Rookie Needs Help!

I just recently bought a 02 gti 1.8, and I'm looking at putting an exhaust system in it first. Any ideas on first mods or what system i should go with?  

for for a full air system..start from the beginning from intake to intake manifold then headers or down pipes and then exhaust!!  

Hey man I got an Audi A4 1.8t so we basically have the same engine. The thing about these cars thats different is that the stock air filter is really efficient and not very restrictive so adding an intake is mostly for sound.

An exhaust is a good starting choice but they can be a bit pricey. If you want the best bang for your buck check out a tune from APR or REVO or GIAC. These are the top brands for chips they add about 50 hp and 50 ft/lb of torque. They run you about $500. If your going to do the ecu tune, they also recommend you replace the stock diverter valve because they tend to crack with the added boost. Popular brands are the forge 007 series, or the APR brand one. You could also get the stock diverter valve from the 225 hp Audi TT which will handle the additional boost from the tune. If your looking for more of a bov feel, forge also makes a diverter valve where you can change the setting to set how much gets recycled and how much is let off into the atmosphere. The forge 007 series diverter valve (the most recommended) is about $140.

The brands are all very good and every person says good things just choose which based on which dealers are closest to you, the sites of each will tell you what places can install for you. If nothing is close I know APR can receive your ecu via mail and then tune it and send it back. But really who wants to do that?

Good luck bro