Power Stages
Mk3 2.0 8v owners aren't expected to throw a great deal of money at the car, since the book value is around $3-5k. However, the BBM supercharger kit means Mk3 owners can have the power of a car that costs three times more.
Stage 1 - This non-intercooled kit costs $2899 and includes all the installation hardware as well as 22# injectors and BBM software. The kit produces 8-10psi and provides a little over 150whp.
Stage 2- Costing $549 extra, power rises to over 180whp thanks to a 268/260 cam, 9.5:1 low compression head gasket spacer and head bolt set. The upgrade also includes a smaller 63mm pulley compared to stage 1's 73mm, raising boost to 12psi.
Stage 3 - Costs a total of $4647, including a front-mount intercooler, new software and a 55mm pulley capable of over 15psi. This gives a reliable 215whp, taking the two.slow far from its stock base output. Torque is also notably higher, with the dyno exceeding 220wtq.
The kits fit any Mk3 2.0 8v including the Golf, Jetta, Cabrio and Passat. "We spent countless hours on the dyno refining and testing the kit, especially the software," explained John. "It's now like OEM. You can even maintain your gas mileage if you're not using the horsepower on the freeway because we use a bypass valve. Yet power is on tap whenever you need it."
One of the benefits of BBM's supercharger is that it's oil-fed. It draws fuel from the oil filter housing and returns it to the pan after first greasing the helical-cut gears. This increases supercharger longevity, allowing the bearings and gears to be properly lubricated.
Tech spec
1996 VW GTI
Owner: John Betz
Location: Bend, OR
Occupation: Owner, Bahn Brenner Motorsport
Engine: two liter ABA 8v with BBM stage 3 supercharger kit, software, 268/260 cam, billet fuel rail and FPR adaptor, FMIC and 3" billet MAF housing, Techtonics Tuning race header and 2.5" exhaust with Borla muffler, Mk4 intake manifold, 440cc injectors
Drivetrain: five-speed manual 020 transmission with Peloquin LSD, ACT four-puck clutch with BBM lightened flywheel
suspension: H&R coilovers, polyurethane bushings, front and rear sway bars
Brakes: Girling 60 two-piston calipers with drilled and slotted rotors
Wheels & Tires: 15x7" Ronal Racing Rallye three-piece magnesium wheels, stud conversion, 195/45-15 Kumho Ecsta tires
Exterior: Kerscher front bumper, OE European textured bumper top, fender flares and side moldings, Votex long fogs, Hella Mk4-look headlights, color-matched rear valance, BBM exhaust tip, M3-look tail lights, carbon fiber hood, JOM badgeless grille
Interior: Auto Meter boost gauge, BBM shift knob
Audio/Visual: Nakamichi head unit, JL Audio 10" W7 subwoofer, Focal speakers
Thanks: Jeff Atwood at C2 Motorsports