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The decision to buy my 1999 VW Passat variant was an easy one.  I had previously owned a 1990 Passat sedan that had given me many years of enjoyment.  But it was time to replace it and the B5 hunt was on. 

My wife and I intended to look at the New Jetta but the MKIV appeared to be a little smaller than the previous generation.  So, we saved a little more and started looking for a used B5.  I found a nicely modded one but it was all the way across the country in California.  I’m in the Army so traveling isn't a big deal but finding one closer to home was preferable. 

After a few months, we finally stumbled over to the dealership in Charlotte, NC where we first looked at a new MY02.  As we walked around the lot, we came across a beautiful 1999 Satin Silver Variant with some subtle but nice mods but I didn’t think the car was for sale.  Luckily, one of the guys that worked at the dealership was selling it so he could buy an Audi.  I was convinced that this was the car but my wife took some winning over. 

Immediately on the first test drive, I could feel the pure power of the KO4 turbo upgrade.  I was sold immediately but my wife was still not convinced!  I left a deposit on the car, discussed it with the wife, and she agreed to take it for a test drive.  Once she was behind the wheel and felt the smooth handling courtesy of the Bilstein suspension upgrade, she was sold too.  So the newest addition to our driveway was a 1999 satin silver variant. 

After getting our new German wonder home, the driveway was beginning to look like a used car lot.  So, I gave the 90 Passat to my brother – hopefully, we have gained another loyal VW fan.  We started with some small adjustments at first, because we have a Durango that was also getting some attention.  While spending a few months in Afghanistan, I researched all the parts I wanted to add and when I got home, mod fever set in. 

I would talk about all of the mods on the car, but that would be a mouthful (please see my extensive mod list to follow).  But I will say this, my favorite mod is also my newest addition – Projektzwo P2 wheels.  I have plenty more ideas for my variant, just not enough dollars to implement them all right away!  But I’m getting there little by little. 

My car won first place at the Carolina Thunder show.  I finished in the top ten on the import list at the PM racing show.  I placed second at Spring Brake in the Park.  Oh, and I also received a ‘no contest’ at Bugg Out because no other Passat’s were there.  So the judges closed the class, opened a second Jetta class, and gave them the Passat awards.  I look forward to competing in the future so watch out for me but at the same time, good luck to all. 

Thanks to my club – German Thunder – for all the help, support, and advice you guys have given me.  You guys have kept me going and I'll try to continue to do the same for all of you.  Big shout-outs going to JRC Motorsport, German Motor Parts (GMP), WagenSport, Unekmotorsports, and 1552 design.  You guys have been my main suppliers and advisors on many items.

I would also like to give a big thanks to Matt from North Carolina who told me about Club B5 and nominated me for the B5 of the Month.  I’m proud to be a member of Club B5, you guys have given me a lot of ideas and things to read over the last few months and I look forward to meeting some of you at shows in the future. 

And most of all, big thanks to my family for supporting my ‘mod fever’. 

airbornejet’s 1999 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T (Variant) is sponsored by JRC Motorsports and German Motor Performance (GMP) 

Modifications List: 

Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, & Tires:
Neuspeed Sport Springs
Bilstein Sport Struts
Pirelli P7000 205/45/17
Nitto 555 Extreme Performance 235/35/19
Projektzwo P1 17” Wheels
Projektzwo P2 19” Wheels
Spare wheel 17” Projektzwo P1
Calipers Painted Red 

Exterior:
Projektzwo Front Bumper Spoiler
Projektzwo Side Skirts
Projektzwo Rear Bumper Spoiler
Projektzwo Euro Style Side Mirrors
Kamei Rear Valence
Kamei Sport Grill (Debadged)
Kamei Painted Long Brows
Audi Antenna
Smoked Side Markers
Euro Bumper Strips
Rear VW Emblem Background (Red)
Crystal Clear Corners
Tint (35%)
Custom State Plate (Georgia Bulldog)
Hella HID’s
Dual Brake Light Mod
1552 Design License Plate Frame

Interior:
Momo Course Pedals
Momo Dead Pedal
Momo Shift Boot
Momo Shift Knob
Momo Floor Mats
Momo Steering Gloves
Momo Dash Emblem
Momo Seat Belt Pads
Neuspeed Short Shifter
Twin Gauge Pod
Autometer Phantom Boost Gauge(Red Light Bulb)
Autometer Phantom Air/Fuel Gauge
Projektzwo Door Sills
Euro Light Switch
Chrome Fire Extinguisher
Greedy Turbo Timer 

Engine/Trans/Exhaust:
GIAC ECU Chip
Upgraded K04 Turbo Kit (Modified)
Painted Engine Bay
K&N Filter
Neuspeed Twin Tail Cat Back Exhaust System
VW Battery Cover 

Mobiletronics:
Pioneer 6.5 inch LCD Wide Screen Monitor/XM/CD Deck
Pioneer Remote
Multiplayer DVD/mp3/VCD
DVD Player Remote
Monsoon System
Sony Playstation2
Remote Eye for DVD Player 

Props/shout outs:
Matt – Carolina Volkswagen
Rodney – JRC Motorsports
Steve – German Motor Products (GMP)
John – 1552 Design
Orlando – Unekmotorsports
Troy – Valley VW World
All German Thunder members – thanks!
And to all the ClubB5 members and staff – thanks! 

For extensive photos, please visit my photo page:
http://community.webshots.com/user/airbornejet

 This site is not affiliated with Volkswagen of America or its parent company VW AG.