"It felt solid and well built compared to other small engined cars"
It's easy to forget that Dans Stage 2+ MKIV started out with humble beginnings as a 1.6, purchased as a second car after driving around in a Clio for a year. Initially joining a well-known Golf forum looking for 'cheap mods' - it quickly escalated into creating a well-executed showpiece, with plenty of poke under the hood.
It's easy to forget that Dans Stage 2+ MKIV started out with humble beginnings as a 1.6, purchased as a second car after driving around in a Clio for a year. Initially joining a well-known Golf forum looking for 'cheap mods' - it quickly escalated into creating a well-executed showpiece, with plenty of poke under the hood.
"It started off with coilovers and wheels"
We all know that's always the initial plan, keep it nice and simple... but how often does that last? Next came some small touches interior changes and subtle modifications like swapping out the rear lights for US-Spec options. The rear bumper is also of note, being a Japanese bumper allowing the use of square plates. Dan opted for Anniversary splitters front-and-back, along with sideskirts to complete the exterior look, giving a clean and understated appearance to the car.
We all know that's always the initial plan, keep it nice and simple... but how often does that last? Next came some small touches interior changes and subtle modifications like swapping out the rear lights for US-Spec options. The rear bumper is also of note, being a Japanese bumper allowing the use of square plates. Dan opted for Anniversary splitters front-and-back, along with sideskirts to complete the exterior look, giving a clean and understated appearance to the car.
"The interior is fairly OEM"
Despite being mostly OEM+, Dan has certainly put some personal influences within the interior, with a black alcantara headlining, pillars and armrest completed by himself and a couple of mates across a weekend. A Set of :R32 Konig seats gives added comfort and support, coupled with a momo 180 wheel to give a bit more space within the cabin. Simple modifications such as Illuminated Bora vents and carbon-wrapped trim complete the look, whilst keeping within the cars more toned-down aesthetic.
Despite being mostly OEM+, Dan has certainly put some personal influences within the interior, with a black alcantara headlining, pillars and armrest completed by himself and a couple of mates across a weekend. A Set of :R32 Konig seats gives added comfort and support, coupled with a momo 180 wheel to give a bit more space within the cabin. Simple modifications such as Illuminated Bora vents and carbon-wrapped trim complete the look, whilst keeping within the cars more toned-down aesthetic.
"In terms of wheels, I wanted something wide, with plenty of concave"
The wheels are where this car strays from its subtle and understated styling, with Dan opting to run a set of staggered BBS RSIIs - 18x8.5 ET32 on the front and 18x10 ET40 on the rear, pushed out further for perfect fitment by the adapters to convert them for use on 5x100 bolt pattern. Being no strangers to the RSIIs, Dan initially ran a set of OEM ones from a TT, however wanted them to be more 'showy' - keeping the style he loved but changing the specifications seemed the perfect solution, as there would be no trial-and-error as to whether they suited the car.
The wheels are where this car strays from its subtle and understated styling, with Dan opting to run a set of staggered BBS RSIIs - 18x8.5 ET32 on the front and 18x10 ET40 on the rear, pushed out further for perfect fitment by the adapters to convert them for use on 5x100 bolt pattern. Being no strangers to the RSIIs, Dan initially ran a set of OEM ones from a TT, however wanted them to be more 'showy' - keeping the style he loved but changing the specifications seemed the perfect solution, as there would be no trial-and-error as to whether they suited the car.
"The biggest change to the car would have to be the engine swap"
Once the exterior and interior of the car had been modified to Dans' satisfaction, next came addressing the lack of grunt under the hood. Opting for a 1.8t conversion with AUM engine code, when performing this conversion at Moores Motors, they also chose to do a whole host of other upgrades at the same time, including supersized TIP, Forge coolant and boost pipes, uprated FMIC (hidden behind the stock bumper) forge 007p and an R-tech induction kit.
Once the exterior and interior of the car had been modified to Dans' satisfaction, next came addressing the lack of grunt under the hood. Opting for a 1.8t conversion with AUM engine code, when performing this conversion at Moores Motors, they also chose to do a whole host of other upgrades at the same time, including supersized TIP, Forge coolant and boost pipes, uprated FMIC (hidden behind the stock bumper) forge 007p and an R-tech induction kit.
"With the new found power I want a better handling setup"
Having been on air for 3 years and attending many shows within that time, the BBS RSIIs have been sold and Dan has coilovers on order - the car is going back to static and simple wheels with 'proper tyres' to take advantage of the uprated power. Future plans are to get the handling setup properly for more enjoyable use of the stage 2+ tuned engine.
Having been on air for 3 years and attending many shows within that time, the BBS RSIIs have been sold and Dan has coilovers on order - the car is going back to static and simple wheels with 'proper tyres' to take advantage of the uprated power. Future plans are to get the handling setup properly for more enjoyable use of the stage 2+ tuned engine.
Specification:
Exterior:
Airlift Slam Series struts with V2 management system.
Staggered BBS RSIIs 18x8.5 and 18x10
Full anniversary bodykit
US Spec Rear lights
Jap Spec rear bumper
R32 Xenon Headlights
Interior:
:R32 Konig Seats
Alcantara Trimmed Headlining, Pillars and Armrest
MOMO 180 Steering Wheel
Bora Vents
Exterior:
Airlift Slam Series struts with V2 management system.
Staggered BBS RSIIs 18x8.5 and 18x10
Full anniversary bodykit
US Spec Rear lights
Jap Spec rear bumper
R32 Xenon Headlights
Interior:
:R32 Konig Seats
Alcantara Trimmed Headlining, Pillars and Armrest
MOMO 180 Steering Wheel
Bora Vents
Engine:
Full 1.8t AUM conversion
Airtec FMIC
R-Tech induction kit & heatshield
Forge 007p
Forge Boost + Coolant Pipes
SFS Supersize TIP
Remap by R-Tech to 240hp/300 ft/lb
Airtec FMIC
R-Tech induction kit & heatshield
Forge 007p
Forge Boost + Coolant Pipes
SFS Supersize TIP
Remap by R-Tech to 240hp/300 ft/lb
Photographs: Kieran Bicknell.
Words: Kieran Bicknell.
Words: Kieran Bicknell.