Recently at the shop we had the pleasure of performing a limited-slip differential upgrade for a MK7 GTI. The LSD that we recommend for the best performance is WAVETRAC. We have installed WAVETRAC LSD in several vehicles with noticeable traction gains and handling improvements . WAVETRAC has a patented design to outperform other helical style LSDs. One of the benefits to WAVETRAC is if a wheel comes off the ground the differential will continue to power the wheel on the ground. The other benefit is the differential will supply power to both wheels on accel and decel. Other LSDs will only supply power to both wheels on accel.
Replacing the differential in a front wheel drive Volkswagen application is more involved than a rear wheel drive vehicle. Not only does the transmission need to be removed but the case of the transmission needs to be disassembled. This is the same for both manual and DSG transmissions. After the case is opened the stock differential is removed. The ring gear must be removed by cutting or drilling out the rivets. The next step is to install the ring gear onto the limited-slip differential with ARP Bolts supplied by WAVETRAC. The install is complete after the new diff is installed and the transmission case reassembled and reinstalled.
Knowing the transmission would be removed to install the WAVETRAC LSD upgrade, we also recommended at the same time to upgrade the stock clutch. We worked with the customer to figure out a clutch that would suit his needs. The clutch we recommended for this application was a South Bend Stage 2 Endurance. South Bend has a range of performance clutches from mild to extreme. This particular clutch kit came with a single mass flywheel to replace the dual mass flywheel. The single mass flywheel is able to take more abuse and also lighten the rotating mass of the engine.
After performing both of these upgrades our customer experienced the dramatic improvement of both the vehicles handling and traction and was pleased with the improved performance.
Upgrades such as these, as well as other performance upgrades, are a must if you are looking to get the most out of your Volkswagen on the street or the track. For a free consultation please Contact Metric Autosport for all your performance upgrade needs. 
