My Suspension is FIXED

[Andrew Duane USG/PE <duane@zk3.dec.com>]

Well, I finally got my car back from the shop last night.

For those of you who have forgotten, I took my '89 100Q with
117K on it into a local suspension/performance shop to get all
of the bushings replaced underneath, a new pair of rear shocks
installed, and the alignment set where *I* wanted it.

The short version: 

	WOW!

The slightly longer version:

	The car drives like new again (even better than new).

The detailed version:

	I decided that my car was driving far too much like a beached
whale. My rear shocks were shot, and most of the bushings underneath
were old/worn/shot. After researching some aftermarket alternatives
in urethane, I decided to stick with OEM rubber bushings.

	I called Carlsen Audi, and got all of them for about $450.
The rear shocks cost about $200 for the red Koni Adjustables. I wanted
to fit Boge Pro Gas back there instead; they aren't made for the Q,
but they can be made to fit. NOT! It seems that Boge changed the
top threaded portion a little, and they are too short for the Q now.
Oh, well. Luckily I found a pair of Koni's, which were what I had in
there before, and what I still had up front. My dealer (no snide
comments please, I've already made them all) had a pair laying around
they wanted to be rid of, so I got a good price.

	Total Bill:

	OEM Bushings:		$ 450
	Shocks:			$ 200
	Labor: 10 hrs @ $40:	$ 400
	Alignment:		$  60
	-----------------------------
	Total:			$1110

	The mechanic is a really sharp guy who does a lot of work on
Audi suspensions. He was extremely knowledgable about their handling.
After replacing everything, we discussed the alignment settings I wanted.
We settled on stock toe in/out, and 1/2 degree of negative camber to
help dial in turns better without killing tires too fast. The shocks
were adjusted to full stiffness in front (they were worn already), and
3 out of 5 half-turns stiff in back. This was supposed to give just a hint 
of understeer. I think it ended up about neutral; the fronts must be
a little stiffer (less worn) than I thought.

	The result is a car that handles magnificently; better than stock
at 117K miles. It is tight as a drum, crisp and precise around corners
(even the ones I took at 50. OK, 60 :-), with great follow-through.
I would have been happier with a little understeer, but hey....
When I locate a rear sway bar from a 5K/100/200 to install, I think
it will help improve this even more.

	Additionally, most of the little noises I've come to know and
love are gone. The car is quiet and smooth. I swear it even idles smoother.
No more parking lot clunks, no more rear-end swoops around sweeper turns,
no more bobbing and weaving down these New Hampshire frost-heaved roads.
I now believe I can out-handle Angela's 90Q20V with only 70K on it.

	For those of you who have older cars whose handling seems to have
become less than pleasurable, DO THIS! It is the best thousand dollars I
ever spent on my car.

Our next lesson will be engine improvement. We discussed a Schrick 272
Asymmetrical cam with an adjustable timing gear. Combined with the K&N
filter I already have, and the 2.5" straight pipe exhaust he can make
for breathing, I might even be able to out-accelerate Angela's 20V :-)

-- 

Andrew L. Duane (JOT-7)			duane@zk3.dec.com
Digital Equipment Corporation		(603)-881-1294
110 Spit Brook Road			http://www.zk3.dec.com/~duane
M/S ZKO3-3/U14
Nashua, NH    03062-2698

Only my cat shares my opinions, and she's too heavy to care.