Me and my "new" 86 Coupe GT

[jmonetti@us.net (Jonathan Monetti)]

Hey all,

Having FINALLY gotten the car I've been lusting after since I was 
18, I have joined to aske a bazillion questions.  Beautiful tornado red Coupe GT, 5spd, 81k 
(very light miles, phenomenally well maintained), never been hit or dinged (!!!), painted or run 
too hard.  Serviced religiously by Auto Central, in MD outside of DC--I have heard they're quite 
good.  Anyway... 

First. let me say I couldn't be happier to have joined the ranks.  This car is smooth, 
powerful (well, for 110 hp...), tracks true, no torque steer to speak of, and just 
feels...right.  I love this autmobile, ten years of hunting up the right one seem well rewarded. 
  

On to the point(s).

I knew what I was getting into here (had an tornado red 8v scirocco--the source 
of my lust--now I finally graduated!), and now come the questions. (I looked through the 
archives, but they're a bit, umm, huge, so here goes).  Responses to any parts of this will be 
met with effusive thanks, and sorry for the rambling.


----------------------------------------
87 Coupe GT 5spd 81k; Problems, Questions:

>>Electrical (imagine that!):

Trail by fire--third day of ownership, rt. rear view electric mirror 
starts having spasms, trying to wind its way out of the housing.   It sounded like the 
worm gears were going to strip, and it persisted after I cut the ignition (no kill switch 
yet).  Since I was (late) on my way to a client's, I simply took the darned mirror off and  
snipped the cable with a swiss army knife, (cussing violently), put the mirror back.  What 
gives?  Where do I even begin to trace this problem down?  (Can't wait for that Bentley manual 
to arrive).

I have also noticed a couple freaky little gremlins--radio, which will soon be replaced, sounds 
lousy--interference, cuts out now and again.  

Digital dash and various audible alarms sometimes vary volume & 'clarity' with low revs.
I'm sure I will catch hell for this, but has anyone ever considered swapping out the digitial 
dash for an analog one?  This sounds completely ludicrous and unheard of, but analog is my 
choice anyday.   

Are the Audi electrical woes attributable to any one or two sources?  Or are they inherently 
weak?  Does anyone know of upgrades or a written guides to bringing the system out of the dark 
ages?  I don't want to carry an electrical engineer's kit in the glove box.

>>Mechanical:  

Susp/Drivetrain/Brakes:

Are these front-disced, rear drummed cars known for so-so brakes (like the Scirocco?).  I have 
the service records saying they were checked & serviced last year, but they ain;t nothin to 
write home about.  (No squealing tho).   
 
Left front wheel--pulsing sound, very light vibration.  Anyone replaced a bearing at 80k?  Too 
early?  Could just be poorly balanced tire, I suppose.  (Shop I spoke about doesn't doo 
alignment--only thing!).  A little on-center deadness in the steering. (In turns, feels like it 
on rails!)

Is caster adjustable in this auto? 

I too have noticed the 'whirring' noice in the tranny when cold.  Very light, doesn't vary, and 
goes right away.  Unless dead cold, tranny 'snicks' into gear like new.    

Motor:

This car has not yet operated more than one or two clicks above 'cold' H20 temp, and barely 
makes it to 1/4 up the oil temp guage (105deg).  What gives?  Bad thermostat?  I read letter 
from a guy who says he replaces a therm. in his 5k every year--I wouldn't mind the $25, but to 
me that indicates more of a problem lurking beneath the surface.  Like I said, it runs smooth 
and strong.  

Mileage is AWFUL so far.  Trip computer  (toy) says anywher from 10.5-14 mpg.  ???  It's the 
small 5cyl, and I havent been doing quarter miles or anything.   ?

When powering down, the motor makes one last shudder--it seems like that last rotation is all 
out o' whack--is this a trait of the 5cyl. motor?     

Yesterday, a horrible squealing under the hood. I got some belt dressing, did my thing, but it 
persisted.  Treated it twice more (!) until finally stopped.  Yes, chances are 99% in favor of a 
belt slippage, but could this be a component bearing?* (Which may be temporarily quieted by the 
application of the the dressing?)  I mean I've heard belts slip plenty of times--but this was 
crazed!  

*I don't want to learn about a death wail of something serious the hard way, I'd rather ask an 
apparently stupid question. 


Whew! That;s it for now.  Sorry to make you all D/L such an enourmous email for just one 
itty-bitty coupe. but if you saw it, you'd know why I'm so fired up for it. My goal is original 
condition, showroom in out and under. 


Thanks in advance

Jonathan Monetti  
87 Coupe GT