Re: Alloy block...

["M Tipton" <miktip@worldnet.att.net>]

  Its known that during Audi's "development" of the
alloy block I5, there were several dozen or so cars that
were 
rolled off the production line, unknowingly to its new
owners,
that under their hoods resided an alloy block!  They were
all
painted black, as to "conceal" there identity.  Audi
followed
these cars maintenance thru their dealer's in Germany, to
see
how these engines faired!  After all Audi's new process
used
in the "iron sleeved blocks" needed to be tested prior to
marketing.  Plus the World Rally title was at stake!
Any problems, would be fixed with 
a new iron block in its place!  

Quite a few survived and after time the factory
relinquished 
their close scrutiny of the special motors.  A few of these
cars wound up in German salvage yards, and a few even knew
the suprise which was under the hood!

Of course these blocks became "rare" as well as "expensive"
unless
you happened to find one, at a salvage yard, which did not
know what they
had!

These alloy blocks can still be "purchased" from Audi
Sport, and several
of Audi's close engine building operative's.  Last phone
conversation, I
was quoted $60,000 for a complete 20V Sport, alloy blocked
engine!

Shokan probably acquired the block thru Audi's undying
support for the
owners of their Sport Quattro's!  If you call Audi Sport,
present the VIN
from a Sport Q, they will lend you an ear! 

Shokan also "exports" allot of parts!  I'm sure they have
'connections'!

As for the rest of us, we can only dream!

				M