VW ATLAS VR6 Mods

Best Hombre’s

2019 VW ATLAS SE VR6 4Motion

I came home with this on December 30, 2021 with just over 28K Miles. This is a live post that I will be updating as I continue to do some VW Atlas Mods.

Why Mod the Atlas?

For me, the stock Atlas looks a bit cookie cutter. It blends into a parking lot and loses its presence amongst a sea of SUV’s. These cars were not designed for an enthusiast, but with just a few tweaks, but there is much to be loved about the VW Atlas VR6.

If you’re a VW Atlas owner who’s looking to give your vehicle a bit more personality and make it stand out from the crowd, you might be considering some modifications. The Atlas is a capable and comfortable SUV, but it can be easy to blend in with the other cars in the parking lot. But with a few strategic modifications, you can turn your Atlas into a true enthusiast’s vehicle that will turn heads wherever you go.

One of the reasons to consider modifying your Atlas is to improve its performance. The VR6 engine is already known for its impressive power and smooth acceleration, but there are many aftermarket parts that can take it to the next level. From aftermarket intakes and exhausts to suspension upgrades and more, there are plenty of ways to enhance your Atlas’s performance and make it even more fun to drive.

Another reason to consider modifying your Atlas is to make it more visually appealing. While the stock Atlas is a handsome vehicle, there are many aftermarket parts that can help it stand out from the crowd. From spoilers and body kits to custom wheels and more, there are countless ways to give your Atlas a unique and personalized look that will make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Overall, there are many reasons to consider modifying your VW Atlas. Whether you’re looking to improve its performance or make it more visually appealing, there are countless ways to turn your Atlas into a true enthusiast’s vehicle that you’ll be proud to drive.

VW Atlas VR6 Performance Mods

1. Get an Intake

Why an Intake?

A lot of people hate intakes. They say many things like, the car isn’t tuned for it, it’s not going to run right, if you just mod the stock VW Air box it will outperform a cone filter, blah, blah, blah. For me, I got an intake because it unleashes some awesome “Wookie” induction sounds without being overly intrusive and is easily reversible without having to lift the car.

OEM vs. Aftermarket

OEM: Modding the Stock Air box:

The OEM+ mod for these cars is is easy, but requires cutting into the OEM plastic air-box which is why I didn’t do it in case I wanted to sell the car down the road, the stock air box is left in pristine condition.

1. Purchase an aftermarket panel air filter that will be capable of protecting your engine against larger debris. (Stock filters are made from paper and small rock at velocity could rip right through.)

Performance Panel ATLAS VR6 Air Filter

2. Next you have to open up either a large hole or a bunch of smaller holes in the bottom of the air box (aka the Swiss Cheese Method)

3. Upgrade the plastic ridged hose that connects the air box to the Throttle body for a larger smooth and more durable silicone hose.

4. If you choose one large hole vs. doing the Swiss cheese mod, you can add some tubing to bring cold air directly to the air box. A lot of people secure and route the tubing to one of the front grills or in the foglight area.

***************** WARNING *****************

Be careful where you put this intake tube because any water that enters your intake system can hydrolock your motor!

Aftermarket Options:

I went with the cheapest one I could get my hands on and so should you. (I picked mine up used on FB Marketplace)

Which Atlas VR6 Intake do you buy?

I went with the ECS Tuning Air Filter. It was easy to install and does the job. Since the time when I installed mine, a few other models have been released, I would just go with the cheapest option, I even got mine used on FB Marketplace.

So Should you get an intake?

If you’re looking to take your driving experience to the next level, you might want to consider getting an aftermarket intake for your vehicle.

An intake is a simple modification that can have a big impact on your Atlas’s performance. It replaces the stock air intake system with a more efficient and effective design, allowing the engine to take in more air and burn more fuel. This can result in improved acceleration and horsepower, as well as better fuel economy and engine efficiency.

One of the key benefits of getting an intake for your Atlas VR6 is the improved performance. With a more efficient air intake system, your engine will be able to generate more power, allowing you to accelerate faster and pass other vehicles with ease. This can make your driving experience more thrilling and enjoyable, and it can also make your Atlas more capable on the road.

Another benefit of getting an intake for your Atlas VR6 is the improved fuel economy. By allowing the engine to burn fuel more efficiently, an intake can help you save money on gas over time. This can be a particularly important benefit if you do a lot of highway driving or if you’re looking to save money on fuel costs.

Overall, getting an aftermarket intake for your VW Atlas VR6 is a smart investment that can improve your vehicle’s performance and save you money on gas. Whether you’re looking for more power, better fuel economy, or both, an intake is a great way to enhance your Atlas and make it even more enjoyable to drive.

1. Get a Resonator Delete a.k.a. Unleash the “Wookie”!

Is a resonator delete worth it?

If you’re a VW Atlas VR6 owner, you might be wondering whether a resonator delete is worth it for your vehicle. A resonator delete is a popular modification that involves removing the resonator from the exhaust system, allowing the engine to produce a louder and more aggressive sound. But is it worth it for the Atlas VR6?

One of the key benefits of a resonator delete is the improved sound of the engine. By removing the resonator, the exhaust system becomes more free-flowing, allowing the engine to produce a louder and more pronounced sound. This can make your Atlas VR6 sound more aggressive and sporty, which can be a great benefit for anyone who loves the sound of a powerful engine.

Another benefit of a resonator delete is the potential for improved performance. By removing the resonator, the exhaust system becomes less restrictive, which can allow the engine to generate more power and torque. This can result in improved acceleration and top speed, making your Atlas VR6 even more capable on the road.

On the other hand, there are also some potential drawbacks to a resonator delete. One of the main concerns is the potential for increased drone, which is a low frequency humming sound that can be annoying at certain speeds, luckily the VR6 with a resonator delete simply doesn’t suffer from those issues. Additionally, removing the resonator can make the exhaust louder, which can be a problem if you live in an area with strict noise regulations.

You can see my Installation video for sound decibel readings before and after the resonator delete from inside the cabin when cruising and accelerating as well as the peak decibel reading on Cold start.

Overall, whether a resonator delete is worth it for your VW Atlas VR6 depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you want a louder and more aggressive exhaust sound, and you’re willing to accept the potential drawbacks, a resonator delete could be a good choice. But if you prefer a quieter exhaust or you’re concerned about increased drone, you might want to stick with the stock setup.

VW Atlas VR6 OBDEleven/Coding Mods

1. Delete Auto/Start Stop

VW Atlas VR6 Exterior Mods

1. OEM VW Cross Bars

Cross Bars are just the beginning

Pros:

• Congratulations, you have now opened yourself up to a world of possibilities.
• Roof racks, Luggage boxes, camping tents, bike attachments, Kayak attachments, and whatever else your heart desires!

Cons:

• Wind Noise (can be mitigated, but not eliminated, by using a Fairing),
• Lower MPG
• Having to calculate height clearance under bridges and garages (if you’re lifted or have things stacked on the roof).

2. LED Yellow Fog Lights

Pros:

• You can see more at night.
• You can see more of what’s in front of you.
• You can see who’s on the sidewalk when turning at night.
• You can see out to the sides past where the regular headlight output ends.
• You can see under fog, where High Beams are useless.
• You can see easier in the rain.
• You can see easier in the snow.
• You can more easily see ice on the road.
• You can more easily see puddles. Which means that you can also more easily see potholes.
• The yellow light combined with the blue hue of the headlights more closely resemble daylight and tends put less strain on your eyes (unverified, but I personally seem to think so).
• So… it’s safer, easier on your eyes and did I mention you can see more?

Cons:

• The money… These are not cheap, but cheap ones are not good.
• Time and time again I hear people say to me that their $25 amazon fog lights do the same thing…. Guess what, they don’t!
• I have bought many sets of cheap amazon bulbs and none of them come close to the visibility that is achieved with the DeAutoLED bulbs.

VW Atlas VR6 Interior Mods

1. LED Interior Bulbs

After LED Overhead Bulbs

2. ProClipUSA Phone Base

Thanks for Reading!