[urq] upper strut modificatons

[jeffrey.goggin at cox.net]

> One modification I would make if I chose to do that would > be instead of using a slotted plate, which you probably
> would only be able to bolt in 2 places on a side (like
> top-left and bottom right on the front side and bottom
> left, top right on the back side) would be to use a pair > of slotted bars which would cross each other.   Then you > could have 8 bolts in total securing the two halves of
> the strut tower instead of just 4.  Also, if one brace
> were to fail, you would have a second one which would
> prevent floppy wheel syndrome.

I'm afraid you lost me here, but fwiw, I used six bolts for my design, two across the top and two down each side.
  
> My plan up until now was to use the 2 piece strut assy's
> from a 80/90q which  would not have quite the flexibility > of your design, but would be better than nothing.   Then
> I would use the camber/caster plates up top to add
> additional flexibility.   I may rethink that idea....

While the two-piece struts are definitely more convenient to install, if you plan to tinker with your setup a lot, I think the approach I outlined will make your life easier in the long run.

> Cutting out the inner fender wells is a neat idea for
> being able to get at the s'spension bits from above.  I'm
> going to think about that some more and may steal that
> idea from you.

If you do, remember that those panels are load bearing and you'll need to carry the load elsewhere if you remove them.  In my case, I ran a brace from the front edge of the strut tower to the very front of the engine mounting rail, right where the bumper brackets mount, and this proved to be a more than adequate replacement for the fender panel. I also added a few brackets to the brace so that I could run small aluminum tubes to support the fender and secure them with just a screw so they could be replaced easily should they be damaged on track.  (And while I was there, I also modified the nose panel so that it was removable, which meant that I could remove the engine out of the front of the car using a floorjack instead of a hoist ... all in all, it was pretty slick, if you ask me!)

> I'm working on a V8 swap into my UrQ like you started a
> while back...

Hey, hey ... I haven't given up on my project, I've just been busy working on other things, not the least of which has been making a living.  Most recently, I've decided it's time to start autocrossing again, so I'm in the process of preparing my '99.5 A4 1.8TQ accordingly.  This weekend, my work schedule permitting, I'll be installing the double-adjustable Penske shocks & struts I recently bought, as well as the lightweight front a/r bar I had fabbed from my drawings.

> Doesn't that engine just look like it belongs in that
> bay???

Yes, it sure does look purty.  I must confess to having taken a tape measure to my A4's engine compartment and while there are those who claim the V8 is too large (hence the reason Audi had to redesign it for the S4), I think it definitely can be made to fit.  Someday...  ;^)

JG

Jeffrey Goggin
Chandler, AZ