Re: 97 A4Q 2.8- First Impressions

[dan_masi@MENTORG.COM (Dan Masi)]

On Nov 15,  3:49pm, tlazay@ultranet.com wrote:
> Subject: 97 A4Q 2.8- First Impressions
> I just picked up my 97 A4Q 2.8, 5 speed today! Finally. 

Congratulations, and "welcome to the family"!  :-)

> The engine could definitely use a few extra hp, especially in the lower rpm
> range. I'm thinking of getting the throttle body modification. Is it wise to
> do this after the break-in period? 

You mean, is it important to wait until after break-in?  If so,
the answer is no and yes.  No, in that it probably doesn't make
a difference mechanically.  But yes, you should probably wait, for
at least 2 reasons:  
  1) to give yourself a chance to get a feel for the car before
     making a change, so that you'll be able to feel the effects
     of the change more easily; and
  2) why put in something that helps full-throttle application
     during a period of time that you shouldn't be using
     full throttle?

> Also, at higher RPMs when I shift, the RPM needle seem to linger
> at the top for a second or two before falling... Will this
> change after the break-in for any reason?

Nope.  Just have to get use to it.

> I think I'm going to bite the bullet and buy a Valentine 1 radar/laser
> detector. Where is the best place to mount this, on the dash in front of the
> steering wheel or clipped to the sun visor?

Mine is centered, directly under the rearview mirror.  I didn't like
any of the other possible places, and this spot seems to be working
very well.

> I had a CD Changer installed. The dealer put the unit right in the middle of
> the trunk opening, not to the side. Is this standard?

All the ones that I've seen, including mine, are mounted to the
left of center.

> Did any of you veteran A4 owners change your oil before the 7500 mile mark? 

Check the archives on this one, there was quite a bit of bickering.
There were a few reports that said that Audi warns not to change the
oil earlier, as the factory fill has additives that are needed for
break-in.  I don't know if this was ever confirmed or not.
FWIW, I left the factory oil in, then switched to Mobil 1 at 7500.

By the way, check your oil often.  Some people reported significant
oil usage during break-in... seems to be quite a bit of variation,
I probably used a quart in 7500 miles.

Dan Masi
'96 A4Q