The 5 BEST Modifications for the MK8 GTI and Golf R ~ Do THESE First!

If you plan to modify mk8 Golf R, GTI or most other VWs, these are the mods I feel are the best first mods to make. These mods are pretty affordable, improve the car greatly, and make driving an owning the MK8 Golf R all around better. Even if you plan to further modify the MK8 Golf R, you have to start modifying somewhere. I think these are the best first modifications you can make.

0:00 ~ Best MK8 Mods
0:46 ~ MK8 Hood Strut
1:20 ~ MK8 Rear Swaybar
2:30 ~ MK8 Coding and programming
3:00 ~ MK8 Fake Engine Noise
4:37 ~ MK8 GTI MK8 R Exhaust
5:58 ~ MK8 Short Shifter
7:30 ~ MK8R MK8 GTI Tune
10:22 ~ BEST MK8 Mods

Filmed and edited by the best video dude in the biz, Ray Youman

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Disclimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[HumbleMechanic]

As much as I have LOVED my time with the MK8, it's time for it to go to a new home. Ive heard those rumors about special editions at the end of mk8.5 for the R... might be saving my pickles for that. :)

[tentacleslap]

1) Shift knob. Speedshifters GT2 in perforated red leather and brushed black. Looks and feels great
2) Stereo upgrade with DSP Amp, 2x12" subs, new speakers, sound deadening, and the all-important volume knob added. Professionally installed. Sounds amazing

Aside from deleting the fender plastic wing things and a hood strut I'll leave it there until the warranty expires. Probably.

[mackm]

I love that Anthony Chrisekos made the list. The Matrix headlights, Mode retaining, and sound upgrade were exceptional value, IME.

[psnmadracer]

BIG +1 for the pay-to-play game with tuning. Got my 7.5 4 years ago and it took every ounce of self discipline to not tune it. I told myself i would wait until the warranty expired, and i am so glad i did. With 40, 000mi on the clock and 8 months left on the warranty, my transmission started producing a funny sound, so i took it to the dealer and they decided to replace the entire transmission under warranty. I am 100% certain that if i was tuned they would absolutely have denied the claim.

Now, I'm ~5 months out of warranty and ive been tuned since the week after the warranty expired. Loving every minute with the extra power!

[Deutscheautoparts]

I’m feeling a little called out about the shift knob

[gregmayfield]

Charles, u and Paul are the best. Entertaining and insightful. I have a Mk8R. Just had DAP Ohio install the holy shift and a knob. Feels great.

Was surprised to hear ur clutch is holding. Thats what has kept me from tuning so far.

Keep up the great content.

[hovanyourjunk]

My 2024 GTI SE came with the spare…got it 5 weeks ago. Probably seen every video possible on YouTube since. You and Paul are my absolute favorite guys to watch! So far: APR intake, Golf R spoiler, RL hood strut, 034 rear sway and end links (on the way) and a whole bunch of small cosmetics. I’m addicted! Wheels and tires next followed by a cat-back exhaust (maybe just the downpipe for now…idk yet)

[TRHamza]

Great video Charles! Do miss my MK8 at times, they drive so good even standard. Lets see what the MK8.5R brings!

[cooltigerdude]

I would love a video update on the MK8 with some details on its issues that the dealership needed to fix.

[diffieq]

A companion mod for any tune is a good set of summer tires.

All seasons tend to spin under hard acceleration after a tune.

[christopherhanlon]

I picked up new Golf R. I couldn't agree more about the exhaust tips.

[erikvoelkle]

I think my 40th is perfect out of the box! I bought it lightly used with H&R springs and after taking those out the car felt way better!

[CM.]

Had a 7.5R and while agreeing with the sound being turned down, the best mod was a Pedalbox that took the delay out of the throttle. Not an issue with the insurance company either. Transformed the car and would definitely would advise if not doing any tunes.

[acmtechnik]

This video is awesome! Thank you Charles! I definitely couldn't agree more when it comes to the Matrix Activation. Also, the rear sway bar is a definite MUST. I think that was one of the first things I did aside from the springs and the hood strut.

[JettaJack]

My number one mod to any VW is heated blind spot exterior mirrors! Eliminating blind spots is critical for anyone driving in traffic.

[Ryoneftw]

I'm absolutely in love with my MK7 GTI Performance, it has a full exhaust, intake, tune, man I can't be happier. It sounds so mean and handles so well.

[malcolm]

I've been watching your videos for years. Finally jumped into a VW! Picked up a 2023 Arteon SEL R line. With 4motion and DSG!

[BOOSTEDDUDE]

Great suggestions on the different manufacturers and tuners setups to go with and other mods. "The ultimate parking lot flex with the folding mirrors."💪😎 That's a really nicely done up MK8 and must be a ton of fun! I hope it finds a good new home.

[erikthie]

i have a 2022 vw golf r. I noticed when i was at the dealership the other day that power folding mirrors is now either an option or standard. I bought and put on power folding mirrors from Paul (no install option...). I also bought and installed the shopdap short shifter. Lastly, i changed the rear view mirror to the frameless one which has the compass within it and integrated garage door opener. The rearview mirror is really a head scratcher that it wasn't included in the standard purchase. I wish that the trunk hatch had a power opener, but that is stretching it.
Thanks for this update video. I am thinking about an exhaust and a tune, but that will happen after warranty ends.
Great channel. Love the content.

[gti]

I’ve upgraded the rear sway bar on a few FWD cars I’ve had, but I’ve been wondering how it improves an AWD car.

I love the coding changes, and is one reason I miss owning a VW. One of best changes I did on my Mk6 GLI was enabling heated seat memory for both front seats. Also the short shifter I installed on that car made a huge difference! Highly recommend.