RE: 5000kq chip vs. 200q? (now pretty long)

[Ed Kellock <EKELLOCK@ecs-inc.com>]

The following is based on my own observations/experiences.  Please feel
free to correct/counter any info, as non of this is very scientific (or
in some cases overly responsible).

I had an 87 5ktq with IA Stage 1 mod and I now have a 91 200q wagon with
the IA Stage 3 mod.  

89 and up, interiors are different as stated.

Exteriors:
89 and up, non 20V: flush door handles, trunk key moved to rear light
panel, insignias different.
91 20v adds flared wheel openings, dual exhaust tips, deletes rear
insignia except for OOOO.
88 was a transitional year... had old door handles, but keyhole in light
bar and new insignia.

General:
87 an up were pretty well fleshed out and the type 44 reached it's
stride.
89 and up had new electronic instrument cluster which brought a few
glitches.
89 and up had Torsen center diff... See ongoing thesis/pissing contest
on the list.
89.5 to 90: engines started to evolve a little.  Compression ratio
started to go up and engine management controls were updated somewhat.

Performance:
IA has mods for all years.  In my experience they have seemed well
designed and executed with no pitfalls.  

87 5ktq: Add 60hp.  162 to 222.  From 3k rpm, the thing was a rocket
compared to stock.  The onset of boost was MUCH more urgent.  Felt a tad
stronger than my 91 20v while still stock.  The difference between stock
5ktq and IA-1 5ktq was like taking stairs two steps at a time compared
to leaping half a flight of steps at a time.

91 20v: Add 60 hp.  217 to 277.  Engine already designed to have more
power at lower revs.  This is enhanced further and in similar fashion to
5ktq.  Plus you have an extra 1k of rpm before redline, though you
rarely need it.  I explore it usually only out of pure exuberance, since
windup of the 20v engine is so smooth.

Don't have quarter mile times.  Can only offer subjective observations:

In the 87 5ktq for a pass from 55mph on a two-lane road, you'll want
3rd, but you won't need it long.  Shift to 4th just as your easing back
in lane.  You will not be exposed long.  Once on my way to Telluride at
something above 8000 foot elevation, I passed a line of 4 cars and a
semi from 45mph in 2nd and well up into 3rd gear within a quarter mile.
I believe I topped 80 mph before having to slow for the next curve.

91 20v: two-lane road pass from 55mph requires only 4th gear.  Power
comes on right away and you can wind it to well over a hundred if
necessary.  If you really need the hole shot, 3rd will provide it but
you'll be grabbing 4th before completing the pass.  On the interstate at
65, foot to the floor in 5th will distance you from traffic in a purely
satisfying rush of acceleration to 100 plus in about as much time as it
takes me to feel I've slipped the surly bonds of pacers, tailgaters, and
flanking blindspotters.  On the way to Pike's Peak, if I remember
correctly, I easily paced Ingo in his V8Q from 75  to 120 on several
occasions without grabbing 4th.  Once on the way back from Atlanta, I
played tag with an unidentified S4/6 with no problem, although I had to
show more restraint in respect to closing speeds and braking distances
due to lesser stock suspension and tires.

Ed Kellock ............. Greenville, SC
91 200qw (IA-3) ............. 87 Coupe GT

> -----Original Message-----  From:	Carey Lyn
> [SMTP:gsi05580@gsaix2.cc.gasou.edu]
> 
> I just wonder if the 5kq is the same as the 200q with just changes to
> the interior.  The 200q interior is nice but I'm most interested in
> performance and reliablity.  I know that Audis can be expensive to
> maintain.  Which year or years were the most trouble free?  I'm 
> considering buying back a 5kq, maybe 87 or 88, or a 200q , 89-91.  I
> would
> really like a '91 200q but that could be hard to locate and more than
> I
> can afford when I'm ready this summer.  I would only buy an '87 if it
> were
> well maintained w/ relatively low miles at a great price.  
> 
>   LET'S TALK PERFORMANCE.  What is a 5kq w/ chip comperable to?  From
> what
> I understand, the 5kq has 162hp stock.  A TAP  chip would boost it to
> 227hp like the S4.  Now I know the S4s and '91 200qs are 20v but what
> would be the difference in a 227hp 5kq or 200q, if 5kq and 200q are
> the
> same, and a 227hp S4.  The previous owner of my former 5kq said it did
> the 1/4 mile in 14.6 sec.  I was looking at the stats of the '97
> Cobras
> and it went 0-60 around 6 sec and hit the 1/4 mile in 14.7 sec.  Is
> 14.6
> 1/4 mile slow, fast or average for a 5kq w/ a chip?  Can an S4 or 200q
> do
> that stock?  It seems people are saying that the 200q is faster than
> the
> S4.  Which of the three would be fastest? Would I get 217hp if I had a
> 20v
> put on a 5kq or 200q and 297hp w/ chip?. I've got many questions as
> you
> can see.