Meet two VW enthusiasts from Pennsylvania. Both of them have owned several and modified Veedubs since before the turn of the century. They're also friends who frequent local York, PA shop Euro Auto Source operated by Cory Sterling, who built a Euro-clean, supercharged Mk3 Jetta (et 1/08).
Although these gentlemen have similar cars and resources, they traveled two different roads. Neither shares the same philosophy toward tuning - one is more audacious with an addiction to speed, while the other seeks daily drivability and smooth looks.
For the past few years, the friends embarked on an ongoing but good natured battle to complete their cars. Today, they're finished and here to show off two sides of the Mk3 tuning spectrum.
Heishman Trophy
Every enthusiast has at least one great story that leaves you in either shock or laughter. For Eric Heishman, his experience at H2Oi '07 had kept this story a secret until his friends and family read this feature.
After belting across a bridge in triple digits while leaving Ocean City, Eric noticed a cop coming the opposite way as he crested a brow in the road. Undeterred, he continued accelerating his 289whp supercharged VR6 GTI, satisfying his thirst for speed.
Although this might not have been the most sensible action, Eric took part in the carefree atmosphere of H2Oi and accepted the consequence. Luckily, he wasn't escorted off to jail, but slapped on the wrist with a ticket.
After talking to Eric, he had nothing but good humor. In all honesty, he's far from a maniac behind the wheel but enjoys driving fast where safe.
After reaching completion of his project, he stopped daily driving it to preserve its flawless finish but continues to take it out whenever he craves the thrust from the supercharged six.
There are some interesting facts about Eric and his love for VWs. This is his third Mk3 GTI, but he's also owned a Mk4 Jetta GLI and currently drives a Corrado VR6 to work. After owning all these VWs, it came as no surprise to discover he's the sales manager for a prominent VW/Audi dealership in his hometown.
As the original owner of the '98 GTI, he kept the car free of harm. After driving it stock for five years, he finally caught the itch. "I just wanted to do a little bit here and there to make it a good looking car," he told us. "It didn't have to be the fastest or coolest, but just fun to drive. I got to know different people and eventually met Cory of Euro Auto Source. He was gung-ho and helped with the build."
After meeting Cory, Eric recounted the time when he did an evil burnout at a GTG while the car was still stock. Days later, a gear shot through the side of the bellhousing. Fortunately, Cory took the car and the two of them worked on it.
The pair started with the injured five-speed, rebuilding in combination with a Peloquin limited-slip diff, modified fifth gear, ACT race clutch and lightweight Autotech flywheel. A Dieselgeek short shifter finished the transmission upgrades.
The engine was next on the agenda, with exhaust components including a Brospeed header, custom test pipe and Techtonics 2.5" cat-back. "I was still getting beat by other cars and everybody busted me about going faster," Eric continued. "That's when I talked to C2 Motorsports."
The VR6 received a Vortech V2 supercharger, 4" MAF, 42 lb injectors and Forge diverter valve, easily giving it 100whp more than factory. "I really didn't look at turbos much because most of the systems at the time were new and people had issues with them, while people with supercharged cars ran great," he said.
"I initially had some tuning issues but C2 resolved them. And although it's not putting out as much power as some of today's VR6 turbos, it still has balls-out horsepower!"
Better stopping power was also needed, so drilled and slotted Brembo rotors were mounted. Stainless steel lines and Hawk pads completed the package.