[s-cars] Introduction

[bob.rossato at att.net]

-------------- Original message from Joe Pizzimenti : -------------- 
> > 
> > I've seen differing specs on weight distribution for the S4. One site 
> > says it's 51/49, while another claims nearly 60/40. Any idea what the 
> > actual is for the sedan and avant? 
> 
> While the car's parked, it may very well be close to 50/50, but get on 
> the brakes and watch that change to 80/20. 

I've seen both numbers as well.  When I had my car on the scales the weight distribution was appox. 60/40.  Maybe the 51/49 ratio is if you have a fully loaded vehicle.


> > 
> > I'm familiar with the Type 44 chassis and its quarks. Are there 
> > particular bugs the S4/S6's are prone to? I got my 200 20v pretty cheap, 
> > but have had to repair about 100 small problems to make it 'fully 
> > functional." Just wondering what to plan on with the S-cars. 
> 
> RS2, big rear swaybar, stromung and FMIC. That should make it at 
> least partially functional. 

I believe someone had posted a list of common problems but I don't seem to have the link.  Maybe James Murray or Fred?  

One of the major ones is transmission problems (1st gear galling, and pinion bearing problems) on the earlier cars.  The galling can occur on later ones as well.  If you're looking for an Avant, the 95.5s have a wider 1st gear and should be immune to this.

Otherwise most of the problems are nuisance stuff, though I suppose that is a subjective call.

Bob