87' Audi GT Coupe

[Dwight & Tina Varnes]

Frank Schleicher wrote:

> Hi all, this is my first post to the list, so please, be gentle.  Heh.

No chance of that ;)

> I'm looking at getting a 1987 GT Coupe from a local dealer.  It has
> approximately 140k miles, and no body rust.  They want about 3.5k for
> it, which I realize is way too much, but I'm really in love with these
> cars, and I'm not gonna be giving, or even offering, near to that for
> it.

> I'd like to know how many HP
> it has, and how much torque.  I've found everything from 110 to 135 to
> 158 online so far, and then 175 with a turbo conversion.  I'd also like
> to know the curb weight, if anybody happens to know.
>

Depends if it's an 87.5 or not.  Easy way to tell is the intake manifold
will say 'Audi' on it and it will have rear discs. That would be a 87.5
with the 2.3 engine, 135hp.  If it isn't (drum brakes, boring old intake)
it's a  2.2 110hp.
Curb weight is around 2250lbs I'd say.

>
> Also, if anyone has any experience with buying these cars used, I'd
> really like to hear your input... specific problems I should look out
> for, stuff I need to be careful of, how many miles the engines last if
> well maintained, that sort of thing.  140k is usually a lot for me in a
> car, but I've heard nothing but good about these so far.  I'd like to
> hear a cynics point of view too.
>

I'm a cynic... mine has 145,000 or so on it.  The engines are good for 200k
easily. These things are way over-built in the drivetrain. Things I've
replaced are front suspension bushings, struts, wheel bearings, exhaust
manifold R&I (broken stud; typical) noisy lifters (live with them) window
regulators (expensive) and exhaust systems (made my own). They are
under-tired and can really benefit from a bigger wheel/tire package. Oh,
and I did replace a fuel pump with another used one. The rear hatch struts
are useless after a couple years, the climate control antiquated, the
sunroof one of the dumbest ever conceived. But the handling...talk about
crisp!  Just a joy to drive, even with only 110hp.  Add a 4kq front sway
bar to control the roll a bit and it's just great.  I can't bring myself to
part with mine, it's just too much pleasure for so little money. The good 5
cylinder engine without all the bad 5k stuff.  If you've always liked them,
treat yourself to one.

> Thanks a lot... if there's a webpage where all my questions can be
> answered, I couldn't find it, and I much prefer hearing it from the
> people who know these sorts of things.  Thanks a lot for all your help,
> I really hope I can get the car, if it's worth getting.
>

There are some links on my web page to other CGT sites (there aren't many)
and a breakdown of what I've done to mine (most of it easy and attainable).

> '84 Jetta GLI - RIP
> No new replacement yet... <sniff>

Had an 89 GLI 16v, good car but a PITA to work on.

Dwight Varnes
86 CGT
http://www.mongrelmotorsports.homestead.com