My Stage 3 Golf R wagon - the accidental build!
Discussion
Evening all, I’m a long-term lurker (and admirer!) on the forums here but never posted my own car up as I wasn’t sure it made the grade, but a few encouraging comments on the Fast Estates thread suggested I should so here we are!
I’ve had the car since new in March 2018 (initially on PCH, NOW BOUGHT!) to replace my second S3 when we had a baby. A lot has happened over the years, so as I’m only starting now I’ll give you the current spec and follow up with aspects of the journey as it’s happened (so a reverse build thread?!)
Here’s the wagon, and my two previous S3s which were a long-held ambition of mine to own…
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/WGZsNt3q[/url]


I’ve had the car since new in March 2018 (initially on PCH, NOW BOUGHT!) to replace my second S3 when we had a baby. A lot has happened over the years, so as I’m only starting now I’ll give you the current spec and follow up with aspects of the journey as it’s happened (so a reverse build thread?!)
Here’s the wagon, and my two previous S3s which were a long-held ambition of mine to own…




Edited by Batch 7.5R on Wednesday 23 June 22:25
So current spec is as follows (I’ll try to remember everything so it may not be in the right order!)
7.5 (facelift) R estate
7-speed (DQ381) DSG
Only changes to standard spec are Tornado Red paint and Dynaudio. It’s a lease car, so couldn’t go too mad with ticky boxes. Ideally I’d have specced pan roof if I had!
ENGINE:
EA888 2.0 TFSI.
Racingline Stage 3 tune (ECU/TCU software)
Racingline’s own hybrid IS38 turbo
Autotech HPFP
Milltek sportcat downpipe
Scorpion resonated catback exhaust with a couple of tweaks
Airtec intercooler
Racingline R600 intake, inlet elbow, turbo muffler delete and intake hose
NGK Racing 7438-9 plugs
A few cosmetic parts (not really my thing but ???????) - dipstick, washer bottle cover and carbon fibre engine cover (with OEM-style insignia)
CHASSIS:
KW V3 coilovers
034 Motorsport camber+ top mounts
Superpro rear ARB with matching droplinks
Eibach front ARB with Racingline adjustable droplinks
Racingline MQB subframe alignment kit
BRAKES:
Racingline 380mm 6-pot kit up front
Braided brake lines and RBF fluid
EBC Redstuff rear pads
WHEELS:
OEM 19” VW Motorsport wheels in high-gloss anthracite, 235/35 Michelin PS4S tyres.
Custom (by me) Clubsport S-style centre caps with red bezels
EXTERIOR:
Racingline side blade decals
Maxton roof spoiler (tiny; again not usually my thing but the rear needed SOMETHING of a lift!)
Tinted front camera emblem and dechromed grille inserts
ECS Tuning flared carbon fibre bumper inserts
Carbon fibre mirrors
Audi RS-style oval tailpipes (still undecided)
Stonechips
Car park scars
INTERIOR:
Stock 7.5R setup of very nice grey alcantara/cloth seats, Virtual Cockpit or whatever VW call it, Dynaudio speaker upgrade.
Control Customs charcoal alcantara/perforated leather steering wheel with matching gaiter
Carbon fibre DSG shifter with alcantara inserts
Co-ordinated RECARO Zero.One Elite baby seat in red and black.
Numerous felt tip pen marks and large amounts of crumbs and small fingerprints
NUMBERS:
Dyno-proven 485hp/600Nm prior to fitting the Scorpion system.
0-60 should be in the 3.**s.
REALLY want to get a Dragy into it and have a play!
It’s our family car first and foremost, my toy when I can, and I’d like to do the odd trackday in it when I can find the time. It wound up at this level by accident! ??
7.5 (facelift) R estate
7-speed (DQ381) DSG
Only changes to standard spec are Tornado Red paint and Dynaudio. It’s a lease car, so couldn’t go too mad with ticky boxes. Ideally I’d have specced pan roof if I had!
ENGINE:
EA888 2.0 TFSI.
Racingline Stage 3 tune (ECU/TCU software)
Racingline’s own hybrid IS38 turbo
Autotech HPFP
Milltek sportcat downpipe
Scorpion resonated catback exhaust with a couple of tweaks
Airtec intercooler
Racingline R600 intake, inlet elbow, turbo muffler delete and intake hose
NGK Racing 7438-9 plugs
A few cosmetic parts (not really my thing but ???????) - dipstick, washer bottle cover and carbon fibre engine cover (with OEM-style insignia)
CHASSIS:
KW V3 coilovers
034 Motorsport camber+ top mounts
Superpro rear ARB with matching droplinks
Eibach front ARB with Racingline adjustable droplinks
Racingline MQB subframe alignment kit
BRAKES:
Racingline 380mm 6-pot kit up front
Braided brake lines and RBF fluid
EBC Redstuff rear pads
WHEELS:
OEM 19” VW Motorsport wheels in high-gloss anthracite, 235/35 Michelin PS4S tyres.
Custom (by me) Clubsport S-style centre caps with red bezels
EXTERIOR:
Racingline side blade decals
Maxton roof spoiler (tiny; again not usually my thing but the rear needed SOMETHING of a lift!)
Tinted front camera emblem and dechromed grille inserts
ECS Tuning flared carbon fibre bumper inserts
Carbon fibre mirrors
Audi RS-style oval tailpipes (still undecided)
Stonechips
Car park scars
INTERIOR:
Stock 7.5R setup of very nice grey alcantara/cloth seats, Virtual Cockpit or whatever VW call it, Dynaudio speaker upgrade.
Control Customs charcoal alcantara/perforated leather steering wheel with matching gaiter
Carbon fibre DSG shifter with alcantara inserts
Co-ordinated RECARO Zero.One Elite baby seat in red and black.
Numerous felt tip pen marks and large amounts of crumbs and small fingerprints
NUMBERS:
Dyno-proven 485hp/600Nm prior to fitting the Scorpion system.
0-60 should be in the 3.**s.
REALLY want to get a Dragy into it and have a play!
It’s our family car first and foremost, my toy when I can, and I’d like to do the odd trackday in it when I can find the time. It wound up at this level by accident! ??
Edited by Batch 7.5R on Wednesday 23 June 22:10
Nicks90 said:
How does the dsg box hold up to that much power?
They aren't the nosy robust things in the universe to start with!
Looks lovely though.
The DQ381 is apparently a lot stronger than the 250 6-speed, and so far it’s fine. The car gets regular servicing and inspection (every six months max and only does 10K a year). I rarely actually launch it, maybe once or twice every so often, so far all seems well!They aren't the nosy robust things in the universe to start with!
Looks lovely though.
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