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1
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2
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3
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- Externally, the car appears nearly stock.
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4
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- Externally, the car appears nearly stock.
- All modifications and “goodies” are beneath the skin.
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5
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- This allows me to blend in while in traffic…
- It is also less likely to attract thieves and vandals.
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6
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7
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- I made it a point to make the car enjoyable to drive.
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8
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- I installed a Pioneer CD/MP3 player (w/8-GB flash drive) and mounted a
satellite radio receiver in the visor.
I have a seemingly endless music available during long road
trips.
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9
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- But there’s more to this interior than meets the eye:
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10
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- I also installed my two-way radio suite, which includes a CB, a VHF/UHF
ham radio, an “all-mode” HF/VHF/UHF ham radio, and a 1000-channel PC-
programmable scanner.
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11
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- The VHF/UHF ham radio is a tiny discontinued Yaesu FT-90R mobile radio.
- I operate at 10-watts to avoid heat-related issues. I use a 5-to-100 watt variable output
amplifier when I need more power.
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12
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- The remote mounted display fits perfectly in the “ashtray.”
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13
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- The crown jewel of my setup is the Yaesu FT-857D. It operates on HF, VHF, and UHF
Amateur Radio Service bands at up to 100-watts. It also operates in all modes,
including AM, FM, CW, SSB, and digital modes.
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14
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- Like the FT-90R, the FT-857D has a remote-mountable control panel. I made a mounting tab that allowed me
to put the quick release bracket on the front of the ashtray. The position of both radios is nearly
perfect.
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15
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- The rest of the FT-857D is mounted in the trunk. A grounding strap along with the
antenna wire conduit runs between the trunk lid and trunk. OH, look closely and you’ll see the
10” DEI Competition subwoofer.
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16
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- My “antenna farm” features two VHF/UHF antennas, a CB antenna, and a
Yaesu ATAS-120A “Active Tuning Antenna System” that changes its height
based on my choice of operating frequency.
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- Since I park in a parking garage during the week, I also have a “lite”
version with smaller antennas.
These antennas work well, but I do sacrifice a bit of performance
for the sake of style and ceiling clearance.
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18
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- All equipment is quickly and easily stowed when the car is parked. The full conversion takes about 10-15
seconds.
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19
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- One thing I cannot “stow” is my new gauge panel. Wanting a “better” gauge panel, I
fabricated this plate to hold my EGT and Boost gauges along with my Scan
Gauge II.
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20
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- The Scan Gauge II plugs into the OBD port and displays: MPGs, Fuel Rate,
Battery Voltage, Coolant Temp, Intake Air Temp, Engine RPM, Speed,
Manifold Pressure, Engine Load, and Throttle Position. It also performs the following trip
functions: Max Speed, Avg Speed, Max Coolant Temp, Max RPM, Driving
Time, Driving Distance, Fuel Used, Trip MPG, Tank MPG, Distance to
Empty, Time to Empty, and Fuel to Empty.
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21
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- I was never a fan of navis until I started driving in Washington
DC. Now I’m convinced they’re a
great part of driving. This is a
Garmin nuvi 650.
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22
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- I installed all aftermarket electronics equipment myself at home.
- I am an electronics technician in the Coast Guard; so it was easy.
- Besides, the best way to get exactly what you want is to do it yourself…
- And save the money that could’ve been spent on a hack job for something
else.
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24
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- Yes… But you wouldn’t know by looking…
;-)
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25
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- I performed a “mufflerectomy” by replacing the cat-back with a 2.5-inch straight pipe…
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- Result: Better turbo response, a
negligible increase in noise, and a savings of over $500 when compared
to many aftermarket exhaust systems!
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27
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- I also added a set of KermaTDI.com Power Plus 502 Performance Injection
Nozzles by Fratelli Bosio of Italy.
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28
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- Custom reprogramming
by Rocketchip transformed the TDI’s driving experience.
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29
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- My older TDI features a socketed ECU that makes switching programs a
snap.
- Testing various programs is easy, too.
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30
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- Chip tuning offers the most dramatic performance upgrade. With all mods combined, I measured
136-hp and 263-lb/ft to the wheels.
That’s 50-whp and 105-lb/ft over stock.
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32
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- I upgraded the suspension system with the “Real Street Suspension”
system by Shine Racing Service (SRS):
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33
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- I upgraded the suspension system with the “Real Street Suspension”
system by Shine Racing Service (SRS):
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34
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- I upgraded the suspension system with the “Real Street Suspension”
system by Shine Racing Service (SRS):
- Bilstein HD Struts
- SRS springs (1” drop)
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35
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- I upgraded the suspension system with the “Real Street Suspension”
system by Shine Racing Service (SRS):
- Bilstein HD Struts
- SRS Springs (1” drop)
- SRS Swaybar (hides in torsion beam)
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- Handling is tight and precise; but not rough. The car is fairly neutral with a hint
of understeer at the limit.
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37
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- However, I put down more than enough torque to spin the inside wheel
during aggressive cornering.
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38
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- So I installed a Peloquin torque-biasing differential during a Sachs VR6
clutch upgrade.
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39
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- Now ALL torque goes to the ground!
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40
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- Since I travel a lot, I added a 1-1/4” hitch
receiver.
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- It’s very handy for carrying bulky items, excess cargo, bicycles…
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42
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- …and even towing an occasional load…
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- Finally, I added a set of polished VW LeCastellet factory alloys,
optional on the B4 Passat.
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44
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- I have over a dozen of these wheels.
Therefore, my look stays the same whether I’m on summer, winter,
or race rubber.
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45
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- My current plan is to leave the car’s external appearance basically
stock.
- This will make it an unlikely “sleeper”
- and perhaps allow me to continue showing the car in mild show classes.
- Besides, it’s what’s inside that counts.
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47
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Notes
