Photography by Christopher James
Kyle Pearson has held a particular affinity for the Mk4 Jetta since he owned his first VW back when he was just 17 years old. 鈥淚 chose this vehicle because my previous vehicle was a Mk4 Jetta as well, and it was taken from me in an unfortunate situation that was beyond my control,鈥� he tells us. 鈥淚 never got to finish that build, and so I vowed to come back with another MK4 Jetta bigger and better than my last one.鈥�
With intentions to follow up on a vision he had, he set out to modify his new 2004 Jetta GLI. His obsession with modifying cars started where many other young enthusiasts catch the modification bug from 鈥� the Fast and Furious and Need for Speed franchises.
鈥淎fter experiencing both of those, you could say I was bitten by the 鈥渂uilding鈥� bug. I went through a few different phases in my younger years and made some pretty poor decisions with previous vehicles,鈥� he laughs. 鈥渂ut just as your taste buds change over time, your taste for vehicles will change as well.鈥�
Keeping things simple and clean, Pearson had the car painted in Mercedes-Benz Dolomitbraun Metallic paint, a paint that stands out on the showroom floor, but still maintains some civility on the street.
He also opted for wheels of the Japanese variety, tucking some Work Meister SR1s to the fender with the help of Air Lift Performance鈥檚 Slam Series XL up front, and a combination of Koni FSD shocks and Firestone F9000 air sleeves in the rear.
Inspired by other VW builders around the world, Pearson has been working non-stop to change things up and take part in his local scene. 鈥淭his is an amazing scene to be a part of, and I have enjoyed every moment of being a 鈥渃ar guy鈥�. I have met many strangers who have become friends, and friends who have become family,鈥� he writes to us. 鈥淎side from the small number of exceptions, that鈥檚 what this scene is about.鈥� We couldn鈥檛 have said it any better.
ESSENTIALS
Owner: Kyle Pearson
Vehicle: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Location: Georgetown, ON
Engine: Volkswagen AWP 1.8L I4
Horsepower: 263 whp
Torque: 302 lb-ft
Facebook:
Twitter:
Instagram:
ENGINE
- K03s turbocharger
- ECS Tuning intercooler
- 034 Motorsports hoses
- Audi TT 710P BOV
- K&N air filter
- Forge air intake
- Bosch 383cc injectors
- NGK spark plugs
- Audi R8 coils
- Doman8 Performance Tuning stage 2 tune
EXHAUST
- 42 Draft Designs
- Eurospot down-pipe
- Magnaflow exhaust tip
- High-flow cat
DRIVETRAIN
- Southbend (stage 2 clutch, aluminum flywheel)
- Quaife LSD
WHEELS / TIRES
- Work Meister SR1 wheels 鈥� 18x9 +22 (f/r)
- Sailun Atrezzo tires 鈥� 215/35/18 (f/r)
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
- Air Lift Performance Slam Series XL air suspension
- Koni FSD rear shocks
- Firestone F9000 rear air sleeves
- ECS Tuning polyurethane bushings
- C-notched frame
EXTERIOR
- GLI (valences, skirt kit)
- Euro shaved front rubstrip
- DEPO projector headlights
- Mercedes-Benz Dolomitbraun Metallic paint
- LED lighting
INTERIOR
- Mk5 GTI shift knob
- NRG (short hub, 2.0 quick release)
- Project Feint custom brown leather steering wheel
- Crown Royal Northern Harvest shift boot
- NewSouth Performance gauges
- Steering column gauge pod
- Konig R32 bucket seats
- C-pillar strut brace
- Brushed aluminum City Jetta vents
- Custom plywood truck setup
AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS
- JVC touchscreen head unit
- Rockford Fosgate 1300 W amplifier
- Polk Audio 800 W subwoofers (2)
- Pioneer (tweeters (2), fuse holder)
SPONSORS
GoClean Waterless, Das Parts Volkswagen Specialists, Doman8 Performance Tuning, Project Feint CA, Marshall鈥檚 Auto & Refinishing, JP Powder Coating
