Tuned MK7 GTI Stage 2 Thoughts & Reliability | EQT ECU DSG Tune Review

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After being tuned for a few months and owning the car for over a year, Mike goes through what's been done to the GTI and how it's performed.
#MK7GTI

[@drivenbyhks1]

Solid video man. Just pulled the trigger on the updated Staged Tune from EQT with Accessport (package deal this week) and I can’t wait to experience the power gains I’ve been exhaustively researching for the last 3 weeks. Have wanted a GTI for ages. Let the journey begin

[@FocusedGarage]

Welcome to the path for POWA!

[@sladedetert1636]

Great video! Just picked up tune and Access port! Waiting for it in mail now.. subscribed!

[@FocusedGarage]

Awesome! Check back and let us know what you think.

[@joseborjas4808]

Great Vid, I've always ran UM. EQT sounds like the way to go on this platform.

[@FocusedGarage]

I had this tune on the GTI for years and am now running EQT on my S3.

[@JacksonGTI]

I bought my mk7 gti in the summer and have been modding it since, it’s my first real tuner car and I’ve been loving it!

[@FocusedGarage]

They are great cars!

[@JacksonGTI]

@@FocusedGarage yeah! Just got my dsg tune this month after waiting a while, now time for stage 2

[@FizzerG]

Very helpful vid, watched this a couple times before buying my own accessport and stage 1 tune from EQTuning! I saw you mentioned you have burbles in sport mode, did you select any of the other COBB options (adjustable traction control, launch control, & flat foot shifting) when purchasing the tune?

[@FocusedGarage]

Check out EQT's website, they will show you all options they have the ability to add in when building your tune.

[@FizzerG]

I was mostly wondering which options you chose when purchasing the tune.

[@thecodyexperience7373]

Great video!!

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@runfunmc64]

Just went EQT stage 1 on my GTI absolutely love it

[@FocusedGarage]

Awesome!

[@YungSheerCold]

Just bought myself an IE downpipe for $400 the other day and now I'm looking into off-the-shelf tunes, was thinking IE but I'll definitely look into EQT now.

[@FocusedGarage]

Feel free to explore your options. There's a lot of choices out there.

[@APickle214]

you get that pipe new?

[@travissholund334]

Buying a MK7 next week and I think about a year after ownership im going to do an EQT tune, a bunch of my friends have GTI’s and I love how fast they can be for so cheap

[@FocusedGarage]

It is still mind blowing that with a downpipe and tune you can essentially "bolt on" 100 wheel horsepower.

[@LG-yp7ot]

Good vid bro

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks!

[@Tact-Mack0397]

Sick man!

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks!

[@shyguyy92]

Awesome video! These cars really are fun... get the upper and lower dogbone mount by 034

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks! I'm looking into mounts as traction has become an issue now lol

[@shyguyy92]

@@FocusedGarage I got the dogbone and it helped a lot honestly

[@paulwiest8167]

Great video! I have an apr stage 2 Mk7 I bought back in 2015 with zero miles and have done just about everything i wanted to it. From club sport bumper conversion to big brakes, the car has come so far I feel like It has everything it needs besides the turbo and fueling. Now it’s time for more power and I’ve been heavily considering ditching the ApR tune and running the EQT xl turbo. The only thing I’m still wondering about is how to incorporate flex fuel and (I know this is a bit childish) if EQT tunes for “pops and bangs” and how that sounds. Any insight would be appreciated!

[@FocusedGarage]

Love the club sport bumpers. Solid choice. These cars are very impressive reliability wise.

[@FocusedGarage]

As far as flex fuel goes, talk to the tuner! These are very capable even on 93 octane pump gas. If you're looking for more power you can run upgraded pumps to do e85 or e50.

[@mk6_mark920]

Contact eqt tuning got great customer service

[@devn3813]

Dumb question but how do you do an APR tune? Do you have to take it in or can you get an accessport or whatever and do it yourself?

[@mk6_mark920]

Midwest Mopars you have to find an apr “authorized dealer” by me in NY we have Volkswagen dealerships that offer apr tunes that keep factory warranty but very conservative. Apr plus is what’s it’s called I believe

[@jakepettine104]

so i have a 2016 mk7 gti dsg, and looking to tune. i was planning on getting the cobb AP obviously, however they have one with dsg tune and one without. im new to all this. i have a catback and catless downpipe as of right now. do i need the one with the dsg tune, or what does that do? i was just gonna get stage 1 eqt tune but with a catless downpipe i can get stage 2, and was going to add burbles. what is the diffrence between that tune and their dsg tunes?

[@FocusedGarage]

If you have a DSG car and you tune the engine, get a DSG tune as well. This will match the trans tuning to the ECU tuning and increase clutch clamping force. Without it, you could be doing damage to the transmission.

[@flippingcoins7714]

I have emissions in Atl, I have a 2018 gti with stage 2 Unitronic with DSG tune. I want to go EQT stage 2 but can you switch back to the stock tune, for emissions testing then switch back to stage 2 ( I pass with stage 2 Uni this way) without extra charges?

[@FocusedGarage]

Yes, with an Accessport you can flash back to stock as many times as you want.

[@mk7t472]

Have a APR Stage 1 low torque 93 mk7 GLI 6MT, the tune transforms the car, and the tune transforms the car, blows past my friends veloster N and I still get 38 mpg in eco mode driving to work

[@FocusedGarage]

It is crazy how much this car leaves on the table from the factory.

[@TarzanGTI]

I've pretty much narrowed my options down to an EQT or Stratified Flash tune through Cobb. I intend on getting a downpipe and intake, as well as the upper and lower 034 dogbone kit. From looking at your videos, I've seen you also own a Focus ST. Do you have a specific reason for going with EQT considering Stratified also has a very good reputation?

[@FocusedGarage]

My personal experience with Stratified was less than desirable regarding my ST. I won't get into it, because there are a lot of factors that may have been at play. However throughout a lot of research and a personal friend using EQT, that is how I ended up using them for the GTI. Good move on wanting to get the dogbone mount, this car needs it now due to the added power.

[@TarzanGTI]

@@FocusedGarage thanks for the input. I heard EQT runs a sale where you can get the flash tunes for free with purchase of an accessport so I'll probably wait for that.

[@FocusedGarage]

Yes I've seen them run that once or twice now!

[@bcn_sosa7780]

Where dose it rev hang at low mph. I’m on the Cobb sport map right now and it hangs out at 2k-2.5k so not a problem letting it warm up without getting over 3K. Dose the dsg map hang lower or higher?

[@FocusedGarage]

The DSG map shouldn't impact the rev hang.

[@MichaelM...TandTribs]

Hi man, just watched your vid, really good vid btw, I'm really torn between buying a stage 2 mk7 and a stage 3 focus St, seeing as you owned both, what do u think? All I been doing for the last 3 weeks is watching vids lol... The FoST has all BO and coilovers, the gti has all st2 BO, except Fmic has dsg stage 1 tune also... Would love to hear your thoughts on this... Tanks 👍

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for checking it out! If you want a nicer built car that's the faster of the two but more numb to drive, get the GTI. If you want something that's more engaging and fun to drive, but cheaper feeling and slower, get the FoST.

[@MichaelM...TandTribs]

The GTI Also Has the PP, thanks for the reply man, appreciate it... I think the FoST has 310hp atm, and the gti is at around 295hp...not sure which is cheaper to get to 400plus,but thatll be what I'm trying to sort out today, really like Ur vids bro 👍

[@MichaelM...TandTribs]

Was your FoST modded?

[@KennethAdams-ev2ms]

Would love to hear a comparison of the gti vs your old tdi in terms of trade offs and similarities.

[@FocusedGarage]

No problem, we can focus a video on that in the future. They are vastly different machines.

[@kailevy7098]

So if I want to go stage 2 from equilibrium, is it required that I also have a dsg tune? My mods are just an intake and maperfomance catted downpipe.

[@andrewphung144]

Yes bro you need a stage 2 clutch or else your clutch will slip. Your making more power more boost your stock clutch can’t hold that power

[@kailevy7098]

@@andrewphung144 I have a dsg so I need the dsg tune. I think manuals only have to buy a new clutch.

[@FocusedGarage]

You are not treating yourself to the full potential without the matching DSG tune. The DSG tune increase the clutch clamping force.

[@mk6_mark920]

How’s the depo downpipe? Was fitment good. I’m interested in purchasing that dp

[@FocusedGarage]

I was amazed. No fitment issues at all. Doesn't rub on anything and matches right up to the hanger. I ran their downpipe on my Focus ST for 30k miles without issue.

[@AlexMK7]

I also have the EQT stage 2 tune, completely changes the car! Did you select the burbles in sport mode option?

[@FocusedGarage]

Yea, burbles only in sport mode so I can feel immature when I want to. lol

[@AlexMK7]

Focused Garage Lol I just got it in sport mode as well, sounds great when you feel like being wild lol

[@securedbeam8825]

does the stage two get rid of the downpipe related check engine light?

[@FocusedGarage]

Yes, the tune is made to work with the downpipe so it will not throw a check engine light. Please note this is "off road use" only.

[@diegojaral3256]

Did your fuel economy drop ?

[@onderbadur]

We want to see big turbo Focus ST vs stage 2 GTI w/dsg

[@FocusedGarage]

Oh don't worry, it's coming.

[@B07ll]

Does anyone think having the car go stage two have bad long term affects with a stock turbo?

[@FocusedGarage]

Anytime you modify a car, you compromise the stock reliability. That being said, this shouldn't drastically effect anything as long as you are still using good oil, good fuel, and waiting for the car to warm up before getting into boost.

[@grantgilbert6575]

If I wanted go from completely stock to stage 2 EQT, basically all I would need is a ECU, TCU tune and Downpipe? Anything else I would need?

[@grantgilbert6575]

Just to note, my GTI is garage kept, I only drive it maybe 3 times a week

[@FocusedGarage]

Correct that's all that is required. Optional would be an intercooler. I think plugs might need upgraded as well. Check EQT's faq section.

[@mk7_nate970]

What whp should i see for stage 2 93 tune on a 17 golf r

[@FocusedGarage]

It would depend on who your tuner is but typically 350-380.

[@ashleygorman5556]

Piggybacks can be flagged even if removed. Will it always be found? not necessarily

[@FocusedGarage]

Its a risk the owner is going to have to be willing to take.

[@allensimpson8533]

You should upgrade the intercooler. They will start to heat soak at st1 levels. I would heat soak in 75* and have timing pulled bad at st2. Got a intercooler and the power is much smoother and reliable.

[@FocusedGarage]

I plan on doing big turbo very soon and will be doing a factory location intercooler the same time!

[@crizzy4614]

Focused Garage when going is38 do you need a eqt custom tune or will it run just fine on the eqt stage 2 map

[@whats281]

@@crizzy4614 I know this is late but If you upgrade turbo on gti you have to go stage 3

[@FocusedGarage]

You will need a new tune to match the turbo and supporting mods.

[@DeadTreeDropOff]

Will dealer know if I flashed the ecu after I flashed back to stock?

[@stevenkopenhaver4409]

Yes, you’re car will throw a TD1

[@FocusedGarage]

Yes they will know if they check the ECU.

[@Jvilleman400]

i currently have a mk7 gol f r dsg with unitronic stage 2 ecu and tcu tune. is eqt worth switching to?

[@FocusedGarage]

The only tune I've run on this car has been EQT, so it is hard for me to say how it directly compares with Unitronic. However, I am very pleased with this tune and love being able to use an Accessport.

[@Jvilleman400]

@@FocusedGarage i missed the sale:(

[@Michael-tk5wd]

I’m switching from uni stage 2 to EQT. I highly recommend EQT over uni. Heard a lot good things about it in our VW GTI group.

[@Jvilleman400]

@@Michael-tk5wd fug it, i may get an RS3 or TTRS anyway

[@Michael-tk5wd]

Lil_ Danny904 unitronic just gave me a headache man. It threw my car into limp mode when I floored it. Uni customer service said, “it’s because I use 91 octane instead of 93.” There is no 93 octane in CA so wtf lol

[@kyleadolph1281]

Have been ITCHING TO switch to EQT Stg 2 e30

[@FocusedGarage]

A lot of people run the E30 tunes and love the extra power!

[@DaseggMQB]

I’ve got a 19 rabbit edition manual I got new last year. Went with the IE stage 1 tune and ECS intake. That was a great combo, but my clutch started slipping at 20k. So I went with SB stage 2 endurance, CTS catted Downpipe, and IE stage 2 tune. Do not buy the ECS intake lol. It’s trash. The main mounting bracket snapped from the new tune and all the twerqs. Got the ie intake for less and it’s way better. IE stage 2 tune is alright, but it’s had a weird idle issue at start that it does that IE told me to fuck off about it when it’s definitely the tune causing it. What I’m getting at here is that get the EQT tune. It’s so much better. I’ll be getting it spring time. But my set up now is still ridiculously quick

[@FocusedGarage]

Thanks for sharing! There's actually a Facebook group with thousands of members called "Why I Hate ECS Tuning" so they definitely have gotten their fair share of bad press over the years. Enjoy the car!

[@DaseggMQB]

@@FocusedGarage oh well I think that’s a group I need to join lol. Just to be clear for everyone though. I’ve never had an issue with ECS other than buying their own branded product. Everything else they’ve been cool about. I find myself buying from Urotuning and FCP only these days though. Happy new year, and stay safe 🤙🏼

[@FocusedGarage]

I've always been a huge fan of FCP Euro for anything maintenance related.

[@DaseggMQB]

@@FocusedGarage yep definitely. You really can’t beat them for anything like that. They are life changing for oil changes with being able to send the used oil back in for refund purposes

[@davidpando945]

Does the tune turn on the engine light ??

[@FocusedGarage]

Nope. Not if you are tuned properly for your modifications.

[@AndrewBenson91]

Stage 1 and stage 2 absolutely need a intercooler if you log the car you can see the car pulls timing like crazy. With a intercooler you can gain 20hp at the top of the power band only because you can truly use the power in all the gears

[@FocusedGarage]

Definitely planning on adding an intercooler here shortly. Probably going with a factory fitment one.

[@vroomgc]

Not a true statement. An intercooler is not needed for Stage 1 and also does not create hp. It only maintains hp at its highest level because it removes heat soak.

[@FocusedGarage]

Very true. You don't gain HP, it just allows you to keep temps lower which in turn means the car doesn't pull timing.

[@drouxbag94]

I got e30 stage 2 on my R like 2 weeks ago, pretty good so far

[@FocusedGarage]

Big difference from stock, right?

[@drouxbag94]

@@FocusedGarage yes, I love it though it feels like it runs so healthy too if that makes sense lol

[@FocusedGarage]

I know exact what you mean!

[@whats281]

@@drouxbag94 how’s it going now? Just wondering reliability over 9 months?

[@drouxbag94]

@@whats281 I’m an addict now, currently on a build for more power with hybrid turbo and full e 😅😂

[@charleskaczmarek6568]

How do you like the DSG tune?

[@FocusedGarage]

Very glad I got the DSG tune. I've heard it is needed to increase clutch clamping force and the car may behave strangely without it. Makes the car feel much more responsive.

[@GMTSuburban]

@@FocusedGarage did you go to High torque file right away? Trying to figure out differences lt vt ht file

[@josephgelske2582]

Eqt ftw

[@FocusedGarage]

Great tunes from great people!

[@STEELERSMSR]

What happened to your focus

[@FocusedGarage]

Traded it in a few years back. Onder still has his big turbo Focus. -Mike

[@jamesdejkovski1742]

no aftermarket intercooler?

[@FocusedGarage]

At the time of the video, nope!

[@jamesdejkovski1742]

@@FocusedGarage how did it cope on stock intercooler

[@FocusedGarage]

Charge temps would see as high as 70 degrees above ambient.

[@perfectlybalanced8995]

“Channel is called Focused Garage” “Owns a Golf instead of a Focus”

[@FocusedGarage]

The channel is called "Focused Garage" not "Focus Garage" How ever, we do have a big turbo Focus videos. Check them out if you want Focus ST content.

[@perfectlybalanced8995]

@@FocusedGarage I’m a GTI owner, I just thought the channel name was Ironic

[@FocusedGarage]

We also have a GTI vs Focus st video

[@FocusedGarage]

We've been around for a long time haha. Originally we both had Focus STs.

[@Burnout143]

Once you flash you can never go back to original stock, you could go to simulated stock. If the dealer did a thorough investigation he would know that you flashed the ECU.

[@FocusedGarage]

You can still flash back to original stock with an Accessport. However, the ECU flasher counter will show that it previously had been tuned before.

[@swoofty1]

Catless downpipe? It doesn't look like a track only car...

[@FocusedGarage]

It'll only be used off road, closed course. That's for sure.

[@allthemani852]

Why are thier always people like this. I swear theirs an entire kind of person dedicated to being the online cat police.

[@MegaHollywood1971]

Not "Wheel Horsepower". The rule of thumb is, that when anyone iterates the words "wheel horsepower" it is typically the HIGHEST number they have recorded. The majority of the time, without having Stock Baseline number on the same Dyno - the actual Dyno numbers don't reflect "actual" power; as a Dyno is just a "tuning" tool. For the most part, numbers (especially if they are the highest) are just Brake Horsepower. It doesn't take very long for the stock intercooler to heat soak enough that your ECU begins retarding the timing. I'm certain you have done logs and have seen your IATs go far above ambient - even in just a 3rd Gear pull all the way to the top. So, get an intercooler if you want consistant power, otherwise you'll have power / but not as much as any high number you can claim (Stock Turbo or Not).

[@FocusedGarage]

Intercooler helps with consistent power, you are correct. Also, dyno numbers will vary depending on brand of dyno and dyno conditions such as heat, humidity, etc. I'm simpling saying cars with similar mods make the power I am talking about. A ballpark figure if you will.

[@MegaHollywood1971]

@@FocusedGarage Roger...appreciate your explanation. So, have you gone with an IC at this point? If so, now you feel the difference?

[@FocusedGarage]

I actually never did intercooler on this. Ended up selling the car and buying an S3 haha.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

1. Frank Mabo tunes are better 2. An aftermarket intercooler, though not a “requirement” for Stage 2 IS20, ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE BOUGHT. If you want your IS20 turbo to last, get an intercooler people!

[@jncautowerks2407]

LOL mabotech is known for popping motors and sending out hot tunes. There's a reason he's banned from the biggest MQB FB group. Secondly, he uses eurodyne maestro which is far inferior compared to Cobb.

[@FocusedGarage]

Never intended to get into a "who's tune is best". Just wanted to share my experience with EQT and how pleased I am with them. Everyone has different goals with their cars, and part of hitting that goal is researching what tuner is best for you. I definitely do plan to get a factory location intercooler soon.

[@brayanguillen788]

I almost pull the trigger on going with stratified tuning until I saw this vid. Im going with EQT now. Good review, thank you.