Re: 5KTQ, 200TQ or V8...what do I do?

[i6941TB@gnn.com]

Hi, Warren. You have written:

>I've been lurking on the list for the last few weeks, and mostly because
>of what I've learned here, I'm in the market for a quattro.
>I live outside Seattle and want the snow and ice capabilities the quattro
>system provides.

Good choice!

>I've also been know to drive, ahem, a little
>enthusiastically, but I'm not going racing.
>I've found good examples of late '80s 5KTQs, 200TQs and a couple of
>really nice V8Qs in the Seattle area.  Here's the deal: it's my money,
>but your choice.  What do I buy? The 5Ks are in the $5-7K range, and
>the 200s and V8s are more in $13-16K land.  Mileage varies
>appropriately.  What guidance can the assembled wisdom on the List offer
>me?

Well, since I've had exactly the same considerations when I was bying my current 
'89 200TQ and I've done a lot of homework on this subject, I'd dare to give some 
advise (with all the appropriate disclaimers).

A). Late 5000cstq: 
Pros:1. It is a good solid Q
	2. Inexpensive.
	3. Easily "chippable" for high performance.
Cons:1. Older hydrolic sys (Cu washers on the banjo bolts-known for leaks).
	2. Older style torpedo. Lacks main gauges: Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, Voltmeter.
	3. Older style door handles. Easy to pry in. Triggers are fragile.
	4. I think the centre diff is not a Torsen, although I might be wrong.

B). V8:
Pros:1. A very solid, powerful and elegant cruiser.
	2. Screems:"I am expensive!" Truly a rare car.
	3. Lockable rear diff. 
Cons:1. Only about 100 of them have a manual tranny, very difficult to find.
	2. All manual ones had a smaller 3.7L V8. Autos were 4.2L.
	3. UFO brakes. One rotor is about $700!
	4. Parts are rear and expensive. You'll be bowing to a shark(dealer) often.
	5. Great strait line performer. Too heavy for agressive cornerings though.
	6. More expensive than A) and C).
	7. Chipping does not yild much and is hardly worth the money. 

C). 200TQ:
Pros:1. All have manual trannys.
	2. New improved hydrolic sys w/O-rings instead of the Cu washers.
	3. Same torpedo as in the V8, has all the gauges.
	4. New trouble free "flush" door handles.
	5. Centre diff is a Torsen and it can also be locked manualy.
	6. Chipping makes a rocket out of it.
Cons:   Non that I know of so far

If you decide on a 200TQ, which I think is the best bang for the bux:

a) '89 200TQ:
	1. Everything else being equal, it's the least expensive 200.
	2. The last year before airbags. Was crucial 'coz I love my 360mm wheel.
	3. Large K-26 turbo thru vin#_44_K_038262 -higher performance potential.
	4. MC engine w/1 knock sensor and lower compression, see above.
b) '90 200TQ:
	A reciprocal of §§1-4 above. I would pass this one.
c) '91 200TQ 20v (a dream machine):
	1. The AWESOME 3B engine that makes slightly less BHP unchipped that my MC 
	   after chipping.	
	2. For around $700 Mr. Ned would bring it to over 300BHP level and he is 	
	   right in your back yard (Olimpia,WA).
	3. The turbo kicks in WAY lower on the tach than in the MC engine.
	4. Flared fenders. No probem with fitting larger tyres/rims.

>All reasonable intelligent replies will earn my undying gratitude,
>and a latte upon reaching Seattle!

I'll take your famous espresso, thank you.

Igor Kessel
the sweetheart: 200TQ, chipped and MOMO'd through out,
in Tornado "arrest-me-officer" Red;
the ex: 5000s, the EE's nightmare
Phila PA, USA
i6941TB@gnn.com