I am currently in the market for a 2002.5 and up MK4 Gti, but im stuck between getting the 1.8t or the VR6. Im pretty sure the 1.8t vs VR6 question has been asked a million times already, but mine is slightly different. I already know that the 1.8t responds very well to mods, and is a lot cheaper to mod than a VR6, but is it really that hard to get HP out of the VR6 without spending big bucks? I really like the VR6 (no turbo lag, sounds bad**) but if it is expensive to mod, I will probably get the 1.8t.

1. If I had $1000 to spend on engine mods, about how much HP/TQ would I be looking at with an N/A VR6? A 1.8t with stock turbo? What about $2000?

2. Is the turbo lag bad on a 1.8t? If so, would a chip reduce lag?

3. Also, Ive heard that the 1.8t is more nimble than a VR6 because the engine is lighter. How true is this?

Thats about all I can think of for now. Thanks for any input!

 

Alright here's my car mods and prices...
1)GIAC chip computer installed-$300
2)Air Intake-$30??made my own, dyno'd at more HP gain then K&N
3)Magnaflow Exhaust-Uncle owns own shop-FREE
4)Underdrive pulley-$150-Performance-cafe.com-Euro sport pulley
5)Rims & tires-Discount at Discount Tire-former employee but still get discounts
6)Smoked Tail Lights-$80 included shipping-bought from a member of this site
7)Diamond plated mesh grill-$25 plus shipping-bodykits.net

Add all that up, I have the VR6 and I smoke stock 1.8T. Yea both cars are expensive but I can do more things to mine.

 

yes the vr6 got more power but if you boost the gti to about 13 pounds of boost it should be faster than the vr6