shift at 3K

[Craig Lebakken]

Bart writes (about seldom revving above 3K RPM):

"Does this cause potential problems, though, with how the
engine works?

I don't shift *quite* as quickly with our newly-acquired
200TQ, but that

may be mostly because I'm enjoying the kick of the turbo
around that
point...esp. off the line in first!"

It is a well known fact in these circles that the Audi I5
motors, and their close cousin the VW I4, like to rev. They
were designed to rev. While I don't think that never pushing
them is going to exactly hurt them, revving them
consistently to 5K+ isn't going to either. I am more of a
proponent of driving engines through their entire power and
rev bandwidth, as this - IMO - is beneficial to the motor's
flexibility. In fact, this is how motors are recommended to
be broken in, though initially light on power and revs. More
important is to warm an engine slowly (1/2 throttle max, to
4K max) until the oil temp gauge moves. Then do whatever you
want all of the way to redline (not all of the time, but
certainly on occasion!). Consistent oil changes are
essential also, using stock oil filters and good oil of
course. I have over 700K miles on three motors operating
this way. They all run excellent. YMMV.

Craig Lebakken
1986 4KQ
Currently down with a POS custom 2.5" exhaust broken over
the axle and possibly a bad center driveshaft bearing.
$%$#@^!! Motor runs great though!