Re: new A4 2.8q 30V owner's report

[Josh Pinkert <flush@radix.net>]

At 11:46 AM 6/9/97 -0700, Matt Rhoten wrote:
>My initial impressions in the first 100 or so miles of driving: Lots of
>torque, even with babying the throttle during break-in. The engine likes
>to rev; keeping it under 4000 RPM on acceleration is an exercise in
>restraint. Over the weekend it's been hard to put the finger on the
>difference between this engine and the 12V I've had a few hours driving
>time in, probably due to my lack of experience with the 12V. The engine
>note at idle is different than I expected, more mechanical sounding -
>almost reminiscent of the valvey sound of an inline-4 600cc or 750cc
>motorcycle. The clutch and tranny are better than I remembered.
>Cornering is nimble, but not as nimble as I'd like; I get boaty feelings
>in hard cornering at around 30mph. (Note this is with the normal wheels
>and Conti tires.) Road feel and bump absorption at 60-70mph is excellent
>with the stock suspension.

Very similar reaction that I had.  I just crossed 1000 miles today, and
I've been _using_ the engine a bit more over the last 400 miles.  I just
don't understand where people get the idea that it is lacking torque!!
>From my experience, the only soft spot on the torque curve seems to be
below 2500 rpm.

Body roll feels acceptable, but you're right....when pushed hard at slow
speeds, the lengthy suspension travel begins to show itself.  I too, am
looking to improve upon this...

>
>One nit I'd like to pick with the interior: There's no good place to put
>a radar detector! The traditional placement for my cordless is above the
>central rear-view mirror. But this gap in the A4 is very small - a
>little too small to have the detector level. Anywhere else seems to
>obstruct either the driver's view or the operation of the sun visors.
>Any tips on where to put this? I feel a little naked without it.
>

Sorry man...no clue here.  I live in Virginia where radar detectors are
illegal.  If I do get one, it'll be a Valentine One with the remote display
unit.  This way I could mount the main unit behind the rear view mirror,
and the remote display to the left of the drivers sun visor.  Hope this
helps...


--
Josh Pinkert
flush@radix.net
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