Mishimoto Volkswagen MK5/MK6 GTI / Volkswagen MK 6 Golf R Engine Intercooler

1. Mishimoto started from the ground up with the MK5 and MK6 GTI/Golf R Performance Intercooler. 

2. Ditched the plastic in favor of fully cast aluminum end tanks that can handle any amount of boost you can throw at them. 

3. Mishimoto also incorporated an internal air diverter into end tanks to make use of the full core. 

4. The Mishimoto MK5 and MK6 Volkswagen GTI/ Golf R Performance Intercooler core replaces the lightweight tube-and-fin construction with a more robust bar-and-plate setup. 

5. This heavy-duty construction lends itself to improved durability and heat dissipation with core has a 46-percent increase in core volume with a 97-percent increase in external fin surface area. 

6. Combined with improved end tanks, the complete package improves flow by 9-percent and drops 20 F from the charged air across the core. 

7. The Mishimoto MK5 and MK6 GTI Intercooler Kit also includes 5-layer silicone couplers and a CNC-machined adapter to ensure a perfect fit with the stock pipes. 

8. This intercooler is also backed by the Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty for a worry-free installation on your Volkswagen.

Mishimoto Volkswagen MK5/MK6 GTI / Volkswagen MK 6 Golf R Engine Intercooler

 

AST 2022+ BMW M2(G87)/2020+ M3(G80)/2021+ M4 (G82) Adjustable Top Mount Camber Plates - OEM Damper

Here’s a clear, technical comparison of AST adjustable top-mount camber plates versus the OEM front strut top mounts for the relevant BMW models:

Applicable models:

• 2022+ BMW M2 (G87)
• 2020+ BMW M3 (G80)
• 2021+ BMW M4 (G82)

🧠 What the Parts Do

• OEM strut top mounts are designed by BMW for everyday use — they give a fixed amount of camber and are optimized for comfort, NVH, and predictable handling in stock form.
• AST adjustable top mount camber plates replace the factory mounts and let you dial in more negative camber or fine-tune camber for alignment — especially when lowering the car or adding stiffer suspension.

🔧 What You Get With 

AST Adjustable Top Mount Camber Plates

Here are the key advantages over OEM:

💪 1. Greater Camber Adjustability

• AST plates allow you to increase negative camber beyond OEM limits.
• Useful for:
  
• Track setups
• Lowered cars that get excessive positive camber at ride height
• Tuning lateral grip at higher cornering loads
• OEM is fixed and can’t be tuned for these conditions.

🎯 2. Better Alignment Control

• Fine-tuning camber lets you match alignment to tire choice, track type, and suspension setup.
• More camber = better contact patch in corners and more predictable turn-in.
• OEM values are conservative for comfort and tire wear — not maximum grip.

🚗 3. More Responsive Steering Feel

• With proper camber, the front tires load more evenly in hard turns.
• Results in crisper turn-in and improved cornering balance compared with stock settings.

🛞 4. Easier Compensation When Lowering

• Lowering springs or coilovers usually change static camber.
• AST plates let you correct that without resorting to extreme caster/camber values at the rear or front alone.
• OEM mounts often limit how much you can correct before hitting alignment limits.

🏁 5. Track / Performance Focused

• Especially beneficial if you:
  
• Use the car on track days
• Push tires hard in autocross or performance driving
• Want consistent front grip at high lateral Gs
• Factory parts are balanced toward everyday use, not performance tuning.

🧰 6. Durability and Precision

• Well-engineered aftermarket plates like AST often use quality materials and tighter tolerances than stock rubber-mounted top hats.
• OEM bushings can flex under load; adjustable plates stay more consistent during aggressive driving.

⚖️ Trade-offs to Consider

To give a fair picture, here’s what you lose compared to OEM:

• 🪶 Slightly harsher NVH — adjustable plates often use stiffer bearings/bushings.
• 🧩 More complex installation — requires proper alignment afterward.
• ⚙️ Not necessary for street-only cars — if you rarely take the car to track or don’t lower it much, OEM is perfectly fine.
• 💸 Higher cost — performance parts add cost compared to stock.

🛠 Summary: Advantages of AST vs OEM

AST Adjustable Top Mount Camber Plates provide:

• Greater and more precise camber adjustability
• Improved alignment flexibility
• Sharper handling and better cornering performance
• Better support for lowered or track-oriented setups
• More consistent behavior under load

OEM mounts provide:

• Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) tuned for comfort
• Simplicity and reliability for everyday driving
• Zero maintenance and stock alignment ranges

AST 2022+ BMW M2(G87)/2020+ M3(G80)/2021+ M4 (G82) Adjustable Top Mount Camber Plates - OEM Damper

OEM vs Titanium Exhaust – BMW G80 M3 & G82 M4 | Sound, Weight & Power Compared

 

OEM vs Titanium Exhaust – BMW G80 M3 & G82 M4 | Sound, Weight & Power Compared

OEM vs Titanium Exhaust – BMW G80 M3 & G82 M4

Sound, Weight & Power Compared

The BMW G80 M3 and G82 M4 leave the factory with one of the most capable OEM exhaust systems BMW has ever produced. 

Designed to meet global noise regulations while supporting the S58 twin-turbo inline-six, the stock exhaust prioritizes refinement, durability, and compliance. 

However, for enthusiasts chasing sharper response, lighter weight, and a more emotional driving experience, a titanium aftermarket exhaust transforms the car in ways that go far beyond sound alone.

From a technical standpoint, the OEM exhaust is constructed primarily from stainless steel and includes large resonators and restrictive internal baffling. 

This design effectively reduces drone and keeps cold starts civilized, but it also adds significant mass—typically 22–25 kg—and creates higher exhaust backpressure. 

Under aggressive throttle, especially at higher RPM, this backpressure slightly limits turbo efficiency and dulls the engine’s willingness to rev.

A titanium exhaust system, by contrast, is engineered for flow and weight reduction. 

Titanium’s high strength-to-weight ratio allows thinner piping without compromising durability, often cutting system weight to 7–10 kg. 

That reduction improves rear weight bias, subtly enhancing turn-in and chassis response—something drivers feel immediately during spirited driving or track sessions.

Flow efficiency is another major advantage. Straight-through muffler designs and smoother mandrel bends reduce turbulence, allowing the S58’s turbos to spool more freely. 

While peak horsepower gains are typically modest—around 10–30 hp depending on tune and configuration—the real improvement lies in throttle response and mid-range urgency. 

The engine feels more alive, more eager, and more connected to driver inputs.Sound is where the emotional payoff peaks. OEM systems remain controlled and muted, even in Sport modes. 

Titanium exhausts introduce a sharper, higher-frequency tone with pronounced turbo whistle, aggressive cold starts, and a race-inspired scream at high RPM—without necessarily sacrificing daily drivability when paired with valvetronic control.

In short, the OEM exhaust excels at comfort and compliance. A titanium system elevates the G80 M3 and G82 M4 into a more visceral, engaging driver’s car—lighter, louder, and more responsive, just as an M car should feel when pushed.

GRUPPEM BANANA WING FOR PORSCHE 911 (999) GT3 HOODED CAR RWBC-996EX

 

GRUPPEM BANANA WING FOR PORSCHE 911 (999) GT3 HOODED CAR RWBC-996EX

Here’s a clear comparison of the GruppeM Banana Wing (Part No. RWBC-996EX) for the Porsche 911 (996) GT3 hooded car versus the OEM / factory wing that comes on that car:

📦 What the GruppeM Banana Wing Is

The GruppeM Banana Wing (RWBC-996EX) is an aftermarket carbon/Kevlar aero wing designed specifically for the 996 GT3. It’s a hand-made part meant for more aggressive aerodynamic performance and a distinct look compared to the stock/rear spoiler. 

🔎 Key Advantages Compared to OEM

🏎️ 1. Increased Downforce & Stability

• The GruppeM wing generates more aerodynamic downforce than the stock spoiler. More downforce means the rear tires are pressed harder onto the road at speed, which improves grip during high-speed cornering and under heavy braking — especially useful on track days or spirited driving.  
• The stock 996 GT3 rear wing/spoiler is designed more for balanced everyday performance, while aftermarket wings like the GruppeM aim for maximum rear traction.

Benefit: Better high-speed stability and confidence in fast sweepers or track circuits.

⚖️ 2. Weight Savings

• The GruppeM Banana Wing is typically made from high-grade carbon fiber and Kevlar, which is lighter than OEM assemblies.  

Benefit: Lower weight improves power-to-weight ratio and helps reduce lift on the rear end without adding significant mass.

🎯 3. Tailored Aerodynamic Tuning

• GruppeM designs their aero parts with airflow management in mind, often based on wind-tunnel and real-world testing geared more toward maximum downforce and efficiency on specific models.  

Benefit: You get an aero element tuned specifically for the 996 GT3 platform rather than a one-size-fits-all or street-focused spoiler.

🎨 4. Distinct Visual/Track Presence

• The GruppeM wing gives a more aggressive, race-inspired look compared to OEM. It’s visually busier and signals performance intent, whereas the OEM spoiler on a 996 GT3 is more OEM-calibrated and restrained.

Benefit: Aesthetically richer, especially for builds that are performance/track-oriented.

🆚 OEM Wing Tradeoffs

While the GruppeM Banana Wing has performance benefits, here’s what you might give up versus stock:

🧠 1. Higher Drag

• More downforce often comes with increased aerodynamic drag at high speeds. That means it can slightly reduce top speed or hurt straight-line acceleration compared to the OEM spoiler, which Porsche balanced for overall performance and comfort.  

🛠️ 2. Installation Considerations

• Aftermarket wings may require modifications or specific fitment efforts, unlike OEM parts which drop in more seamlessly.

🏁 3. Track vs Street Use

• The performance gains from the GruppeM wing are most noticeable at higher speeds or on track. On regular roads or low-speed driving, the difference versus OEM is minimal in everyday handling.

📌 Summary – GruppeM vs OEM

Feature	OEM Wing	GruppeM Banana Wing (RWBC-996EX)
Downforce	Moderate/stock	Higher performance-oriented
Weight	Standard	Lighter (carbon/Kevlar)
High-Speed Stability	Good	Better rear traction and stability
Drag	Optimized for all-around	Slightly higher (for downforce)
Visual Style	OEM-balanced	Aggressive/race-inspired
Best Use	Daily driving + light track	Track and performance enthusiast driving

🧠 Bottom Line

The GruppeM Banana Wing is a performance-focused upgrade over the stock OEM spoiler on a 996 GT3. 

It’s especially beneficial if you track your car or want more downforce and stability at speed with a lighter, more aggressive aero setup. 

However, for regular street use, the OEM wing is still solid, and the extra downforce of the GruppeM will only show its strengths at higher speeds. 

GRUPPEM BANANA WING FOR PORSCHE 911 (999) GT3 HOODED CAR RWBC-996EX