My 94 GTi 2.0's rev limiter didnt kick in to about 8200?

Don't rev the **** off it. It's not a Honda where "VTEC can kick in, yo!". Keep to the factory redline if you want to have the car around for a while. That's one of the main reasons for buying a VW... it's a much more relaxed drive than a high-revving screamer. You're actually outside of the car's powerband by the time you pass 6500.