|
From YourSITE.com Technical Features Over the course of the past year, Project TT has undergone some major changes. New wheels, tires, suspension, brakes and engine enhancements have all contributed greatly to enhancing the performance of the car. Of course, in the author’s opinion, they’ve also improved the looks of the black coupe as well. In our opening segment, it was mentioned that we were going to explore the offerings of a number of small TT enthusiast-based companies for smaller items to personalize this project. In this segment we’ve identified for install several small interior bits from a selection of these enthusiast-based businesses, as well as a boost gauge and radar detector.
One company, AutoAesthetics, has produced some stunning jewel-like shift knobs to compliment the TT’s interior. Raffi, the owner, is both a first-rate TT enthusiast and a jeweler who began doing these items on a one off basis for other TT enthusiasts. Response to Raffi’s products has been so great that he decided to create a full line of shift knobs for the TT and has recently ventured into knobs for other cars as well. Not only are these items a work of art, the solid billet aluminum knobs reduce the height of the shift lever and add a welcome weighted feel . While we have been contemplating which of the numerous versions to get, this author’s wife was busy emailing Raffi and making arrangements to purchase his X-Ottic 1 shift knob as a gift. We couldn’t have been more pleased with her choice. This particular knob has the requisite dimples on top and is made from solid 6061 aluminum, weighs in at 11.3 ounces and has a brushed finish.
Heading over to TTStuff’s website, we ordered an OSIR Design O-gas gas pedal replacement cover. The O-gas cover is a direct replacement for the factory cover, in the same brushed aluminum finish, but has been widened on the inside to facilitate heel-toe shifting. OSIR Design is another one of these small cottage industry companies that was started by a fellow TT enthusiast. OSIR Design makes a number of interior and exterior enhancements for the TT that are quite attractive, so don’t be surprised to see more OSIR items adorning Project TT in the future. In addition to the O-gas pedal, we opted to add TTStuff’s own Deluxe Mirror Switch Cover, made of solid billet aluminum. This small cover is designed to fit over the side view mirror switch. Again, with the small dimples and brushed finish, it’s a nice match to the new shift knob and the TT’s crafted interior.
In addition to our O-gas pedal cover, the TT also received several other upgrades to enhance driving experience. First off was a Defi D-Series 52mm mechanical boost gauge which we purchased via the classifieds from fellow TT owner who was unfortunately parting out his car. Second was a Passport 8500 X-50 radar detector with the red display and Direct Wire Smartcord hardwiring kit, which again was another gift from the author’s wife (Editor’s Note: She’s a keeper.) Hoping to minimize the amount of disruption to the look of the TT’s interior, we opted to purchase a black powdercoated Vent Ring Adaptor from our friend Steve at Modshack. This handy little item allows you to install a 52mm gauge in any of the circular vents found in the TT. Simply remove the flaps from the vent ring, epoxy in the adaptor and install the gauge. It is slotted to allow for some air to travel through the vent as well. We opted to install the gauge in the left center vent. Our next task was to find an installation location for the Passport 8500. Not wanting to disrupt the driver’s field of vision, we decided to install it just above the dashboard in the middle of the lower portion of the windshield. This allowed hiding the power cord by routing it down in the front of the dash. The 8500’s hardwiring kit includes a remote muting button for the detector which, if the installed location leaves the detector out of reach, is a handy feature.
With the detector in place, we needed to find a location to install the remote muting button. Looking at the lower dash – we noticed that there was an indentation on the Euro dash panel that we had installed previously. Better yet, it appeared to be nearly the perfect size for the remote. Using a bit of Velcro on the top of the remote and a zip tie on the back of the cord and behind the dash, the piece fit right in. Using it in this location was bit awkward at first, but we’ve grown accustom to its position and hitting the mute button is second nature now. After completing this first round of interior enhancements for Project TT, the focus has turned to doing the same thing for the exterior and engine compartment. We’ve got several small things planned and look forward to finishing them up in our next segment. Following that, our TT will return to the dyno uploaded with a new GIAC file, a Forge front mount intercooler kit and a DV relocation kit sourced from a fellow forum member.
© Copyright 2004 by YourSITE.com |
