Many Subjects, Comments and One Question (long)

[dismiss@earthlink.net (The Judge)]

To All Quattro Enthusiasts:

Not to sound like this is a mea culpa, but I do apologize if some of you
are offended by the Tornado post or the now-ongoing stereo debacle.
Nonetheless, I myself am laughing at the Tornado, but you know what?  Many
people (whether they post to the list or not) have replied with questions
(to which I cannot give answers to), so at least it was worth it for
someone.  As for whoever sent me the message with the "Mary Kay/Pyramid
Scheme" comment, that was really adult of you.  I have no interest in this
thing, so flame yourself next time.

With respect to the stereo deal, I am glad to know there are so many
opinions on it.  There are definitely people who are in the know, so to
them I will defer (it seems like everyone here is an expert in their own
field).  Moving on with that sentiment, a topic I CAN give info on is the
law...

1.  Geico/Traffic Tickets:

The first Geico post mentioned a guy in FLA who is having trouble getting
tix removed from his DMV/BMV record.  If he received a ticket in CA and
went to a class (traffic school is what it is called) there are many things
that could happen.  Usually the court will allow you to attend traffic
school in lieu of a fine, and the ticket may appear on your record (the
advantage here is getting out of the fine and the penalty assessment, which
is 170% of the fine in CA added to the fine ITSELF).  Other times the court
will let you go to traffic school and dismiss the violation pending the
violator showing the court proof of completing the course.

Unfortunately, the proof does not always get to the court (whether for mail
reasons, non-completion of the course, human error, etc.) and may not in
turn get to the DMV in Sacramento.  Almost all states now have
"reciprocity" agreements with other states, where your info is forwarded to
your home state.

Suggestion: In both the CA and FLA instances, get an "abstract" from the
court that dealt with you.  An abstrsct is actually a copy of the final
disposition of your citation/case, and will serve to prove what result you
ended up with.  The unfortunate soul in FLA needs to get the abstract from
both the CA and FLA courts and present those to the FLA DMV/BMV.  That
should be sufficient to clear the record.  If not, call an attorney that
deals with traffic law (there are now a few in each major city).  These
guys do not just handle DUI/DWI's, but usually deal with all aspects of
traffic problems and laws thereto.  The court that has jurisdiction over
where you live usually can clear these and deal with "license" matters,
therefore eliminating the need to go to court in your state capital (where
the DMV/BMV usually is).


2. Geico:

I have heard they are bad, but there are worse outfits.  I have shopped
around (in LA and SF), and the absolute best deal I could get was from AAA.
In CA they offer auto insurance to their members for a low price with good
service.  They were at least 30-50% less than the "biggies" of State Farm,
Allstate, Farmers, etc. with similar coverage.  I am not sure if they do
this nationwide, and the other downside is that they will not let you pay
monthly like some do, in fact, you must pay 1 yr in adavance.  It is still
worth it.


3. A4 Turbo:

This message is specifically for Mike (WzupFugga@aol.com) and anyone else
with an A4.  In the April issue of "Performance Car," a British Auto mag
that isn't widely available, there is a hopped up A4.  Here's the skinny:

Cool things:
1. euro styling kit added on the body (spoiler, front air dam, lowered side
skirts, sport side views and cool graphics)
2. new interior stylings (shift knob, pedals and others)
3. a new ECU for boost amd better engine management etc.
4. 192 bhp at 5500 rpm
5. New redline/limiter of 7400 rpm (from 6400 rpm)
6. 18 inch rims, low profile 225/40 ZR18 Pirelli P-Zeros
7. Improved exhaust (two fat, square tailpipes)
8. Shortened and Stiffened springs, other suspension mods

Performance:
-claimed 3rd gear 100mph+
-0-60mph 6.8 secs.
-standing 1/4 mile: 15.4/92.0
-top speed: 138mph

Prices: All in U.K. "Pounds" (I am unsure of conversion rates):

-A4 Turbo Sport: 22,400
-"Fully Kitted": 34,000

If bought in pieces:

-18 inch wheels and tires: 2775
-Body Kit (painted): 3055
-"Boot" Spoiler: 390
-Interior Trim Mods: 899
-Chip Conversion: 1039
-Exhaust Tail Box: 468

The new A4 is called an "A!Avante Garde System S" and is done up by GmBH
tuner Beta Tec.  AFN Guilford is the UK importer and comes with a limited
edition number.  It looks pretty cool, if you get get it.  The guy at the
shop where I got the mag thought this was available in the US, but I don't
know that.  AFN's number in the UK is 01483 408800.  Call them if you
really are interested.  If not, I will send you the mag and you guys can
send it around (It costs $7.00 becuse it is an import magazine).  Also has
cool articles on M5's and other euro-type cars.  E-mail me and I will send
it to you via US Mail (scanner is broken).

Also check on the April 1996 issue of "European Car".  I am sure you guys
know this already, but there is a 2.6 liter Europsec Coupe in there, as
well as the ongoing 4k work and its progress.


5. Eurosport Engineering in Santa Ana, CA:

I went to Eurosport Engineering the other day.  The owner, Fabryce Kutyba,
and his father spoke with me at length.  He specializes in Audis, Porsches,
and Bimmers.  He went into exhaustive detail on the mods he could do on my
car.  He said he could drop a 5k turbo in my '90 80Q, do all the head,
valve and engine work (port and polish, etc.), chip it (send to Ned),
brakes (cross-drilled rotors and semi-metallic pads), Kevlar clutch, modify
exhuast system, suspension work, body kit (not a goofy one) AND repaint the
whole car for around 10-12k.

Now, I know I have left out many specifics, but I am going back next week
to talk about the real specifics and real, hard numbers.  His shop is
great.  He has a paint facility, many machining items, and tons of other
stuff.  He does all the work himself and I was impressed.

Is this a good deal?  From what I can tell it is.  I will not do all of
this at once (if I do any at all), but it sounds interesting.  He
guarantees the work and even said he could get me a deal on parts (said it
would be a "substantial" savings).  My problem is whether to buy a new car
or fix mine up.  I have been looking at a Audi wagon or (bite my lip) a
Volvo 850R Turbo Wagon.  Any suggestions?


6. Rally at Willow Springs Raceway:

On May 5, there is a rally, complete with separate classes, for anyone to
enter.  Includes practice and instructions in the morning, with track time
in the afternoon.  classes are divided into "cc's" (four of these) and a
"SuperCar" class.  Sponsors will provide prizes and awards.  $80.00 per car
with the usual requirements (helmet, insurance, application, etc.)  I have
done some SCCA track rallys (in cones) and once went to Mid-Ohio with my
dad and raced his 535i with the BMW club running the show.  I may do this.
Let me know if you are interested and I will send you info.

7. My name as "The Judge":

Someone made a comment about why I use this name.  Why does it matter?
Does that really affect anything?  I have reasons to use it, so what's the
problem?  All I can say is that is what I use now, so I am sorry if anyone
has a problem.  Why anyone needs their name posted all over the Internet
for any moron to get is beyond me.


Anyway, as many of you can tell from the frequency of my posts, I like this
group and appreciate (for the most part) everyone on here.  Please keep it
up and ignore anything stupid I may say....

The Judge

'90 80Q
'85 5K (real son of a bitch; gone and forgotten)
'84 VW Scirocco 16V Wolfsburg Ed.