VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 015

David Conway    Personal, VW Golf R32 (MkV)     official r32 entry, vw golf r32

It’s been precisely two months since my last modification (Haldex Controller) which is far too long! On Thursday I decided to do something about it and as luck would have it, I soon spotted a special offer on the HPA Short Shift Kit (£120 fitted) from Vagtech. I sent them an email Friday afternoon asking if they could fit me in the following day. Good news, they could! I arrived at 11:45am and was greeted by a friendly team who offered me a cup of coffee. After a quick chat the car was in the workshop having the new part fitted.

The HPA Short Shift Kit is designed to reduce the throw between changes for a faster, sportier feel. It has two stages of reduction, “Short” (20% less throw) and “Short Short” (35%). I was given the opportunity to test drive both modes. “Short Short” was first on the agenda. Into 1st gear, wow it’s different! There’s hardly any travel from neutral but the stick still firmly slots into position. It’s very alien to me but I like it. Out of the drive and up through the gears at a leisurely pace. They snap into position with an effortless flick. Five minutes later I turn around and give it some beans. It’s slightly harder to find the slot perfectly at pace and also be completely sure it’s engaged. Whilst I haven’t messed up a change, I’m not as confident this time but I could have been forcing things. Apparently it often takes several days of driving to get used to this setting.

I return back to base excited but looking forward to trying 20%. After a quick alteration I was back out on the road. This feels incredible! It’s obviously shorter than stock but doesn’t feel so alien. I’m at home with it instantly. The amount of throw is just right and each change has a lovely positive feel to it. I thought the standard box was great but this is a noticeable improvement. I return with a big grin and announce “Short” as my favourite. I think the Vagtech guys were a little surprised (apparently most customers go for 35%) but for me, 20% is perfect!

I thoroughly recommend this mod. It’s relatively cheap and you don’t need to be a track monster to see the benefit. I’ve driven for three hours today and it’s an improvement over stock whether you’re in town traffic or out on a country road. I’d also just like to note that Vagtech were superb from start to finish. Friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. I’d certainly use them again.

The below image is made up of three separate photos and demonstrates the throw of the HPA Short Shift Kit set at 20%.

Another mod, another successful outcome! Next one shouldn’t be too far away.

Stay tuned!