The site recommends upgrading brakes and suspension. I can understand brakes. But do they mean like more pistons or just different pads? And as far as suspension, I guess they mean like a coilover right? Also, they said this kit produces just under 400hp and like 380 or 390 torque. I checked a bunch of pages but no luck. Wouldn't you have to do some serious tranny / drivetrain mods so the car could handle all the extra hp?

 

that would be directed more towards a jetta/gti 1.8t with smaller brakes and less sporty suspension. With nice pads, the stock brakes are very capable. You must be talking about the 225 kit with a gt2871r. You will just need to upgrade the cluth and pressure plate to handle the load

 

I have been looking at this kit and few others. On the APR website they have disclaimer about upgrading the engine internals as well as the brakes (like the Brembo BBKs) and suspension (I also assume this means coilovers as well).

APR Web Site
The power increase with the APR Stage III kit for the 2.0T is substantial. It is highly recommended that brake and suspension upgrades are done to safely use the potential of this upgrade. It is also recommended that the stock engine internals be upgraded for power levels above 93 octane, as APR is not responsible for this type of damage to the engine.

I have spoke with a few shops that install APR stage III kits and they claim on 91 octane they have not seen problems on the installations they have done with stock internals.

 

with stock internals and intake manifold, you will not have any problems with pump gas. Its when you start going beyond stock engines, adding boost and/or timingand higher octane gas that you need to worry about internals.

 

So on 91-octane, the engine could actually handle just under 400hp ?

 

it will, just depends on the turbo used. The 2871r puts the rods on the edge with pump and a stock engine. Add in intake manifold or race gas and you will cross that threshold due to a larger low end tq.