The car is a Tornado Red 1988 Scirocco 16v with over 140,000 miles. I purchased it in 1998 from the dealership where it was sold new, after the original owner traded it in for a new Jetta. I am told that it is somewhat unusual to have a 16v with all the power options but no sunroof. It suits me just fine, as sunroofs tend to cause head clearance problems, especially when wearing a helmet! It is a very clean and well maintained car, and it has been my goal to keep it that way as I alter it to fit my own tastes.

Current Modifications / Improvements At this point in time, I feel that the car has attained a very good base level of performance and aesthetics. The car has everything that I felt was necessary to improve upon. Specifically, this means performance suspension components and European lighting and bumpers to make the car look as it was meant to. This is a fairly comprehensive list of modifications to date:

Short-Shift Kit with Weighted Shift Rod Front Upper Stress Bar Koni Shocks/Struts H&R Springs 16" OZ Monte Carlo wheels Yokohama AVS520 tires European-Spec Bumpers European-Spec Headlights European-Spec Front Turn Signal Lenses 28mm Rear Anti-Sway Bar TT Fuel Enrichment Module Custom Sound Installation Anti-Theft System Keyless Entry System

I am most proud of the sound installation because I did most of it myself with some help from a few fellow list members at the Spring '99 Cincinnati gathering. Thanks to Jody, Greg, Daun, and everyone else who helped with the speaker installation or otherwise made for an awesome weekend! The system consists of a Pioneer CD deck, Rockford Fosgate separates in front, and Boston Acoustics in the stock rear location. Bass is handled by a single 10" Rockford sub woofer, and power is provided by dual Rockford amps, mounted on a really trick little shelf that looks clean and can be removed before you can say "autocross". The anti-theft system and keyless entry were also self-installed.

Over the summer of 1999, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the wonderful world of autocross. If you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for?? Cheaper for a day than a night in the pub, you can race all summer for less than the cost of a reckless driving ticket, and money does not always make a faster car. There's something magical about turning quicker laps than a car with all-wheel-drive and more than twice the horsepower (I've got the results sheet to prove it). It's all about driving skills!

Future Plans
Of course, the fact that I'm happy with the current state of the car doesn't imply that I don't have further plans! Here are some of my thoughts:

Minor Body Work (dings, dents, and rust spots...hey, it IS a 12 year-old car!)
Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Slotted Brake Rotors
Upgraded Calipers?
Sport Seating
Brett's Custom Panel Faces
Coil-Over Suspension Conversion (depending on wheel/tire selection)
In-Car Computer
Engine/Power Enhancement (currently considering about 5 different options...)

Credits
Thanks to all the people on the Scirocco.org list! The list is great, and everyone I've met in person has been awesome! Thanks also to Volksport of Minnesota and South Central Imports in Minneapolis. Check them out at www.volksport.com.