ECS News

Schwaben Specialty Tools has released three new products that eliminate the pains and inconveniences associated with automotive repairs and installations. Get off the ground and move around with the Six Wheel Creeper - ruggedly designed to reliably keep your body off the ground while working underneath your Euro. The Schwaben LED Under Hood Shop Light features 120 LEDs & a polycarbonate transparent lens that instantly illuminates every crevice of your engine bay. The Rolling Creeper Seat and Tray keeps your body at an ideal height while keeping your tools close at hand.

A broken timing belt does more than leave you in tennis shoe mode; it causes extensive expensive engine damage when piston heads mangle valves. Don't wait for disaster to strike. Check our assortment of timing belts and belt kits. We have you covered: from basic belt-tensioner combos to Ultra kits with water pump, thermostat, accessory belts, bolts, and seals. ECS: we have what you need to get it done.

When replacing your water pump, what happens in your cooling system is that the burden of wear transfers to a different part, one that will then need to be replaced itself at a later point. By attending to the entire water pump system at the same time, the system remains a self-contained, quality high functioning unit. ECS has assembled a convenient Water Pump Replacement Kit replete with all gaskets, bolts pulleys, tensioners, securing bolts, and even a gallon of coolant, helping you do the job the first time the right way.

Why not replace your worn stock clutch with something special? We have three great clutch conversion kits built around our ECS-engineered lightweight RA4 flywheel. This lightweight design reduces rotational mass for faster revs off idle, while its larger clutch contact surface improves clamping for better power transfer. Improved low-end throttle response. Smooth operation. Less lost power off the line. Stronger and tougher than the original. If performance is job one on your to-do list, ECS Tuning flywheel kits deliver.

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 B6. Let carbon fiber mirror covers from ECS reflect your good taste.

Use your Volkswagen MKV or MKVI on the track? You shouldn't be stuck with those terrible factory tow hooks that are about as stylish as an old hat. The new replacement tow hooks from ECS Tuning are a more stylish way to achieve that aggressive, track-ready appearance. The hooks feature polished surfaces and thread easily into any stock tow hood location. Once in place, your Volkswagen will have a more rugged, professional appearance, thanks to expert engineering and design by ECS Tuning.

When it comes to the cooling system, we're led to only think of failure with overheating in the warmer months of the year. On the other hand, coolant prevents freezing within its system during the colder months, and there are still many that are unequipped to service their system properly. Don't get left in the cold. Maintain your cooling system the right way and keep it fully functional with these cooling system tools.

A failed air injection pump is more than a noisy annoyance. Bad pumps store a fault code and turn on your check engine light, a sure way to fail your local emissions test. Dying pumps don't go quietly. As they fail, they make a loud buzzing noise, audible shortly after a cold engine start up; continuing for a minute or so after that. Our secondary air pump can put your air injection system back to normal, eliminate all that racket, and turn off that pesky dash light.

Automotive electrical work demands patience, knowledge, & above all, 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.

ECS engineers have again arrived at a clever, permanent solution to a perennial VW/Audi design flaw. ECS T6 6061 Billet Aluminum Oil Filter Housings not only instantly eliminate this disastrous prospect, but feature a striking polished or anodized silver or black appearance. And as always, ECS has gone a step further to assemble convenient Oil Service Kits to complement your new aluminum housing, each complete with six quarts of premium oil for your 1.8T/2.0T Gen3 engine, an oil drain plug, oil filter, and oil filter gasket.

Tighten up. Toss those marshmallow mounts installed at the factory, and install ruggedized VF engine and transmission mounts. Unlike the liquid-filled flabby factory versions, VF replacement mounts are made of sturdy billet aluminum, with rugged polyurethane inserts. All mounts come with high strength installation hardware.

It's hard not to appreciate the powerful, aggressive appearance of a wide-stanced performance car; it's the look that forces enthusiasts to take your ride seriously. The effect is typically accomplished with flared fenders and over-sized wheels, requiring increased fender clearance. The Eastwood fender roller tool is easy to use, priced right, and increases fender clearance while maintaining a factory-fresh look. Kits are available that include a heat gun to keep your finish from stress cracking, & a finishing tool to form the inner fender lip for a professional-quality job.

The growing Schwaben Tool catalog has just expanded again with the release of the superbly engineered, exceptionally reliable Schwaben hand tools - now available from ECS tuning. The new Schwaben 1/2" breaker bar has a full 180°swing for those hard to reach bolts and nuts. A complete set of Schwaben twelve-point metric combination wrenches from 8 to 19 mm is also available. Mechanic-quality 290mm and 200mm long ratchets featuring a durable fine satin finish round off this latest premium tool release.

Critical emergency parts should be purchased from a well-known, reliable company. High quality Booster cables are now available from Schwaben Tools. The 6-gauge copper, multi-strand cables are 12 feet long, making the emergency jump start hassle-free in any situation. Rated at 400 Amps, the vinyl-coated Schwaben cables are designed to last.

BFI just raised the bar when it comes to one of the most frequently touched parts of your car's interior. These heavyweight shift knobs feel like butter in palm of your hand, thanks due to the top grain perforated air leather or black alcantara that it's wrapped in. Weighing in at 215 to 250 grams the added inertial mass makes shifting effort substantially less while speeding up the process at the same time. The machining is top notch, and the detailed crest coin gives that classy yet sporting look which elevates any interior's level by at least 50 cool points!

Guesswork is expensive. It leads to costly repair errors that compromise vehicle safety. Talented DIY'er or repair professional, you need accurate vehicle data and specifications. That's why ECS is happy to offer an entire inventory of Bentley manuals, a reliable, respected source of repair data for your B6 Passat. Books are carefully edited and illustrated for accuracy. A truly worthwhile investment.

You won't believe the difference an LED lighting package makes on your car until you see it with your own eyes. LED illumination is a far brighter and friendlier light, crisp and clean, especially when compared to the dingy yellow glow from conventional filament style bulbs. Ziza lighting is proud to introduce LED license plate bulbs for your VW B5 Passat that will not cause a "bulb out" warning light. These are direct replacement bulbs that install in minutes, there is no need to wire up any fancy resistors or rework your factory wiring to get them functioning properly.

Keep your cuts clean and your connections clamped tight with these new Schwaben tools. The CV boot clamp pliers will assist in maintaining the factory look by utilizing ear-type clamps found on CV axle boots, vacuum lines, and fuel lines right from the factory. The Schwaben mini tube cutter will cut hardlines with a smooth, straight finish making it easy to flare and fit. For the enthusiasts looking to complete a job, and leave it with the appearance that it was never touched.

Coming to a finish of an under-the-hood project is a sight that any enthusiast can enjoy. The other finish we enjoy the sight of is the paint finish, unblemished and grease free. The best way to ensure you maintain this appearance while working under the hood is with a fender cover. The ECS Magnetic fender cover features Soft magnets to hold tight in place, soft non-scratch leather on the front, and goose flannelette backing. Don't risk it, stay covered.

The easiest, most transformative modification for your VW is a set of new, perfectly selected wheels. Alzor wheels offers an array of 5x112 bolt pattern wheels for your VW 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, giving you the confidence to drive aggressively on your new running gear.

The easiest, most transformative modification for your VW is a set of new, perfectly selected wheels. Alzor wheels offers an array of 5x100 bolt pattern wheels for your VW 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, giving you the confidence to drive aggressively on your new running gear.

Ready to blow off a little steam? Get Forge under your hood. Stock diverter valves just can't handle performance upgrades. Add a little boost and they get all weak in the knees and go to pieces. Forge knows this. That's why they've engineered boost-hardy blow-off valves tough enough to take the pressure without blowing their lids. Aluminum housing. Faster Response. Works and plays well with engine management systems.

It's the new year, it's time for some new tools. Every one of these Schwaben tools are built to last and are easy to use. The Thread Chaser Set includes the most popular metric sizes so you can restore corroded, damaged or stripped threads.The Metric Bubble Flaring kit is a must have for anyone replacing steel brake lines. The Memory Saver Kit allows you to connect a separate power source (9 volt household battery, or separate 12 volt battery) up to your OBDII port under the dashboard when replacing a battery, preserving radio presets and settings, and other vehicle memory.

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve on your Volkswagen engine is a device which is used to help reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx ) emissions by recirculating a portion of the engines exhaust gas back into the intake manifold to be re-burned. PIERBURG's EGR valve offers everything you need to get your EGR system functioning properly again, and keep your engine running at its best for years to come.

The Schwaben 6-Liter Extractor/Filler System makes changing oil, ATF, or any type of fluid easy and mess free. This easy to use tool is no doubt the best Extractor/Filler for the money. Easily change to pump in or out with the flip of a lever, and use the extendable foot step for stability while pumping. All of the included adapters mount on the tank for convenient storage. This is a manual pump which requires no electricity or air pressure to operate, and has a built in pressure/vacuum gauge for easy monitoring to prevent overpumping.

Ziza lighting is proud to introduce LED license plate bulbs for your Volkswagen that install in minutes. There is no need to wire up fancy resistors or rework your factory wiring to get them functioning properly. Simply remove your plate light assembly, and replace the factory incandescent bulb with our Ziza bulb. When installing bulbs, be sure to place the end with the large heat sink pointing upwards, this makes sure the brightest part of the LED will be shining down on your license plate.

Lowering springs should do more than get your car closer to the ground. If you're considering your lowering options, be sure to include the premium quality spring set from H&R. Improve handling but keep ride quality suitable for a daily driver with Sport springs or take the gloves off and install no nonsense race springs. Regardless of your choice, buy with confidence, knowing you're getting German-made springs with an unrivaled reputation for quality and performance.

VWR parts, as developed by Volkswagen Racing UK for their competition racecars, have released CNC-machined, Dual Durometer Drivetrain Mounts for the B6 Passat. Additional power creates strain on a vehicle's drivetrain, necessitating durable, thoroughly-engineered drivetrain mounts. VWR RacingLine Drivetrain Mounts were specifically designed with longevity and performance in mind. By better securing the transmission to the car's chassis, power transfer between the engine and wheels is more efficient, producing an instantly noticeable feeling of drivetrain connectedness.

Those who own a vehicle with gas hood shocks know they aren't always reliable if they even work at all. The Schwaben Telescoping hood prop takes the risk out of being in the engine bay, especially on a windy day. This hood prop is adjustable, lightweight, and sturdy making it easy to keep out of the way in the trunk so its there anytime you need it. Hold up, here's an extra hand

The 3-Liter European Pressure brake bleeder is designed to bleed and flush your brake system like a pro. This easy to use fully loaded pressure bleeder is no doubt the best pressure bleeder for the money. The customers looking for more, upgrade to the Multi-functional fluid pump kit that does all this plus and be used as an ATF filler. For those that prefer to leave flushing your brakes to the shop we offer a smaller fluid bleeding only option that comes in handy when doing brake jobs. Both products ensure your satisfaction in pedal feel and ease of use.