First off, I've owned and modified several Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4s and am planning on making my first venture into the modification of the more complex European cars.
Anyways, my father owns a 2000 TT (1.8T) and has chosen to make it his garaged sportscar. We've decided the sub 200PS is about 100 too low. I would like input from you guys regarding the best way to achieve the 50% increase in power.
Would you guys bore/stroke it to 2.0+ or swap the newer 2.0 liter?
I was also contemplating replacing the k04 with a mitsubishi 16g (Lancer Evolution turbo), which is ideal for 2 liters. Are there better, more popular ball bearing turbos you guys usually swap for those kind of numbers? (gt30 maybe?)

The ecu is really the biggest concern. Are there ecu modifications you guys use or do you usually go AEM?

Finally, I think the drivetrain should be fine up to 300ps, but I don't know. So any thoughts? Also, I HATE the damn front wheel based, Haldex awd system of the TT. This is where my knowledge is lacking the most, but do you guys have any aftermarket differentials capable of making the car TRUELY awd (i would LOVE to find an aftermarket solution for 40/60 split!)


My apologies for having so many questions, but thanks!

 

well, theres 2 options for aftermarket haldex controllers, blue, and orange, both can provide a 50/50 split, the orange is designated 'race only' as it keeps the rear tires engaged 100% of the time (stock or blue controller releases the rear end during braking to avoid spinouts or something) I have the Haldex Blue controller, I like it.

That'll take care of your power split front to rear, if you're making this a dedicated track car, and have money to spend, a limited slip would be nice. Even with the quattro, i'll sometimes get that inside front tire to lift up a bit and spin when i hammer it out of a real tight turn.

Chip tuning- There are a few choices you can go with, read the 'TT FAQ' stickied at the top of the forum, tons of info there.

I've heard you're good up over 400hp with the drivetrain, I can't show you anything in writing but I know they're very solid.

 

i like this 16G evo turbo swap idea... let me know how that goes. i'd jus scrap the TT and get an evo lol.

 

The stock engine can hold about 300ftlbs before you should worry (sorry, dont know the ps conversions). Also, the 180 comes with a ko3 in the 2000's which is a less efficent than the newer ko3s in the 2001+ 180's. The 225 version is the only one with a ko4 turbo. No point in incresing the bore/stroke of the engine unless you plan on much more power than stated above. As for the 16g, please dont. It spools above 4k and no one makes anything for it. You really need to stick with a garrett turbo and either a T or GT version.

 

Just think it's cool that you're working together with your dad to rebuild his car. Best of luck with it, whatever you choose to do.