You know winter's approaching when there are two winter tire tests in a magazine, right... That's because we're trying to persuade those of you in what's known as the "winter tire belt" not to risk your property and health when the worst weather hits. Don't take your chances again on a set of high-performance or all-season tires this year. You may have got away with it up to now, but eventually you're luck will run out.inline_mediumwraptextright26732680/techarticles/eurp_0911_continental_tires_extreme_winter_tireeurp_0911_11_o+continental_tires+continental_group.jpgTrue

Erik Mk2
It's no mystery; the Scandinavian car enthusiasts create some of the craziest concepts ever seen when the long winters force residents to stay inside. For people like Jan Erik from Norway, that means staying in his home garage. For the last two years, Jan has been dedicated to building this insane Mk2 VW GTI 16v. The DTM-style widebody conversion is unmistakable. But look inside and you'll see this Mk2 is a mid-engined masterpiece. And unlike most VW racecars, the power from the 16v isn't being pushed to the front, but the rear wheels instead!inline_mediumwraptextright25538318/techarticles/eurp_0911_mk2_corrado_gti_garage_projecteurp_0911_01_o+garage_projects+mkii.jpgTrue

ET Tech In et 8/09, we saw an 8hp peak gain by upgrading the driveline fluid with products from Bavarian Autosport. This month, we crank things up to see what BimmerWorld's Sunbelt OBD2 cam kit is about.inline_mediumwraptextright26762041/techarticles/eurp_0911_track_pipe_cams_project_m3eurp_0911_02_o+bmw_m3_project+front_view.jpgTrue

A poor economy can be a good thing. It means supply is up, demand is down, and cars are dirt cheap. So we went in search of a new project car and the original B5 Audi S4 grabbed our attention. It's got everything; all-wheel drive, twin-turbos, a bulletproof bottom end and a cornucopia of parts both OEM and aftermarket to throw at it. But there's a downside; most cars are either abused beaters you should avoid or heavily modified, high-dollar cars with their share of problems.inline_mediumwraptextright26733958/techarticles/eurp_0911_project_car_b5_audi_s4eurp_0911_02_o+project_audi_s4+s4_cornering.jpgTrue

If you have never driven a car with an aftermarket steering wheel, you're missing out. There's something compelling about the feel. Perhaps it's the smaller diameter or the thicker padding. Maybe it's the soft sensation and firm grip on the leather and suede finish that gets us. Whatever it is, the ergonomics give a more positive driving experience - something a big, clunky stock wheel doesn't offer.inline_mediumwraptextright26787262/techarticles/eurp_0911_2003_mk4_volkswagen_gti_momo_steering_wheeleurp_0911_03_z+2003_mk4_vw_gti_+side.jpgTrue

Achtuning! S4
When we think of RS4 conversions, cars like Adam McCarty's 600hp '01 B5 S4 Avant (et 9/09) come to mind. But in the Pacific Northwest, there's a new breed of conversion stirring with Achtuning's '04 B6 S4. Already equipped with Stasis suspension, big brakes and a rear differential, 20" Work wheels and APR performance mods, this yellow B6 recently went under the knife at JMI Motoring in Smokey Point, WA. The shop took the sedan apart to outfit a complete B7 RS4 uniform, including front and rear bumpers, front fenders, rear quarter panels, trunk, hood and even the doors. The team is also fabricating a full rollcage along with custom carbon fiber parts for the interior. Once the body is done, Achtuning tells us a supercharger is in the works to give the 4.2 liter V8 more grunt to live up to its RS4 inspiration.inline_mediumwraptextright25692785/techarticles/eurp_0910_garage_projects_cars_under_contructioneurp_0910_14_o+garage_cars+audi.jpgTrue

SIDE SKIRTS & SPOILER

The downside of being the first in North America to modify the BMW 135i Coupe is that we were sometimes the guinea pig for various parts. On a few occasions, where no instructions were available, we made an educated guess about how parts might fit. Generally, we guessed right but we admit to a few errors. So in this update we plan correct a few wrongs and install some new parts.inline_mediumwraptextright30137061/techarticles/eurp_0909_project_bmw_135i_coupeeurp_0909_02+project_bmw_135i_coupe+left_rear.jpgTrue

Stealth Motor Mounts
Black Forest Industries
Msrp: $135
Info: www.blackforestindustries.com
Slip these onto your daily driver and they'll be soft enough for the commute but will prevent your motor from doin' the rumba. The complete kit comes with all the hardware to support your ABA and AAA-equipped Mk3 or Corrado, and they fit between the ultra-stiff race mounts and the too-soft stock units. Keep it supported, keep it stealth.

Letter of the Month
Oops
I guess we shouldn't have waited!
Kaylan Marie
Seattle, WA

In part 10 (et 7/09) of our '97 Me project we installed a BimmerWorld stage 2 clutch kit and have subsequently put an easy 500 miles on the odometer as suggested to break it in. For the first 100 miles, the clutch seemed a little grabby. But as time passed, the clutch started to feel like a stock unit. We're also pleased to report there's virtually no flywheel chatter. In fact, the owner of Modified by KC (who fitted it for us) decided to order the same parts for his own E36 M3.

Results
Returning to the dyno we were full of optimism, wondering if we could hit 300 lb-ft at the wheels. The ambient temperature was only 2 higher than our baseline dyno, so the conditions had barely changed.

With the cooling department completed in part 9 (et 2/09s), our engine is ready for more power. But before we get into new components, there's one last thing to take care of - the clutch. After all, we don't want it to slip on our next test and skew the results. And with 145000 miles on the clock, it was probably a good time to change it anyway.

The sun had set an hour ago as brothers Raffi and Vic Kazanjian at Euro Sport Accessories in Anaheim, CA wiped the sweat from their brows. For the last 12 hours, they'd been working on our `03 Audi A4 1.8T quattro. Introduced in et 12/08, the car came to us as a real POS with 120k on the odometer, worn parts and check engine lights. But thanks to Euro Sport and several suppliers, we've breathed new life into Project B6.

Clages A4
The story of Nicolas Clages' '02 Audi A4 started last year. "Not many people like naturally-aspirated motors in the VW/Audi scene, especially automatic vehicles with tan interiors. So I always try to go a different way and take on a bigger challenge, which is why I continue to work on this somewhat unloved 3.0 liter A4," he explained.

Door Pulls
These are very simple to install and instantly looked better than the stock Glacier silver aluminum trim in our 135i. While the stock trim did add some brightness to the black interior, there's nothing classier than carbon fiber!To install, you just need to slide a plastic blade behind the handles, pry them off, transfer the clips back to the door and push the new trims on. Simple!

Up to this point, our 2009 VW Jetta TDI has received a set of 19x8" BBS CH wheels, 235/35-19 Continental CSC3 tires and KW V3 coilovers. The car sat right and handles well, but there were other issues to be addressed. For starters, the stock brakes are mushy. Press the pedal hard and it's like stepping in custard. While they probably work well enough, we definitely wanted to improve the pedal feel, so a set of EBC pads and rotors were enlisted.

Carbon mirrors
While all previous parts were fitted by Ivan in the bodyshop, the carbon mirrors were installed by Derek in the main South Bay BMW workshops with the aid of his trusty plastic tool. As we discovered, nobody should attempt to work on a modern car without one of these. They don't scratch the piece you're working on and get into tiny places to prise open the many clips that are used.

Euro Sport intake
Our hosts had been waiting to try their Cool-Flo Race air-intake on a TDI and this would be the opportunity. With a minor modification, they planned to use an existing Mk5/A3/CC 2.0TSI intake that comprises a metal intake tube (available in black/wrinkle or chrome/clear powdercoat), ITG cone filter and two silicone connectors. The only difference between our diesel and most gasoline models is an additional vacuum hose on the TDI, but a simple nozzle would accommodate that. So we went ahead with the installation you can read here or online.

If you're a regular reader, you'll know we get to test a great many tires each year. Truth be told, we arrive full of optimism, only to leave with our hopes dashed. The problem is, many tire companies don't really want you to test their tires too hard. It's not unusual to spend less than three minutes behind the wheel of a car before the manufacturer's representative asks for your opinions and ushers you off to a different task.

It was back in et 12/08 that we first introduced Project B6. At the time we admitted it was as close to a POS as an Audi A4 quattro can get. The unfortunate sedan had been treated to some ill-conceived and poorly executed upgrades by a previous owner that included a warped body kit, stock wheels painted matte black, illegal window tint, carbon hood, black roof and lowering springs. The 1.8T had done far too many miles, had a clogged intake and frankly needed some TLC.

In part 7 of our series (et 1/09) we unleashed a usable 12whp peak with a cat-back, pulleys, throttle body and coils, then we made sure it was running cool in part 8 (et 2/09). This month, we're set to improve the car's handling.

It was back in et 12/08 that we first introduced Project B6. At the time we admitted it was as close to a POS as an Audi A4 quattro can get. The unfortunate sedan had been treated to some ill-conceived and poorly executed upgrades by a previous owner that included a warped body kit, stock wheels painted matte black, illegal window tint, carbon hood, black roof and lowering springs. The 1.8T had done far too many miles, had a clogged intake and frankly needed some TLC.

Deemed by several journalists and auto enthusiasts as one of the best street tires on the market, the Yokohama Advan AD07 set the standard for tire performance. It was a tire you could drive to and from work but one that would also instill confidence and offer incredible grip on weekend track events or if you encountered a stretch of twisty canyon roads.

Project TDI
Over the last couple of months we've lowered our '09 VW Jetta TDI using KW Variant 3 coilovers and added 19x8" BBS CH wheels with 235/35-19 Continental ContiSportContact3 tires. This month, we were focused on assessing these mods and preparing the car for its fuel economy challenge (see elsewhere in this issue).