With this system build, at our customer's request we've chosen to use thermal coatings for specific components - some (like the exhaust downpipe, manifold and turbo hot side) in which we want to hold in as much heat as possible, and others (like the intake manifold, intercooler and intake piping) in which we want to keep heat from soaking in.

We're using a company called American Powder Coating in Tampa, FL. For the hot parts we've gone with a black ceramic coating APC calls CermaKrome and is made to withstand temps up to 2,000 degrees.

The cool parts are coated in a lower temp version (1,300 degrees) of the same ceramic coating and applies with a polished finish.

We still have some parts to send to them, but you get the idea by looking at the pics below.

While this 12v VR6 is a very stout engine and able to handle a fair amount of boost even at a stock compression ratio (CR) of 10.5:1. Our customer's plans call for the ability to create more power over time with minimal fuss, so it makes good sense to go ahead now and lower the CR.

We're just about to release our own line of aluminum VR6 head spacers, so this project provides an excellent opportunity to get one more on the road. For this build we're using a thickness that lowers the Mk4 12v VR6 to 9.5:1. Combined with a set of ARP head studs, this engine should hold together nicely, even at +400-whp. It's a testament to the OE VR6 rods and pistons that we don't even consider upgrading at this power level.

Here's a build right up our alley.

This black 2000 Mk4 GTI VR6 is owned by a gentleman from Naples, FL. He purchased the car recently and it was a rare low-mile and completely unmolested example. After only driving it a couple thousand miles and adding only upgraded suspension and wheels/tires, our customer contacted us to discuss a custom turbo system. We love this part of the process (the initial consultation) because it sets the tone for the entire build and gives us our best opportunity to guarantee our customer's satisfaction with the outcome.

To be frank, it's common for prospective customers to come to us with some pretty concrete ideas about what sort of mods they want to have us perform, only to realize after talking with us for an hour or so that not only do other options exist, but some may prove to be less expensive in the end. In short, we've been doing this sort of work a very long time and we're not shy in suggesting that, after a proper consultation, we may sometimes know what is going to meet our customer's expectations better than the customer.

For this 12v VR6 our customer has chosen to go with a system based around Precision's SC62 turbo, and combined with a ATP exhaust manifold, TIAL 38mm wastegate, fifteen52 9.0:1 head spacer, Garrett intercooler core, C2 SRI manifold and software, among other components. We'll add our own 3" turbo-back exhaust combined with super high quality Vibrant brand resonator and rear muffler. Our customer wants power, but he wants it with minimal added noise.

Regarding power, we're shooting for around 400 horsepower to the wheels on pump gas, but this system will support well over 500 horses should our owner get bored with 400.