PES' turbo system starts with its own high-nickel-content, CAD-designed cast exhaust manifold, to which is bolted a Garrett T-28 turbocharger. A cast adapter is included to join the turbine outlet to the factory catalytic converter, ensuring compatibility with any downpipe or cat that fits the factory turbo. The compressor outlet is likewise positioned in the stock location, so any aftermarket intercooler for the Passat or A4 will hook right up. High-flow fuel injectors and a stainless-steel, shielded cool-air intake with cone filter are included, as is a new mass airflow meter that will accurately measure enough air for over 300 hp. The customer's ECU will be reprogrammed to complete the installation. As well as the above components, every hose, pipe, connector, clamp and gasket required comes in the kit.
The Passat european car drove had a custom 2.75-in. exhaust with Supersprint RS4 silencer installed. PES can also provide a high-flow, stainless-steel race cat with 2.75-in.-diameter inlet and outlet, and expects to have its front-mount intercooler available by the time you read this. PES stated the power developed by a car with its Garrett turbo upgrade kit will range from 270 to 320 hp at the crank, depending on ancillary trim, such as exhaust and intercooler configuration and, of course, fuel octane. The car I drove was estimated to produce 290 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque.
That's a lot of go to be put down through the front wheels. Using it all would be impossible, if not dangerous, in a stock Volkswagen chassis, so PES improved the rest of the vehicle's running gear, too. The gluey Pirelli P-Zeros mentioned earlier make it possible to use the stopping power of a 330mm Brembo brake system. KW's Variant 2 coilover system was installed, consisting of externally rebound-adjustable dampers and springs. They have threaded bodies in front and a threaded sleeve that slips over the damper body in the rear. The ride was good on most roads, with a safe degree of understeer as the cornering limit approached. My only complaint was that the ride height was set to "in the weeds," when a few of the roads I drove on might have been better met with a rally-like stance. But the beauty of adjustable-height coilovers is, ride height can be adjusted.
The Passat's dress-up was done to entertain the car's occupants while keeping outside observers unsuspecting, for the most part. The black exterior was enhanced only with an Oettinger front spoiler and Zender rear wing, while the interior is as red as any Ferrari. The list is small, but the effect is great: The rear seats and door panels were recovered in material matching the Sparco front seats, with Sparco pedals and shift knob providing the final touch. Put it this way: Weeks later, the car stuck in my memory as red, not black.
PES has done a superb job with this turbocharger conversion kit, but it's not the sort of company to lean back and let the orders roll in. While visiting, I also drove an A4 quattro with an Eaton supercharger on top of its V6 (look for a report soon). PES is also working to expand its lines of tuning parts for the rest of the vehicle on several fronts, in addition to developing a transverse 1.8t turbocharger upgrade. PES expects to be close to, if not in production with it by the time you read this. european car has seen pictures of a TT and tentative numbers starting with three have been talked about. With a T04-frame Garrett and external wastegate, that is believable. I, for one, can hardly wait to light up all four.