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Radar Homework
Albert Ng <ang@copper.ucs.indiana.edu> asked:
> Today, my brother had ordered a laser detector from Home shopping network
> for only $98(including tax and shipping). Its feature, something like
> Vg-2, Ka K and others. Is it a good price? What is all those Vg-2, K, Ka
> about ? I really know nothing about radar detector. Can anyone be kind
> to give me some explanions about this?
Albert - this subject is MUCH too complex for a discussion on this
group. I suggest you check back issues of Car & Driver and
Automobile magazines for the past - say - four years, and review
every article on radar detectors and related issues. Without doing
this, you cannot be an educated consumer, not can you really
appreciate what's going on in this technology.
Since this may not seem very helpful, I can tell you that between
October 1995 and Jan. 1996, both the above magazines printed very
helpful articles comparing performance of various units - and these
articles also explain the technology.
Bottom line:
1) There are many units on the market which are not good.
2) There are many units which are good.
3) Regardless of how good the unit is, it is NOT a magic bullet, and
it is worthless if it is not mounted in the proper position and taken
care of to avoid damage from sunlight-induced heat.
>
>
> Thank you
>
> Albert Ng
> '87 5kcst
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: ChrisPALMS@aol.com
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 21:56:43 -0500
> Subject: unsubscribe
>
> unsubscribe
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Daniel Hussey <GY3WSX@UNIVSCVM.CSD.SCAROLINA.EDU>
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 96 22:08:13 EST
> Subject: Loose shift boot!
>
> Hey guys,
>
> I have a 5000CSTQ and the shift boot has been loose on it for about a
> year now and it's really starting to drive me nuts! Almost everytime I shift d
> own into 1st the the plastic retainer for the boot (inside the boot, and clips
> onto the center console) pops up, and I have to push the back end of it back do
> wn after I change gears again. Very annoying. It also makes a lot of noise ba
> sically everytime I change a gear....is more or less a squeaking noise, from th
> e loose base of the shift boot twisting, etc. I have been in several of these
> cars that the boot fit perfectly and made silent shifts! Boy, I envy them!
>
> But, I have also been in one or two of these cars with the same proble
> m, so I tend to thing it's a common little thing that goes wrong. I also remem
> ber an Automobile Magazine from 1988 that had a report (Four Seasons) on the ho
> ld up of the car over the last year. The car at the end of one year had 49K mi
> les on it...that's a lot of driving! They also said that this was thier favori
> te 4 Seasons test car to do date and the most popular one with the staffers. T
> hey loved it! But they also found a few annoying problems that surfaced over t
> he year as well. One of them was the shift boot kept comming loose! The reaso
> n I remember is because they took a picture of the shift boot "poped up" and ou
> t of position. Anyways, I think the boot is supposed to be loose enough to be
> able to pop it out of the console and clean underneath it, etc, but it's not su
> pposed to move around like that. The only other real problem they found with t
> hier test car was that it had uncomfortable seats for long drives....I agree!
> My but and legs start going numb after about 3 and 1/2 hours straight in the ca
> r. I think the sport seats would be better. Oh well.
>
> Anyways, back to the shift boot problem. I have investigated buying a
> new one and the dealer wants $180 for a new one. Then, I investigated a used o
> ne. Shokan wants $65 for a used one in "like new" condition. This is pretty e
> xpensive, and I am still unsure if the boot it the problem, although I'm pretty
> confident it is. I am afraid to buy a used one from any other source but Shoka
> n since if it is a beat up or not a "like new" part, I may have the same proble
> m with it. My questions are, has anyone had this problem, and how did you, or
> how would you reccomend me solving this annoying problem? I can't stand it any
> more. Thanks in advance.
>
> Later,
> Dan
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Jeremy R King <kingjer@eng.auburn.edu>
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 21:35:00 -0600 (CST)
> Subject: Motorweek
>
> Motorweek is doing a review of the A4Q tonight on TNN at 11:30 Central
> time. From the commercial, it looks like it'll be pretty cool. They
> actually got the tires to chirp a little in first!
>
> Also, the following cars are in the current Alabama Auto Trader. Call
> fast - they're cheap and go quick around here.
>
> 1984 Audi Coupe, 5 spd., 5 cyl., $1400, Reza's Auto Sales, 205-974-1121
> Moulton, Alabama.
>
> 1986 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro, 4WD, tinted glass, leather int, loaded
> incl moonroof, cellular phone antenna, must see to appreciate, $3500 neg.
> 205-881-6507
> This car looks to be a dark grey from the b/w photo and seems
> to have driving lights mounted to the underside of the bumper.
> It doesn't have the Fuch's wheels - they're kinda aero real flat
> with really short stubby 6 or 7 spokes.
>
> If you CALL AND are REALLY interested, I could probably go take a look.
> They appear to be at least 2 hours from Auburn, though. Let me know.
>
> Don't forget about TNN tonight!
>
> Jeremy
> '86 VW Quantum GL5
> Auburn University, Alabama, USA
> Hometown - Reidville, South Carolina, USA
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Jeremy R King <kingjer@eng.auburn.edu>
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 21:43:07 -0600 (CST)
> Subject: Re: Dinan chip for A4?
>
> I haven't had any direct Dinan experience either, but Dinan is the Mac
> Daddy of aftermarket tuners here in the US in my book. I know they have
> recently put out a 596 bhp BMW 850Csi that is 296 bhp stock. They're
> very well known for their Bimmer work and are venturing into other
> markets. If it was my A4 (yeah, then I'd wake up), I'd give it to 'em
> for a month and tell 'em I wanted a durn fast car when they were done.
> They are also well reputed for they're suspension tuning. A tremendous
> all-around package tuner as far as I'm concerned. Somewhere near god
> (with a little 'g') status.
>
> Jeremy
> '86 VW Quantum GL5
> Auburn University, Alabama, USA
> Hometown - Reidville, South Carolina, USA
>
> On Sun, 25 Feb 1996, Graydon D. Stuckey wrote:
>
> > On Sun, 25 Feb 1996 WzupFugga@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > > In other news, Dinan Engineering in Mountain View CA is going to be
> > > building chips for the A4. I am going to give them my car for one week so
> > > they can to the R&D on it, and in turn they are going to give me free chip
> > > (not a bad deal). Does anybody have any experience with Dinan?? Everything I
> > > have heard of them has been positive so far. Anybody have any words of wisdom
> > > or caution for me??
> >
> > I have very little direct experience with Dinan, but I think they are a
> > decent company to deal with. I do think however, that you should get
> > alot more for your A4's week than one measly chip. See what you can deal
> > with them - I'll bet you can get more.
> >
> > Later,
> > Graydon D. Stuckey
> > graydon@apollo.gmi.edu
> > Flint, Michigan USA
> > '86 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro, GDS Racing Stage II
> > '85 Mazda RX7 GS 12A-leaning-towards-a-13B-soon
> >
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Sandy Duffy <sandy@pcnet.com>
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 22:43:52 -0500
> Subject: Bounces
>
> It is getting very annoying to get a return mail bounce everytime I respond
> the list.
> The bounce comes back to: Jay_Giblon@genchip.uunet.ca. Is there a fix for this?
>
> Sandy
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Daniel Hussey <GY3WSX@UNIVSCVM.CSD.SCAROLINA.EDU>
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 96 22:57:03 EST
> Subject: 87 4000CSQ For Sale
>
> Scott,
>
> A 4000CS Quattro is definately not a rare find! They are very common
> ....well, maybee not in my neck of the woods, but you get the picture. Anyways
> , the only thing that could justify that price is the fact that it supposedly h
> as been "totaly restored". But, I question why one with only 75K miles would'v
> e been totaly restored. My theory is that the car was probably wrecked or invo
> lved in some sort of accident, and when it was in the body shop, the guy kind w
> ent a little over board when fixing it. I know a few people that have done thi
> s themselves. (nice paint job, new trim, bumpers, etc, new interior, rebuilt e
> ngine, trans, brakes, etc.) Well, that might actually be interesting to find o
> ut about. BTW< That is quite a bit above NADA blue book value for that car....
> it's about double that! But, maybee you should call and could give us more inf
> o. If the car hasn't been wrecked and has been totally restored, then $7,500
> isn't a bad deal at all. To someone, it's probably worth it.
>
> Later,
> Dan
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: JBPM02A@prodigy.com (MR JOHN A DYER)
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 23:29:03 EST
> Subject: A/C diagnostic codes
>
> I cannot locate all the codes for the digital climate control. On
> channel one I got a 163 code and cannot find out in my Bently books
> what this means. Any ideas? 87 500csq Thanks JD
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Porsray@aol.com
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 23:45:16 -0500
> Subject: MISC COUPE TIPS
>
> I am writing this to address a number of different issues I have seen
> regarding the '90 - '91 Coupe Quattros (and the generic 80/90 seat heater
> switch lights). Hope it isn't overly long, but I felt like sending just
> one message rather than a bunch.
>
> 1) NON-WORKING AM & COUPE ANTENNAES
>
> On the Coupes, there is only one antenna. If FM is working OK (maybe
> station gathering weaker than expected) but AM is dead, I feel prime cause
> is a dead antenna. I had a stereo shop troubleshoot my system and tell me
> the problem was the stereo. After getting a aftermarket "upgrade"
> (Crutchfield; included an adapater kit which is a MUST on these cars due to
> the amps for the rear speakers), I installed it and STILL had no AM. I
> then read somewhere that a dead AM is primarly due to the antenna.
>
> On purchasing a new antenna, you can go aftermarket or dealer. While the
> two antennas look identical, they aren't the same at the mounting point;
> the dealer unit has a square "flange" that mates with a square hole in the
> roof. The aftermarket unit has a round "flange", so you will struggle to
> align it right in the roof (use plenty of RTV sealant to glue it in place,
> and have an assistant hold the antenna in place while you tighten the
> mounting nut). As I remember, the rear trim piece at the junction of the
> roof and the hatch needs to be removed, then you have just enough room to
> get your hands and wrenches on the antenna mounting by pulling the roof
> liner down.
>
>
> 2) SEAT HEATER SWITCH BULBS
>
> Yes, the bulbs are replaceable, but they weren't meant to be! Get some of
> the small bulbs used to illuminate the anti-lock brake and fog light
> switches; these are tiny all-glass bulbs with two wires sticking out the
> back. Bend the wires back away from the bulb.
>
> The switch can be removed by prying at the top and the bottom with a
> screwdriver. Disconnect the harness from the switch (more on this later).
>
> You will note that there is a black plastic "case" surrounding the switch,
> with a brown plastic body where the conectors stick through. You will see
> four "nubs" on the body that hold the case in place. What you have to do
> is to jam a small jewelers screwdriver in between the case and the body on
> the sides with the "nubs", and pry up on the outside case enough to free
> the body from the case. Slide the case off of the body. You will now see
> a red plastic molding with the bulb in it, with a circuit board on one side
> and the rotary dial for the heat position wedged in between the end of the
> red molding and the circuit board. You have to unsolder the bulb and
> replace it, but I don't think it's possible with the unit assembled like
> this; I disconnected the red molding from the board by laying the assembly
> down with the board facing me, then prying in between the circuit board and
> the molding at the location of the fastening posts. MAKE SURE THAT YOU
> DON'T KNOCK THE DIAL OUT OF IT'S GROOVE IN THE RED MOLDING; THERE IS A
> TEENY-TINY METAL BALL THAT IS USED AS THE DETENT THAT WILL INVARIBLY FLY
> OUT AND GET LOST. With the circuit board free of the molding, the old bulb
> can be desoldered and the new one soldered in it's place. Hold the circuit
> board and the molding together and slide them into the case (there's enough
> of an interference fit so that I don't think you have to glue the board and
> molding back together again).
>
> Now, more fun; in my case when I pulled the switch out of the instrument
> panel, the harness wasn't long enough to stick out through the switch hole.
> As a result, I couldn't push the switch back onto the harness (nothing to
> prevent it from being forced right back into the abyss in the panel). I
> had to remove the radio (4 ~1/8" drill bits in the 4 holes at the corner
> face, then pry horizontally away from the radio to disconnect it from the
> panel). I then used an Allen head wrench stuck up into the switch panel
> hole from behind the harness to hold it in position so I could connect the
> switch.
>
> 3) HEATER BLOWER
>
> I just replaced my heater blower for the second time (i.e., this is my
> THIRD blower). The second one only lasted two years, primarily because it
> was rebuilt, not new. The new one was obtained from Hoehn
> (1-800-984-6346), and had some differences from my old one. On the old one
> (and the original), the blower unit was held to the plastic flange/mounting
> plate via two screws; this one was held by three rubber intererence plugs.
> The location for the wire connector is on the flat of the mounting plate,
> rather than the cover over the motor. The manufacturer is "Veleo"; the
> original was "Sofica" and remanufactured by "Veleo". Also, there is a
> manufacturing date on the flange; the old one was 1988, while the new one
> was 1995. Cost, for info, was $138; more than others quoted, but I'm
> pretty confident this one is new and not rebuilt (Hoehn is a Porsche/Audi
> dealer). Their part no. was 8A1-820-021. I have been dealing with them
> for several years now for both Porsche and Audi parts ahd have nothing but
> praise for them; unblike many of the aftermarket I have dealt with, they
> are knowledgeable and generally have had anything I need in stock.
>
> 4) LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER
>
> If you are getting significant amount of squeaking from the luggage cover
> over rough roads, I recommend replacing the two rear clip mountings that
> it locks into. Total cost for them was $17 at Hoehn; part nos. are:
> 895-863-621-01 and 895-863-622-01 (there is a color code at the
> end also, I believe; Black is "C")
>
> Well, that's all I have; hope I didn't bore you.
>
> Ray (porsray@aol.com)
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: alanpem@wimsey.com (Alan Pemberton)
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 02:03:15
> Subject: Ur-Q articles
>
> For those interested in reprints of magazine articles on the original Quattro,
> a UK company, Transport Books, has produced a series, similar to the Gold
> Portfolio. The reproduction is not good - photcopies of photocopies - but
> certainly readable. There are 4 volumes, each containing about 25 articles
> covering early days to the end of production with the 20 valve.
>
> Sorry but I didn't keep the price list but contact information is
>
> Trevor Alder
> Transport Source Books Ltd
> 32 Springhurst Close
> Ipswich
> IP4 5NU
> England
>
> Tel/Fax (0)1473 270376
> For international calls dial 44 (UK code) 1473 270376
>
> While on the subject, does anyone know, or care to speculate, why the 1994
> Ur-Q models were updated with the electronic dash and ABS, but neither feature
> was included in North American models even in the 1995 model year - not that
> we would have wanted the electronic dash anyway!
>
>
> Alan Pemberton
>
> 80 Civic
> 82 Coupe
> 85 Ur-Q
>
> - -
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: walker7@ix.netcom.com (Andre Walker )
> Date: Sun, 25 Feb 1996 21:43:28 -0800
> Subject: Fwd: Motorsport News International
>
> >For the 1996 season the AA Fleetcare Super Touring cars will all run
> >on Michelin tyres and this could make a significant difference
> >throughout the field as teams make the minute adjustments necessary
> >to ensure optimum synergy between chassis, suspension and tyres.
>
> >"We have managed to do some testing at Kyalami already," says Andre
> >van der Watt, manager of Audi Sport. "When Audi came out from
> >Germany to do their 'winter' testing at Kyalami we used the occasion
> >to give both the Rothmans Audi drivers, Chris Aberdein and Terry
> >Moss, a chance to run their cars.
>
> Does anyone know the number of Audi Sport, or how to reach Andre van
> der Watt?? I'm going to be in South Africa around the time of this
> event, and I would love to go cheer TEAM AUDI to victroy!
>
> TIA,
>
> Andre Walker
> "Q COUP 91"
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Nivi@aol.com
> Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 01:06:16 -0500
> Subject: Re: S4 vs. Cadillac w/Northstar
>
> Psycho Bob <honge@creighton.edu> wrote:
> - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> - -----------------------------
> I think so, too. Caddie Southstar-equipped boats often go 0-60 in aroun
> 6.5 to 7.5 seconds depending on which boat it was installed to. If it
> didn't do neck to neck with the S4, it should be very close behind you in
> acceleration if the dud truely nailed the gas through the fire wall.
>
> I met one dud who truely nails it to the floor. He was driving one of
> those "S" class MBs. It's quite facinating to see the humungo car
> accelerat that quickly.
> - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> - ------------------------------------
> I concur that the Caddy cars *could* have the capability...haven't seen it
> yet...I blow most of them away with my Caprice (V6, 4.3liter, 4 bolt police
> tranny - with a shift kit that is now *not* as good after the rebuild) - BUT,
> I haven't tried a STS yet! I did catch up to a BMW M3 last week (a Caprice
> experience-the M3 guy was stunned) on a very tight onramp turn, except all my
> fuel swung to the right side of the tank, and the engine started stalling
> from petrol-deprivation...then he tried to race me on the freeway
> straightaways, and I declined, and I continued home at 65-70 mph.
>
> My stepfather has a 1986 560SEL, and when I drove it once two years ago,
> flooring it by mistake at a toll booth, I was stunned by the acceleration!
> Now I'm very careful with the accelerator on that car!
>
> Dorab (Nivi@aol.com)
> 1993 S4, 42,900 mi
> 1990 Coupe Quattro, 67Kmi
> 1986 Chevy Caprice, 300K+mi (Stock, except for front swaybar polyurethane
> bushings, GT+4's)
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Nivi@aol.com
> Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 01:06:49 -0500
> Subject: Re: weird noise coming from engine... SOLVED!
>
> Chris <br00206@bingsuns.cc.binghamton.edu> wrote:
> - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> - -----------------------------
> We'll...my hunch was correct: dirty oil! A combination of the extreme
> cold weather and my short commutes to work and back must turned the oil
> in my 90, which was 3400 miles old, into manure. I have not heard even a
> peep from the motor since I changed the oil and filter. I presume the
> sound was a cam bearing not getting enough lubrication during warm-up.
>
> I usually change both the oil and filter every 3000 miles, but the cold
> weather and my lack of free time lately took their toll...
> - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> - -------------------------------
> Dirty oil could cause this reaction?? I must agree that my Coupe has only
> been driven about 1,400 miles during the last 6 months (through the winter),
> and also hasn't been on any long drives, but I'm running Mobil 1 5W-30 as
> well. I change my oil and filter now every 2,000 to 3,000 miles (Please, no
> comments on my being anal - I agree that I *am* about my cars! :-)) )
>
> The sound I heard is definitely something akin to belt squeal - probably the
> cold weather combined with mechanics resisting startup - plus now your
> ambient temperature is probably warmer...even in Binghampton...
>
> Dorab (Nivi@aol.com)
> 1993 S4, 42,900 mi
> 1990 Coupe Quattro, 67Kmi
> 1986 Chevy Caprice, 300K+mi
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Nivi@aol.com
> Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 01:06:04 -0500
> Subject: Re: New Audi TV ads
>
> loren01@ix.netcom.com (Scott Bermes) wrote:
> - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> - --------------------------------------
> I just saw a new and I think good ad. Has anybody seen it? The ad
> highlight the quattro feature and hits on the idea that all sorts of
> SUV folks now have all wheel drive combined with German luxury. I
> didn't really watch the first 2/3 of the ad since one doesn't see the
> four rings or an audi, just two guys in an SUV getting lost, or
> something like that. What do you folks think?
> - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> - -------------------------------------
> Now Audi of America is starting to get in the ballpark...(in my opinion, of
> course...)
>
> The previous A4 ads were totally ridiculous, practically insulting the
> intelligence of anyone in the market segment. But of course, there ARE a lot
> of clueless buyers out there - NOT insinuating anyone on our list of course
> :-)
>
> The ads for the VW Golf, Passat, and Jetta were expertly done, targeting the
> proper audience - and *that's* why they're selling so many cars! I think the
> Audi ad agency is getting the credit for the A4 sales, but it's the car
> that's selling itself - *definitely* not the salespeople either! (from my S4
> hunting experience..)
>
> Dorab (Nivi@aol.com)
> 1993 S4, 42,900 mi
> 1990 Coupe Quattro, 67Kmi
> 1986 Chevy Caprice, 300K+mi
>
> ------------------------------
>
> From: Nivi@aol.com
> Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 01:06:18 -0500
> Subject: Re: S4 vs. Cadillac w/Northstar
>
> Hi Graydon,
>
> In a message dated 96-02-25 00:28:12 EST, you write:
>
> >Wait a minute, have you hopped up your S4? "That changes everything" as
> >the other famous 'murican carmaker says. :-) Also, if it was an Eldo or
> >an SLS with the 275 HP engine, that would make a difference in your favour.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Al Powell Voice: 409/845-2807
Ag Communications Fax: 409/862-1202
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"These are not my figures I'm quoting. They're from someone who
knows what he's talking about."
Anonymous US Congressman.
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