V8Q (3.7l PT) questions

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

Some questions arising from Roger Galvin's first service on his V8Q:
 
a) The four-prong plugs he took out were supposedly 12000 miles old.
   The prongs were eroded away such that the 'gap', if such it can be
   called, was over 2.5 mm.  Is this normal?  Or has someone 
   conveniently 'forgotten' to change the plugs at the service that
   was supposedly performed 12000 miles ago - and perhaps even the one
   before that?
 
b) The cats are not a legal requirement on Roger's car, and he's thinking
   of taking them out.  Anyone BTDT?  With what result?
 
c) Any point in 'chipping' a 3.7l PT engine?  He's _primarily_ interested
   in fuel economy - it's a long-distance business car.
 
(He has a Lancia, a SAAB 99 and two ur-quattros as 'fun' vehicles.)

-- 
 Phil Payne
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club