Newbie V8 Owner in the UK

[cobram@Channel1.Com (Cobram)]

 -=> David M. Lancaster illuminates us with <=-


 DML> Having recently bought a 1991 V8Q to replace my wife's totally =
 DML> unreliable Range Rover, I need to seek the opinions of experts - and

      Welcome to the V8Q club.  The stRange Rover is actually one of
      the few vehicles that make V8Q parts seem cheap, at least here
      in the states. Helped a friend change some brake parts on his
      Country, more than 2000 U$ for parts. (at wholesale)

 DML> The car has 122K on the clock and no record that the cam belt has ever
 DML> = been changed. I have just had a full service done by B.R. Motorsport
 DML> and = I asked them to check and replace the cam belt. They made
 DML> inquiries with = VAG in Milton Keynes and were told that there had
 DML> never been such a belt = in the UK (but they did quote an Audi figure
 DML> of 14 hours labor to = replace one!).

      I found this hard to believe, maybe you misunderstood, and
      they were referring to your particular car. I'd stay away from
      this place, and find one that has changed these belts before.
      From communicating with fellow V8Q owners worldwide, the
      consensus seems to be that V8Q's are best serviced and
      repaired by Porsche mechanics, armed with the factory service
      manual and the necessary tools, than by Audi dealer mechanics
      who have no experience with V8Q's. Having done a 928 Timing
      belt, it does prepare one well for the V8Q.

 DML> My question is: Do they really last for ever?

      The car..probably yes, the cam belt ABSOLUTLY NOT. Your
      car is past the recommended mileage for changing the
      belt...get it done as soon as possible. While there,
      changed the rollers, water pump, check seals etc. Once
      everything is done to get at the timing belt, it would
      be downright stupid not to get this relatively cheap
      insurance of replacing these other parts.

 DML> Despite the mileage the car is in tip-top condition however, when =
 DML> pulling fairly hard, the auto transmission seems to pause when
 DML> changing = gear (up and down) which causes the revs to rise between
 DML> gears so that = the next gear comes in with a bit of a thump. Is this a
 DML> common = complaint?

      Unfortunatly, the one weak spot on some of the V8Q's is the
      automatic transmission. Dealers don't seem to want to fix
      anything, and usually swap out the tranny for just about any
      problem. Find a mechanic who has experience with Zif Boxes.
      There is quite a bit of information on the V8Q automatics in
      the searchable Quattro list archives.


     BCNU,

     Cobram@Channel1.Com

... My guns have killed fewer people than Ted Kennedy's cars.
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