It is no mystery the factory-tuned 1.8T is restricted in many ways. Throughout the VW/Audi aftermarket industry, tuners and enthusiasts have upgraded the 1.8 motor to perform well above its original output. Components such as the exhaust, intercooler, air induction pipe and software have shown good gains when uprated. The performance limitations of the stock parts can somewhat be attributed to manufacturer regulations, vehicle emissions and cost.

Our Project Silverstone was already equipped with several performance upgrades to boost its performance. It's been flashed with GIAC software and has an Evolution Racewerks front-mount intercooler (et 9/06), Samco Sport air induction hose, Techtonics Tuning exhaust with downpipe, Forge Motorsport diverter valve and Evolution Sports BMC intake.

While these parts comprise the most popular bolt-on products a 1.8T owner can install, a bigger turbo would be the next major step to gain considerably power, but unfortunately it carries the heaviest damage to our checkbook. Consequently, it's something we've not got round to. However, there's something else we overlooked - the exhaust manifold.

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