Alright, I've always wanted a TT, and now that the prices have dropped substantially, I'm SERIOUSLY considering making the purchase. My question is, how much power can you "easily" get out of the 225 Quattro? I'm a long time Mustang guy looking for a little refinement and handling. Getting 600+ hp out of a Stang is an easy task. That's not what I'm looking for out of the TT, but I want the thing to run. How readily available are the performance parts, turbo upgrades, etc? I haven't looked extensively yet, but the parts I've found are definitely more expensive than those for domestic rides. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

 

i came from a heavily modified mustang GT, and i am very happy with my TT, it was weird losing all that power at first, but i am confident when i have alot of the mods i wnat to have done, done to this car with will be so much more fun than my mustang, already in the backroads it tears up anything the stang could have done. some of the maintenance witht he TT has gotten me pretty upset but that is a risk buying any car. I find myself very happy with TT overall and i think its a great car

 

I've seen quite a few mentions of maintenance issues in this forum. Are these cars reliable?

 

Ive had my car for 5 yrs and no mechanical problems other than the new turbo I put in. But all the stock stuff has done good, just a few minor things that go wrong on all cars. Plus I paid no money for maintenance or oil changes for 5 yrs so that will make up for any minor things that come around.

 

Yep i was a mustang owner and now i have my TT. i love it, it handles so good . i do miss all the torque and wheel spin. when it comes to strait line performance the mustang wins but not by a whole lot. but on the street, in turns hahhahahha not a chance in any mustang or camaro. i am having a few problems but they are getting fixed and its worth it. as far as modding these things all thats needed to make ice power is a turbo upgrade and a few other odds and ends.

 

Ever seen a 400hp VW GTI? Well the 225 has the same motor, but with sronger internals and a bit lower compression ratio, so with a big turbo you can actually go a bit further without having to rebuild the bottom end. Unlike other small displacement motors these make very good torque figures (often higher then peak HP) so with some work you wont be missing much from your Rustang. And you get the added benefit of Quattro and a decent suspension/brake setup.

For around $3000 you can get into the 300+awhp range without touching the Turbo if you start with a 225.

For the record if you plan on modifying the car starting from the 225 isnt really necesarry unless you are planning on shooting for the moon without rebuilding the bottom end. The only thing you want to make sure you have is Quattro, FWD TT's bite the big one. As for the gearbox, Ive driventhem all (5spd, 6spd, and Tip)and much prefer the 5spd gearing over the close ratio 6, but thats probably a more personal choice. I will say the 5spd offers more grunt in the bottom for everyday driving and the 6spd is better suited to highspeed highway pulls. 5spd will be quicker, 6spd will be faster with all other variables being equal(even though they are NOT equal from the factory).

If youre about performance skip the Roadster, the added weight and chassis flex isnt going to do you any good. Make sure to ask the Salesman about the waterpump/timing belt service if the car is nearor over 60k miles. Check out the instrument cluster for a fully working center display and make sure the gauges are properly aligned with the car off and cold, and with the ignition in 'run'. Make sure the headlight sprayers work. While driving the car listen for odd turbo noises such as unusually loud spool, or honking while under boost. Try driving under different conditions to check for surging on acceleleration, or brake pedal pulsatio/vibrationon normal and hard stops. Make sure the windows drop about a 1/4" when you open the doorsand seal fully when they are shut. The wheel should turn full lock, to full lock relatively easily while sitting still, if it seems to take a bit of effort or the suspension clunks or groans, be weary. Fianlly get or perform a full synthetic oil change, and Haldex service ASAP after taking delivery. Thats pretty much all I can think of for specific systems to check out on the TT that are most commonly trouble spots.

Any other specific questions, shoot me a PM I can get you an answer.