Suggestions for a new 4ksq owner...

[ricematthews]

Eric:
I know the feeling.  I bought my '86 4kcsq as a decent "beater" and
immediately fell in love with it.  It's now going on 3 years.
For body work - I'd just make sure all structural areas are sound and get
them professionally done if they are not.  Then for non-structural repairs,
Bondo should do you.  If there is a lot to be done, you may want to consider
replacing whole panels.  If you aren't up for doing the paint work yourself,
I'd just try a body shop.  If you want to have the whole thing done -
consider Maaco if you don't want to spend a lot.  If you want to get a
better job than most do from Maaco, do the prep work yourself - sanding,
masking, etc., and remove bumpers, badges, trim and so forth.  You could
probably also by premium paint at a body supply shop and supply it to them.
Clear this all with Maaco first, of course.
For performance, I think Schrick makes some nice cams for the I-5 motors.
You can also run a K&N filter (replacement or "cone"), performance exhaust,
bigger throttle body, etc.  These should all be basic bolt on jobs so they
aren't hard to do and don't cost exorbitant amounts of money.
For suspension - sport springs shocks/struts and sway bars ought to help.
Wheel and tire upgrades are nice too, but can cost some money.
I think your car has the same basic engine as mine.  I believe the 1987
models supposedly had an increase in hp (from 115 to 135, if I'm not
mistaken).  I looked at a 1987 and didn't feel that it had any more get up
and go than my '86, so I don't know.
I pretty much decided not to do much to the performance of mine.  It now has
150k miles and although I love it, I'm sure I won't keep it forever.  Plus
I'd prefer to spend my performance dollars on my BMW 2002.
Enjoy!
-Mark


>I am now the owner of a mechanically fine 4ksq, with a less than perfect
>body.  I am looking for some suggestions on three areas of the car.  I'd
>like any good source(s) for used parts, ideas on what kinds of rust
>repair and paint work I should invest in (I don't believe this body is
>galvanize... is it?) and what basic performance enhancements are
>available.  I am thinking about acquiring a urq, so I may not want to
>invest too heavily in this car, (i.e. I am not yet ready for a 5k turbo
>engine transplant) but increasing its hp and reducing body roll are
>goals.  Any and all thoughts would be appreciated.  I've only had the car
>for a few weeks and I love it already... and I can't wait for some good
>NE winter driving...



>Eric DeWitt
>edewitt at mac.com

>1985 4000s Quattro