Just a small update, and not hard to giggle when pushing the car now in corners.
I had been running a low torque map to conserve my stock clutch the past while. So I never have had the opportunity to truly run a Stage II set-up - all part of the story.
After receiving the car, I found more so on cold start-up the clutch felt heavy, and knowing that it was brand new going in, I must say after a week it feels like stock. Again cold start-up, I would say it is very minimal difference between stock and giving it a few more weeks will loosen up I am sure. With the car warmed up, it feels like stock and arguably even lighter than stock. I left the bump stop as is but I am pretty sure it lets out a tad earlier as when I first got it installed I could feel it letting go - now it feels extremely smooth. So exactly where I think it should be. Other key notes include no chatter. For the clutch itself, I must say I will need a stock Golf R to really see the difference because I cannot tell if there is one. I didn't bother asking for my old flywheel and clutch back - not expecting weight lose or gain, and it was slipping, nothing interesting to see here.
What I cannot comment on is, how long will this clutch last? I noted the install date and mileage in my first page, so I am hoping to never look at it again. Along with the thrust bearing and Wavetrac LSD, the car drivetrain needs a Haldex tune and
maybe rear Wavetrac LSD. Otherwise, I feel like beefing up the drivetrain is done at this point. Suspension has a little tweak here and there, so now it's all about going fast and and making it as comfortable doing it.
As for the Wavetrac, I have a long road with a boulevard and a number of round abouts throughout it. It is a great little strip to test a cars handling and putting it through its paces. The speed is a bit up through here too which makes it even more nicer. It's winter, tracks are closed, back country roads can potentially have black ice - it's not the time of year to be adventuring.
Honestly, it is just hilarious now how the car handles. I always felt a sense of unease when pushing hard through a round about with the XDS+. You can feel the brakes being applied, and at times it doesn't seem 100% like that was what was supposed to happen, which at times make me hesitant of pushing harder. I felt like the RSB made the car feel a bit like a go kart I might add as well. That in mind, the LSD with RSB and MSS Springs, have made the car feel like it is slammed to the ground and there is no such thing as traction issues. THIS IS ON WINTER TIRES! I think it is is better on my winter tires now then on my summer tires!!! I absolutely can't wait till spring / summer time.
Knowing I was running on a low torque map, I decided to crank up the boost yesterday afternoon on the JB1. As I open the hood, and look for the JB1, it was gone! Turns out the mechanic working on my car thought the JB1 had the wires broken, and removed it so I was running stock. The wires missing, were the connections to make it a JB4 instead of a JB1. They still had it and I installed it last night. The giggling only continues. Those roundabouts feel like I can push so much harder with complete control. With one exception. So as one knows, most round abouts replace an intersection. So think 1 entrance and 3 (technically 4 if you do the full circle) exits. When I did a 3rd exit (or left turn), I found the front end sticks glued to the road, however the rear end gets a tad squirrelly when the Haldex wants to help. Easily controlled, but again, I think VWs electronics are nice but they aren't great. This is where I want to see what the Haldex tune can do for me to make things a bit more controlled by being more aggressive, and if still not
maybe the rear Wavetrac LSD. Again, I am on winter tires, so maybe they are just cracking loose because this isn't the kind of performance they are designed for.
Which brings me to something I don't want to debate, but just wanting to state my opinion.
I was on the fence for the MK7/7.5 and MK8. I think it makes complete sense to have a front LSD, instead of the XDS+, it just a night and day difference. Being a front wheel biased AWD, I think this is where the most gain is, and NOT in the rear like the MK8. So what about the open diff vs 'sports drift' in the MK8 in the rear? This one is so tough, I feel like if the Haldex tune is more aggressive to use the rear (which it likely is in the MK8), then the rear 'sports diff' becomes more important. When I had my rear wheel biased AWD S4 (Torsen), it made a difference when I test drove cars and compared, but again most power was going to the rear in that situation.
So in theory, yes the MK8 R I think is a nice upgrade in this aspect over the MK7/7.5 R. However, with my experience with XDS+, I think the rear Wavetrac LSD would be an upgrade on top of that option because you are relying on VW programming and electronics, it has its limits. With this being a FWD biased AWD,
maybe the difference is likely very small. So would I trade in my MK7/7.5 for the 'sports diff'. I don't think so anymore, the real winner is in the front LSD, and both cars require this to be done (as it stands today). Maybe in 3-4 years when the MK8 catches up to the MK7/7.5 due to depreciation will it become more of a hot buy, but it doesn't make sense to move from a MK7/7.5 to a MK8 - especially since there is a rear Wavetrac LSD option for us. As for being a new 'R' owner, and buying used vs getting a new MK8 Golf R? For the sports diff alone, I am going to say no. For the overall package the MK8 Golf R provides, including a new turbo, great interior including seats, and the easy mods we do to our MK7/7.5s being done for you already - you are likely going to have a helluva tough decision....glad I am not making it for you
...for me, I think the upcoming RS3 is interesting if I want more power, DCT and rear 'sports diff' / LSD, but I can only see the R's replacement being a Cayman S or a GTS 4.0 at this point. Must say the R is an absolute riot to drive on winters, can't wait for summer tire fun. Feel free to let me know if there is another car available in North America that can replace the MK7 R at its price point!! New or used!