The driving season is coming to an end. The last meets are still on the agenda, but the evenings are getting shorter and the first cold mornings have already arrived. For many enthusiasts, this is the time to look ahead: what are you going to do during the months when your car is driven less?
A good winter project does not start in December, but now. Which upgrades make sense depends mainly on your goal: do you want to improve reliability, move towards Stage 2, get more power or build a complete performance project?
In this article, we look at which upgrades are well suited to the winter months. From maintenance after a demanding season to an intercooler, downpipe, turbo upgrade, brakes and suspension. For each step, we mention specific parts for the platforms we often see in our workshop.
Start with your end goal
Of course, you do not have to carry out every upgrade from this article. The right order depends on your car, your current setup and, above all, where you ultimately want to go.
Reliability and maintenance
Start with spark plugs, ignition coils, filters, brakes and a general inspection.
Stage 2
Think of hardware such as an intake and intercooler, combined with software suited to the setup.
More power
A larger turbo, upgraded exhaust and matching software come into play when you want to go beyond Stage 2.
A complete performance project
Combine power with brakes, suspension and, if necessary, a dyno run to properly match the entire setup.
By determining your end goal in advance, you avoid buying parts that will no longer fit with the rest of your setup later.
Why you should plan your winter project now
Larger upgrades take time. You cannot install a turbo, intercooler kit or big brake kit between two drives. After installation, custom software and a dyno check may also be required. During the quieter months, it is easier to do without your car for a while.
Not all parts are immediately available from stock either. Specific versions and performance brands sometimes have to be ordered. By planning your project several months before the new season, you have more time for delivery, installation and any tuning.
Step 1: maintenance after a demanding season
A summer with lots of power, high revs and long drives puts a lot of strain on a car. So start with the basics. It is a relatively simple step and prevents you from carrying out a larger upgrade before the engine and drivetrain are in good condition.
Spark plugs. In tuned engines, spark plugs can wear out faster than with standard power. For the 2.0 TSI EA888 in the Golf GTI/R, Audi S3 and Cupra, the NGK Audi RS7 spark plugs a popular upgrade. If you are running significantly more power or a larger turbo, then the NGK Racing Competition R7438-9 an option. For more information about choosing and replacing spark plugs, read our spark plug guide for Golf R, RS3 and S3.
Ignition coils. You often only notice a weak ignition coil when the engine starts misfiring under full load. The RacingLine Performance ignition coils fit both the 2.0 TSI and 2.5 TFSI and can be a logical addition when replacing spark plugs.
Cleaning the air filter. You do not always replace an upgraded cotton or foam air filter; depending on the type, you can clean it. After a summer full of dust and insects, this is a good time to check the filter. For cotton filters, use the RacingLine air filter cleaning kit, for foam filters the Ramair cleaning kit.
Brakes and washing. Check your brake pads and brake discs now, not only after the first warm drive in spring. If your car stays on the road over the coming months, rinse off road salt regularly. A MTR wash bucket with grit guard helps prevent dirt and sand from being rubbed back into the paint.
Want to know what else to watch out for now that it is getting colder? Read getting your car ready for winter: what a remap can and cannot fix.
Step 2: the Stage 2 foundation - air intake and intercooler
Those moving toward Stage 2 often look at the air intake and intercooler first. The right hardware helps support airflow and the engine's temperature management under higher loads.
Which parts you need depends on the platform and the turbo.
VW Golf MK8 R/GTI Clubsport, Audi S3 8Y, Cupra Leon and Formentor
For these MQB EVO platforms, the Eventuri carbon air intake is one of the most popular upgrades in our webshop. For MQB EVO 2.0 TSI engines with a Continental turbo, there is also the RacingLine R600 mega package.
VW Golf 7 GTI/R, Seat Leon 5F Cupra, Audi S3 8V
On these models, a larger intercooler helps keep intake air temperatures under control under higher loads. The DO88 upgraded intercooler replaces the relatively small stock intercooler and is a proven first step for this platform.
Audi RS3 8V/8Y and TTRS 8S
For the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder, the DO88 intercooler kit a standard choice in our Stage 2 packages. For the air intake, you can look at the JDY V2 titanium air intake or the Unitronic carbon intake system.
Audi S4/S5 B9 3.0 TFSI
For this platform, we use the Wagner Tuning Competition intercooler kit, including in our MTR-450 build of the Audi S5 B9.
Wondering what these kinds of upgrades can deliver in practice? Also read the 7 best upgrades for the Golf R, RS3 and S3.
Step 3: downpipe and exhaust
A downpipe can improve exhaust gas flow and is therefore a popular component in performance builds that go beyond standard power. A downpipe generally requires adjusted software that matches the hardware and the chosen configuration.
For the Golf MK8 R and Audi S3 8Y Sportback with GPF, there is the Milltek Sport large-bore downpipe.
For the RS3 and TTRS, there is the JDY 102 mm downpipe. The Audi S4/S5 B9 can be equipped with the Bull-X downpipe, and for the RS6/RS7 C8 there are the Bull-X downpipes for the 4.0 TFSI.
When modifying the exhaust, always pay attention to the rules regarding MOT testing and emissions. We have listed the key points in tuning and MOT testing in the Netherlands.
Step 4: the turbo upgrade, the classic winter project
If you want to go beyond Stage 2, a larger turbocharger can be the next step. This is an ideal project to plan in winter: installation is more extensive, and the software must be calibrated to the new hardware.
We work closely with TheTurboEngineers and support the software development of new turbochargers. For the EA888.3 in the Golf 7 GTI/R, Audi S3 8V and Leon 5F Cupra, the TTE535 IS38 upgrade turbo a popular choice. Through our trade-in service, you can get a discount when you return your original turbocharger. You can find the full range at our turbochargers.
How far a project can go is demonstrated, for example, by the Cupra Formentor VZ5 with TTE700 and the RS6 C8 with MTR-TTE1020 package. For higher power targets, there are also components for a built engine.
Step 5: brakes and suspension for the new season
More engine power also changes what is demanded of the rest of the car. Brakes and suspension are therefore logical components to include in a larger winter project.
For the MQB platform, including the Golf 7, Leon 5F, S3 8V and TT 8S, there is the RacingLine 380 mm 6-piston big brake kit. The same kit is fitted to our 950-hp Golf 7.5 R.
The suspension also deserves attention. The Cobra Suspension lowering springs lower the car for the Golf 7/7.5 GTI and GTD. For the Audi A4/S4/RS4 and A5/S5/RS5 B9, the RacingLine front body brace additional reinforcement at the front.
One practical point: a larger brake caliper will not fit behind every wheel. So before installation, check whether your current or planned winter set has enough clearance. We can check this for you via wheels, tires, brakes & service.
How to plan your winter project
1. Determine your end goal.
Are you mainly looking for reliability, Stage 2, more power or a complete performance project? Your end goal determines which parts make sense now and which can follow later. Read more about the different stages.
2. Check delivery times and plan ahead.
Not every performance part is immediately available. By planning your parts and installation in advance, you leave room for delivery and any additional work. Shipping is free from €100.
3. Combine installation, software and dyno testing where necessary.
Hardware and stage tuning must be compatible with each other. A dyno diagnostics afterwards can help verify that the car is functioning as intended. Keep in mind that cold air on the dyno often produces higher figures. Read why in why a car produces more horsepower in cold weather.
4. Consider the rest of the car.
More power does not automatically mean you should only focus on the engine. Brakes, tires and suspension also help determine how you actually use the extra power.
You can install parts from our webshop yourself or have us install them at our workshop in Rhoon. Contact us to discuss your winter project.
Frequently asked questions about a winter project
What is a winter project?
A winter project is a larger upgrade, maintenance service or refurbishment carried out during the months when your car is driven less. By planning ahead, you can have the car ready for use again in the new season.
When is the best time to start a winter project?
Start as soon as you know what you want to achieve with the car. For larger projects, it is advisable to schedule parts, installation and any software several months in advance.
Can I install parts from the webshop myself?
Yes. You can install the parts yourself or request a quote for installation at our workshop in Rhoon. If you are unsure about compatibility, you can contact us in advance.
Do I need new software after installing an intercooler or downpipe?
That depends on the hardware and the configuration selected. An upgraded intercooler can also be installed with standard software. A downpipe or turbo upgrade generally requires custom software tailored to the hardware.
How does the trade-in service for TTE turbos work?
If you purchase a TTE turbo from us, you can trade in your original turbo and receive a discount on the new turbo. Contact us for the conditions for your car.
Will my winter wheel set still fit after installing a big brake kit?
That depends on the rim size and the design of your rim. Have the clearance checked before installation to make sure the combination fits.
