Latest in DSP 4000 saga

[Robert Phillips <r3rfp@dax.cc.uakron.edu>]

After finding some slop in the passenger side control arm bushings, I 
decided (Thursday night) that I would replace them.  I have wanted the 
plyurethane bushings, and it seems SportWheels offers a kit fro the 4KQ, 
4KS, and TQC cars.  I called to make sure they would fit, and indeed they 
would.

The catch:
The urethane bushings cost $65 per wheel (two bushings)

Stock bushings cost $8.00 each. ($16 per wheel)

I opted for the stock ones, took the control arm off myself, and had a 
local shop press them in for $17 dollars.  Total cost was around $40 
installed, for one side.

The thing that disgusts me, is that I paid a shop to do this same job on 
both sides a few years ago when I was young(er)/stupid(er).

The cost?  About $400 !!  The removal of the control arm took me all of 
about an half an hour, as well as a half an hour to reinstall, from 
having the wheels on the ground, to disassembly, to having the car ready 
to drive.  Now they seem to be getting an *awful* lot for labor!!

BTW, I had my first race since moving to my new class, complete with some 
really tough competition.  I proudly finished DFL. (Dead F**king Last!)

I *will* go faster, but it'll take some time.  I wasn't really that far 
off, but was competing against some of the better drivers in the club, 
who have had plenty of time to sort out their cars.  There is more to be 
had from the "little Audi that could".

The worst part:
My best run was a 51.8__

We ran fun runs afterward, during which I promptly clicked off a 50.2__.  
It really shows that the car will go faster, but the driver needs to learn 
how to drive the durn thing better.

For those of you who don't know much about autocross, "fun runs" are 
held after the event to be able to drive the course without the pressures 
of competition.  They record the times the same, but they don't count for 
points or placing for trophies.

My excuse:
"I have a short between the seat and the steering wheel!"

Thanks for listening in my time of need, :)

Robert Phillips
The University of Akron Sociology Department-------Akron, Ohio
1987 Audi 4000S, 1.8L 4-cyl, FWD-----SOLO II D-Street Prepared