[s-cars] HAP RSB update and other musings.

[marcweiner at comcast.net]

Since the lower control arm adjustments made by Brian at ASW - all is well with the RSB - no noise after two days of back and forth from Denver to Ft. Collins and numerous hard cornering sessions.  My assessment other than the PITA of getting all the parts gathered for installation and adjustments made is that the car feels transformed - it handles much flatter around the corners - feels tight and is much more enjoyable to drive.  So, even though I am guilty of tossing out my share of flames towards the HAP RSB - I am also willing to shoot out some water to douse the fire - kudos to HAP for putting the group purchase together for us listers (I am sure it wasn't a cup of tea for him either).  Some suggestions - 1) let people know in advance that additional dealer parts are needed so they may be obtained in advance of an attempted / failed intial install.  IMHO those parts should be part of a $590 kit and 2) Give out some install instructions/suggestions to help folks/ their mechanics property adjust the RSB so that the chalkboard squawk noises can be avoided which seem to occur mainly because the RSB contacts the drivers side rear spring perch.   The car feels so much better that I guess I'll drive it for another 100k miles (G_D allowing) before I start looking for a used A6 2.7T MT6 to bump up to over 400 ponies.  BTW Audi is now offering 0% financing for up to 60mo. on all lease returned certified (2yr/100k mile extended warranty after 4yr./50k standard warranty expires) 2001 A6s (2.8s, 2.7tt, and 4.2s).  Looks mighty enticing for low $20-$25k.  Anyone out there driven any RS4'd A6 2.7tt'sand have any comparisons to our RS2'd URS4s??
Marc Weiner, 94 Hoppen/Lehman Stage IV with 222.5k miles