Your stock tach is probably off a little and that's why it looks higher than it is. Requiring and wanting a raised rev limiter are two different things. On my car ant this turbo, I shift at 7600rpms or so because I'm still making great power. I don't know if that limit would rise once I add the VW intake manifold. I would guess you'll want at least low 7K rpms to maximize your powerband for this turbo.