Re: transmission codes for 90/91 Coupe Quattros

[Eric Renneisen <renneie@hlthsrc.com>]

>You may have seen my message on the Internet.  I need help asap.  
>The local dealer tried to sell me a brand new bunch of parts, 
>including tranny and differential/clutch etc, for over $8000 in 
>parts alone.  I squirmed and have been trying to locate a used 
>tranny to match mine:  Code on mine is AXM.  I understand that 
>the code on 1990 versions is ASZ, and some folks tell me that if 
>I swap an ASZ for an AXM, I will ruin the car.  Question: Will 
>the transmissions swap, and if there is a difference in the gear 
>ratios, will it adversely affect the car?  Also, is there any 
>difference in the differential ratios?	The most reputable Audi 
>dealer in the state of Iowa, (not my local one) tells me that Audi 
>remanufactures a rebuilt tranny which shows it will interchange 
>with both model years.  the Bentley manual shows different gear 
>ratios in each.  Please, please, please, I need the truth ASAP!!!!  
>Thanks in advance.  richard brown
>rbrown@amfam.com

Richard,

According to the parts fiche, both ASZ and AXM use the same 
gears. The only differential change is in the "Gear Set", but the 
change does not correspond to the change from ASZ to AXM, so 
it should be OK. In fact, the only difference shown between the 
ASZ and AXM is on the "Mounting Parts for Engine and 
Transmission" page. As far as I can tell, the differences are bolt 
sizes and such, nothing major. It wouldn't surprise me if the old 
one fit your car, with a few creative bolt changes, but I can't say 
for sure. 

Your best bet would be to ask a shop that knows these Audi 
trannies intimately well. I don't know of one, but I'm copying this 
response to the quattro-list and 20V-list to see if anyone there 
can help. (Please copy Richard [rbrown@amfam.com] directly, 
folks.) Good luck!

Eric Renneisen
'90 CQ 20V  -  my 'racing-iron'  ;^)
Chattanooga, TN