Good
Dreams
Garage
A build journal documenting the MK8 Golf R that started as a UroTuning Shop Car and became something more personal. Every mod, every decision, documented.
- Unitronic UniFLEX Stage 2 ECU w/ UAF + Stage 1 TCUEA888 EVO4
- Unitronic E85 Flex Fuel PackageUH013-FLA
- Unitronic Carbon Fiber Intake w/ Air DuctUH042-INA
- Unitronic Intercooler + Charge Pipe KitUH032-ICA
- Unitronic MPI Fuel Rail UpgradeUH014-FLA
- Unitronic Dogbone Engine Mount Street BushingUH002-DRA
- Eventuri Carbon Engine CoverEVE-EA8884-CF-ENG
- Racingline Billet Dress Up SuiteVWR-MK8-ENG
- Milltek 80mm Race Cat-Back — Polished TipsSSXVW667
- Milltek Front SilencerMSAU793
- Unitronic Performance DownpipeUH072-EXA
- 034Motorsport Driveshaft Tunnel Brace034-603-0032
- KW V2 Coilover Kit w/ Electric Dampers152800CX
- H&R Front Sway Bar 27mm AdjustableHRS70810
- H&R Rear Sway Bar 25mmHRS71810
- SuperPro Front + Rear Sway Bar End LinksTRC12265 · TRC4300
- Neuspeed Upper Strut Tie-Bar35.10.69B
- Neuspeed Billet BiAXIS Upper Strut Mounts53.10.07
- 034Motorsport Front Subframe Locking Collar Upgrade Kit034-601-0043
- TyrolSport Deadset Rear Subframe Kit MQB AWDTSDSKVW
- Billet Aluminum Rear Subframe Mount Inserts034-601-0032
- BBS CH-R Black Center Polished Rim 5x11220x8.5 ET40
- BBS Center Cap 70mm Blue/Silver 3D FloatingHW58071060.4
- Racingline Stud & Nut Conversion Kit 70mmVWR630001
- Flow Designs MK8 Golf R Full Lip Splitter SetMK8RPK1-WV-FBR
- Maxton Design Street Pro Rear Side SplittersVWGO8RCNC-RSD1B
- CJM Industries Wind Buffeting DiffuserMK8 GTI/R
- Genuine European Dynamic LED Tail Lights5H1052200A-KT
- Velt Sport Rear Wiper DeleteVELT-WPR-DLT-REV2-KT
- Velt Sport Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps w/ Lane AssistMK8-CF-001
- Acexxon Rear Reflector Insert Set Honeycomb Matte BlackR18-10-1
- Vvivid Satin Flat Matte Stealth Jet Black Vinyl Wrap 5ft w/ Air ReleaseAmazon
- Real Carbon Fiber License Plate FrameBurger Tuning
- Velt Sport Blind Spot Split Mirror Set Blue Tinted and HeatedVELT-EXT-001
- BFI GS2 Shift Knob Alcantara DSG/AutoGS2DG-5H-S9041
- P3 V3 OBD2 GaugeL3P3VGR8
- AAPLAY Wireless Android Auto DongleAmazon
- WeatherTech Cargo Containment System BlackWET-8CTK1
- 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Custom SunscreenCovercraft
- JQ Werks Madtrace Clubsport Magnetic Paddle ShiftersJQNAMPSMK8
- Broadway Convex Mirror 240mm 9.45"BW863
- SHW Performance Front Cross-Drilled Lightweight Brake Rotors 357x34mmVFX43801
- EBC Redstuff Front Brake PadsDP32448C
- Brembo Rear Cross-Drilled Rotors 310x22mm5Q0615601E
- EBC Redstuff Rear Brake PadsDP32438C
- Neuspeed Sport Brake Lines YellowH.VW.4.471.YEL
- Unitronic Garrett PowerMax Turbocharger Upgrade for MK8 Golf RUH036-BTA
- Radium Engineering 2020+ VW Golf MK8 Catch Can KitRAD20-0887-FL
- OZ Ultraleggera HLT 19"OZ Wheels
- Velt Sport Front Control Arms w/ Adjustable Ball JointsVELT-SUS-0015
Good Dreams Garage started with a name. A reminder of my mom, who I'd ask every night what good dreams to dream about. That name deserved something real built around it.
From the Forum Days to the MK8
Back in the old-school forum days, we'd spend hours online and meet up at GTGs and BBQs all over Florida to flip through Eurotuner and PVW magazines. Back then, instead of go-fast bits, I just wanted to lay frame. As my boy Mr. Euro once said, "Just wanna look as gangsta as possible from A to B." More than 20 years later, those forum friendships are still going strong, and my build ethos hasn't strayed too much either. :P
That community connection eventually led me to UroTuning, where I spent years doing customer support and selling parts. Justin, the CEO, said it best: "Since the day we got the car for the shop, Geoff was in my ear bugging me about selling it to him when we were done with it."
He wasn't lying. As a lifelong VW fan, I'd been pretty disappointed with the overall look of their lineup since about 2004, which is when that first love and eventual road to the forums started. Truly, the moment I saw the MK8 Golf R, everything changed. The ideas instantly clicked. It was like rekindling an old, new flame within myself.
The Transition & The Build
Recently, a career shift gave me the chance to start this blog to keep myself organized. It is mostly for personal maintenance records, or for whoever in my family inherits this thing down the road. After 40k-ish miles, I can easily say it's the perfect "one-car solution."
Since taking over ownership, I've already tackled the brake rotors and pads, finished up some engine details, added front and rear subframe deadset kits, installed rear subframe inserts, and dialed in some exterior cosmetics. Plus, I have a bigger turbo sitting in the closet just waiting to go on.
No Clout, Just Car Stuff
To be clear, I am not sponsored or affiliated with any brands anymore. I successfully promoted myself back to a regular customer.
Because I'm back in the shoes of an everyday enthusiast with zero corporate backing, my opinions here are 100% honest. There is no comment section, no like buttons, and zero clout chasing. If I swap a part out for something else, I'm not bashing the previous brand. I'm just dialing the car in for my personal taste. With that being said, as my friend Andy says, "no nasty comments nice comments only."
TL;DR: I am just keeping track of my build. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I'm sure you'll find me.