Want your car featured in a VWvortex AUTObiography? Tell us what it means to be a Volkswagen enthusiast, and show us how you and your car demonstrate those ideals! Send the completed form with pictures to tom@vwvortex.com.
Next up is VWvortex reader: Cowan26
How long have you owned this car?
I’ve owned my car now since 2013
Is there anything unique about the history of this car?
The first generation R32s were never available in Canada, let alone in Tornado Red, which is the rarest colour. To me this makes the car even more special due to the very limited numbers of Red Mk4 R32s that are probably in Canada
What drew you to this specific car?
When I was younger my father had a beautiful blue Mk2 GTI that I was in love with. We used to always drive out to the countryside and the car held a very special spot in my heart as well as the memories made in it. My dad use to always talk about the Mk4 R32 like it was the “Great White Buffalo” (Hot Tub Time Machine reference) haha and said that he would have one someday, my plan was to beat him too it and claim our dream car, which I did!
What other cars did you consider?
The only other car I was considering was a mint Mk2 GTI similar to the one I grew up in. It was either the car from my roots or the car of my dreams!
What was your objective with this car?
The accomplishment to score your ‘dream car’! I never wanted to do much to it, some OEM+ goodies and subtle performance upgrades. I worked incredibly hard for this car to purchase it and enjoy it the way it was manufactured. With that dreamy Wookie exhaust note.
What tuning style would you describe this car as?
Aside from the Fifteen52 Tarmac wheels I’d say OEM+ the way a classic Volkswagen should be in my opinion.
Who helped you build this car?
Not much has been done but what has I’d say was done by my local euro shop and a few buddies that are into the euro scene as well as some people met along the way.
What makes your car special?
The car itself is extremely special due to low numbers and rarity in Canada. I’d say the color, cleanliness, and sound all make this car special. The Fifteen52 Wheels are also a beautiful compliment to the car. But to me the most special part would be just the fact I own the car my Father and I dreamed of having.
What is your favorite part/feature/function?
Aside from the above mentioned eargasm sound of the exhaust. I’d say the leather/cloth seats that are also a rare feature would be one of my favorite parts due to the comfortable fit and stunning looks for an OEM seat!
Who or what inspired the direction of modifications on this car?
Keeping this car looking as close to OEM as possible with a couple personal touches would be inspired by my heritage with Volkswagen. My father owned multiple GTIs and my uncle, who was his best friend at the time, also had a beautiful white cabriolet and a Mk1 Jetta coupe. Having these memories of OEM non modified cars that I loved always made me feel like not much had to be changed when modding a car’s exterior. The real love is what can be done under the hood, which I hope to do some subtle improvements along my journey such as forged internals, cams, injectors, and hey who knows maybe a whining SC.
What don’t you like about this car?
Pff. Is there anything not to like!! Haha maybe the gas mileage from going through 1st 2nd and 3rd so quick!!
What was your biggest obstacle in building this car?
Leaving it alone!! Since I haven’t done much to the performance side of this car I will say I tried the stance side of life for a little time by slamming it on some koni coilovers and bringing a nice wide stance with some spacers to the table. This looked beautiful with the low appearance but killed me every time I’d hit that surprise pot hole or scrape the bumper or fenders. Wasn’t for me! Killed me to know I was hurting a classic and my baby haha.
How did you overcome the issue?
Grabbed the coilover wrench and started cranking her up a little by little until I could enjoy the corners again!
What would you change if you could?
If I could do anything to the car it would be to have it boosted by a supercharger. I feel like a car such as the Mk4 R deserves to be a king of the road. Lacks the power to do so from factory, so why not change that!!
On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with the outcome of this project?
If you’re not always 10/10 satisfied with the car you’re working on or driving, you’re building/driving the wrong car. No matter where this car is in it condition/performance I’ll be satisfied because I know it’ll only get better. Couple speed bumps maybe but by the time I’ve had this car for 20 years or so she’ll be a monster.
What would you do to the car if money were no object?
I would have to say a proper HPA Twin turbo Setup!!! With some Fifteen52 3-Piece Teardrop Wheels. The teardrops would pay homage to my dad’s Mk2 teardrops I grew up with.
Who has been your biggest critic of this project?
Haha when I was experimenting with the wheels and stance game.. My dad. Of course.
What do your family and friends say about this car?
The friends who really know what it is love it. The family know the story behind it so they are in love with it. Nice when you have a personal connection with a car. Almost anyone around you can tell the pride you have in it. Whether its because of the ear to ear smile when driving it or the condition I keep it in!
What is your most memorable/humorous/embarrassing moment with this car?
Most memorable would be when I first bought the car and pulled up to my dad’s shop with it. He had told me not to because of the money value.. but once he saw it, it was like that awkward couldn’t be mad but was trying to be while holding back a massive smile and excitement expression. Most humorous/embarrassing would be with my wife when I was driving back from hockey on the highway and ran out of gas.. we coasted for probably 4 KMs (2.5 miles).. over a crest.. and about 20 feet from the gas pump off the exit haha. My legs were sore after pushing her up a slight incline for fuel!!
What is your favorite story about this car?
Favorite story of the car would have to be the initial purchase. I remember picking it up for a good buck and my Mk4 1.8t I had at the time. The R was in mint condition with all the bells and whistles and was everything I could have dreamed of. I was sold. And still am. I could never imagine life without it. Every time I get into it and drive that first 5 minutes without any music because you just want to hear the exhaust and wind blow through the cabin. Best feeling in the world.
Has this car competed in any events!
The car has competed in a few show and shine competitions such as Fitted Lifestyle Toronto, Vagkraft, Eurokracy, and smaller shows. The Wookeh (its nickname for its exhaust note) took home a first place finish this past summer in the mk4 golf class. Was a big moment for me and the car since I’ve been going to the show for the past 4 years.
What is your favorite place to drive this car?
Show me a road with curves and that’s it. Haha if it had to be local. Driving through Prince Edward County and taking her through wine country and the sandbanks beach is a drive any car guy/girl should take.
What is your ideal day with this car?
Early morning cruise to a Meet/Car show followed by a cruise with friends through a scenic route, capped off with a top up of fuel and a slow roll through the center of town home.
Who gets to drive this car?
Only me. And the man who created me of course haha.
What was your previous project?
Previous project per se was a Mk4 1.8t GTI that I had done a full exhaust from downpipe back and a custom tune on. That thing purred. Miss the turbo still but doesn’t outdo the VR6.
What is your next project?
I would like to someday build a 1.8t Mk2 GTI when I retire or have some extra time and money.
What one word best describes your car?
Mint.
Any regrets? Tell us about it.
No regrets.
Anything else you’d like to share?
All I’d like to say is with the scene today there are a lot of people out there that will try to push you to do things or swing your true thoughts on how your car should look or perform. The best thing you can do is clear your mind and do what you truly want to with your car, whether that be stance, track, or OEM, do what YOU want, the real car scene will love you for that.
Owner Information:
Name– Joshua Cowan
Address– Belleville Ontario
VWvortex Username– Cowan26
Instagram Username– Cowan32
Occupation– Arena Maintenance
Club Affiliations– #StreetSchweepers
Vehicle Information:
Year– 2004
Make– Volkswagen
Model– R32
Mileage– 190,000
Color (Include original if applicable)– Tornado Red
Engine– 3.2L VR6
Engine Modifications– Tune, Engine Mounts, Short shifter
Exhaust Modifications– Flapper Mod
Transmission Modifications–
Suspension Modifications-Koni Coilovers
Brake Modifications– Ceramic Pads to keep those pearly whites clean
Wheels and Tires– Fifteen52 Tarmacs on Dunlop DZ102
Exterior/Body Modifications– Euro Tails
Interior Modifications– Rear seat Delete with R embroidery, 20th seat belts,
Audio/Video– OEM Navigation Head unit
Thanks/Props– Friends and Family!
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