Garage - MK2, R32, and Corrado - Eurotuner Magazine

McDermott Mk2
The vintage and track-friendly theme of Andrew McDermott's '89 GTI 16v (et 10/06) is coming along nicely. The Compomotive wheels with Nitto NT01 R tires fit nicely, and TM Tuning came onboard to supply interior pieces, including an RSD oil cooler.

Andrew and the team at Exotic Audio have started taking the interior apart to make room for the new audio equipment, supplied by Boston Acoustics and Crutchfield. "Crutchfield was able to provide the best Kenwood tuner, which will be a great source for the pro-level Boston system," Andrew told us.

The interior will soon be painted grey in order to create the minimal theme they're aiming for. However, bright red Corbeau seats will contrast it. But these feature old school stitching, so should look right at home. The roll-bar will also be pulled out and copper-plated for a unique antique-look.

Another detail is the hot rod-style faux graphics along the side. Highway Motors has experimented with different techniques and is ready to apply it to the Mk2 once the interior is complete.

Jacobson R32
We were contacted by Jeff Jacobson from Minneapolis, MN, who's in the process of building his "simple but effective" R32. "I dreamed of one day building my R32 into something special and I'm happy my vision is finally becoming a reality. Things fell into place when I met with local tuning shop Further Performance and we planned everything out.

"One of the hardest decisions was what to do with the engine. I found myself in conversation with Chris Collier at C2 Motorsports about their new turbo kits and knew this was what I wanted. The idea of having their first R32 turbo kit was even more exciting," Jeff told us.

The C2.400 kit uses a PT35R turbo on a stainless steel tubular header, downpipe and mid-pipe. It also uses a 38mm Tial wastegate, six 415cc injectors, C2 software and Raceware head studs.

The kit will run about 11 lb of boost and should develop 320whp. However, Jeff's hoping to add a Snow Performance BoostCooler to allow 17-18psi and around 400whp. This will eventually be followed by 550cc injectors and a custom C2 Intercooler.

The R32 will also get Swiss-made HPS air-ride suspension from Eurojet Racing, using HPS premium bags plus upgraded pillow mounts and a Vlair 380C 200psi compressor.

Plans also call for both an exterior and interior makeover, finishing with a respray in an undecided color. "We plan to have it all wrapped up by spring and ready for the forthcoming show and track season. And even look for us running the quarter mile in this beauty," Jeff said.

Briere Corrado
We'd not seen any progress on Allen Briere's widebody Corrado 1.8T AWD since we caught up with him at Waterfest '07 but he contacted us with this news: "I had a local shop make a 3" stainless steel downpipe so I could finally complete the exhaust. I've almost finished the wiring as well, with the exception of the boost controller and gauges. I even installed my LC-1 AFR tuning device, which is wired into the standalone, eliminating the need to wire in another O2 sensor. The standalone is almost tuned and the car is running very well, although I have some fuel trims to play with, but the base map I was sent was virtually dead on. I finally installed my BOV and wastegate as well, so the car's making boost and is quick!"

With so much work on the car, Allen still plans to compete in the 2008 autocross season, but is focusing more on track days at present.

As for the rest of the car, his Koni's were sent away to be re-valved, and he's still talking to people about wheels and tires. He also plans to put the car on a diet to lose a bit of weight.