Re: TORQUE / Coupe Quattro

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

> From: Matthew S Van Houweling <mattvh@iastate.edu>
> 
> I own a 1990 Audi Coupe Quattro.  And although I love the car, I long for more
> low end torque.  I have considered aftermarket chips, exhaust and turboe.  Have
> any of you tried any of the mods on a 20V?  I would appreciate any guidance on
> this as it is the only lacking part of my Audi's performance.
 
Matthew:

Forget the chips, they're probably not worth the money, although one list member with either a 20v 90Q or a Coupe Q installed one, and said that there was a noticeable difference.

The exhaust is pretty free breathing, but you could spend some large $$$$ and have a custom bent exhaust with a turbo style muffler installed.  That may get you a few hp, but you would lose the benefit of the oem exhaust being stainless.  

To the best of my knowledge, there are no aftermarket turbos available for the 20v motor.  If you really want a turbo, and have the capital, contact Intended Acceleration, or IA as its commonly referred to.(Phone # is in the majordomo archives under "parts_vendors".  I heard that Ned Ritchie has installed 20v turbos (from Audi 200s?) into the Coupe Q.  But it was verry expensive (around $10k).  But that would put you close to owning an S2...  Hmmmmmmm

I believe that Total Audi Performance (TAP, phone also under "parts vendors") had a 215 hp conversion available for the motor for about $2500.   This included alot of head work and new cams.

Eurorace which is supposed to be coming out with a 2.5 liter conversion for the 2.2 motor, may have something available.

Rons Parts carries Audi cams.

There is, unfortunately no "cheap" hp upgrade for the 20v motor, no magic spring for the wastegate, no IA stage I or II cpu mods. 
You WILL have to "open up" the motor if you want some real HP. 

You can improve your performance by changing your driving style to "use the motor" better - Hp and torque peaks are over 4k rpm- so wait longer until you shift.

I tried a K&N filter mod from Schaumburg Audi in Illinois, which eliminated the airbox and put a "Cone" style filter into its place, with associated hardware.  Its similar to the ones that you can buy for VWs.  It was probably good for a few hp, but the car definitely does breathe better at higher rpm (and sounds it ,too).  Don't know how it will work this winter, though - I may have to reinstall the airbox.

You may want to try the K&N replacement for the stock filter...

If you want some other tips, e-mail me offline

Peter Schulz
1990 Coupe Q
Schulz@ed.ray.com