A free BBQ and the chance to see some powerful Euros on the dyno was all the reason we needed to drop in on NGP racing.
This MK4 put down an impressive 284whp with 19psi
The dyno is a cruel mistress, breaking more hearts than Angelina Jolie at a Tomb Raider convention. Despite this, its siren song is irresistible to horsepower junkies, so when NGP Racing had its annual open house and dyno day, we had to go and check out the action.
With beautiful cool weather, it was a perfect day for cars and their nervous owners to test their mettle. People were lining up early for the 10am start, eager for the chance to spin the rollers and achieve top bragging rights. In addition, NGP was providing free food and drinks, so even after each run, most owners hung out to fill their stomachs and check out the action, which lasted well past the scheduled 3pm cut-off.
This Porsche 993 got time on the rollers.
Things got off to a clean start with a few naturally aspirated VWs putting down respectable numbers. An unassuming Scirocco 16v got into VR6 territory with a strong 142whp run, while a unique Mk3 Golf 2.0 8v on ITBs screamed to 7000rpm, resulting in a 132whp run.
The forced induction crew was quick to show there's little that can compete with positive manifold pressure when it comes to horsepower. A classic Mk1 Rabbit equipped with a G60 barked to the tune of 183whp, pulling strongly to redline and beyond. The owner recently had the G-Lader rebuilt and was pleased with the results.
this M3 got time on the rollers.
It's not a true VW dyno day without 1.8T power though, and this was no different. Starting with a few lightly modified examples, we saw runs in the 185-195whp range, but it was just getting started. Not one but two Mk4 GTIs running Revo's Big Turbo software laid down nice clean 284whp pulls.
The day's top honors went to another Mk4 1.8T that was also using Revo software. The owner had decided to push the envelope a bit more, and after a 304whp run, he cranked the boost and ended up with an impressive 315whp. His GTI lived to see another day, despite less than ideal air/fuel readings. Don't try this at home, kids!
NGP offers VAG-COM tweaking.
Other cool VWs included an R32 with its Haldex disabled. Running in FWD, the car made 230whp.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, a tired old Rabbit diesel lined up for a run. After what seemed like ten minutes, the "little diesel that could" ended up with a whopping 34whp, and there was much rejoicing.
A few Mk5s also showed up and impressed the crowd with strong numbers. One GTI made 225whp, while a super-clean GLI laid down 270wtq.
United gray GTI with APR stage 2+ software ran 224whp and 262wtq.
It wasn't all VWs though; a handful of E36 M3s got to run and and NGP owner, Dave Graf, put his pristine Porsche 993 on the rollers.
The loudest car competition featured a 176whp B18C-powered Civic running open headers and a slammed Jetta VR6. The Civic had a more ear-shattering note, even forcing our photographer Josh to put down his camera and hold his ears, but the Jetta won on style points! The car's owner managed to convince the NGP crew to play the theme from Top Gun over the sound system during the power pulls, and somehow it was the perfect anthem.
All told, everybody had a good time with cars, horsepower and free food. During the dyno action NGP was also busy with sales and APR chip upgrades, ensuring that at least some attendees went home with more power than they arrived with. Perhaps they'll get a chance to test their luck next year.
Jetta GLI with APR stage 2+ software ran 214whp 270wtq. | 
This '81 Diesel Rabbit cost $700 and threw down 34whp. Priceless! | 
There was a full house all day, and the BBQ was only part of the attraction |