meltemie (Dimitris)

First I would like to thank all the members who have helped me during the ownership of my 98 Passat 1.8T. I also want to thank the president of B5one, Bryan, for selecting my car for oneB5 for January. Second I would like to thank all the members who helped my keep my wallet empty.

My love with the VW's started in 1994 when I bought a used black Golf MKII. After that came the mod bug—rims,GTI grill, recaros.

After I got married in 1997 I wanted a new car. Considering SUV's,Audi etc...one day I read in the NY Times about the new 98 passat. I went to my local dealer...and next thing I had put a deposit on a new 1.8T Passat. I took delivery Oct 1997, the car was from the first 25 cars that came to NY dealers. I LOVED IT...a 4 cyl car that puts in the rear many V6's! Even at that time it wasn't available with leather or V6 ( I had to wait until spring of 98 for these options). Except that the car had all the options, sunroof,tiptronic,6 disc CD...full power...etc

After 3-4 years of ownership I wanted to do modifications in the car like I had done to my Golf...but I hadn't see any modified Passats around... So I started searching the internet. And here I am...

I have to say my car is still about 60% done. I started with the exterior because I always had suspicions for my engine. From day one the car was burning oil...until recently after a big oil loss I had my piston rings replaced under warranty (I have 10 Year warranty). A year ago I had my Turbo replaced (blown)... Now the car sounds and runs a lot better. Anyways I think now its time to start putting my hands in the engine. I think the outside is done for now...unless I break something lol...

I wish I have time to install first of all my eibach kit which collects dust in my garage almost a year now...I m bad I know but I run into a lot of stuff lately and I haven't got the time to do it...here is my list of things I had done to my Passat:

Mods

Interior

• Silver gauge rings
• Brushed alum trim
• "Passat" door sills
• W8 pedals
• VDO Boost gauge (A-pillar)
• Euro switch and rear fogs
• Sunroof
• OEM 6 disc CD

Exterior

• Zender front spoiler
• Zender 3pc rear spoiler
• Oettinger grill
• Kamei Eye lids
• Clear corners and side markers
• Short alum antenna
• 17" Mille Miglia Action with Nankang NS1
• 15' OEM Boogies with Continentals 195/65/15
• Votex side skirts
• P&P Motorsport lower rear valance

Engine

• Forge DV Black
• Intercooler Fender vent (Check the How To for details)
• Painted Blue brake calipers
• Mintex red box brake pads
• New K03 at 47K

Suspension

• Eibach kit (waiting in my garage since Feb '04 to be installed)

Again I would like to thank all the members who helped my keep my pockets empty and also my wife Maria who keep pushes me to lower it and make it go faster!!! Behind every great man there is a greater woman!!! Enjoy!

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