clutch, 87 4KQ

[William Murin <murinw@cs.uwp.edu>]

The original clutch in my '87 4KQ is beginning to show signs of wear at 
143,000 miles.  Geting some slippage in 5th under heavy acceleration, 
ditto in 4th.

The local mechanic who services my Q tells me that the clutch is not 
adjustable.  True?

Also, in pricing new clutches I am getting a wide range of prices from 
about $1000 from an independent Audi specialist who gets his clutch kits 
from German (is that important ?) to about $700 from my local Audi dealer 
to about $500 from an independent transmission/ckutch shop which has been 
in business for about 30 years, has redone a couple of 5000 trannies, etc.

What should I expect to pay, ceteris paribus.  (For all you 
non-Economists out there, and I a non one too, it means, all other things 
being equal---which of course they never are--which leads to the other 
favirote phrase of Economist--"but on the other hand...".

Appreciate your help.

Bill Murin
87 4KCSQ


PS:  It is not a foregone conclusion that I'm going to do a new clutch.  
Severly biten by the new/newer car bug.  M3s (sorry) are nice but too 
pricey & totally impractical in Wisconsin's winter weather.  Mabe I can 
get my long-desired used S4, unless a really nice 200TQ 20 valve shows up.

Thanks