That didn't mean the engine would remain as VW intended, and APR stage 1 software was installed to increase power and torque. A local shop built a 2.5" cat-back exhaust system, which ends with a Magnaflow muffler, while a Neuspeed intake eliminates the factory airbox. After checking under the hood though, you might have expected more: "I modified my engine cover so it would fit over the Neuspeed intake. That way I wouldn't have an ugly engine bay at shows," Ross said.
Since it was being cut up, the engine cover along with the battery and fusebox covers received coats of white and black paint to continue the "KoolWhip" theme.
Things remained simple inside as well, with a few color-matched panels, a white pinstripe and modest stereo upgrades. A VDO boost gauge shows the increased pressure in the engine, and resides in a Stewart Warner pod.
The main addition is a custom subwoofer enclosure Ross made himself: "It was the first speaker box I ever built. I went to a local shop and they said it was going to be about $500 for labor alone! So I just built my own," he said. "I researched fiberglass construction and went from there. Luckily, I have a friend who owns a bodyshop so he was able to guide me when I got to the Bondo, sanding and painting stages, and he sprayed it for me."
A 10" JL subwoofer resides in the black lacquered enclosure, powered by a JL amp, while an iPod adaptor keeps the tunes close.
After creating KoolWhip v2.0, Ross isn't sure what to do next. "I was thinking that way down the road, I may do APR's stage 3 big turbo set up, but I haven't reached that point."
However, he did mention one tidbit about KoolWhip v3.0 in the future: "I just bought an '04 R32 last night," he confided. When pressed, he wasn't too sure about giving the R32 a full re-spray to continue the white 'n black theme, but once you've got a "thing" going, it can be hard to change!
Tech Spec
2006 VW GTI
Owner: Ross Morehead
Location: Sherman, TX
Occupation: banker, part-time student
Engine: two liter 16v four cylinder with APR 93-octane software, Neuspeed cold-air intake with modified engine cover, custom 2.5" cat-back exhaust with Magnaflow muffler, color-matched engine, battery and fusebox covers
Drivetrain: stock six-speed manual transmission
Suspension: B&G RS-Line 18-way adjustable coilovers
Brakes: stock
Wheels & Tires: 19x8.5" ET45 Luff M1 wheels with white lips and Black Magic Pearl centers, 225/35-19 Kumho Ecsta SPT tires
Exterior: Votex front spoiler, R32 skirts, color-matched rear valance, black mirrors and roof, tinted tail lights, white pinstripe in grille and side markers
Interior: color-matched trim and console pieces, VDO boost gauge in Stewart Warner pod, Monster mats, 25% tint
Audio/Visual: custom fiberglass amp rack and speaker box, 10" JL Audio w6v2 subwoofer, JL Audio 500/1v2 amplifier, iPod interface, Escort Passport 8500
Thanks: Shiloh Bradford at Bradford's Custom Paint, Billy T at dubsquared, best friend Matt Woods, Jakeb Miller