5KCSTQ Questions

["Richard Haroutunian" <Richard_Haroutunian@inso.com>]

To All:

I recently upgraded the suspension on my 5KCS TQ -- new BOGE's Turbo Gas
shocks, new rack, pump, bearings, alignment, and new tires which were
recently balanced for a second time based on recommendations made from folk
on the list 00 the steering wheel was shaking at moderate highway speeds of
50-70 mph.

The car handle Much. much better -- no questions about it, but I have some
concerns.   I had the tires balanced again after 2K miles and it was
supposed to get rid of the shaky wheel -- it didn't happen.  This could be
because they neglected to take it for a ride after they balanced the tires
-- don't know.  It stil-l wiggles.  It was free, and I'll take it back to
NTB again for another balancing this week.

My biggest concern may be all in my head.  The car seems to have some
'play' n the steering wheel as well -- very mild, most 'normal' folks
wouldn't notice or care -- but I do.  Even with the 'tight-but'loose' feel
of the BOGEs, the car still isn't as 'sure-footed' as I was hoping it would
be.  This could be due to the fact that the 5KCSTQ just isn't as nimble as
my 4KSQ -- but I don't buy that rationale completely.

The car sits very high with no lowering springs -- I kept the stock springs
because I prefer the clearance -- and the car is now beginning to settle a
bit an get back to normal.

I guess my question/concern is this:  I've asked 1000 times and I get the
same great answers, but I want to know if those of you with extremely
modified 5000/200 TQs have the same experience with the car's handling.
Does your car seem to have a little bit of play in the steering wheel?
Does the steering itself seem like it's not powerful enough to direct the
car -- almost like it's too heavy?  What is the lack of response in
steering on this car -- and how can I modify it?

The gas shocks are great -- they are doing exactly what they should be
doing..  How can I tighten up the steering and reduce the body roll more?
Did I miss something during the upgrade process?  How can I improve the
steering ability of the car?

Don't get me wrong -- it handles 100 times better than before.  I guess
that for (1) -- I expected I would get more from the new power steering
rack -- like it would improve the steering and (2) now that the new shocks,
bearing, etc. have been upgraded -- it points to other things in the front
end that seem to lack -- e.g. the steering itself.  When I upgraded the
4K-- everything changed -- it was like night-and-day -- a brand new car..

I know the 5Q will never be as 'agile' as the 4Q -- but there has got to be
a way to make it damn close -- and that's all I'm' trying to do!!!!

Help, if you can -- if I make any sense!  Thanks.

Richard
87 5KCS TQ
85 4KS Q
82 VW Cabriolet