I recently removed my 50mm intake manifold so I could put my EGR valve back on and pass smog. What I noticed: with the manifold, in 1st gear, once the rpms are at 4000rpms or higher, it's instant wheelspin. With the stock U.S. manifold, it's much harder to provoke wheelspin. I have to really try. Nobody's ever done a before and after dyno test on the manifolds, but shit, it seems like the euro manifold gives a substantial increase in power. Other than the wheelspin, the car has of course slightly more torque, and less top end with the US manifold. I then put my modded Passat catalytic converter on the car and now it's got no traction problems at all. The car still hauls some ass, but the power loss is noticeable.
Alex Ranarivelo South California '91 GTI 16V w/European Motorworks ported 1.8 16V head, euro intake cam, Garrett chip, 50mm intake, Borla exhaust, 3.90 ring and pinion, .80 5th gear, no A/C, neuspeed lowering springs, and rear tri-tie bar. 140hp@the wheels. <A HREF="http://www.iders.com/alexweb/";>Alex's Tuning Information</A>
