[SneakyDeeky]

CURRENT LOOK:

OVERVIEW OF LOOKS FROM START TO CURRENT:

GENERAL DETAILS:
Year / Model: 2015 VW Golf R
Color: Lapiz Blue
Transmission: DSG
Interior seat/trim color: Black Leather
Package Options: DCC® Dynamic Chassis Control
5.8" touchscreen navigation system
Park Distance Control system
Fender® Premium Audio System
PermaPlate Exterior and Interior Protection

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN SPECS:
292 HP / 280 Ft-Lbs (OEM stock, until April 2017)
350 HP / 350 Ft-Lbs (GIAC Stage 1 on 91 Octane, until Feb 2018)
372 HP / 377 Ft-Lbs (APR Stage 2 high output on 91 octane with “pops and bangs” option, current)
Turbocharged 2.0T in-line 4-cyl engine
4MOTION® all-wheel drive with UM Haldex Tune
6-sp DSG® automatic transmission with APR TCU Tune
Progressive variable-ratio steering
XDS+® w/ electronic differential lock

Wheels/Tires Set#1: SOLD
OEM Cadiz wheels (square)
F: 19x8" et50 w/ ECS Tuning 10.5mm spacer --> net offset = et39.5mm
R: 19x8" et50 w/ ECS Tuning 15mm spacer --> net offset = et35mm
Bridgestone RE050 (235/35/19)
ECS Tuning 70mm Wheels Studs
ECS Tuning 17mm Ball Seat Lug Nuts (R14)
Wheel weight: 24.8 lbs
Wheel & tire weight: 47.8 lbs

Wheels/Tires Set#2: SOLD
Gunmetal Forgestar F14's (square)
F: 19x8.5 et42 (no spacer - fender screw mod req'd before installing camber plates)
R: 19x8.5 et42 w/ ECS Tuning 10.5mm spacer --> net offset = et31.5
Michelin Pilot Super Sports (235/35/19)
Monster Lug Blue M14 x P1.50 Open Ended Conical Seat Lug Nuts
Wheel weight: 22.5 lbs
Wheel & tire weight: 45.4 lbs

Wheels/Tires Set#3: REFRESHED - SOLD
OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT with custom Fog powdercoat (square)
F: 19x8" et45 w/ ECS Tuning 10.5mm spacer --> net offset = et34.5mm
R: 19x8" et45 w/ ECS Tuning 15mm spacer --> net offset = et30mm
Bridgestone RE050 (235/35/19)
Wheel weight: 20.4 lbs
Wheel & tire weight: 43.4 lbs

Wheels/Tires Set#4: (same as #3, just new colors) - SOLD
OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT with custom powdercoat (square)
(Qty 2) Polar White
(Qty 2) Super Chrome base coat with Anodized Red top coat
Toyo R888 (235/35/19)

Wheels/Tires Set#5: SOLD
OZ Racing Leggera HLT in Bright Race Grey (square)
F: 19x8.5" et47 w/ ECS Tuning 5mm spacer --> net offset = et42mm
R: 19x8.5" et47 w/ ECS Tuning 10.5mm spacer --> net offset = et36.5mm
Michelin Pilot Super Sports (235/35/19)
Wheel weight: 22 lbs
Wheel & tire weight: 44.9 lbs

Wheels/Tires Set#6:
Advan Racing RZII in Racing Gloss Black (square)
F: 19x9.5" et50 w/ ECS Tuning 15mm spacer (net offset = et35mm)
R: 19x9.5" et50 (no spacer)
Tires Set 1: Yokohama Advan AO52 (245/35/19) square - fast, but only lasted 4 AutoX events & 1 track day. Numb steering feel.
Tires Set 2: Falken RT660 (275/30/19) square, added 3mm rear spacer to prevent rubbing on the rear strut
Tires Set 3: F: Falken RT660 (275/30/19), R: Bridgestone RE-71RS (245/35/19) - Reverse stagger is where it's at! Car rotates like a dream now.

Wheels/Tires Set#7:
Neuspeed RSe11R in Gloss Gunmetal (square)
F: 18x9.5" et45 w/ ECS Tuning 10mm spacer (net offset = et35mm)
R: 19x9.5" et45 (no spacer)
Front Tires: Falken RT660 (285/30/18)
Rear Tires: Falken RT660 (255/35/18)

PERFORMANCE MODIFICATIONS (in chronological order of installation):
Lowering Springs: VWR Sport Springs until March 2018, then upgraded to Eibach Pro Kit springs.
Camber Plates: Ground Control (link)
April 2022 UPDATE: Upgraded to ST XTA Plus 3 Coilover Kit with 3-Way Adjustable Damping and Camber Plates. iSweep ESC delete modules.
December 2023 UPDATE: Removed coilovers and went back to OEM DCC shocks with Eibach springs and GC Camber Plates, but added a DSC Sport Controller active suspension module. This fixed my traction control issues (link).
Front & Rear Sway Bars: Eurocode (link) UPDATE: Dec '22 Went back to the OEM FSB. This car wants a soft front and super stiff rear to rotate.
Front & Rear Endlinks: Eurocode (link1 and link2)
Front and Rear Chassis Braces: Eurocode (link)
Brake Calipers: OEM Audi RS5 Brembo 8-pot (sourced from KillerBrakes.com), mounted using VAGBREMTECHNIC brackets
Front Rotors: 362x32 AP-Racing 2-piece slotted (sourced from VAGBREMTECHNIC.com)
Rear Rotors: AP-Racing slotted (sourced from VAGBREMTECHNIC.com)
Front Pads: Ferodo DS2500, then Hawk DTC-60 (great, but killed rotors after only 6 months), then Ferodo DS1.11 (great but too loud), now Hawk HPS 5.0
Rear Pads: EBC Red Stuff ceramics (low dust), now Ferodo DS2500 (both are great)
Motul RBF 600 fluid, ECS Tuning SS Brake Lines
Front Brake Lines: ECS Tuning Stainless Steel for Audi RS5
Rear Brake Lines: ECS Tuning Stainless Steel for MK7 VW Golf R
Brake Fluid: Motul RBF 600
Intake: Nuespeed
Exhaust: Milltek Turboback, resonated, non-valved. Note: I had it non-resonated for a month, but it was too loud for me and WAY too loud for my wife
Catch-Can: Spulen Kit from USP Motorports. Note: This kit replaces the entire PCV system and prevents the infamous cloud of oil smoke under high-Gs. (link)
Switched to Racingline kit in August 2021
Diverter Valve: Forge Motorsports w/ Blue Spring
DCC: DSC Sport Control Module for Active Suspension and to electronically tune / adjust the shocks (link) - one of my favorite mods
Turbo: Garrett GT2260S Powermax (link) - upgraded after my OEM IS38 turbo shaft failed at 39k miles during an autocross in February 2023.
Multi-Port Injection: CTS Turbo kit with 980cc injectors (link)
Low Pressure Fuel Pump: Walbro 525 with PM3 module
Ethanol Content Sensor: GM style 39070 (continental) (link)

SOFTWARE:
- Was stock until warranty expired 3yrs in
ECU#1: GIAC w/ OEM downpipe. Was really good and no complaints for the 1 year I ran it.
ECU & TCU #2: APR Stage 2, 91 octane high output with pops and bangs.
ECU & TCU #3: United Motorsports E85 Flex Tune with Multi Port Injection. Dyno tuned to limit torque for reliability.

COOLING MODIFICATIONS:
CSF Ultimate Cooling Package (link): Upgraded Radiator and DSG / oil cooler
VWR Oil Cooler: extra oil cooler (link)

EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS:
Front Lip: Maxton Lip w/ DIY repair using EZ Lip. Lasted 8 years, but finally broke at Big Willow due to getting brittle and aero load at 120mph
Front Bumper: OEM aluminum strip on bottom of bumper wrapped in Gloss Black 3M vinyl
Side Skirts: EZ Lip
Grille: Bremmen Parts Black honeycomb with chrome strip wrapped in Carbon Fiber 3M vinyl
Emblems: Gloss Black EuroBadgez VW Front and Rear Emblems with backing plates wrapped in Carbon Fiber 3M vinyl
Rear Spoiler: Maxton in Gloss Black
Fenders: SRS-Tec 25mm wider front fenders (fiberglass). Installed May 2021 to fit wider wheels / tires.

INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS / UPGRADES:
DSG Paddle Shifters: S2T Black Anodized (B2 model)
Floor Mats: OEM Monster Mats All Season Rubber
Hatch: USP Motorsports Automatic Hatch Pop Kit with keyfob coded by Eurocode - link
Gauges: P3 Vent Gauge with Track-Pack software and ethanol content sensor voltage adapter for E85
Steering Wheel: Xuji Perforated Leather Wheel Wrap w/ blue stitching (had for ~3yrs, was very nice)
March 2023: Upgraded to EZT Carbon Fiber wheel with perforated leather (link)

 

[SneakyDeeky]

2/25/15:
Brought the car home and immediately peaved that I didn't notice the Santa Monica dealership had already put swirl marks in the paint when they detailed it and then sealed them in when they applied PermaPlate. Just need to wait 2-3 months for the paint to firm up and then a Chemical Guys paint correction Saturday will be in order.















3/8/15:
Maiden canyon carve thru Malibu's Santa Monica Mountains chasing my buddy's Lotus Exige S and being chased by my other buddy's Infiniti G35. Feeling the VW love. Good times.













3/15/15:
THREAD: Poll: Which wheels should I get for my R?



3/18/15:
Volkswagen Racing Springs installed by local dealership (Pacific VW in Manhattan Beach, CA).
Labor cost for spring install and re-alignment performed 1 week later = $460.
Weak offsets of the OEM Cadiz wheels look 10x worse once lowered. Ordered spacers later that day.

Nice, any thoughts on the feel of the VWR springs?

They're great - definitely stiffer than OEM, but still well paired with the DCC. Linear feel as I expected from their website description.
- Around town, "Comfort mode" feels bouncy to me, but it felt that way with the OEM springs too. That said, the VWR springs make it a little more pronounced.
- Around town, "Normal mode" is the way to go with the DCC as it feels perfect.
- Around town, "Race mode" feels tight and stiff, but I like it and am used to it as my last car (BMW 335i) was setup that way for the track. This is how I setup my "Individual mode," as I use it to mix things up with "Normal mode" for daily driving.
- On the freeway, "Comfort mode" is the way to go as it still feels OEM.
- On the freeway, "Normal mode" feels... well, normal. in a good way
- On the freeway, "Race mode" feels too tight. No bouncing or anything, but why stay on this setting when "Comfort" or "Normal" are so much better?
- In the canyons, "Race mode" shines. In fact, it was so good, I didn't even try anything else, except for tweaking the steering setting to "Comfort", but I actually like the heavier steering feel of "Race mode" while enjoying some spirited driving. Can't wait to Autocross and Track this thing (signed up for next month).

Overall, the springs are great and as advertised. They exaggerate the strengths and weaknesses of each DCC mode, but don't really change those strengths or weaknesses; just make everything sharper / more pronounced. Hope this helps.



3/21/15:
Installed ECS Tuning Spacers (10.5mm front, 15mm rear), 70mm Wheels Studs and R14 Ball Seat Lug Nuts to fix the stance.







3/22/15:
THREAD: Malibu Canyon Carving: Golf R + Lotus Exige S

Lots of good reasons to hit the canyons this weekend as my engine break-in was done, VWR Sport Springs installed, and stance corrected courtesy of ECS Tuning's spacers and wheels studs. I wanted to make sure the new mods didn't cause any rubbing during aggressive driving on bumpy roads and this road definitely answered that question - Good news... no rubbing.

Notes:
- 10.5mm (front)
- 15mm (rear)
- DCC set to "Race"
- Piuma Road, Malibu, CA - LINK to Google Maps





















Right as we were getting ready to go I snapped a few pics of a group of fellow "spirited drivers."

4/18/15:
Just ordered a set of these in matte graphite with some red center caps. Three months and they'll be here as Rays doesn't manufacture wheels until they get enough ordered and then they have to ship from Japan... oh well, so pretty they're worth the wait.

http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/m...ct_Code=57MS-1985-44-5112&Category_Code=G07EX

Picture a combo of the two pictures below...

These wheels...

... and this color combo...

4/30/15:
Parts installed:
1) Bremmen Parts Honeycomb Grille with Chrome Stripe wrapped in 3M Carbon Fiber Vinyl - http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_VII_R--2.0T_Gen3/Exterior/Body/ES2794985/
2) Black Front Emblem - https://deutscheautoparts.com/catal...ack-front-emblem-mk7-gti-golf/category/15161/
3) Black Rear Emblem - https://deutscheautoparts.com/make-...r/emblems/black-rear-emblem-mk7-gti-golf.html
Note: 4 months later this rear emblem just fell off when I opened the rear hatch after the car had been parked in the sun for an hour. Ordered a replaced with a Eurobadgez Gloss Black Rear Emblem.
4) Black rear "R" Emblem Sticker
5) eBay "R" Emblem (note that it's not the same size as OEM; slightly larger so the black sticker doesn't fit correctly... oh well - http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-3D-Blac...t-For-R-line-Golf-Polo-Scirocco-/121623215319
6) Black Anodized (B2) S2T Paddles - http://www.s2tpp.com/VW.html

EDIT: couple of tips I shared with another forum member that I learned while installing the S2T paddles:
The pin was easy to remove as I used some small needle nose pliers, but it was a pain to get back in. Couple of tips for install:
1) don't worry about the fuse, it's fine to leave installed and the battery connected
2) turn the steering wheel 90 degrees to the right before you start so the bottom is facing the drivers' door
3) before installing the S2T paddles, I used a slightly oversized drill bit and turned it by hand to put a small chamfer on the bottom edge of the top hole so that when the pin is being reinstalled it more easily falls into place. Before doing this, the pin kept getting caught and wouldn't fully engage
4) before re-inserting the pin, make sure the S2T paddle is fully inserted and can click / shift up or down
Happy modding!

A bit off topic, but I'm curious how did you install the rear license plate while still using the faulty VW bracket.
I'm reluctant to remove the bracket and put more holes, looking for a japan->us plate "converter" but still can't find one.
Found this but not sure if it works

I used this per another forum members' recommendation...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SCETXU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works and looks great now that it's mounted, but I did have to open up two of the inner edges of the top slots using a Dremel in order for it to fit.



5/9/15:
THREAD: SoCal Pacific Ocean Sunset Pics | Palos Verdes, CA | VWR Springs | PermaPlate

Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu in the background...

6/6/15:
Loaded up the SQ5 and R and moved the family into our new home.





6/20/15:
Just ordered the Maxton Front Lip. Will post pics once installed.

6/21/15:
First track day with the Golf R. Very happy with its performance... we've bonded as there will be many more of these in its future.

 

[SneakyDeeky]

6/28/15:
Called for a status update on my wheel order and was told they wouldn't ship for another 2.5 months. Got impatient and cancelled my order. Placed new order in the next 15 minutes.



7/12/15:
Had to take the car into the dealership for a check engine light. Turns out it was an emissions issue due to a failed evaporator canister and pressure valve. Both were replaced under warranty at no cost.
While it was in the shop, my front lip arrived. I dropped it off and the dealership had it installed in less than hour and charged me $62. I was planning to install it myself, but it was already up on a lift and it was worth my time.
Happy with the look and fitment, but a little flimsier than I was expecting as it flexes quite a bit.
PS - vanity plate installed.

Looks awesome, congrats

Can you maybe post a pic full front on?

How's the quality and fitment?
Is it soft plastic that can take a scratch or hard plastic which will crack if you brush a curb?

The splitter looks great! How much was it? How long did it take to get? How hard was it to install? Did you have to drill into the stock bumper? Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks guys.

Quality is as expected as it's made from ABS, which is a rugged plastic that can definitely take a scratch and will not crack unless you really nail a parking curb or something. Our cars have parking sensors that detect the parking curbs anyway so it's almost cheating to daily this thing. Plus, I'm used to driving a lowered car and had a carbon fiber splitter on my daily driven BMW 335i, which was only 3" off the ground. This splitter still has way more clearance than that and at 1/4 the price point of my last splitter, has little to no pressure daily driving. My wife would probably say there's still lots of pressure, but hey, I don't really want her to drive it anyway. :laugh:

I ordered the splitter from the website linked below ($240 + tax).
http://store.blackforestindustries.com/madefrspvwgo2.html

It arrived in less than a week and although the box was battered and had holes in it despite being marked "fragile" the splitter itself was ok with only one exception as there was some cosmetic damage located in an area that's completely hidden once installed. I didn't think it was worth my time to contact the company as I didn't want to wait for another one to arrive.

Looked pretty easy to install and I was going to DIY, but I had my car in for service to fix the common emissions issue when the splitter arrived, so I dropped it off and had the dealership install for me. Fitment is great.

I'll post more pics once I wash the car next weekend. I just took it through the canyons yesterday so it's pretty dusty and covered with bugs at the moment... not inter webs worthy.

Yes, it requires holes to be match-drilled from the splitter into the underside of the bumper.

No worries - good questions! Hope this helps.



7/19/15:
New wheels mounted and OEM aluminum strip on bottom of bumper wrapped in Gloss Black 3M vinyl.

Gunmetal Forgestar F14's (square setup)
F: 19x8.5 et42 (no spacer - fender screw mod req'd)
R: 19x8.5 et42 w/ ECS Tuning 10.5mm spacer --> net offset = et31.5
Michelin Pilot Super Sports 235/35/19
Monster Lug Blue M14 x P1.50 Open Ended Lug Nuts (conical seat)













PS - Forgestar provided 75 to 57.1mm hubrings, which were perfect for use with the ECS Tuning 10.5mm spacer in the rear, but not the OEM hubs in the front. I had to use different aftermarket hub rings that have a wider chamfer so there's more surface area contacting the hub and wheel in the fronts. Kind of annoying to be honest, but they look great and no vibrations at 90 mph (verified on a closed track of course). Can't wait until the next track day.



8/8/15: Installed EZ Lip side skirts after work. Had them sitting on my workbench for over a week and decided with tomorrow's SoCal Golf R drive, that I should finally put them on.



8/9/15:
THREAD: Southern California Golf MK7 R" Drive PICTURES

New thread to post our pictures and GoPro footage from this morning's drive.

Link to original thread organizing the drive - way to go, Sal, it was a blast.






















































So you guys may have remembered seeing my dog, Biscuit, in the parking lot before we left? Well, he's been coming through the canyons with me since he was a puppy and has never had an issue - he knows to stay low. Well, today for whatever reason he lost his lunch in the last 10 minutes of the drive on Mulholland before we got back down to PCH. Gross, but kinda funny at the same time. I made him sit on the floor the rest of the ride home and threw his dog bed in the trash along PCH. Best part is it's all on the GoPro footage as I just look over and am like, "what the?" Once I found a place to pull off and clean it up, it ended being a really pretty spot so I snapped a few pics.

 

[SneakyDeeky]

1 year update...

 

[PRND[S]]

+1 Interwebs for color-coordinating the headings with the car color!

 

[Rob Daman]

looks great

 

[tofur]

Best looking R I've seen so far, the front lip/side skirts and lowering make a huge difference, blacked out chrome bits look great, wheels are awesome. Do you get any rubbing under hard cornering?

 

[HalvieCuw]

Your car is making me rethink doing coils over the VWR springs. Any stationary side shots?

 

[SneakyDeeky]

+1 Interwebs for color-coordinating the headings with the car color!

looks great

:beer:

Best looking R I've seen so far, the front lip/side skirts and lowering make a huge difference, blacked out chrome bits look great, wheels are awesome. Do you get any rubbing under hard cornering?

a little bit with the Forgestar F14 setup, but very, very minor. nothing with the OEM Cadiz + Spacers.

Your car is making me rethink doing coils over the VWR springs. Any stationary side shots?

Updated to add more pics :thumbup:

 

[dbsears]

How are you liking the 235 PSS? Did they add a bit more overall width compared to the OEM tires? They seems to run a bit wider compared to OEM Bridgestones and Continentals.

 

[Eric_M]

Awesome thread. I like the build and driving adventures!

Eric

 

[SneakyDeeky]

How are you liking the 235 PSS? Did they add a bit more overall width compared to the OEM tires? They seems to run a bit wider compared to OEM Bridgestones and Continentals.

Love them. You're right that their sidewalls are a couple millimeters taller and wider than most tires, but I like that as they're a meatier look.

Awesome thread. I like the build and driving adventures!

Eric

:beer: more adventures to come as I'm signed up for a track day at Big Willow with Speed District on 9/20. Anybody who wants to join should. If there's a lot of interest I'll contact Josh, the owner about a possible group pricing.

 

[notavr]

great build so far! car looks fantastic

 

[buymenow00]

Looks even better in person Sneaky!! I didn't realize that you originally wanted a different wheel, but 3 months is a pretty long wait...

 

[SneakyDeeky]

Wash + Polish + Wax + Wheel Fun

8/27/15:
Grandma's in town and since she's keeping the kiddos busy I decided it was time to finally remove the paint swirls.
9:30-10:45am - wash and dry
11:00-12:30 - pool time with the kids
12:30-1pm - family lunch
1:00-1:30pm - Forgestar Special Edition red center caps and stickers installed
1:30-3:00pm - Meguir's polish with Ingersoll Rand orbital polisher and Chemical Guys polishing pad
3:00-4:30pm - Zaino Pro 2 wax and Zaino Spray Enhancer plus a few quick pics

 

[nikhsub1]

Red center caps and red wheel decals, hmm... wonder where I saw that before On a more serious note, you need LED tails bad - lose the honeycomb grill too eace: :beer: I know it's yours but you should just do what I say anyway :laugh:

 

[29_MALE_SOCAL_SPICY]

This thread needs more [email protected]

 

[dgreenberg]

Sneaky's MK7 Golf R Build Thread & Driving Adventures

8/27/15:
Grandma's in town and since she's keeping the kiddos busy I decided it was time to finally remove the paint swirls.
9:30-10:45am - wash and dry
11:00-12:30 - pool time with the kids
12:30-1pm - lunch
1:00-1:30pm - Forgestar Special Edition red center caps and stickers installed
1:30-3:00pm - meguir's polish with Ingersoll Rand orbital polisher and Chemical Guys polishing pad
3:00-4:30pm - Zaino Pro 2 wax and Zaino Spray Enhancer plus a few quick pics

Wow. Love your setup! Color combo is perfect! Looking to copy your fitment and drop except with Rotiform BLQ's! Haha

Also on the rear springs how did you have them installed? Do the vwr run any kind of pad on the upper or lower perch like some of the other lowering springs?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SneakyDeeky]

Red center caps and red wheel decals, hmm... wonder where I saw that before On a more serious note, you need LED tails bad - lose the honeycomb grill too eace: :beer: I know it's yours but you should just do what I say anyway :laugh:

My next mods will be...
1) camber plates - http://www.performancebyie.com/ie-adjustable-camber-plates-for-mk7-mqb-chassis
2) brakes - not sure if I'll go BBK or just pads and SS lines for now. I really wish StopTech had a kit out for fronts and rears.
3) maybe a tune - you like your APR tune? I thought I remember you saying it pulled timing and hit limp mode during your track day, which makes me lean towards the GIAC flash loader (if anything) so I can go back to stock for track days.

This thread needs more [email protected]

:banghead:

Wow. Love your setup! Color combo is perfect! Looking to copy your fitment and drop except with Rotiform BLQ's! Haha
Also on the rear springs how did you have them installed? Do the vwr run any kind of pad on the upper or lower perch like some of the other lowering springs?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had the dealership install them so I dunno if there's a perch pad or not. They ride nice

 

[nikhsub1]

3) maybe a tune - you like your APR tune? I thought I remember you saying it pulled timing and hit limp mode during your track day, which makes me lean towards the GIAC flash loader (if anything) so I can go back to stock for track days.

I love the APR tune, Stage 2. I never hit limp mode but at the track, it was 90-ish and I could feel heat soak setting in. Car was solid except for that, nothing an intercooler won't fix though.