Re: 90Q: 10V vs 20V

[Andrew Duane USG/PE <duane@zk3.dec.com>]

Hairy green toads from Mars made Stulen James say:

> This weekend I am going to look at a 88 90Q 10V and a 90 90Q 20V.  I am 
> wondering if there is any signicant factors that might wight against the 20V 
> engines.  As I see it:
> Pros:
> Has 35 more hp

Yup, and it makes quite a difference. I have a 10V 100Q and a
20V 90Q, so I get to compare them side-by-side a lot. The 20V also
has a tighter suspension, and better interior (seats, etc.).


> Cons:
> Worse fuel economy(????)

Nope, we both get about the same milage. The 20V however, really
needs at least 89 octane. My 10V is usually somewhat happy with 87,
unless the A/C is on a lot, or I really want to punch it.


> Extra complexity of cams and such.

This is an issue. The 20V90Q is one of the hardest engines to work
on. There is so little room, every job is a JOB. My 100Q is a breeze
to get into. I suspect that's because it's a 100, not a 10V. I think
the 10V90Q will be almost as bad as the 20V90Q; the hood is small.


> As I understand it both these engines are 'interference', so if the cam belt 
> breaks on either, it is going to cost a lot, more I would guess on the 20V.
> 
> What is the cam belt life?  What would a dealer charge to change it? Can I 
> do it myself (I have no trouble doing the cam belt on my 87 VW GTI, I also 
> changed my 5th gear ratio a few weeks ago, so I am not without mechanical 
> skill and experience)?


The cam belt is a big job because of the tight engine compartment.
Expect to pay at least $300 canadian for the job. The 20V engine
is interfering, so break = $$$$. The 10V engine is not interfering,
so break = tow to garage to replace.

Don't compare the GTi to the Audi. The belt replacement is different.
My old Golf was a dream. Replacing the belt was a 10 minute job
with a wrench and a screwdriver. I won't touch the Audi.


-- 

Andrew L. Duane (JOT-7)			duane@zk3.dec.com
Digital Equipment Corporation		(603)-881-1294
110 Spit Brook Road			http://www.zk3.dec.com/~duane
M/S ZKO3-3/U14
Nashua, NH    03062-2698

Only my cat shares my opinions, and she won't touch the Audi, either.