By As far as we know, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the best selling hot hatchback in the universe, and for good reason. It’s affordable, quick, stylish, fuel efficient, and easy to modify. The 7th-generation VW Golf GTI packs a punch with its 2.0-liter TSI engine and DSG transmission, producing over 200 horsepower. That might not seem like much, but the MK7 Golf GTI only weighs about 2900lbs with a full tank of gas, so it’s got plenty of get up and go. This said, some people aren’t quite satisfied with a “puny” 220 horsepower and nearly 300 torque that come hiding in the seventh generation GTI from the factory. Do you have a MK7 Golf GTI? One of the easiest upgrades to make to your car is a cold air intake.
Your VW Golf MK7’s engine works in a few simple steps: suck, squeeze, bang, blow. Air is sucked into the intake system, through the MAF sensor, turbo and throttle body, and into the combustion chamber. There it’s compressed, mixed with fuel, and exploded, sending the piston back down the cylinder and exhaust out of its respective manifold. Today, we’re going to focus on the first half of that process.
Cold air intakes aren’t the drop-in high-quality air filters that “increase fuel mileage and performance,” but high-performance cold air induction systems, tuned and tested to boost horsepower and torque across the rev range. Usually, they are a direct fit into the factory intake location and install with a few simple bolts and hose clamps. A performance air intake kit makes a great compliment to an aftermarket exhaust, improving air flow and engine induction noise. On turbo cars like the Golf GTI, they’re a great supporting mod for a tune as well.
In the case of the 2.0-liter 4 banger in your Volkswagen Golf MK7, there are a few routes to go. For style points and some louder intake noise, you can start with aFe’s Momentum GT Pro 5r intake. The Momentum GT has a sealed intake box and a massive filter, offering improved throttle response and a clean, cool look with a clear window at the top of the airbox.
If you’re looking to gain some more power and are planning supporting modifications, we recommend APR’s EA888 MQB Carbon fiber air intake system. The airbox is made out of carbon fiber and looks great. Beyond that, the intake is able to deliver significantly higher airflow over the OEM design and manages an increase of 50 lb-ft of torque and nearly 70 horsepower with a tune.
Off in a completely different direction, Injen makes an intake for the MK7 Golf GTI that includes a full ducting system along the front of the car. Injen’s EVO3000 Evolution intake is sleek, unique, and powerful, offering a tuneless 20 horsepower and 24 lb-ft gain.
Cold air intakes (CAI) are a worthwhile step to the modification of any vehicle. Stock airboxes are designed to get air from the atmosphere to your intake manifold with as little drama as possible, keeping things quiet and relatively efficient. Aftermarket cold air intake systems get you as much as possible out of the distance between the front of your car and the squeezy-bangy bit that makes power, giving your GTI the “oomph” it needs to stand out amongst the rest of the people’s car riffraff. Combined with an exhaust system, throttle body, and other performance parts on your wish list, a cold air intake puts you well on your way to making your Golf breathe and perform the way it deserves. For cold air intakes, air filters, exhaust systems, and more, check out the Motoroso Marketplace and build your dream V-Dub!
