Not saying that you have to go K04 (or higher) to enjoy your car - certainly not - they are quite fun even without the extra power - but Stage1/2 is (at least) certainly recommended.
I'm stage 3 and while it can and does certainly overpower the front wheels off the line if I mash it down - this isn't the only time where the extra power can be used. Its great for passing, general acceleration and driving twisites and/or on curvy mountain roads...all sorts of places and circumstances. I love it - and while I understand the appeal of AWD & such (which I have in my S4) - and I prefer it - the GTI - particularly with handling & chassis mods (that I do highly recommend) is pretty awesome in itself for what it is. Going fast and enjoying it is not strictly your 0-60 from a full stop....
Anyway good luck with your build - enjoy it. Its really a great car and one that gives lots of satisfaction at any speed. And it can be very quick, quite fast and handle and drive quite well...I absolutely love mine...
I'm stage 3 and while it can and does certainly overpower the front wheels off the line if I mash it down - this isn't the only time where the extra power can be used. Its great for passing, general acceleration and driving twisites and/or on curvy mountain roads...all sorts of places and circumstances. I love it - and while I understand the appeal of AWD & such (which I have in my S4) - and I prefer it - the GTI - particularly with handling & chassis mods (that I do highly recommend) is pretty awesome in itself for what it is. Going fast and enjoying it is not strictly your 0-60 from a full stop....
Anyway good luck with your build - enjoy it. Its really a great car and one that gives lots of satisfaction at any speed. And it can be very quick, quite fast and handle and drive quite well...I absolutely love mine...