'92 VW GTI, '84 Porsche 944 and More - Garage Projects

Turbo Tom
There hasn't been much progress on Tom Thongprasert's '04 VW GTI VR6, but the timing issues have been resolved and the R32 cylinder head is finally bolted down using custom head studs. But Tom did send us better photos of the engine and Precision T61 dual ball-bearing turbo.

If you're just joining us, Tom's on a mission to surpass 500whp in his GTI with the help of Schimmel Performance, C2 Motorsports and Dubsquared. Not just trying to build an all-out track car, the team of tuners is working to keep the car daily-driveable. The 24v six cylinder currently features JE pistons bored to 82.5mm along with SP Forged 4340 rods and larger ARP bolts. As mentioned earlier, the cylinder head comes from an R32, which will help airflow and take advantage of the 2.8 liter's thicker cylinder walls. Tom says he's on track to have the motor finalized in the next two months, so we'll keep you informed.

TDI Hart
About a year ago (et 2/08), we had the pleasure of showcasing Frank Hart's '92 Corrado SLC. Instead of a VR6, he transplanted a torquey and fuel-efficient TDI into it. The Corrado was a one-of-a-kind creation, but Frank recently parted ways with it in order to provide for the adoption of a new baby. It meant the two-door coupe wouldn't worked as a family car, so he needed something more appropriate.

Meet the new grocery-getting, baby-seat carrying, family sedan - a '99 Passat 20v. It was a steal at only $600, but it had some issues such as oil starvation problems. "My plan is to go through all the routine maintenance: engine, brakes, suspension, wheels and tires. It's not an all-out project car but I expect to spend roughly $3000 and sort the whole thing out in time for the baby."

Already in the works is a new AEB large-port 20v crate-motor, which will save time going through the old piston rings, bearings, bolts and more.

And to cure Frank's diesel addiction, he's started another TDI swap for a close friend's '98 Golf. It already had a VR6 swap but it was nothing but problems, so Frank found a TDI motor from a '98 Jetta. The goal is to swap the motor and legally smog it as well. Then Frank will tear into the engine, upgrading the intake manifold, turbo, downpipe, injectors and software. We'll have updates on both of Frank's projects next month.

Porsche 350
While 17-year old Anthony Begins is studying for his SATs and finishing high school, he's also working on a Frankenstein project; this '84 Porsche 944. Since acquiring the car, the student tried to return it to stock but the wiring harness was fried, injectors faulty and clutch burnt. The engine also had very high mileage, so Anthony and his dad brainstormed options. "We decided it would be best to turn it into a street-legal drag car," he explained.

So Anthony sourced a Chevy 350 small-block with GM transmission and rear-end to build to the Porsche chassis. "I know it isn't exactly Euro, but the car will be good ol' American-fast when I'm done with it!"

The father and son team have already fabricated a custom four-link rear suspension with subframe connectors and trackbar locater. Custom motor mounts were built to secure the 5.7 liter small-block V8 engine, plus headers and Edelbrock carburetors were installed.

We'll bring you the updates on the interior and exterior changes, plus dyno and quarter-mile results once Anthony gets the car down the strip.

Contact: to be included on this page, email details of your vehicle to: eurotuner@sorc.com