Volkswagens Dynoed (Sort Off) at Autotechnika
September 2, 2007
Autotechnika at 32nd Street at the Fort invited all Volkswagen enthusiasts to a VW Eyeball, yesterday, September 1, 2007. To promote their automotive services, the Volkswagens were invited to tour the excellent facilities normally associated with expensive European machinery. Normal clientelle for Autotechnika are the new model Benzes, Bimmers, Audis, Jags, Porsches, and Coopers. Many expensive Japanese cars are also very welcome like Lexus, Nissan, Mitsubishis, Hondas, and Toyotas. Rumors persist that several Ferraris and Lambos are regularly serviced here but I was unfortunate not to see one there that day.
The highlight of the shop is the dynamometer that measures the precise horsepower output of a particular car. There is no "guesstimation" as the computers will provide racers with a complete and accurate horsepower readout and power curve. This is particularly useful for racers who tune their cars. The readouts provide accurate information on the mdifications done. While Volkswagens are not generally perceived to be high-performance machines, a lot of VW fans here modify their Bugs with rare and expensive parts usually reserved for the quarter mile drags in SoCal.
Naturally, VW performance guys here in the Philippines were interested in having their rides dynoed. One of the first to arrive was Dino (Empiboy) Morales who volunteered his white Cal looker to the task. Soon after, more VW racers, like Carlos (Flat4) Castañeda and Chris Palma (cpalma) and performance guys like Jap Javier arrived.
Spirits were high with expectations as this might be the first time Volkswagens were dynoed in the Philippines. As luck would have it, the dyno session was not to be! The quirky Volkswagens were not meant to be dynoed with this particular type of dynamometer. The rear axles were a lot longer and the hub used to connect to the brake drums could not fit flush. DANG!! That was a real disappointment to everyone there, especially to Dino.
Chris wanted one last try. Chris' Bug featured a modified Type 3 brake job that had the brake drum lips shaved off. It provided just enough clearance to fit the dyno hubs. Hmmmm… Worth the effort?? The dyno hubs fit flush and the technicians attached the dyno machines to Chris' VW. Now were rockin!
As luck would have it, another problem dashed our hopes once again. While the hubs fit flush, the quirky VW swing axles made it difficult to level the rear suspension. I would think that mechanics who regularly work with the air-cooled VW would have figured it out but the guys at Autotechnika are more accustomed to late model Euro cars than vintage Volks that they were very unfamiliar with the rear axles.That prevented any safe dyno sessions to take place. I think we had around 5 technicians and the owner fidgeting the setup for about 2 hours before finally giving up.
However, we still had some fun at Autotechnika. Many thanks to Gen Vitasa, our gracious host for touring the VW guys around the facilities. I'm sure that a lot more VW guys will start bringing their rides to this fantastic garage soon.
The VWCP held its Formal Meeting for September at Autotechnika for a refreshing change of venue. A slight drizzle probably made the drive a little difficult for some members to attend but the meeting was well attended anyways. Lastly, I am also glad that Autotecnika and the VWCP has made some arrangements to partner in future events. STAY TUNED!!
