The wheels had to fit the theme, so Rob tried out a set of Stern ST-1 wheels in black before coming across classically styled 19" Axis Supermesh wheels ordered from B&B Auto & Tires. Going with a staggered fitment, the fronts were 8.5" wide while the rears measured a generous 9.5" wide, wrapped in General UHP Exclaim tires. "I'm not big on poke and the wheels required 15mm spacers in order to clear the stock brakes," he explained. So in order to fit the wide rims out back, the calipers were shaved 8mm and repainted, while custom 7mm spacers fabricated by DNJ Wheels were mounted on all four corners to align the wheels flush with the fenders.
Although not like the cockpit of an F-16 Rob was familiar with at work, he paid special attention to the comfort and looks. "I always had a thing for the Audi S4 interior and wanted to add a little color," Rob stated. So he covered the door-cards in blue suede. A pair of Eurojet Racing Forte leather reclining seats would follow, with matching blue suede inserts and carbon fiber backs. Unable to stop himself, the cloth rear seats were ditched for leather versions, which appropriately got suede centers as well.
20AE interior remains essentially...
20AE interior remains essentially stock but for Auto Meter gauges
After Louie's Auto Interiors completed the suede transformation, some carbon fiber decoration adorned the GTI cockpit with composite door sill and seat rail covers. HMS Motorsport finally supplied a pair of Schroth four-point harnesses for the motorsport look.
There wasn't much left on Rob's plate, but he sprinkled more flair around the GTI to woo show judges. Within the engine bay, JCaps aluminum caps were fitted. Jeff Campbell then color-matched the engine covers and painted the B-pillars flat black.
Rob's 20AE possessed a modest attitude but he plans to be back at West Coast car shows this year with more upgrades including a GT3071R turbo, coilovers and full stereo system. It hasn't been an easy road for Rob, and his wife Jen has been his biggest critic. "She's been ready to divorce me numerous times because of my modding habits," he said. And while he's thankful for his wife patience, we're thankful for him aiding the air force and contributing to the growing OEM+ scene in America.
Tech Spec
2003 VW GTI 20AE
Owner: Rob Camp
Location: Avondale, AZ
Occupation: Air Force mechanic
Engine: 1.8 liter four cylinder 20v with Revo software, evoms diverter valve and cold-air intake, ECS Tuning pulleys, Samco Sport induction pipe, Eurojet Racing front-mount intercooler, GHL 3" turbo-back exhaust system, JCaps CNC aluminum engine caps, color-matched engine covers
Drivetrain: six-speed manual
Brakes: Zimmermann drilled rotors, Metal Master pads, Neuspeed stainless lines, Tyrol Sport caliper bushings, shaved rear calipers
Suspension: Weitec 60/60 Cup kit, Neuspeed lower tie bar, 25mm front and 28mm rear sway bars
Wheels & Tires: 19x8.5" front, 19x9.5" rear Axis Supermesh wheels on 7mm spacers with 215/35-19 front, 235/35-19 rear General UHP Exclaim tires
Rob went blue suede crazy...
Rob went blue suede crazy on the Eurojet seats, rear seats and door cards
Exterior: R32 front bumper with Cupra R lip, R32 side skirts and R-line rear bumper, shaved bumper notch, side markers and side line, FK badgeless grille and projector headlights, Hella tail lights, Bora R foglights, flat black B-pillars
Interior: Eurojet Racing black leather seats with blue suede inserts and carbon backs, matching rear seats, blue suede door cards, OE armrest, carbondynamics.net door sills and seat rail covers, Auto Meter Cobalt boost, pyrometer and air/fuel gauges, Schroth four-point harnesses
Thanks: wife Jen, father, evoms, Eurojet Racing, Carbon Dynamics, HMS Motorsports, DNJ Wheels, Jeff Campbell, B&B Auto & Tire, Louie's Auto Interiors