I can’t imagine you’d be disappointed. My last track car was an STI and I’m not at all disappointed with how the Golf chassis runs at the track.
If I were you though, I would consider a fresh set of dampers and a matching front swaybar. If you’re smooth these cars easily rotate mid corner. Even stock my GTI would be happy to spin if I didn’t keep the rear nailed down with the throttle.
Also inspect the front control arm bushings, particularly the ones in the rear position. When these wear out they cause some pretty excessive toe deflection during braking and cornering. Thankfully they’re easy to replace and aren’t expensive.
thanks - i'm trying to keep costs low on this one, but bushings will def be on the list, thanks for the reminder. interesting on the willingness to rotate - have you done the true ESP off mod? i'm going to try to make this a true dually, a spare set of wheels/tires, swapping out pads for track, etc. the switchable haldex controller is neat, but pretty clunky. i don't expect to need any modes except eco and competition, lol. is there another option where u can switch with button tricks rather than a touch screen thing?