Performance Parts vs. OEM: When Should You Upgrade?

At North East Auto Tech, we know that VAG enthusiasts—whether driving a Golf GTI, Audi S3, or SEAT Leon Cupra—are always looking for ways to enhance performance. One of the most common questions we hear is:

“What’s the difference between OEM parts and performance upgrades, and when should I choose one over the other?”

Whether you’re planning a remap or just want more excitement from your drive, understanding how performance parts differ from OEM is key to getting the results you want—without compromising safety or reliability.

When Should You Choose Performance Parts Over OEM?

You should consider upgrading when:

• You’re planning a Stage 1 or 2 remap

• You want better cornering or braking performance

• Your factory parts can’t handle increased power or load

• You’re preparing the car for track days or spirited driving

For example, remapping your Audi TTS without an uprated clutch or intercooler may give short-term gains, but can quickly lead to heat soak, clutch slip, or component wear.

The Risks of Remapping Without the Right Hardware

Many drivers make the mistake of remapping first—then upgrading later. But remapping your ECU increases power and torque, which puts added strain on the whole system.

Without the right supporting hardware, you risk:

• Turbo overheating or boost leaks

• Brake fade under hard driving

• Clutch or gearbox wear

• Poor fuel economy

• Reduced reliability and drivability

A proper performance build balances power gains with supporting upgrades like high-temp brake fluid, stronger mounts, uprated fueling, and more efficient cooling. We exclusively offer Revo remaps. Revo clearly outlines when specific hardware upgrades are recommended, and when they’re essential to maintain the health and reliability of your vehicle.

What’s the Best Upgrade Path?

The ideal upgrade path depends on what you’re looking to achieve with your vehicle—whether it’s improved drivability, track performance, or enhanced everyday use. At our specialist VAG workshop, we often recommend the following staged approach:

• Performance air intake systems to increase airflow and support engine efficiency.

• High-flow exhaust systems to reduce back pressure and unlock additional power, especially when paired with tuning.

• Uprated intercoolers to maintain cooler intake temperatures and avoid power loss under load.

• Upgraded clutch kits to handle the extra torque delivered by performance tuning and remaps.

• Big brake kits or performance brake systems to improve stopping power—especially important when increasing speed and engine output.

These upgrades help ensure your vehicle performs at its best while remaining reliable. Whether you’re planning a remap or already running more power, the right hardware can make all the difference.

VAG Tuning and Hardware Experts

At North East Auto Tech, we don’t just install parts—we build tailored upgrade packages that work with your specific vehicle and your performance goals.

Whether you’re tuning a Golf R, Audi RS3, or Skoda Octavia VRS, we make sure every component works in harmony.

Thinking About Upgrading? Let’s Chat.

We offer honest, expert advice on:

• Remapping

• Suspension and handling upgrades

• Brake systems

• Injector and fueling setup

Call us on 01642 613852
Or send us a message on Facebook  ‘here‘

The benefits of performance upgrades

Car customisation is undoubtedly a booming business. It might not be for everyone but there is a mass of car enthusiasts wanting to put their own stamp on their vehicle. But how many modifications improve the vehicle performance, are purely aesthetic or adversely affecting the vehicle? Whilst most people know certain car mods are illegal, how far is too far?

Are modifications safe?

Primarily the question we should all be asking is are modifications safe. Carefully chosen aftermarket parts from trusted suppliers should not be an issue, provided they are fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions and a fitted by a qualified mechanic. As long as the correct parts are chosen for your vehicle, aftermarket upgrades should not need to be altered to fit your vehicle.

Modifications which aren’t safe can actually be deemed illegal. Theses include LED neon lights and tinted windows. There are limits to how bright your lights are allowed to be and how dark you can tint your windows. It is a grey area really as there are no exact specifications to be found, if in doubt ask your mechanic!

If you’re choosing aftermarket parts to enhance the safety of your vehicle these could include brake pads and discs and bushes/arms. We’ve previously written a blog on the benefits of RTS upgraded brake pads (you can read that ‘here’). We are a Superpro dealer and hold much of their stock for VAG vehicles in reception. Upgraded bushes have benefits such as maintained steering geometry. Enhanced handling & ride characteristics. Essentially a safer vehicle with more grip!

Will the warranty be void?

One of the most important factors to deciding whether to modify your car is whether your warranty will still be valid. This is obviously more prevalent in cars under 3 years old. Warranty may not be covered with certain modifications. Wheels, Tyres and Suspension are the safest options to start with as these parts wont add stress to anything. In fact, in most cases, you’ll be lowering that stress with a lighter wheel and tire package. As a basic rule check your owner’s manual, however modifications such as large bore and sports exhaust systems can fall foul of both fuel emission rules and laws limiting noise pollution. Check with your warranty provider and make sure whoever is fitting the parts is an approved engineer! Insurance companies also need to be informed of any modifications or your insurance could be voided!

We stock a range of vehicle upgrades in our reception and are authorised dealers for several companies. Including Revo, Racingline, Superpro, RTS performance and many more! Get in touch if you’re looking for a quote on 01642 613852.

The benefits of performance upgrades

Benefits of upgraded RTS brake pads

Trying to decide whether to upgrade your brake pads, but not sure whether its worth it? If you have mapped your vehicle or have added various other performance upgrades, we would advise upgraded pads and discs every time. Simply; if you vehicle is running at a higher power, your brakes need to match up to the same standard. Standard brakes are inevitably built to pass the safety regulations however using budget materials.

We hold a range of RTS brake pads in stock to suit VAG vehicles. There are a few benefits to upgrading, the first and most important feature being the safety of the vehicle! The upgraded brakes improve the vehicle stopping power, by increasing the force that can be applied. Secondly is increasing the amount of heat the system can safely dissipate. In other words, reducing the chance of the hardware overheating. The risks from the hardware overheating causes brake fade. Brake fade occurs when the heat doesn’t have time to dissipate, like when you keep your foot on the brake pedal in stop-and-go traffic, drive aggressively, brake down a long hill, or drive with an overloaded vehicle. When there’s an excessive buildup of heat, your brakes will start to feel less responsive and you might experience brake fade.

Obviously driving style also affects the quality of your brake pads. Steer clear of aggressive driving to increase the lifespan of your pads aswell as using engine braking. For example; gradually slowing by letting your foot of the accelerator as opposed to carrying on at a continued speed, then having to slam your foot on the brakes.

Outlined below is a range of benefits from upgrading to RTS brake pads:

None aggressive friction technology

Install and forget confidence to all callipers

Efficient and responsive braking from cold to hot temperatures

Chamfered edge friction creates a more responsive and smoother braking feel

Excellent sheer strength resistance

Nominal friction coefficient 0.41

Excellent wear, fade and vibration free characteristics

Available in sets of front and rear pads across an extensive range of performance applications

To be used for Fast Road and Track Use.

ECE R90 accreditation is a legal requirement for all brake pads to meet European standards, RTS pads have passed vigorous testing to meet the highest requirements and give outstanding braking capabilities on road/track days in wet and dry working conditions.

Again we hold a range of the pads in reception or you can purchase from our sister company ‘VAGperformance’ as well as the upgraded discs if you want to go the whole hog! Pop in and chat to us or use the ‘Contact page‘ here.