RE: T.A.P. Experience

[SOP8920@Siena.edu]

Marc wrote:
>Osman
>	I enjoyed your story concerning your trip to Florida.  I to am a 
>college student and an Audi lover.  I have an '86 5000 CSTQ and would 
>like to know more about your thoughts on the computer/turbo 
>modifications you did to your 200.  I am either going to sell my car 
>and save money until after I am done with school or work more hours 
>and keep my wonderful quattro.  I am concerned with the power curve of 
>your car before and after your modifications.  Does it have more or 
>less lag?  Where is your powerband now?  I do not want to compromise 
>drivability just to get more horsepower.  How much worse is your fuel 
>economy?  

It's my impression that generally speaking, Audis aren't especially geared for
torque at the bottom end. Although my Q now feels faster off the line by a bit,
the real power comes in around 3,000 rpm. I'm not sure if the Turbo Lag has
been increased or if it is simply more noticeable because of the increased
boost. Before, you could certainly feel the turbo spool up and "kick in", but
with the added power.. the difference is more noticeable. 

As for the power once underway... it's simply amazing. I can literally feel
myself being pushed into my seat. 

I don't think driveablility has been compromised... except for me constantly
wanting to put the hammer down. 

Fuel economy has suffered. By the calculations we made on route, on the way
down to Florida we were averaging 29-30mpg. It dropped to about 28 mpg once we
hit the 70mph speedzones in the South. 

On the way back, after the TAP modification, we were averaging about 25mpg.

The calculation was made by hand. We did notice that on the way down, the trip
computer was right on the money. On the way back up, it was off by a bit.
I haven't had time to calculate city driving yet.

The only future modification that will arise from the venture is a new
intercooler hose. Mine isn't blown yet, but supposedly those things need to be
upgraded as well, because they will eventually fail. When it does, Ivor has
some nice silicon ones that I may get.

As for working more hours to keep your Q... I'm in the same boat. That little
cash expenditure means that I need to get a job, while before I was living off
the little cash my folks threw my way and my savings for the semester.
Now.. it's PB&J time. :(


Oh well....

                               -Osman Parvez
                                89 200q (155K miles)
                                Siena College
                                Albany NY