9/01/09

New VR6 Stainless Steel Coolant Pipes!

Why risk a late night break-down? Ditch the brittle plastic coolant pipe before it breaks. Our stainless steel coolant pipe is a lifetime solution wrapped in a suit of armor. Check them out!

VR6 Stainless Steel Coolant Pipes

8/22/09

Oil Catch Cans Officially Released!

Thanks for your overwhelming response to our pre-release! Final decisions were made and we're proud to offer our Ultimate Oil Catch Can and our Stealth Oil Catch Can. Click the link below for more pictures & information!

Oil Catch Cans

7/29/09

New Oil Catch Cans - Pre-release Information

2009's Waterfest has been officially labeled the greatest catch can event in VW history. I know of 4 companies who released catch cans at the show, while other companies displayed their existing catch can offerings. I had no idea so many catch cans would be displayed when I assigned myself a deadline for the first batch. Luckily, I met my own deadline and was able to display our new parts. The reaction from the show? Finish them!

I've been working on these catch cans for over a year. We've built, tested, and personally used so many catch cans over the years that designing the ultimate can was simple. Designing it to be built in quantity and reasonably priced was the challenge we faced. The important design factor for us was function. We needed big fittings, filter screens, a functional drain, and solid universal mounting. Looks came next, and I think we created a catch can that looks as great as it works. The raw look is very industrial, but of course other options will be available.

If you're interested in learning more about our catch cans, read over our pre-release page. We've provided a full description for the product as well as 13 pictures. Towards the bottom we've put together a list of questions for you, the customer. Nothing's cooler than being able to buy something the way you want it.

Evan

7/28/09

Mk4 & Mk5 Shifter Cable Bushings

(Released, Updated, and Updated Again)

So much has been going on at 42 that we clearly forgot to update the news page! Mid-June we released our shifter cable bushings for the Mk5 chassis. What was assumed to be a universal part for the Mk5 chassis quickly became a research project unlike any other. VW provided us with a variety of shifter linkages, pins, and endlinks, varying throughout the generation. A few weeks after releasing the original bushings, two more versions were released to cover the 6 speed Mk5.

A month has gone by and we're updating again. We're confident that we've nailed the divisions between versions, and we have been able to spread fitments out to 5 speed Mk5s, Mk4s, and Mk1 TTs. Making the bushings was easy, figuring out what fits what... a draining experience. So, here's what July 28th brings us:

• Hundreds of sets of shifter bushings are currently installed on Mk4, TT, and Mk5 5 & 6 speed cars with great success.
• Our fitment guide has been thoroughly updated to help our customers figure out exactly what they have, and what bushings they need. Check it out: Mk4 & Mk5 Shifter Cable Bushings Fitment Guide
• We now have fitments for 2002+ Mk4s, 2002+ TTs, all 5 speed and 6 speed Mk5s.
• Waterfest drained our inventory, but production of a few thousand more bushings is in progress.
• It's become painfully clear that we shot low on the pricing. No going back right?

Check out the shifter bushings: Mk4 & Mk5 Shifter Cable Bushings

5/08/09

Mk5 Boost Gauge Tap - Two New Versions!

Two new versions of the Mk5 boost gauge tap are finished and available for shipping! These versions feature a larger port suitable for connection to a vacuum manifold or larger boost/vacuum accessory. One version is specifically designed to block-off the PCV tube. Check them out on our Mk5 Boost Gauge Taps page!

5/07/09

Quick Update: It works

Evan

5/02/09

Mk5 FSI/TSI 3" Downpipes Officially Released!

Everyone at 42 is excited to release our 3" downpipes! Everything's done: website, pictures, installation instructions, FAQ, ceramic coating, and even a big batch of downpipes. We are proud to offer a downpipe for the Mk5 which is compatible with all FSI and TSI motors. Our modular construction makes this downpipe a great option for owners looking to play with their setups. The cat can be swapped for a test pipe. A resonator can be swapped in to change the tune of the exhaust. Our adaptor allows installation to the factory cat-back. Future adaptors will allow installation without reduction to 2.5" and 3" cat-back exhaust systems. Not to mention, our (future) 2.5" and 3" cat-backs will bolt-up effortlessly.

I'm particularly excited about the construction of these systems. Kyle did an amazing job running the downpipe down the center of the exhaust tunnel. (a big peeve of mine) Recent tooling upgrades allowed us to cut our flanges even faster, speeding up production. Our new spun body 200/cell cats are much easier to work with than the old turtle shell cats. I'm very pleased with the way the front hangers turned out. Our ceramic coating program is complete, allowing a high-end option. Overall, a step in an even better direction for 42.

Whether you drive a Mk5 or not, check the new downpipes: Mk5 FSI/TSI 3" Downpipes

4/29/09

Updates!

It's been a month since I've updated, so I have quite a bit to report on. Here goes:

• The Mk5 3" downpipes will be released in 1-2 days. We have a batch of 50 assembled and welded, waiting only on a lost UPS package. Installation instructions are complete. Ceramic coating is an affordable option now available. Pricing and website update to follow...
  
• This week we finished up the 180Q 3" cat-back system. This cat-back system is designed to bolt to our 3" downpipe. It is based off the 225 system, converting your single tip rear to dual! Pricing and website update to follow...
• Check out the sound clips of our 180Q and 225 3" Turbo-backs! (WMV Files ~12kb)

180Q TT / 3" Street Series Turbo-back
225 TT / 3" Street Series Turbo-back

• We're currently cutting two new versions of our Mk5 Boost Gauge Taps. The first version will include a much larger barb fitting and the tubing necessary to connect to our vacuum manifold. Connecting to our vacuum manifold will allow you to run 4 vacuum/boost accessories without t-fittings. The second version will plug the PCV port and allow a large fitting to feed a single barb or a vacuum manifold. This would be best suited for those who have modified the factory PCV system... more on that oily mess later.
• Yet another new product for the Mk5 is in production. I skipped the prototype and development updates, this one's on schedule to be released in a few weeks. A couple HP and a fun sound without breaking the bank. More on this secret pipe later...
• Friday we have a new toy coming... 100 tons of metal squishing power! Pictures when we sit the beast on the floor.
• Pictured below is our PROTOTYPE mk5 FSI noisemaker delete pipe. Deleting the noise pipe quiets down the interior and picks up throttle response and spool time. Being a prototype, there are things missing from the picture below and things that will, won't, and might change. More info in 2-3 weeks.

• I've been working hard for over 4 months to source proper fabrics for the Mk5 a-pillar pods. I've worked with many companies thus far both globally and here in the US. Anything can be done, but at what cost? Off-the-shelf fabric isn't available and will never be. If anything ever comes close, I know the dyes will fade in the sun making that hypothetical option so-so. I can have these fabrics produced to my specifications, but must purchase 6 miles of fabric or spend 40k to make it happen. I'm working on it, but nothing solid yet. If it happens obviously I will report.
• Ceramic coating is now an option available from 42 for all of our exhaust systems. The coating is a ceramic chrome finish good to 1600 degrees. Pricing is affordable and will be available online very soon!
• Once I get my new toy on the floor I will be squishing metal into all kinds of interesting shapes. Many of which will turn out to be some very unique products. Stay tuned for that fun...

Evan

3/25/09

Audi TT 225 3" Cat-Back Pre-Release!

These days I seem to be breaking my own rule: "don't release a product until it's done." In this case, I can't help it. The product's done and has been tested to perfection. In lieu of a lengthy information session, check out the pre-release post on Fourtitude. If you have any questions feel free to shoot john@42draftdesigns.com an email or call us!

Fourtitude Post

Evan

3/24/09

Mk5 Boost Gauge Tap Update

Done! Well, kind of... The boost gauge taps and tubing kits are ready to go but the website is only partly updated. Follow the links below to see the most up-to-date pictures and information. All boost gauge tap related products can be ordered and are in stock. I might not further update the webpage for a few days, so email any questions to john@42draftdesigns.com.

Mk5 Boost Gauge Tubing Kits
Mk5 Boost Gauge Tap

What my website updates haven't yet mentioned: These are some serious boost gauge taps.

Evan

3/23/09

Mk5 Boost Gauge Tap (1/3)

Simplicity is so underrated. Remove the PCV tube, slide this fitting into the intake manifold, pop the PCV fitting back on, rotate to lock, and read your boost. No hose clamps. No permanent modifications of any kind.

It would have been nice if VW gave us a clean vacuum line to work with. Instead, we got PCV. I can work with that though. The above fitting is the most complicated T-fitting I have ever designed. There's nothing magical about duplicating an OEM line, but machining a part like this requires serious attention to detail and some expensive tooling. No CNC lathes in the building... all VMC.

Look for the first version of our Mk5 Boost Gauge Taps & Tubing Kits to release this week, with 2 additional versions in the following weeks.

Evan

3/10/09

Mk5 Downpipe Progress...

So i've been cruising around town for about 2 weeks with a prototype 3" downpipe on my MK5. We spent about a week working underneath the car tweaking our design until it was just right. The massive exhaust tunnel under the mk5 allows for endless exhaust possibilities. Our final design will accommodate as many systems out there as possible, as well as the complete line of systems on my book.

The pictures below show the final prototype. The production system will have a 1-piece rear pipe and a CNC machined hanger bracket. Also not pictured is our new 200 cell metal cat. We've also been playing with CEL scenarios... right now I have a single 200 cell cat and no CEL.

Testing's done really. Our fabrication staff is building tooling and I'm working on tooling for the massive K03 flange and hanger brackets. Should be about a month until these systems are available to the public. Oh price... we haven't laid anything out yet, but I don't see any reason why these downpipes should be outrageously priced. The Mk5 has turned out to be cooler than I imagined so expect a serious pile of Mk5 parts this year from 42.

Evan