Racing Dynamics burst upon the BMW tuning scene in the 1980s with a unique blend of Italian styling and German engineering. Founded by Federico Pavoncelli, RD maintained a quiet presence in the U.S. for a number of years until the brand was picked up by Electrodyne Inc. Electrodyne itself came into the automotive industry in a most roundabout way. The company was formed in 1968 as a manufacturer of electronic testing equipment used to simulate vibrations typically encountered in avionics. As the aerospace industry slowed, Electrodyne's principals began to search for more fertile enterprises. At the time, many of the engineers in the company owned European sports cars, and they would privately import parts and accessories for their own use. Later, the company focused its attention on importing some of Europe's most exclusive performance parts.
With its successes, Electrodyne formed a racing team in 1979 to help promote the company, and for the next 11 years Electrodyne campaigned Porsches in IMSA with a fair degree of success. In the late '80s, the company acquired rights to the Italian-made line of Racing Dynamics components, a relationship it maintains today.
Chester Vincentz, owner of Electrodyne, built the Racing Dynamics-equipped E39 528i on these pages, both as a showcase for the firm's technology and for his everyday use. In true European tuner fashion, Racing Dynamics attends to the performance aspects of the car in a systemic approach.
Electrodyne started with the 528i's stock 190-bhp engine, fitting Racing Dynamics' R28 Power System, a bolt-on tuning program comprised of a set of sport camshafts, reprogrammed ECU, exhaust headers, revised air intake and stainless-steel exhaust. RD also supplied the optional dress-up items, including a carbon-fiber engine cover and oil filler cap.
Drawing from its years of Italian touring car experience, Racing Dynamics offers a number of suspension pieces engineered to performance tune the chassis. This particular car features a set of Racing Dynamics coilover shocks with adjustable perches and small-diameter racing-type springs. Fine tuning the chassis comes by way of a set of front and rear adjustable anti-roll bars with urethane bushngs and Heim joints for added precision. Rounding out the handling package is a strut brace tying together the front shock towers.
Racing Dynamics wheels have always been much coveted as rolling stock, both for their sturdy construction and elegant styling. This Bimmer rides on RGS wheels measuring a massive 9x20 in., shod with 245/35ZR-20 Pirelli PZero Asimmetrico tires. For those who would gladly give up over-the-top profiling for the sake of comfort, the wheels are also offered in 17- and 18-in. diameters.
As stopping is equally if not more important than accelerating, this particular 5er was fitted with a set of massive race-bred front brakes. The rotors measure in with a healthy 14.2-in. diameter and are gripped by a lightweight four-piston racing-type caliper.
Inside the cabin, Electrodyne fitted Racing Dynamics accessories, including a set of lightweight racing-type pedals--available for both automatic and manual cars--and a driver's footrest. Floor mats with the company logo complete the interior makeover.
A pronounced styling aesthetic is a hallmark of Italian design, and Racing Dynamics developed its R48 body kit to complement the overall look of the 5er without compromising the sedan's tasteful lines. The kit includes a front bumper cover, side skirts, rear apron and two spoilers. The roof-mounted spoiler serves to direct air down onto the trunk-mounted spoiler where downforce is created. The rear trunk lid wears a chromed Racing Dynamics emblem.
From humble beginnings a score of years ago, Racing Dynamics has since made its mark on the tuning market with its line of products. With each successive offering from Munich, Racing Dynamics continues to enhance its reputation as a premier tuner by matching the quality, fit and finish of the original car. Electrodyne, through its relationship with Racing Dynamics, continues to develop and deliver some of the best offerings from Europe.
Freedom Design Golf IV
Electrodyne also handles a wide range of parts and accessories for Volkswagens. Freedom Design is the firm's proprietary line of aerodynamic aids, wheels, exhaust systems, suspensions and engine tuning, and Electrodyne also carries components from such firms as Kamei, Neuspeed and Bilstein. Longtime knowledge of the aftermarket has helped the Electrodyne folks pick and choose wisely from the world's suppliers, offering only the best for its customers.
The Golf shown here is outfitted with a wide array of modifications to both boost performance and enhance the styling. The exterior is adorned with front spoiler, side skirts, rear apron, mid-hatch wing and roof hatch wing from Freedom Design; the sport grille, headlight lids, carbon-design door handle guards and hatch sill cover were sourced from Kamei.
Freedom Design also supplied the interior's aluminum dash kit, floor mats, shift knob and shift boot bezel. The "Golf" door sills are Kamei items.
For a higher level of performance, the Golf boasts a Freedom Design adjustable coilover kit and anti-roll bars. RGS alloys, size 8x17 in., carry 225/45 Pirelli P7000 high-performance radials. Motor mods include a Freedom Design ECU upgrade and sport exhaust with dual logo tips;an FD carbon-fiber engine cover sits on top.
With close ties to the German tuning market and an avid, knowledgeable staff, Electrodyne can assist both the neophyte and veteran enthusiast through the often complex process of deciding which mods will work best with which car.
--Greg N. Brown