ECU.

[@rjbaldwin_]

My initial thoughts were also cautionary! The TCU’s on most MK8’s are still locked and can’t flash any gearbox tunes. Most of the popular tuners have now developed these tune updates from the ECU side to allow more torque to be made beyond the factory set limit. More torque can be made but still well within absolute max limits of the TCU’s capabilities. From what I hear, it’s all about communication between both the ECU and TCU and how the “torque request values” are handled. The ECU now reports correct higher torque values to the TCU where it increases clutch clamp pressures to accommodate. So while a true gearbox remap can’t be utilized, they’ve been able to work some wizardry with calibrations to allow increased torque output while still retaining the TCU’s safety measures. That said, I don’t beat on my car all the time, but I expect it to remain reliable with the occasional fun run!

[@d00fin]

23-24 tcu locked until further notice

[@034motorsport]

Through specialized calibration changes, our Full Torque on Locked TCU files enable the ECU to communicate higher torque values to the locked TCU, which ensures the Stock TCU provides increased clutch clamping pressures, allowing for seamless integration of the enhanced torque output. The result? Unmatched performance with safe and reliable power delivery. This means you can safely enjoy Full Torque on your Locked TCU vehicle without concern for long-term reliability. These files have been rigorously tested in-house in high-abuse racing scenarios, on the road, and with a fleet of early adopters around the world to ensure safety above all else is retained.