I run the full APR intake system and, most importantly, the APR Intercooler. My large intercooler keeps IATs (and therefore EGTs) down. This keeps the oil temps in the safe zone where 0W-20 still protects the bearings.
Personally, I drove at Stage 2 for a while and then went up to 3 for 93 AKI gasoline. I am happy I did. I have noticed more lag, but it is with respect to faster acceleration; I have not noticed more lag with respect to how the car drove at Stage 1 or 2. The lag is there, but as others were discussing above, I start out in race mode using the manual paddle shifters and allow the RPMs to go higher than the TCU would normally allow to build up exhaust gases in 1st gear. I then flip the vehicle into S-mode to allow the TCU to take over and the car will quickly shift through 2nd into 3rd gear, where most ppl with these cars feel the acceleration really kicks in. Also, turn off the ESC stability control; it really hampers acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear as well.... though you better keep those hands well-gripped on the steering wheel when you stop the accelerator ;-)
In 2 years/ 27k miles, I never had to add oil between oil changes. My MK7 was the same way.
The APR intercooler is very good and more than adequate for anything stock turbo. The stock intercooler is the devil, I can feel that turd heatsoaking in our current 35ish temps and anything over 40 and it feels like it's heat soaked before I even have full oil temps.
Thanks for this great thread. I was about to pull the trigger on the EQT update for full torque on my Mk8R but I'm similarly skeptically about the possible long term consequences. Frankly speaking, it's darn quick already and I appreciate the overall flat torque curve. I feel it will be better for the track as well when I'm really revving it out..
The mk8 is certainly less subtle than the mk7, especially in Lapiz Blue. I've had my fair share of guys wanting to run. Elantra n, civic type r, a few Audi s's, WRX. On an empty highway I'll enjoy a few friendly 40-90 pulls in good fun.
APR Stage 1 tune, APR Intercooler, APR Intake.
Just had the DTR6054 installed on my 2020 GTI along with IE catted downpipe. Went with the 93 octane option and other list of mods includes APR intercooler, APR cat back exhaust, and APR carbon fiber intake. Having had the APR STG1 tune for the last 18 months, I can tell you the power difference is significant, and overall engine and exhaust growl is noticeable.
Personally, I babied it up until 500 miles, light throttle and shifts below 4k always. Used manual a lot to alter the revs a bit. Slowly increased max shift RPM up until about 750 miles, then I started giving it some more aggressive 3/4 throttle pulls occasionally up to 5k or 5.5k. Launch control at 1000 my miles on the dot and drive it like I stole it since. She's at just under 5k miles and driving great!
Great guide! Thanks for the write-up. I don't necessarily hate View 9 but do get annoyed that it resets my default. Have disabled most and will stick with 8 for the most part.
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The brand is registered in USA. Official website: https://www.goapr.com.
In March 2026, PartReview has a mixed opinion of APR intercooler. PR Score — 97 out of 100, based on 24 reviews and 73 votes. 23 positive reviews, 1 neutral review, 0 negative reviews. Average rating — 4.5 (out of 5). Votes: 71 up, 2 down.
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