Cory Caddy
Cory Sterling of Euro Auto Source in York, Pennsylvania brought his '81 Volkswagen Caddy TDI project to this year's VAG Fair show, even though it was incomplete. Despite its raw finish, showgoers cheerfully embraced the pickup and gave it a warm reception.
Being at the show was a victory in itself for Cory since it was the first major outing after the 1.9 turbo-diesel engine swap had been executed. The air ride suspension was also reportedly working like a charm.
The following week, Cory returned the Caddy to his shop and started applying a durable Rhino lining to the engine bay and truck bed. Next on the list of updates, is paint and the 15" Lambo-style Compomotive LC wheels.
E30 V10
That's right, you read it correctly, a M5 V10 motor in this tiny E30 M3. The conversion is projected to surpass the stock 500hp and the monstrous transformation is taking place at Piper Motorsports in Sterling, VA.
Introduced in et 9/07, the M5 powerplant has been accommodated in a modified E90 subframe within the modified E30, while the shock towers and firewall were also heavily massaged. There are also wider fenders to ensure more grip and cover the wider track.
One of the latest upgrades is an eight-point rollcage. Instead of having a regular cage tight against the body, it's actually been incorporated into the body itself. The front bars go through the dash, and through the firewall to the shock towers, while the pillar bars are hidden behind the interior panels. This means the rollcage will be virtually invisible, except for the rear bar.
The wiring is also complete thanks to the gurus at Apex B Technology. They built a custom harness from the tail lights up to the headlights. The Pectel engine management is also in place, boasting new features such as a programmable traction control system available to them - something an E30 3-series wouldn't have had from the factory!
Other updates include custom air intake boxes fabricated to sit behind the headlights (just visible in this photo) and match the intake manifold. The exhaust ssytem is complete with dual 2.5" pipes and M5 mufflers. A new power steering reservoir is now in place, as well as oil and power steering coolers.
We're apparently only a few of months away from the engine being started and the body going to paint, so stay tuned for the next updates.
ER 135i
Evolution Racewerks is getting ready for the Super Lap Battle Finals this month with its track-prepped '08 BMW 135i. The tuner successfully qualified at Willow Springs Raceway in July, finishing third in the Street class behind an Evo and Supra.
The car's already equipped with engine upgrades such as ER's prototype 304 stainless steel modular exhaust with downpipes and larger front-mount intercooler. Other improvements include KW Clubsport suspension and Snow Performance methanol injection kit. The most surprising change is the widened front fenders which allow 18x10" Forgeline wheels all round with 285/30-18 Advan Neova tires. According to ER, this enhances the balance of the car and cures the factory understeer.
We caught up with ER to follow the install of Brembo's first big brake kit for the 1-Series. It'll be interesting to see if there's a significant difference with the new big brakes on the track. The OE brakes are already engineered by Brembo and utilize a six-piston caliper, similar in size to the new red calipers. The main difference is the new Brembo caliper is lighter and offers a larger pad surface. The rotor is almost 1" larger in diameter, using a 14" diameter compared to the OE 13.3". The slotted surface should also help pad bite.
A step-by-step installation is available online at
www.eurotuner.com
Contact to be included on this page, email details of your vehicle to:eurotuner@sourceinterlink.com