Sad but true, TQC < TQ

[John Karasaki <johkar@teleport.com>]

Sad but true, TQC < TQ

Well, guys, the jury is in, at least for me.  As you might know, we own an
'82 urq, a '87 5000CS TQW, and a '90 V8 Quattro.  Ever since we got our tq
wagon and upped the boost, I've wondered if it was faster and handled better
than my beloved urq.  To be brief, it is and does.  It's sad to say, but the
5ktq is the hands down winner.

My urq is very modified with ABT stage 3 computer, 2+ bar of boost, Eibach
performance springs (NOT the lowering springs), Koni's set to full hard, and
ferrodo street/track brake pads.  It has a new K26 turbo, manifold, and head
(yes, new head) with Schrick cam.  The cat is replaced with a straight pipe,
and the exhaust is unrestrictive.  I have cloth seats and a 4 point harness.
Broken in Sumitomo 225/45/16 on BBS light 3 piece wheels are under it.  It
SHOULD kick the mostly stock 5ktq's butt.  It does not.

The 5ktq has new Boge turbo gas front struts, 1.7 bar of boost with a urq
wastegate spring, and Dunlop D60 A2 tires on the front a one Uniroyal and
one Goodyear VR rated tires on the back.  These are on the stock 15x6 alloy
wheels.  The 5ktq has new slag masters on the front.  Both have about the
same mileage.

I have to say, the urq FEELS faster, but on the very challenging mountain
roads to our house, it is much slower when timed.  It also doesn't stop as
quickly, so I couldn't go that deep into the turns.  The urq was flatter in
the turns (probably because it is lower), but it drifts a lot more than the tq.

I am very disappointed.  All I could think about was how I would trade this
car in a minute for an S4, 5-speed V8, '90 200 wagon or '91 200 (yes I know
the '91 is a 20v).  Unless I do an engine upgrade to the newer 10v or 20v
and replace the antiquated fuel injection computer, I don't think this car
is going to get any quicker.  An even if I did, the handling is the best
it's going to get.  I can solve the stopping problem by installing the dual
piston calipers I have sitting in my garage, though.  And I resigned to
definitely do that now before the track days start up again.

Sorry to start this argument up again guys, but I though you might want to
know.  BTW, the 5ktq is much quicker than the V8.  I think the V8's steering
is too "vague"; obviously they were going for luxury here.

I think I'll sell the urq and buy a high mileage 5ktq for a couple of grand
and turn IT into a full time track car.
Regards,

John Karasaki

Quattro Club (regional & national) member