4k rally car

[moore01 at fuse.net]

Here are a couple of articles on building 4k into a rally car:

http://www.specialstage.com/tech/audi/quattro1.shtml

http://www.specialstage.com/tech/audi/quattro2.shtml

The following page is also another good source:

http://www.rallysport.net/NWJRallySport/qqe.html

You will note that the 4k on the front of this page is the one that I used to own.  I bought it completed from Mike Burke, as he is referenced in the previous article.  I sold it to a nice chap on this list.  I recently returned to the list having purchased a ‘00 A4 avant 2.8.

The 4k was basically bulletproof.  As I talked to Mike, here are some areas of concern that were addressed to make it this way, in no particular order, as well as some thoughts of my own:

The stock control arms are mush.  They need to be boxed and/or protected.  Gravel will basically chew them away.

Use the stock bushings for the subchassis.  Ya want some give.

Count on goin’ through some struts.  The car had coilovers and still did.  The springs need to be higher rated.

The cage.  Should be built to the specs and to be sure ya come home.  You should feel like Superman in it, wearing your favorite clothes at Grandma’s house rather than a cape, knowing there’s a pocketful of Kryptonite around the next corner.  Gage it by the co-driver.  If you buy a built car, the co-driver should tell your future co-driver that it is OK to crawl in with ya, no matter how little ya know.

No sun roof operation.

Brake lines must be braided, again, gravel munchies.  Brakes, can ya have enough when you’re startin’?  Doubt it.

Wheels and tires.  Several sets.  4k Ronal rims are mush.  5k wheels are bulletproof.

Skid plates, and underbody protection, again, a must.  Don’t forget the fuel pump.  Complete wrapping and protection is required in the stock location.

Ya need a rear tow hook.  It’ll help pay for the project when ya yank out 4 wheel drive pick ups, :>)) Or get ya outta the woods when you off, or worse yet keep ya from sliding down a hillside.

Lights, gotta have’em.  Map lite.  Rear back up lights gotta work off a separate switch not the tranny.  I’d add a rear back up spot too.

Rally computer, run off the onboard trip computer input off the tranny/diff.

Oil cooler.  Must.

Remove EVERYTHING not absolutely necessary in the engine compartment.  That way when something breaks, and it will, you can see it, and you can get to it quickly without removing a bunch of useless plastic.  I’d also think about the color of things in the engine bay too, if you’re building.  Light colors are much easier to see leaks, spread light, etc. under rally and/repair conditions.

Seat Belts, they current?  2 years was/is the limit.  Fire extinguishers.  Maybe a system?

If ya put in seats make sure they come out easy.  Ya wanna be able to clean out the car easily.  Think compressed air and/or water.

Steering wheel...

Horsepower.  With a 4k you’re in the big leagues, period.  Wanna have fun, you’ll do it.  One of my good friends, John Chalmers said when I started: Finish, in one piece.  You and the car.  Take a look at the alltime driver’s list for scca.  ‘Nuff said.

I’m lookin’ to co-driver now, anybody need a navie?