Mods to make a golf tdi handle like a gti?

Cuzoe

Veteran Member
Joined
May 24, 2017
Location
Los Angeles
TDI
MK7 Golf S
My Mk7 TDI is full GTI(+) in the front, and half GTI in the rear. I won't opine on how my setup "feels" unless someone is curious but I'm happy to answer questions as best I can regarding the parts and such.
 

coolusername

Veteran Member
Joined
May 4, 2022
Location
Orange, CA
TDI
2012 Jetta Sportwagen TDI
No reason you can't give a TDI at least 90% of a GTI's performance, they share at least 90% of the same parts for a start. While the Golf7 TDI didn't get the IRS like the GTI, on smooth roads they'll be little difference. Front end is the same, and most any better bits the GTI got can be retrofitted to a TDI. As for power, the GTI has us beat in peak power, but we got the torque!
Wouldn't it be theoretically possible to swap in IRS? You'd have to delete the AdBlue system, but that's the only reason why the TDI has a twist beam in the back, is because there wasn't enough room for the AdBlue tank and an independent rear suspension. I'd imagine the GTI rear subframe would bolt in without too much hassle.
 

Manwoll

New member
Joined
May 4, 2023
Location
New Zealand
TDI
2006 MKV 1.9 tdi
What’s with the attitude? I have no gti dreams. I had a gti. It was great fun, and the same generation so I know more or less what my tdi can handle like. It’s not a different car. I have a different car that I would take to a track day or for HPDE. I just would like my daily to handle a little better.
I'm in New Zealand with a 2006 TDI - I put brakes from a TSI/GT and 17 by 8 wheels with Potenza? tyres. Got the wheel off the GT etc and it handles pretty well compared to stock.

There's a GTI MKV at the wreckers and I'll go and get the sway bar soon. Also an Audi TT I think the solid bar is interchangeable.

Cool, I get that you like the diesel power....
 

RabbitGTI

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 20, 1997
Location
Wisconsin
TDI
B4 Passat Sedan
Hi all, This is my First post as I just got my 2015 VW golf TDI a few weeks ago. I used to have a gen 7 GTI and I’d like to get the tdi to handle more like it. I’m guessing I will need to change the shocks, springs, sway bars, and wheels. If you’ve done this, I would really appreciate it if you could summarize your project and results. Thanks
"Handling" has a lot to do with what you intend to do with the car. Autocross? Lapping days? More fun daily driver? A few mods that apply to any build are a limited slip diff and appropriate tires.
 
Top