RE: A4 30v performance - what to expect?

[Reiner Fink <reinerf@microsoft.com>]

>Is there any reason to think the added hp (from 174 to 196?) will help
>the low-end performance significantly?

Not really. From my understanding, the extra valves really help at
_higher_ rmp, where the engine can really benefit from the extra valves
by being able to cycle air through and exhaust out more quickly. I'm not
saying there wont be any low end improvement, just that the high end is
what really benefits as you add more valves. Also, 192 was what I recall
being the hp quote for the 30-valve 2.8L engine.
>
>I had heard earlier that Audi was expecting to use the new 30v in it's
>97 European models, but I haven't found any reviews yet.  Did Europe get
>the 30v for any 1997 models?  If so, are there any reviews/ performance
>numbers anybody can steer me to?

Good question! Anyone know? I'm eager to hear of news of the 30v too.
The last post on it said Audi ran into a problem with something
breaking, and they were investigating whether it was a design flaw. Tom
W. Nas also said that the A4-based S4 will be comming out in Germany
this summer, based on the 30v engine with twin turbos. This startled me
since I had not even heard of the non-turbocharged 30v engines being
used in europe.
>
>Technical question:  what difference do the 3 extra valves per cylinder
>make in a similar sized engine, in general.  I guess the basic
>difference would be it breathes better, but how does this affect hp, and
>does it affect torque (which I would think is the real difference in
>low-end performance)?

Remember that both torque and hp are a function of rpm. So what you
really want to know is, does the 30v provide more torque at a low rpm?
My guess would be not scignificantly. You will see the same off the line
lag that the 12v 2.8L has. But once you get close to 3000rmp, there
should be a very noticable difference!
>
>Finally, what's the latest about when the 30v will be available in the
>A4 here in US?

The 30v wont be orderable until a year from now. Yes, _next_ november
was AoA's last guesstimate.
>
>Thanks.	Erik Bruce  (A4 soon).

Your welcome,

 -reiner