Waterfest - Saturday
Greg
On the first day of Waterfest it's important for us to make our way around all the vendors and see what's new this year. The size of the Waterfest 14 means it takes a full day to get round all the booths but its always worth the trouble. This year's highlights included a new Peloquin differential application for two- and four-wheel drive DSG-equipped transmissions. This means cars like the GTI, GLI, A3 and TT can now use Peloquin's famous diff technology to control excessive power and improve traction as well as cornering.
WRD had a new mesh wheel for Mk4 and Mk5 VW applications as well as a polyurethan insert for Mk5 transmissions.
Vredestein was showing its Ultrac Sessanta tires on a modified Audi S5, while Bilstein was showing its latest PSS10 suspension systems for the Mk5 GTI.034 Motorsport had a series of parts for the Audi A4 1.8T, including an exhaust manifold to top-mount a turbo, phenolic spacers, a valve cover breather hose and a front snubber mount.
Auto Speed had its newly finished Rotrex supercharger conversion for the 4.2 liter V8 Audi S4. On pump gas its giving 400whp and 375 lb-ft.Konig Wheels had a number of new designs from its Privat range, including the Motiv, Zentralle, Bremsen, Ventile and Runaway. All four have European applications and most allow staggered fitments.
AWE Tuning had a GT2871R turbo upgrade for the B7 Audi A4. With the tuner's own FMIC and exhaust, power is rated at 375hp to the crank. They also had a K04 upgrade for the 2.0T motor with patent-pending fuel upgrades. Power up to 355hp is available.
Software specialists GIAC is offering its Flashloader to allow '97-99 1.8T owners to upload software through the serial port themselves. Several different programs are available and the handheld loader permits the owner to upload whatever is required, including valet and disabling modes.
APR had an S3-spec turbo conversion for the Audi A4 boasting 300hp. There's also a stage 3 kit for the 2.0TFSI at 375hp. Finally, the tuner showed us its RSC Technology exhaust system that allows internal channels to fine-tune the exhaust to eliminate unwanted droning.
Sam
Before Waterfest started, I had my predications. With the current economic situation, especially with ludicrous fuel prices, I guessed the attendance would suffer. After day one, the show was more quiet and less crowded than the previous times I've gone. I was hoping for more neck-breaking cars that would blow my mind away. There were a few here and there which you will read about, but I think this year has gone a touch softer in the Euro scene.However, there were still plenty of good highlights about Waterfest including new trends and new parts for the market.
On the first day, I typically cover the vendor and tuner area. First, I was impressed with C2 Motorsport's R32 turbo kit. Sure the car and the engine bay still look stock, but the story behind it inspired me. A dealer from Denver, CO delivered a stock R32 to C2 so they could develop a turbo kit. This dealership, then purchased a fleet of R32s so once C2 was done, they would outfit all the R32s with the kit. Here's the best part - the turbo would be warranted through the dealer! This will hopefully bring new life to the Mk5 R32. I wish more VW dealers would support the aftermarket like this one...
Another highlight was in the Kinetic Motorsport booth. Kinetic displayed a demo of its new 1.8T kit. This excited me because this kit is scheduled to go into Project Silverstone! The kit will come with a 50-trim turbo and include all the hardware. For 1.8T owners who just want to buy the exhaust manifold or other parts, Kinetic will sell everything piece by piece as well. It's based off owner Shawn Van Neer's 337 that was featured in et 7/08. Shawn claims over 400whp with a larger size turbo but using the same kit components.
This Waterfest was the first time I had the chance to talk with TMTuning. I was thoroughly excited to find out how much rare OE Euro parts they carry. They've really found a niche in the Euro market to offer products that many of us are begging for.
Hard luck story goes to 20squaredtuning. As the exclusive distributor of Eurojet parts, the Eurojet trailer broke down on its way to Waterfest. Several crates of new parts were meant to be on display and for sale but UPS lost its shipment!
Not just new parts, there were plenty of tuner cars which caught my eye. Cory Sterling's daily-driven Corrado VR6 looked pristine on copper-plated Abt wheels with a matching copper intake manifold. The Rado also has pulled fenders and smoothed bodywork.
A couple cars represented Falken impressed me which included Matt Kleck's big turbo 20th GTI and Kyle Duqesnay's show-stopping Mk4 Jetta.
In the end, I think Unitronic brought out the craziest of cars. Two Mk2s with full R32 swaps and there was even a Mk2 Golf with a 2.0T FSI swap! Talk about extraordinary!