Dustin Drummey swears A 300HP Four-Door Is The Only Way To Roll.
Dustin Drummey isn't one to mince words about his choice of transport. In no uncertain terms, he asserts the four-door Golf 1.8T here is the ultimate in automobile performance and practicality (surely it's a five-door! -Ed).
To some people, a four-door hatchback is a family grocery-getter. It's maybe more sporty than a minivan, but only slightly. Family car or not, with over 300hp it's no slouch and, as Dustin said, "It's four doors or nothing."
"My parents were always pushing me to get a Volkswagen," Dustin began. "After some research on my first car I knew the 1.8T engine really interested me, but I didn't like the Jetta body. So when I came across a four-door Golf, I knew I had to have one."
After placing his order, the dealer located one in a week and Dustin was the proud owner of a brand new Uniblack Golf 1.8T four-door, one of 7707 imported to the US.
It wasn't always the bahn-stormer you see now, nor was it ever meant to be. However, it remains his daily driver, dutifully taking the Cape Cod car salesman to work everyday.
"It started off fairly slow," he continued. "When I purchased the car I wasn't too involved with the tuning scene. But as time progressed I looked into a chip. After that I needed more power and pulled the trigger on the turbo kit."
With 300whp, this 1.8T shouldn't be hidden under the hood
Dustin procured an ATP GT28RS turbo kit, consisting of the manifold, turbo and downpipe, turning to Alex Wentworth of Wentworth Motorsports for the installation. Alex is no stranger to high performance VWs, having built Kevin Clemens' awesome mid-engine Mk3 VR6 turbo (et 1/07).
The stock-block 1.8T's combustion is controlled by Revo's Big Turbo software, while a set of 415cc USRT Genesis injectors emit the correct amount of fuel into each cylinder. A Walbro 255 inline fuel pump increases the flow from the tank, and an Aeromotive adjustable FPR keeps everything in check.
Evan Dent at 42 Draft Designs then supplied a custom 3" exhaust from the downpipe back, while a large GReddy FMIC would ensure maximum power was achieved, but not without some headaches.
"The front bumper was heavily modified to fit the intercooler," Dustin confirmed. "Originally the Rieger [bumper] came with foglight openings and mounting tabs, but those don't exist any more. We also flipped the GReddy core so we could get more of it into the opening. We trimmed about 3" of material on either side of the bumper but I still run a full rebar on the front of the car."
Power has been measured at a healthy 275whp at 20psi boost, and is channeled through a Spec stage 3 clutch with matching 14 lb single-mass flywheel. A Quaife differential was also installed, but not right away.
"We did the clutch when we fitted the turbo," he said. "And shortly thereafter we did my fourth set of axles, and the limited-slip diff."
Fourth set of axles? "I went through two sets of DriveShaft Shop axle and one stock," Dustin explained. "I'm on Raxles now and absolutely love them."
Clearly the additional power is put to good use: "I beat on her. But the way I look at cars is they're made to be driven," he said. "I drive my car. I'll take it easy when I have to, but it's fun to know you have the power when you want it."
When you have that sort of approach to the daily commute, you know stock suspension simply isn't up to the task. So the assortment of suspension parts include WRD/Koni coilovers, a WRD Advantage rear sway bar and WRD chassis braces.
"John from WRD has been a huge help and helps me out with any suspension stuff I need," Dustin stated. "I like the way it handles; I'm able to feel the road but would like something a little more solid." Accordingly, more suspension upgrades are in the works for next season.
The WRD parts work with a set of 18" Forgeline SX3R wheels (8.5" front, 9" rear). As the name implies, the wheels are strong yet lightweight for the brutal conditions found in New England.