Re: Audi 80 ownership: pros & cons after a year

[tnas@dtpdirect.nl (Tom Nas, DTP Direct bv)]

>Date: Tue, 27 Aug 1996 11:35:35 +0200
>To:Mark Shilling <shilling@txchemcouncil.com>
>From:tnas@dtpdirect.nl (Tom Nas, DTP Direct bv)
>Subject:Re: Audi 80 ownership: pros & cons after a year
>
>Hi Mark,
>
>Thanks for your comments.
>>
>>Mine is 1990 80 2.0,  96k. I agree completely with all above except
>>visibility. Seems to be quite a blind spot on driver side.
>
>Fixed that by fitting convex mirror glass on driver's side. Can be had
>aftermarket, but Audi here sells it as well.
>
> Mine has a/c.
>>After 96k and no servicing, it is ice cold and strong, cools down very
>>quick. Best a/c of any car I've had.
>
>I've only been in *one* Audi with a/c, an '84 90 Q (4000) and it was
>great. (Almost bought that car despite it being four years older and
>having covered an intergalactic mileage.)
>>
>>Agreed with all but one. I like the steering! Great "road feel", after
>>driving the a4, it was the one thing that really stood out.
>
>Yes, I like the feel at speed as well. Very sensitive to tyre pressure
>though. I've noticed the heavy low-speed steering go away on fitting
>different tyres (Continental). These were bad at high speeds and in the
>wet though.
>
>It feels alot
>>more "sporty" that way.  I particularly agree with the crosswind, headlight,
>>and low-end power comments (haven't quite figured the most logical way to
>>tackle the power question...)
>
>I'd say use some tuning parts, such as air filter, exhaust for small
>gains- rebore, gas flowing and different camshaft, exhaust manifolds for
>larger gains. This engine is very robust and over-engineered, should have
>some tuning potential. Perhaps at the cost of low-speed drivability and
>torque... not to mention fuel economy (we pay per litre of gas what you
>pay per gallon).
>
>>Other comments:
>>strong transmission (auto) but needs regular fluid/gasket changes
>>no oil consumption (noticeable)
>>often crotchety at cold starts (suspect cold start valve)
>>noisy fuel pump (even the new one) but not unbearable
>
>I haven't heard any Audi with a noisy fuel pump here in Holland. Do they
>use different pumps here? Mine is completely silent!
>
>>Generally, I love the car, but would love it more with the following:
>>quattro
>>alloys
>>5-speed
>>75-100 more bhp
>>slightly stiffer suspension
>
>I agree on all counts, except I have the 5spd already. Best gearbox I've
>ever used: flickable like a switch, very positive and made for rapid
>gearchanges. Yours hasn't got alloys? Does that mean that these horrible
>plastic wheel covers made it to the US too? I'd *love* to get rid of those
>and get some nice OEM alloys!
>
>Tom Nas
>1988 80 1.8S FWD
>

 _______________________________________________________________________
   Tom W. Nas, graphic design                        tnas@dtpdirect.nl
   DTP Direct bv                              Voice +31 (55) 5 790 799
   Apeldoorn, the Netherlands                   Fax +31 (55) 5 790 125

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