Heya super street staff and those who just can't get enough of their rides. I'm a cut to the chase and go straight to my question. I just bought a brand new 08 golf, I already have 10000 clicks in it. The only downside is that I got it for lease to technically I can't do any mods to it, especially to the engine, I wanted to make it breath heavier by thinking of removing the filter from the air cleaner box. Would that increase my speed, but, I'm also concerned about the effects it might have on the engine.
Thanks...Hear from ya'll soon.  

Well, first off you don't want to leave it with out a filter. It'll make it breathe a lot better but all the dust and material in the surrounding air would get sucked in as well. That causes internal damage, over time, and it will cost YOU money in repairs. Leasing still requires you to maintain the car. Any repairs will be out of your pocket, unless it's a manufacturers defect and is covered under some warranty.
There are aftermarket air filters that will do a great job of filtering out impure air and giving you some better breathing into the engine. K&N and FRAM, just to name a couple, make better breathing air filters that fit into the stock air filter housing. If you want a cold air system, you can get one. Just remember that you are leasing. Once your lease expires you will be stuck with a system that may not fit another car unless you actually buy the same car for your self. Or, maybe you want the option of EBAY, once the lease is up. Your choice.
To answer your speed question... Not a whole lot. You get better breathing and maybe, and I mean "maybe", a half a horse to a couple of horses, give or take. How the intake performs depends on how well an engine can produce horses with the components it has on. Stock equipment is only as good as the manufacturer will allow it to be. That's why it's stock. Don't get me wrong, a couple of more horses is better than none, but that isn't going to help feel much of any thing, in the end. While you lease, keep it the way it is. Consider that you still have to pay for repairs if some thing fails due to the improvements. That's my advice. I hope it helps you decide.
 

I have to agree with s12. Leave the air filter in the car and swap it with a quality air filter, K&N has my vote. You could technically mod the car to your pleasing, but once the lease is over with you're stuck with the leftover mods. Or if you damage the car in some way and the mods happen to cause it, you're stuck with the bill(very unlikely though if you choose quality parts and basic bolt ons.)  

I have never leased a car, just saved up and bought cars straight cash. (cheap ones, to point out the obvious) This means ive had the freedom to do as i please to my cars. Ive owned a 2004 v6 mustang, and a 2001 infiniti G20. i loved them both, and there is a very big difference in a cold/ram air intake then just changing or even removing the air filter from your car. It changes throttle-power response and adds HP and torque. and it also makes the engine noise louder and sound cool.  

Thanks a lot fellas for all the advice, YUP, i think I'm STUCK on STOCK for 3 more years, . I mean, you guys know what I feel, right!? We're all car enthusiasts, the feeling of getting our hands dirty from our baby. And ya, I heard about the good job K&N's doing adding 7-10HP to the car's power. And I think most of the After Mods for Vee-Dubs are made by NEUSPEED!? Unless I'm wrong. The only thing is, it's sooooo expensive, unlike the mods for Japanese cars. Can you guys give like a link as to where to get quality (new/used, doesn't matter as long as it's still in perfect condition) aftermarket mods? Thanks a lot again you guys, and Mtownstreetracer, good for you dude, I envy you. I just have some responsibilities that I can never let go, know what I mean, bud!? Thanks, hope to hear from you soon.  

You might want to check out Super Streets sister sites, eurotuner.com or europeanweb.com for more info on tuning euro cars.  

That's right! I forgot about those sites. I'm sleeping at the wheel, here! LOL! You can do the things you want to the VEEDUB, just keep in mind that the car isn't yours and that it will have to be returned after the lease is up. Check out the sites that Jimichanga posted up for you. He's on track. And good luck with what you decide.  

Oh gee thanks dude! Yup! That would definitely categorize the answers I need.  

Yeah! Well, the reason I'm so into tuning it, is because I'm planning on buying it out maybe next month when I get enough money. I'm falling in love with it, well, it's not the best bet on speed, as it only has 115 unicorns as its heart, but it handles sooooo good, especially on curves, makes me feel like it's going to win me a first place slalom trophy. Oh well, thanks guys soo much! First message was for Jimichanga, btw. It's your words of wisdom that fires up my urges, Peace out.  

Check out the following links:
www.abt-sportsline.de
www.bb-automobiltechnik.de
www.kw-systems.de
www.mtm-online.de
www.tec-power.de
www.wkr-automobildesign.de

mainly german sites but also in english available and on their sites you will find distributors in the USA. If you go for VW Golf tuning ABT is must visit.  

UNICORNS? Does that mean that it has imaginary horse power? LOL! I'm kiding with you. LOL! If that is your plan, go for it. You got nothin' to lose. Do check out the sites G_RACER posted for you. Also, check out VW tuner magazine for specific sites for your ride. It is a European car at heart.