Why and when did you purchase this car?
 |
Little bit of a story here so sit back. Originally my dad brought the car for my mum back in 1990 to use as her daily driver and his toy for the weekend. He then took it to Turbo Technics to have the conversion carried out with just 72 miles on the clock (I still have the original receipt). My mum then kept the car for 11 years before selling it (I was 17 at the time and couldn’t get insured). I kept track of the car for 3 years until I could get insured on it. I then left a note on the window screen on the thursday and it was back home on Friday! 
Did you always intend this to be a project?
Before I got the car back I always wanted to keep it as original as possible but just wanted to tidy it up and get it looking mint. When I picked the car up it was down on power which turned out to be the Turbo Technics ecu being knackered so the rest of the engine modifications came with that. Have you owned any other VW’s?
Nope. What other cars have you owned?
I’ve only owned one other car which was a Peugeot 106xsi (oh yes!!). Was really fun to drive and I’d still buy it back if I had the chance! Have you owned any other unusual cars?
Unfortunately not. 
Is this car your daily driver? (If not, what is?)
It used to be but I now drive a VW Caddy during the week for work. Would you call yourself a VW Enthusiast?
Yes defiantly. When did you start modifying this car?
I started modifying the car as soon as I got it. Just the usual things really, smoked indicators etc and the engine mods came about 3 months later. Did you have any particular style in mind when you started modifying this car?
Subtle and stealthy! Love the sleeper look so just want to keep it clean and tidy on the outside so I can surprise a few people! 
Who & what has inspired you to do the things you have?
No one really, I just love working on the car and try to continually improve things. I suppose my dad has inspired me to keep it looking original on the outside.
Have you had help building this car?
A little bit. My dads been at hand whenever I’ve needed help and Steve (Spicy G60) has also helped a fair amount. Stealth Racing also swapped the engine when the bottom end decided to self destruct on their rollers! Did you have any problems tuning this car?
Just a couple really. Once I’d finally finished the work on the engine I took the car to Stealth Racing to be mapped. The car was nearly finished when I heard a nasty noise coming from the workshop and one of the guys shouting to Vince to stop the engine (he was wearing ear protection). The big end had gone. Rather than trailer the car back to London I decided to leave the car with him as he had a engine in top condition which he used. Really happy now though as it’s got a brand new engine and is a lot stronger than before due to the S2 pistons that were also used. Are you happy with your car?
Very happy although there are always things that need doing!  What are your future plans for this car?
Next thing on the list is brakes and suspension, then after that, full efi, bigger turbo and bigger intercooler. Everything I do is reversible though as I still have all the bits and pieces to convert it back to the original Turbo Technics car. If you could wind the clocks back what would you change?
Not much really, maybe I could have gone 2ltr when I had the engine swap.
Do you enter this car into shows? If so, what shows and what results?
No not at the moment. Have you had other car projects? If so, what?
None. 
Do you have any projects coming up? Nope. Do you owe anyone thanks for this car?
Yeah, my dad for his help now and then, Steve and anyone on the various forums that have helped me along the way.
Performance figures for your car?
222bhp 218 lb/ft
Don’t have any times but I’ll be taking it on the strip for the first time this year (Gti Spring Festival) What advice would you give others who are thinking of modifying their own car?
Just get stuck in and do as much of the work yourself. Don’t worry about what other people are doing,just do what you want to do . . . . . and enjoy it!
What’s the best feature of your car?
The turbo!! Owner Information :
Name- Dean Maher
Vehicle Information:
Year- 1990 Make- Volkswagen Model- Golf Gti 16v TurboTechnics Mileage- 114,000 Original Color- Atlas Grey Current Color- Atlas Grey Engine- 1.8kr Engine Modifications- -Audi S2 forged, low-comp pistons -Garrett T25 turbo -Turbo Technics inlet elbow -Turbo Technics intercooler -Turbo Technics s/s straight through exhaust -Custom Stealth Racing inlet manifold with additional 4 VR6 injectors running along side original k-jet -Braided fuel lines -K-Star management -BMC panel filter -Bailey dump valve -Vibra Technics front engine mount -Mocal 13 row oil cooler -Full Samco hoses
-Turbo Technics turbo manifold -Turbo Technics s/s straight through exhaust (16 years old!)
Transmission Modifications: -Helix racing clutch
-Avo shocks and springs (lowered 40mm)
Brake Modifications: Wheels and Tires: -G60 Steelies - 195/50/15 Toyo R888’s
-Smoked indicators and side repeaters -Single lamp grille
-VDO boost gauge - Extra rear wiper switch for duel stage boost
- Standard h/u and speakers
|
|
If you'd like to submit your car to TorqueVW, please fill out the form below and we'll get back to you.
Name
