ECS News

A series of exceptionally convenient and useful specialty tools have recently been made available by Schwaben, the leader in European performance car tools and accessories. Wheel install and metrics tools are the subject of this release. Long Reach Protecta Sockets prevent damage during the installation or removal of wheels, while the strong and attractive Portable 4-Way Lug Wrench Kit is ideal for regular or emergency use. Reliable and accurate Schwaben Digital Tire Pressure Gauges and Wheel Bolt Pattern Gauges give you precise measurements for professional-level DIY work.

The easiest, most transformative modification for your VW is a set of new, perfectly selected wheels. Alzor offers an array of 5x112 bolt pattern wheels for your VW Rabbit & GTI available in various colors, finishes, and spoke designs. The entire line of Alzor alloy wheels are inspected and go through rigorous quality control and durability testing - Every wheel comes with a TÜV Rheinlan approval and is stamped with the familiar JWL and VIA stamps. With substantial safety testing and approval, you'll experience greater confidence driving aggressively on your new running gear.

Most new performance cars could use a more athletic, performance-purposed wheel fitment. Not only does widening a car's track width decrease body roll through turns & make better use of available grip, but the new uninterrupted line from the wheel arch to the tire makes for a cleaner rear & front profile. ECS Flush Kits include the most cleverly engineered, highest quality spacers available, specifically matched to your GTI's styling and performance needs.

The factory springs on your VW were designed to exacting standards by some of the world's most talented engineers. Replacing this component requires careful consideration - especially if you're concerned with making a lasting improvement to your vehicle. These highly affordable suspension packages eliminate guesswork by combining full height adjustment at all four corners with matching dampers, engineered with fixed, pre-calibrated settings to improve ride quality.

There are several critical automotive projects that require pulling fluid lines – these jobs oftentimes end in an unnecessary mess from using inadequate tools and procedures. The tool experts at Schwaben have developed the highly convenient Fluid Stopper Kit for this reason, allowing you to properly clamp any fluid hoses and avoid messes or fluid losses. Additionally, the clamps offer a temporary seal, meaning you will not compromise any lines for later use. Address all common hard lines, including fuel lines, brake lines, and banjo connections.

Many enthusiasts have had to do a tie rod service on their vehicle at one point or another, and many have had to deal with stubborn tie rods. The Schwaben Inner Tie Rod tool makes it as easy as it looks by automatically adjusting to the right size while in use, giving you the proper leverage required to break the tie rod free - A must have that can cut hours down on your job. The other difficult area of a tie rod replacement is getting the ball joint end at the knuckle to break loose. The Schwaben tie rod separator is perfect for wedging in between the knuckle and ball joint.

WatercooledIND, with their characteristic vibrancy and creativity, is releasing a stunning new ECS-exclusive wheel - the SY10. From start to finish, SY10s are meticulously designed and engineered to be as light as they are strong. This latest release, available only through ECS Tuning, is a creative interpretation of the classic split 10-spoke design. The details in the wheel's machined face add dimension to the surface, while the WCI engraving and gorgeous silver finish make a visual statement that will redefine your VW's presence.

WatercooledIND, with their characteristic vibrancy and creativity, is releasing a stunning new ECS-exclusive wheel - the SY10. From start to finish, SY10s are meticulously designed and engineered to be as light as they are strong. This latest release, available only through ECS Tuning, is a creative interpretation of the classic split 10-spoke design. The details in the wheel's machined face add dimension to the surface, while the WCI engraving and gorgeous silver finish make a visual statement that will redefine your VW's presence.

For German performance cars, the widebody treatment is always reserved for the most extreme, race-bred applications. This performance and styling effect distinguishes the sporty model variants from the truly quick-reflexed, radical performance cars. ECS tuning engineers have arrived at an authentic, hand-laid Carbon Fiber Fender Flare kit to bring this impressive, highly sought-after addition to your MKV GTI. The bolt-on ECS flares display exceptional fitment, and allow up to an additional 75mm of wheel & tire clearance for the use of fat rubber and a stunningly wide stance.

If you want to turn every head on the street as you drive by, then look no further. Beauty and muscle have met their match with the stunning looks of wheels from 3SDM and Neuspeed. With bold eye catching colors such as satin bronze, machine silver, red, gunmetal, and more, these wheels are the finishing touch you've been looking for. Combining their muscular looks and the beauty of their timeless designs with your lowered suspension will guarantee a breath-taking appearance. And when you see how affordable they are, they'll be as good as yours!

Schwaben Specialty Tools has been making at-home vehicle repair more simple and more professional with each successive release. Each member of their unparalleled catalog represents a significant achievement in tool design and engineering; their Drain and Fill Service Tools are excellent examples of Schwaben's success. The 5" Diameter Funnel features a 12"-24" flexible neck, making transmission and differential fluid change service procedures quicker and cleaner. Schwaben's 6-10 liter Oil Storage Cans allow for a mess-free oil change and easy transport of all drained oil.

Companies that dedicate themselves to a specific industry niche have a head start on large, excessively diverse manufacturers. A familiarity with the challenges of making superior products is gained through the sheer time spent within a more narrow market. Sonax produces car care products. Each release by the company is a leader in its category, & their catalog is growing every day. ECS offers a staggering array of Sonax products, from the highly effective acid-free Wheel Cleaner, to deep-cleaning & odor-eliminating Upholstery/Carpet Cleaner and Premium Class Carnauba.

Many VWs have logged significant miles to date, and most have road-weary suspension setups. KONI Struts and Shocks have been a favorite replacement choice for performance enthusiasts; they offer a perfect blend of even, more stable handling dynamics with ride compliance & comfort. KONI fine tunes their shocks & strut kits by application, refusing to take the 'one-size-fits-all' approach used by less thorough manufacturers. Available with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, KONI shocks & struts are a wise performance upgrade for your VW MKV GTI.

Automotive electrical work demands patience, knowledge, & above all else, the correct tools. European car owners oftentimes find themselves using ineffective, dangerous, & cumbersome methods when repairing or replacing wiring harness connectors. Schwaben's latest release, the European Car Electrical Terminal Tool Kit, gives enthusiasts the exact tools required for bullet connectors, common ABS sensor and power connectors, trailer light plugs, and more. Extend harness life, ensure proper diagnostic equipment connectivity, and preserve wiring harness life with this superb release.

The specialty tool experts at Schwaben have released a series of superbly engineered, exceptionally reliable car ramps, ramp extensions, wheel stands, & wheel chocks - now available from ECS tuning. The 30" to 67" Low Profile Car Ramps are specially made to accommodate vehicles with low bumper clearance - eliminating the risk of body damage & sliding ramps. Schwaben Wheel Stands feature a cradled wheel support for superior stability compared to jack stands, supporting up to 3000 lbs. And when lifting your vehicle or placing it on an incline, Wheel Chocks are a wise investment.

When the 2.0T engine was introduced, the rubber diaphragm in the original diverter valve failed regularly, even at stock boost levels. The improved Pierburg diverter valve has a piston valve design that eliminates the original, failure-prone rubber diaphragm. This mechanical design is more durable and is an excellent upgrade for all stock or modified 2.0T FSI & TSI engines. Kits also include the highly convenient VAG Connector Removal Tool. Spend more time driving, less time fixing!

The problem is widespread and chronic: cam followers for the high pressure fuel pump in FSI engines are prone to wear. Savvy FSI owners periodically pull the pump and check the follower to avoid costly fuel pump and camshaft damage. Symptoms of advanced 'cam follower-itis' include loss of power, rough running, and an illuminated check engine light. To help you understand and mitigate the problem, we've put together a photo tutorial that demonstrates how to inspect and replace your cam follower. Use it with our handy repair kit to keep your FSI running strong.

The average home mechanic might not even realize the benefit of having a sturdy, hand-height shelf to place tools on in the heat of a project. Instead of carelessly leaving tools on the ground or mixed up in a pile, Schwaben Service Carts bring the professionalism of a reliable mechanic's cart to your own garage. These carts are offered, featuring a stunning, durable high-gloss powder-coated finish, chrome plated steel handles, and large 4" casters. Heavy-duty Deluxe units are also available, with a third product adding a locking top lid and drawer.

During suspension work, there are a few critical tools that make installation and removal infinitely more simple. In order to remove the retaining nut at the top of struts on European cars, a dedicated tool that fits the unique shape of the strut mount is required. Many enthusiasts will damage the strut nut using a wrench or inappropriate socket to accomplish the task, bringing their project to a halt. For professional quality work, Schwaben Specialty Tools has assembled a collection of premium Strut Nut Sockets in all the most popular sizes for your European car.

Ready to blow off a little steam? Get Forge under your hood. The Atmospheric Blow-off Valve Spacer Kit from Forge Motorsport is the first system of its kind for the VW 2.0-liter TSI/TFSI engines. The aluminum spacer acts as a pressure release system that can be used with the stock diverter valve to vent extra boost air into the atmosphere instead of sending it back through the engine's intake piping. The billet aluminum spacer is a superb solution for open-air venting, saving the time and money associated with a full blow-off valve conversion.

The ECS Tuning 6-speed short shift kit shortens shift throws to let you grab the next gear faster. Reduce fore and aft movement needed to engage gears by 49, 28, or 7 percent--or leave it stock. Then do something you can't do with other shift kits: pick the exact shifter feel that suits your preference. The kit includes five balance weights to let you dial in a feel that matches your new, reduced throws. Comes with a complete installation kit, including plate, weights, bolts, washers, and shift pin.

ECS Tuning now supplies complete bolt on turbo upgrade kits that require no additional plumbing or modifications. The FrankenTurbo F23T hybrid turbo upgrade allows you to use the turbocharger upgrade by itself with all factory components. You can also choose to upgrade your ECU and choice components for a more smooth, consistent power delivery. The F23T utilizes an inconel 713C Alloy Steel "Mixed Flow" Turbine Rotor, forged billet aluminum alloy compressor wheel, 42CrMo high-strength rotor shaft, and an up-rated K16-series 360 degree thrust bearing and ring.

Sale is now over. With tax returns and the spring season right around the corner, we wanted to thank you for all of the hard work that you have put in. We have selected handfuls of products to feature and reduced their price for this one time sale. Deals like this go quick, so act soon or risk missing out. Limited time, limited stock, huge savings. Sale Ends February 22, 2016

Want to do something bold? Bodacious, even? Check out this line of 3M Scotchprint films. Add texture and style to interior and exterior surfaces by applying these durable adhesive backed films to body panels or trim. Want variety? Channel Darth Vader with gloss black or carbon fiber, or go sci-fi-starship with brushed aluminum. Buy rolls five feet wide in lengths from one to 20 feet. Hi-tech look. Low tech installation. User friendly and easy to apply using simple tools, 3M 1080 film lets anyone get professional results on the first try.

Ever tried removing a radio trim bezel with a screwdriver or metal putty knife? Ugly. Ineffective. Metal prying tools gouge, scratch, and crack expensive interior parts adding needless cost and aggravation to any repair or accessory installation requiring trim panel removal. Stop the madness. Invest in one of our affordable trim removal kits. Large kit or small, our trim removal tools are made of tough, non-marring molded plastic, brightly colored so you won't leave them behind when the job is done. Do it right. Do it faster. Schwaben.

The experts at ECS Tuning have developed a kit for your vehicle to take all of the guess work out of the 40k or 60K mile service intervals. While it can oftentimes be confusing choosing which parts do and do not need to be replaced, these all inclusive kits were developed using the factory recommended protocol for service. These comprehensive kits service on your ignition, fuel, oiling, and intake systems. Kit contains nothing but quality parts to assure that everything will work perfectly. Even includes often overlooked parts, such as the cabin air filter and fuel filter.

Pop-in-place good looks. Unlike many appearance upgrades that require expensive installation and color matching, race inspired carbon fiber mirror covers from ECS Tuning are an easy install. No special fitting. No hassles. Pop the old one's out, pop these on and get going. This fast and easy styling statement complements any color GTI. Let carbon fiber mirror covers from ECS reflect your good taste.

Developed by the most distinguished experts of this industry, the VAG Professional Scan Tool is one of the most powerful aftermarket tools available for VW/AUDI vehicles. Delivering OE-level diagnostic power, the Foxwell Scanner requests and records live sensor data, provides live data graphing, reads and clear codes, turns off MILs and supports all 10 OBD II test modes. Owning a Foxwell Scan Tool separates you from the average car enthusiast, empowering you with manufacturer-level diagnostic and analytic capabilities.

We've all found ourselves using highly "creative" methods for separating old parts in the midst of an intense project. Some methods do work - usually at the expense of personal injury and a few broken or damaged parts. The new Remover Tools from Schwaben leave your knuckles and expensive parts intact. The new Exhaust Hanger Removal Tool has a slim profile for work in tight areas, easily pulling off hangers from behind. Steering and Suspension Ball Joint Separators offer a combined 12mm to 80mm jaw opening range. New rugged 3/8” drive Schwaben E-Socket Sets are also available.

The MK5 GTI has become one of the most popular Volkswagens to upgrade, tune, and personalize. With a plethora of options available, how do you choose what to do next? Each of the following parts have become extremely popular by fixing, fine tuning, or enhancing the performance and appearance of your VW. Pick one as a weekend project. Call a pal and bolt one on.