Re: coupe quattro questions

[schulz@tif623.ed.ray.com (Peter Schulz)]

Sorry for the bandwidth fellow qlisters, but perhaps some of the lurking Coupe Quattro owners can add some additional insight for Mike...

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Mike White replied to my question
> > 
> > Still interested in a Coupe Quattro ???
> > 
> > Do you have any questions???
> 
With

> I do.  I never quite got it clear on the engine options.  I think 
> quite a few people got confused by my mention of the coupe looking 
> like a 90, and so I got replies regarding the 80/90 series.
> 
> So the coupe's got the 5 cylinder non-turbo engine?  ~140HP?
> 
> What are the common maladies on these cars?  Typical 5K problems?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
>  
> 
> - Mike White 
> 
> [Mail: mike.white@law.utah.edu   -   mwhite@eng.utah.edu]
> [http://www.cc.utah.edu/~mw1759/index.html]
> 
>  
> 
> 
Mike:

I bought my Coupe Quattro last year, as the third owner.  paid $12700, with about 55k miles on the odo.

My car is silver with grey leather interior.  As far as I know there are no "extra" options on my car.  Mind you, the only extras were:

 pearl white metallic paint, glass moonroof, and a "cold weather" package : heated door locks, windshield washers and seats.

The car came with power: mirrors, windows, locks.  automatic climate control, tilt/slide power sunroof, headlight washers, split/fold down rear seats with a ski bag through the center arm rest.

Only about 2100 were imported from 1989-1991.  The only engine offered is the 20v 2.3 liter with 162-168 hp, depending on published source.

Things to look out for:
Timing Belt!!! critical on this car.  It is a very labor intensive job.  I had my mechanic do it despite the fact that I do most service myself.  Do the belts at the same time, since you must remove some of the front bodywork!

Valve Cover Gasket.  This car appears to have a chronic problem with oil leaking through the factory installed gasket.  The second gasket usually (based on other's experiences) seems to last.

Idle Stabilizer.  The car seems to have a problem with idle in hot humid weather. replacing the stabilizer seems to solve this.

Hatch squeeks.  Easily solved by adjusting the "bumpers" with a hex wrench.

I have a slowwww hydraulic leak, and will replace my low pressure hose some time in the future.  This car does not have the 5000 steeering rack malady.

Downside:  If you want more power, or easily upgraded power, buy a 5000 csquattro and send your cpu to ned.  Or try a spring from Charley, or some other of the mods that come up on the list.  Otherwise upgrades are expensive:  cams, porting/polishing the head, welded stroker crank, etc.

The wheels a re a b**ch to keep clean if you stay with the factory pads-go to a semi-metallic. After-market options are somewhat limited since the wheel is a 4 bolt pattern.

Rotors and pads can be a pain due to the exclusivity.  The rotor is the same size as the 5000, but not a 5-bolt pattern, see above.  The pads are unique to this car and the 1994 convertable.

Aftermarket shocks and springs also are limited.


Despite the downsides, I still love my Coupe Q. It has plenty of room for my girlfriend and our toys (bikes/skiis).  Whatever doesn't fit inside with the seats down will fit onto the Thule rack which appears to be permanently affixed to the roof.

The car is a great long-distance driver, and could go all day at well-above leagl speeds ;-).  Not that I want to get to the Mts any faster!!!

If you have any other questions, e-mail me directly.

Peter Schulz
1990 Coupe Q 81k miles
Schulz@ed.ray.com