New tire update and other misc.

[Chris Newbold <cnewbold@eznet.net>]

Well, thanks to all who provided opinions during my search for
new tires for my '93 90CS ("Shake, rattle & roll..."). I wound
up settling on the Yoko U+4s. Since I'm currently in upstate NY
(Rochester) and can't afford two sets of shoes, I have to be
content with a set that won't get me killed in the "other" three
seasons...

Anyhow, I've put about 250 miles on them so far. Some initial
reactions: much smoother ride than OEM Eagle GAs, though not
as quiet. Braking grip seems comparable, though the U+4s don't
seem to have as much grip while corning. On the GAs, I could
fling the car into corners and it would stick like anything,
but now it's much more tenative. Hopefully this will improve
as the U+4s wear. Haven't had any rain (nor snow :-) yet, so
no comparisons there yet. Steering response is a little sharper,
though, I think.

I also had the 30k service done when I had the new tires mounted.
Nothing outstanding here, except to note that never ceases to
amaze me how little things can make such a difference. Audi calls
for new spark plugs at 30k, and what a difference it makes! The
V6 is again as sweet as it was new, pulling strongly from 4k
through red line. The lumps and hiccups are gone; much more
torque around 1000 RPM pulling away from rest.

The other thing is that there is, apparently, still useful life
on the front brake pads. This was surprising given how hard I've
driven the car. I just hope they don't wear to the backing before
the next service...

-Chris