The T5 was perfect because it's strong and plenty of parts are available for it. That was key because the built VR6 was making over 400hp. It featured EIP pistons, Cunningham chromoly rods, ARP hardware and a custom intake manifold with individual velocity stacks to compensate for runner length.
Boost is created by a Precision PT67 turbo, running through custom 2.5" aluminum piping and a 4" Garrett intercooler core before entering the 12v head.
Fuel is provided by an Aeromotive A1000 fuel pump, custom ECM fuel rail and 660cc Siemens injectors, while DTA Pro 8 stand-alone management controls combustion. Boost is regulated by a Turbonetics wastegate and A'PEXi AVC-R.
Starting last winter, Richard began taking apart the perfectly good Corrado VR6 turbo and rebuilding every mechanical aspect. A front subframe was fabricated to move the 2.9 VR6 back, optimizing balance and handling. "There's only 0.5" between the firewall and the timing chain cover because I wanted the engine to sit as far back as possible without chopping up the firewall. It meant I could get the weight between the wheels to balance the car," he said.
While he was at it, Richard moved the front control arm mounts 1" forward to again maximize balance. Otherwise, the stock suspension and geometry was retained.
At the rear, another subframe was created to secure the Mitsubishi-based independent suspension, differential and axles. The process was complex and Richard resorted to hot rod techniques he'd learned from his father. "My father's been welding and building hot rods all his life - I was raised around this stuff," Richard said. "Getting everything to line up was difficult and I could have just welded things in place, but I did it old school, with string and levels and squares."
Richard fabricated custom rear shock tubes and finished the suspension with Bilstein dampers and H&R springs.
The brakes were upgraded to 12.3" Brembo drilled front rotors, matched to Hawk pads. Admittedly, these aren't on par with the car's performance, so more upgrades are planned.
A rare set of BBR three-piece wheels (17x8" front, 17x9" rear) were carried over from when the car was front-drive, and sit perfectly in the SLC fenders - this is one of the rare VW's where wider rear rubber is needed for performance rather than looks. Other than a European front spoiler, Rieger wing and some minor updates to lighting, the wheels are the only significant visual change.
The gas tank had to find a new location, so a custom fuel cell was installed. "It was handbuilt from sheet aluminum but I still use the factory fuel filler - you don't have to pop the trunk or anything," Richard said.