Stealth TDI Still Kicking...

Stealth TDI · September 11th, 2005, 18:33

Hi,

My old thread had become confusing since the car had changed over the years. Now that the car's configuration is "nearly finished" (are they EVER finished?). I've opted to make a fresh post. I will update this post from time to time to reflect current mods and new photos.

My Jetta's not quite as cool as others; but I'm working on it. I've had a taste of winning the stock class in a VW show. Therefore, my focus is on LOOKING stock, but not being stock. What's the opposite of rice? I guess that's me.

My concept is simple... "Make it LOOK stock." All of my mods are beneath the skin. A car that looks stock is less likely to be broken into or stolen.

Here's a photo taken at ~275,000-miles:

Pretty plain? Here's the engine bay at ~277,000-miles:

My hideaway communications suite:

This includes a Yaesu Dual-Band (VHF/UHF) Micro-Transceiver and a Yaesu FT-857D 12-band HF/VHF/UHF All-Mode Transceiver (both are ham radios). All items are totally invisible after quick and easy stowage.

The real goodies are always out of sight:

Left to Right - HF/VHF duplexer (for CB/scanner antenna sharing), 100-watt VHF amplifier, the "brain" for the ham radio, a 125-watt stereo amplifier (for sub only), a voltage inverter, a ground block, a fuse block, and power distribution.

Here are the specs:

Exterior:
Classic Green Pearl
European Spec Headlamps, Hella H4 w/City Lights
OE Factory Fogs (added)
Various MF/HF/CB/VHF/UHF antennas (for Comms Suite)
Delphi XM Radio Antenna
Tinted Glass (35% all around)
1-1/4" Hitch Receiver (for hitch or cargo/bicyce carriers)

Engine:
1.9 Liter Direct-Injected Turbodiesel (90 hp TDI AHU)
Rocketchip Programming
Borg-Warner K03/K04 Hybrid Turbo
PowerPlus 502 Injector Nozzles by Fratelli Bosio
PD In-Tank Lift Pump
Fuel Cooler (4-pass)
Sachs VR6 Clutch
Peloquin Torque Biasing Differential
IDParts.com Custom 2.5" Downpipe
Magnaflow 2.5" Diesel Catalytic Converter (#93006D)
2.5" Straight-pipe Exhaust (aka "Mufflerectomy")
Custom Airbox and Intake Tract
Passat PD130 Intake Manifold
Snow Performance Water/Methanol Injection

Communications Suite:
Yaesu FT-90R Dual-Band VHF/UHF Micro-Transceiver (for APRS)
Yaesu FT-857D 12-Band HF/VHF/UHF Compact All-Mode Transceiver (100 watt Ham Radio)
Comet HF/VHF Duplexer (for Antenna Sharing Between CB and scanner)
TrippLite 300 Watt Voltage Inverter (for charging batteries or extended computer operations)
Yaesu ATAS-120A Active Tuning Antenna System (7-54 MHz)
Comet VHF/UHF Antenna

Stereo:
Pioneer DEH-6900UB AM/FM/CD/USB/MP3/WMA Head Unit (w/8GB flash-drive)
Delphi Roady2 XM Radio
Coustic 190A 125 Watt Amplifier (for SubWoofer)
DEI 10-inch Vented SubWoofer in 0.44 cu/ft Sealed Box
Stock Front/Rear Speakers w/bass blockers for cleaner sound

Suspension:
KONI Coilovers adjusted for 1" drop
SRS Rear Anti-Sway Bar
Eurosport Upper and Lower Stress Bars
14" VW Le Castellet Forged Alloy Wheels w/Yokohama Avid H4 195/60R14 (winter/travel)
14" VW Le Castellet Forged Alloy Wheels w/Falken Azenis RT-615 195/60R14 (three seasons)
14" VW Le Castellet Forged Alloy Wheels w/Kumho V710 225/50R14 (race... yes... I have several sets)
2-degrees of negative camber in front for improved cornering

I don't pretend to have a FAST car. But I think the term, Surprizingly Quick applies. Here's a dyno plot:

The extra torque does a great job of pulling me out of the turns at autocross events:

VARIOUS VIDEOS OF MY CAR

AUTObiography Feature at VWVortex.

Thanks To:
TDIClub.com
Rocketchip Tuning
Ross-Tech

I think that about covers it...

See my car at StealthTDI.com for more details and the photos that weren't posted here. Oh, my car still gets about 40-mpg with all the city driving around here. I can get about 55-mpg on the highway if I'm nice... which is quite seldom. My longest tank was 802-miles. My best economy was a no-nonsense 60.5-mpg!

Take Care,

Scott

Pudder_wagon · September 11th, 2005, 19:16

I'm new to the TDI thing, but I've seen your car around and am a big fan of the stealth electronics you have done. I've added an aftermarket stereo that includes the Serius radio tuner and DVD player in 1 unit. I also have a tweaked CB radio from my truck, but I haven't been able to find a place to hide it.
Good job on the car. keep it up.

Sweeps · September 11th, 2005, 19:59

That Baby is seriously clean! I am a HUGE fan of looking stock and not being stock, I give you two thumbs up!

BleachedBora · September 11th, 2005, 20:30

Once again, nice job Scott!
Now we need to get you a hybrid turbo!

-BB

Impact · September 16th, 2005, 06:59

Very nice...good work..

01tj · September 16th, 2005, 11:56

Nice ride. I think it is much better to look stock and not be than to like like most of the ricers (wing's wheels and nothing under the hood).

Like the CB mods too. I don't think I could go without a CB in my Jeep

Stealth TDI · September 16th, 2005, 17:32

Hi,

Thanks for the comments, guys. I was on the fence about a CB. Having a ham radio in the car, about all a CB is good for is tuning in during traffic jams to see what truckers see (and my FT-857D has Ch.19 programmed). Once in a blue moon I'll get a call from someone who sees antennas and assumes I have a CB. So it's good to be able to answer.

Scott

01tj · September 17th, 2005, 11:04

I use my CB in my Jeep all of the time. Most of our Jeep club members have one so we can all talk on trail runs. May be a good idea for tdiclub members

Stealth TDI · September 18th, 2005, 04:08

Hi,

CB antennas are stylish on trucks. So one is likely to choose this as a popular form of communication. However, most VW enthusiasts are unlikely to put a CB antenna on a VW. HOWEVER, FRS is another alternative. FRS radios are good for about 1-mile. So cars on the highway can easily talk between one another.

When I used to drive with NorCalVW, EVERYONE had an FRS radio. We'd stay on the same channel. The lead guy would call out police or other reports. The last guy (sweeper) would report any stragglers or problems. I often monitored the police band with my scanner to ensure a large group of VWs wasn't attracting unwanted attention.

Unfortunately, my VW club over here isn't quite that organized. But that's okay. Given some of their posting habits, I'm not sure I'd wanna talk to them on the radio anyway.

Take Care,

Scott

dlai · September 18th, 2005, 22:51

Hi Scott: Your car is looking as good as ever, perhaps better! With the FSR radios, we still use them on our driving trips up here. As you well know, it can be pretty funny hearing Pyce tell all his stories and Norman and Peter C. making comments about all the lame drivers we pass when those radios are on...

Dan

compu_85 · September 20th, 2005, 19:59

Those dual antennas look super sharp.

Oh, and you cheated. You got your car repainted by insurance

J/K of corse.

-J

Stealth TDI · September 21st, 2005, 04:34

Hi,

Quote:

Those dual antennas look super sharp.

I wanted to get a photo that captures BOTH antennas; and now the XM radio antenna. So here's a new photo:

Quote:

Oh, and you cheated. You got your car repainted by insurance

J/K of corse.

Okay, I cheated.

But this paint job still has over 70,000-miles on it.

Scott

itsmejerry · September 22nd, 2005, 17:37

I'm impressed!!! You'd be the one to ask. Laptop stands that fit a Jetta. Any ideas?

Stealth TDI · September 24th, 2005, 15:46

Hi,

Quote:

I'm impressed!!! You'd be the one to ask. Laptop stands that fit a Jetta. Any ideas?

Easy Google search for "automotive laptop mount" shows:

http://www.ram-mount.com/

http://www.expressmounts.com/

http://www.gomobilenow.com/

http://www.yourmobiledesk.com/

Not sure how well they'd work in a VW. But it's a start...

Scott

Stealth TDI · April 30th, 2006, 14:07

Hi,

Updated the top post to reflect new changes:

1) Polished alloys (my second set of polished LeCastellets)...

2) Custom CAI using Ford Mustang Air Filter w/Amsoil EA Nanofiber element...

3) Oh, it was pretty exciting to watch the car cross a significant milestone...

Take Care,

Scott