Catz HID Conversion
Catz offers a conversion kit that allows you to turn your halogen lighting system into the cool blue high-intensity discharge (HID) lights in such high demand these days. The Catz systems include HID capsules designed to align the central light source with the original halogen bulb light source, so the beam pattern is significantly brighter but is cast in the same shape as the original. Also, Catz H4 lamps feature both high and low beams in one capsule. Catz considers its kits "plug and play," as all necessary components, including pre-assembled wiring harnesses, are included.
Info: FET USA, 800/433-8872, www.fet-usa.com.
Davis Instruments CarChip
How'd you like to tap into your OBD II sensor and obtain the same kind of information that the pro repair shops do? You can with Davis Instruments' CarChip, a compact data logger that plugs directly into the OBD II unit and records data that can be downloaded into a PC. You can diagnose engine malfunctions by reading trouble codes and even capture data from the seconds before an accident. The advanced CarChip E/X model (shown) offers four times the data storage and monitors more parameters-rpm, throttle position, and more.
Info: Davis Instruments, 510/732-9229, www.davisnet.com.
Forge Motorsport Intercoolers
Forge Motorsport is a British tuning parts maker that's just starting to do business here in the U.S. It has recently developed new intercooler applications for the Golf IV/Audi A4 (shown) and for both the 180hp and 225hp versions of the Audi TT. The front-mount TT cooler is so new, in fact, that the company hasn't dyno tested it yet to check its affect on power. The Golf IV side-mount cooler, on the other hand, was good for a 13hp increase at the wheels. Also, intake temps dropped by 9 degrees C.
Info: Forge Motorsport, 321/689-0982, www.forgemotorsport.com.
Centerforce Dual Friction Clutches
Centerforce has added new BMW applications (for 525i, 528, and 540 models) to its Dual Friction clutch line. The Dual Friction clutches generate up to 90 percent more holding capacity than stock clutches, and as such are well suited for engines producing high horsepower and torque levels. Because Dual Friction discs are designed to be used with specific pressure-plate assemblies, the two are sold as a set.
Info: Centerforce, 928/771-8422, www.centerforce.com.
EBC Ultra Series Brake Pads
EBC Brakes has developed a new Ultra series line of Greenstuff brake pads specifically designed for German- and Swedish-built cars. According to EBC, those makes typically use large-diameter, single-piston calipers compared to the smaller pistons found in two-, four- or even six-pot calipers in American and Asian cars. The Ultra series therefore uses a taller-profile, wide-band pad that track testing has shown delivers higher deceleration values, shorter stopping distances, and cooler disc temperatures.
Info: EBC Brakes, 818/362-5467, www.ebcbrakes.com.
Goodridge Brake Line Kits
Goodridge is a British manufacturer of hoses, fittings, and other fluid transfer devices ranging from fuel rails to braided steel clutch lines. It has an extensive selection of steel brake lines for Audi, BMW, VW, and other European car applications, all of which feature a PTFE inner hose surrounded by a stainless steel outer braid. New from the company are Colourflex brakelines (shown below the standard braided steel line) that allow you to color-key your lines to match or contrast with your car's paint scheme.
Info: Goodridge USA, 310/533-1924, www.goodridge.net.