First-Gen Quattro Questions

[Ti Kan]

Richard Hoffman writes:
> The first-gen quattro had open diffs all around, with lockable center and 
> rear diffs.  They were both vaccuum actuated?

Yes, most of them.  Some very early ur-Qs have cable-operated diff locks.

> My 1990 CQ has Quattro-II, 
> will I be able to modify it (in the center console) to use the Quattro-I 
> system without too much work?  Is it as easy as simply changing the switch 
> in the center console from a single push button to a turn-switch or maybe 2 
> push buttons?  The actual tranny swap isn't the tough part here, just the 
> actual operable parts inside.

You want to swap your tranny to a Gen-1 quattro?  This wouldn't be too
difficult if your current trans is a type 016.  But I don't think a '90 CQ
has a type 016 trans.  While an 016 trans will probably bolt up to your block
the tranny mount and the shift linkages are probably all wrong.  Installing
the diff lock switch and plumbing vacuum lines are probably the least of
your worries...

Question is, why?  There is nothing bad with your existing Torsen based
system...  (for fear of starting another useless and religious thread on this, 
people please don't debate this topic. I just wanted to hear your reasoning).

> Also, with regards to the general operation of Quattro-I: is it harmful to 
> leave the center diff locked during normal driving?  I don't mean 
> permanently, just say if it rains and roads are only moderately slippery.  

If there is some slip then it's probably not too harmful.  Your tires will
wear faster.  This is not recommended on dry roads.

-Ti
01 S4 2.7 biturbo quattro
84 5000S 2.1 turbo
80 4000 2.0
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    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
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