After introducing our ‘07 Audi A3 2.0T project car last month, we promptly installed H&R Street Performance coilovers, 19x8.5" matte-bronze TSW Nurburging wheels and 235/35 R19 Continental ExtremeContact DW tires.
As we always say, these are the components that give you the biggest bang for your buck. Not only does the car look spectacular once finished, but it also handles considerably better. Win, win.
Sleek piano-black JOM grille from BFI
The Goods
This month, there was one piece we really wanted – a JOM S3-style replacement front grille from our friends at Black Forest Industries.
This piano-black one-piece grille eliminates both the stock chrome surround as well as the chrome rings.
It’s a replica of the S3 grille available on the performance model in Europe and should instantly give our project car more attitude. At less than $190, it’s a cheap and effective upgrade for any A3.
Perhaps the only snag is removing the bumper to install it. However, it’s relatively easy and we’ve got step-by-step instructions to show you how to do it thanks to the experts at SupremePower in Placentia, CA.
While we don’t have room for large photos here, you’ll also find the full version online at eurotuner.com
| Part |
Supplier |
Price |
| JOM S3-style grille |
Black Forest Industries |
$189 |
The Muscle
We visited SupremePower (SPP) to have the JOM grille installed. The company specializes in all European marques, carrying a good stock of wheels and tires, as well as being dealers for a massive selection of leading brands – visit supremepowerparts.com for details.
SupremePower has been responsible for plenty of feature cars that emerged from their well-equipped workshops. These have included highlights such as Adam Woodhams’ VW GTI (et 12/18), Audi A3 (et 8/09) and VW CC (et 5/10) among several others.
Removing the bumper doesn’t take long once you’ve discovered all the screws. Perhaps the hardest part is releasing all the clips on the OE grille – you need to use lots of force and not be timid with it. The new grille simply screws in but some of the prongs that receive screws snapped off, so don’t overtighten them.
While we were there, Eric Nareshi at SPP also trimmed our fenders to reduce our minor rubbing issues and quickly painted the calipers black. They definitely offer great customer service.
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[1] To remove the stock grille, first remove three Philips bolts on top of the grille
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[2] Next, remove 11 Philips screws from under the bumper
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[3] You’ll then need to remove the front fender liners and bellypan to access three more s
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[4] Disconnect the horn and bumper lights before you release the complete bumper
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[5] Carefully release the clips from around the OE grille. It’s easier with two people and
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[6] The stock grille is no longer needed
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[7] In the absence of clips, the JOM grille has a series of prongs that screw to the bumpe
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[8] Refit bumper and connect wires to finish the job
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[9] Fitted JOM grille looks great
Next
In the next issue, we hope to install performance parts from Neuspeed.
Contact
Black Forest Industries
blackforestindustries.com
SupremePower
supremepowerparts.com
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Black Forest Industries
1000 E. Chatham St.
Cary
NC
27511
919-468-5400
blackforestindustries.com
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SupremePower
1025 Ortega Way
#B
Placentia
CA
92870
714-632-1951
http://www.supremepowerparts.com
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