1992 Volkswagen GTI - Holy Smoke

Andy had built a screamer. The setup dynoed at 350whp and 351 lb-ft of torque on pump gas. Not just a dyno queen, he took the car to his local track and spun the tires to an 11.8sec quarter-mile at 118mph.

His speed-demon GTI was impressive, even conquering the muscle cars of trash-talking coworkers at the drag strip. But his quest didn't stop at straight-line performance. Appearance also mattered, and what better way to astonish people than a shaved engine bay? "Back in the day there was a burgundy Mk2 with a shaved engine bay. It also had a VR6 turbo and color-matched engine covers." Using influences from the past, Andy commenced shaving the bay, which swallowed an entire winter. "There are over 100 hours in that engine bay, just shaving and welding all the holes. I also had to fabricate panels and make everything flush. I'm not a body man by any means and taught myself as I went. People gave me advice here and there, but for the most part, I taught myself," he said.

Several parts, such as the battery, were relocated. The wiring harness, computer and several sensors were also moved to clean up the bay. Looking smoother than a baby's bottom, Andy polished almost everything in the engine bay, including the valve cover and intake manifold.

The bodywork continued, including the more time-consuming jobs such as shaving the side markers and rear hatch. Because the plate recess in the hatch was deleted, Andy molded a new one into the rear bumper.

The stock front bumper was dressed with a more aggressive RS2-style spoiler, which offered better airflow to the FMIC. Other exterior upgrades included an FK badgeless grille, smoked lights all around, Mk3-style handles and OE G60 fender flares.

When time came for paint, Andy had friend Kevin Clements sprayed the car inside and out in Audi S4 Nogaro blue. You might remember Kevin from his RWD GTI with its mid-engine VR6 turbo (et 1/07). He did a great job but after a year of wear 'n tear, Andy decided to repaint it before the '07 show season with the help of Matt Dunfey.

To ensure the car could handle spirited driving, KW coilovers lowered the car, while an Autotech strut bar and S&W rollcage improved rigidity.

The brakes were grabbed from the donor Mk3 GTI and upgraded with Zimmerman drilled 'n slotted discs.

For wheels, Andy chose Borbet Type Ts, which are distinctly Euro. The wide 16x9" five-spokes were wrapped in stretched 215/40 Toyo T1R tires. However, he's since ditched the Borbets for gold BBS RS, so watch out for him this show season.

Although the GTI might seem complete, it's far from finished. His hunger for horsepower convinced him to order a new BorgWarner S364 turbo, which is slightly bigger than a GT35R. With race fuel, new injectors and software, the car is expected to boast 550whp upon completion.

No longer a daily driver, Andy's original intentions still hold true. "It wasn't meant to be a show or race car. I tried to have the best of both worlds and hope to run tens on the quarter-mile while still be able to score well at a show."

Techspec
1992 VW GTI
Owner: Andy Dixon
Location: Lakeville, MA
Occupation: automotive technician

Engine:
2.8 liter VR6 with Ross 8.5:1 pistons, ARP main studs, connecting rod bolts and head studs, Kinetic Motorsport exhaust manifold, Forge Motorsports diverter valve, Garrett T3/T04e turbocharger with .57 trim wheel, 38mm Tial wastegate, Precision front-mount intercooler, 2.5" intercooler piping, C2 Motorsports intake manifold, 42# software and fueling kit, 20squared Tuning 3" downpipe, BFI stage 2 motor mounts, VR6 fuel tank and pump, Walbro 255 lph in-line fuel pump, chrome OBD1 valve cover, ATP heat shield, relocated battery in rear, shaved engine bay

Drivetrain:
five-speed manual with Peloquin limited-slip differential and bolt kit, Spec aluminum flywheel and clutch, Dieselgeek short shifter