EFI....The only way to fly!

[Ken]

TM t44tq at mindspring.com wrote:
>
> In terms of reliability, I'm probably the wrong person to ask,
> but it really, really depends on how the car was maintained.
> My '86 5ktq cost me approx. $7500 in 18 months, in repair,
> maintenance and very minor upgrades. My case may be way out of
> line with others, but that's what you should be prepared for.

I just did some preliminary math to see "about" what I've spent so far on the '88 5kcstq.  With the rad, clutch, rack, alt, eurolites, fuel pump, sport int, tint, and Fuchs, I'm at about $2750.  This number is semi-estimated since I used a parts car for some of the stuff, some stuff was upgraded upons replacement (alt), and some stuff was totally optional.  Not included in that was some work done to get it running after a long time with a no start problem that turned out to be the FP relay and fuse box wiring.

I'm not sure if I can say it's been reliable, but I guess I don't expect it to be.  In truth, it's probably more reliable than I perceive it to be.

I'm hoping that by going through every weak and broken part of the car, and replacing them with newer and better stuff, I might be able to enjoy some of what the original owner experienced, and actually better with my upgrades.

I'll say now that I really enjoy driving the 5kcstq, as long as it's not stop and go traffic.  Even that's not bad, but it's a lot of car to get moving from a stop with the 7.8:1 c/r and K26.  It really shines on the highways tho'.  It feels like more than 230hp, not that I would know what 230hp feels like otherwise.

> Also, if you do the work yourself, you will save lots of
> money- my car was worked on by a mechanic, I didn't do most of
> the work.

With the exception of getting it running after the no start problem, I've done all my own work.  This is probably only possible due to the list, my having another car to drive, a place to work on it, a Bentley, and a bit of (misguided?) determination.  Still gotta buy parts tho'.

> In terms of mileage, I got consistently about 18-19mpg in city
> driving, around 25mpg on the highway, unless I was cruising at
> over 85. :-)

I would say about the same.  To and from Laughlin last weekend, I was seeing around 25 mpg indicated.  No comment on the speed.

> Chipped, the 5ktq will smoke your GLI unless it has forced induction.
> No comparison at all. 0-60 in the low 6s range.

Damn, really?!  This is the reason why I responded to the post.  Is this true?  Where can I see some numbers like that on the 'net?  I know it feels damn quick when it spools, but I guess I didn't expect it to be that fast.  I am excited to put my K24 on the 5kcstq (MC-1) and see what that's like.

Later,

Ken