If you’re making more horsepower, brakes become just as important as the power mods because they:
- Reduce stopping distance, especially from higher speeds.
- Resist brake fade during repeated hard braking.
- Improve confidence and control on the street or track.
- Help keep the car balanced when combined with good tires and suspension.
A common saying among enthusiasts is: “Power helps you go fast. Brakes help you survive going fast.”
I’ve done the (calipers, appropriate rotors, quality pads, stainless lines, and brake fluid), it made a significant noticeable difference in repeated hard braking and heat management compared with the stock brakes.
18 Z Big Brake Kit Upgrade Parts List
Hub Centric – https://amzn.to/3oIYsNm
Rotors – https://amzn.to/33ej3Rn
Brake Wear Sensor – https://bit.ly/4hcUI2D
Stainles Steel Brake Lines – https://bit.ly/4b9iEA0
Brake Pads – https://bit.ly/3RtjL6Y
Caliper Hardware – https://bit.ly/4b8GUlR
Caliper Securing Bolt – https://bit.ly/4b54iAK
Brembo 18z Calipers – https://bit.ly/4bT9uYv
If you’re thinking about upgrading your GTI brakes, I put together a complete step-by-step guide video on installing Porsche 18Z big brakes.
18 Z Big Brake Kit Upgrade Step by step Video
I installed a Garrett GTX3071R big turbo, a Tial external wastegate, a Tial blow-off valve, and upgraded charge pipes on my Mk6 Volkswagen GTI.
This setup is a major upgrade from stock and is designed to produce significantly more power with the proper supporting modifications and custom stage3 tuning.
The upgraded charge pipes improve airflow and durability while helping the turbo system handle higher boost pressures more reliably. Along with these performance upgrades, I’ve enhanced the car’s overall reliability and responsiveness, making it better suited for high-boost street and track driving.
Intercooler
I installed a Treadstone TR8 front-mount intercooler to improve cooling efficiency and reduce intake air temperatures under high boost.
The larger intercooler helps prevent heat soak, allowing the engine to maintain more consistent performance during spirited driving and repeated pulls. It also supports the increased airflow demands of my Garrett GTX3071R big turbo setup, improving reliability and power potential.
I created a detailed step-by-step video demonstrating how to install the Treadstone TR8 front-mount intercooler on my Mk6 Volkswagen GTI. In the video, I walk through the entire installation process, including removing the factory components, mounting the intercooler, routing the charge pipes, and reassembling everything correctly. I also share tips, the tools I used, and lessons I learned to help other enthusiasts complete the installation with confidence.
Clutch Kit Upgrade
I installed a Stage 3 clutch and pressure plate along with a lightweight flywheel to handle the increased power and torque from my big turbo setup while improving throttle response and overall performance.
I also installed a Dieselgeek short-throw shifter, which provides shorter, more precise shifts and gives the car a more responsive and engaging driving experience.
Clutch Upgrade Parts List
Stage 3 Clutch Kit
Rear Main Seal Upgrade
I created a detailed step-by-step video showing how I installed the Stage 3 clutch kit and lightweight flywheel on my Mk6 Volkswagen GTI. In the video, I walk through the entire installation process, including removing the transmission, replacing the clutch and flywheel, installing the new pressure plate, and reassembling everything to factory specifications. I also share the tools I used, and tips to help make the installation easier for anyone tackling this job themselves.
Mounts
I installed Black Forest Industries (BFI) Stage 3 engine and transmission mounts on my Mk6 Volkswagen GTI to better handle the increased power and torque from my big turbo setup.
The upgraded mounts significantly reduce engine and drivetrain movement during hard acceleration and aggressive shifting, providing a more direct connection between the engine and chassis.
They also improve power transfer and overall driving feel, making the car more responsive and better suited for high-performance street and track use.
Engine Mounts Parts List
Stage 2 Mount Kit
Dogbone Insert
I created a detailed step-by-step video showing how I installed the Black Forest Industries (BFI) Stage 2 engine and transmission mounts on my Mk6 Volkswagen GTI. In the video, I walk through the entire installation process, including safely supporting the engine, removing the factory mounts, and installing the upgraded BFI mounts. I also share the tools I used.
Control Arms
I upgraded the lower control arm bushings to polyurethane bushings to improve suspension rigidity, steering response, and overall handling. The stiffer bushings reduce unwanted suspension deflection during acceleration, braking, and cornering, providing a more precise and connected driving experience.
Bushings Kit Parts List
Polyurethane Bushings
Subframe Collar Kit
I created a detailed step-by-step video showing how I upgraded the lower control arm bushings on my Mk6 Volkswagen GTI. In the video, I walk through the entire installation process, including removing the factory control arm bushings, pressing in the new polyurethane bushings, reinstalling the control arms, and properly torquing all hardware to specification. I also share the tools I used, helpful installation tips, and best practices to make the job easier for anyone looking to improve their vehicle’s handling and suspension performance.
Sway Bars
I also installed Eibach front and rear sway bars to reduce body roll and improve cornering stability.
The upgraded sway bars help keep the car flatter through turns, enhance overall balance, and increase driver confidence during spirited street driving and track use. Together, these suspension upgrades provide sharper handling and better control, complementing the increased performance of my Mk6 Volkswagen GTI.
Swaybars Parts List
Front Sway Bar
Rear Sway Bar
I created a detailed step-by-step video showing how I installed the Eibach front and rear sway bars on my Mk6 Volkswagen GTI. In the video, I walk through the entire installation process, including removing the factory sway bars, installing the upgraded Eibach components. anyone looking to improve their vehicle’s handling, reduce body roll, and enhance overall cornering performance this is a decent upgrade.