Projektzwo Jetta 4
Front Grille MSRP: $259
Pertinent Info: Although we had 1552 Design install the grille, anyone could do it. The hardest part of the install is trimming the wire mesh to match the projektzwo grille and even that was child’s play. The only part of the install you shouldn’t do yourself is color-match the grille to the car. After the grille was painted by a pro, the installation took a measly ten minutes.
Purchase Product: 1552 Design,941/343-0477, www.1552design.com
Installation: Home
Autometer Carbon-Fiber
Boost Gauge and SPR A-pillar Pod
MSRP : Autometer gauge $75.25, SPR A-pillar pod $245
Pertinent Info : The installation isn’t too difficult, but finding the right tube to tap into for the boost reading may confuse you for a second, and disconnecting the battery is a good idea when removing airbag-equipped A-pillars, as you may end up with an airbag in your face. Other important items to note: the SPR pod (which is available for most Audis, VWs, and BMWs) has a $25 core charge in addition to the price, but replaces the entire A-pillar, and the Autometer gauge is real carbon fiber. Installation took us about two hours on an Audi S4, so you ought to be able to do it in half that time.
Purchase Info : Autometer Products, Inc., 815/895-8141, www.autometer.com; Supreme Power Parts, 714/632-1951, www.supremepowerparts.com Installation : Home
Nitrous Express
Stage 1 EFI Nitrous Kit
MSRP: $599
Pertinent Info: We decided to boost the power on a supercharged ’97 BMW M3. Initially, we set the nozzles for a 35-shot, but before the week was finished we upped it to a 50-shot. The kit came with everything needed for a speedy install, including a 10-pound bottle and bottle warmer, and the potential for a 75 horsepower gain. You should be able to get the kit installed and working within three hours.
Purchase Info: Nitrous Express, 888/463-2781, www.nitrousexpress.com
Installation: R&D Dyno Services, 310/516-1003