Moving up to the next level . . .

[Mike Arman <armanmik@n-jcenter.com>]

Guy I know who is in the new car business asked me "If you had to replace
your car today, what whould you buy?" My answer was "Another one just like
it."

I guess I'm hooked.

Anyway, having sold some slum property I own, I now have a little cash to
spread around on my hobbies, one of which is my 86 5 KS. It's a 5 speed
with 2.3 NA engine, not Quattro, but by now (about two years) I have almost
everything working correctly (taking shelter from the Audi gods!) and I
really, really like the car - and yes, I would buy another one - as a
matter of fact, that's ALL I would buy - substitutes are not acceptable.

Since I live in Florida, where it almost never snows <G!> and the roads are
mostly straight and flat (highest hill in the state is 330 feet), I don't
really see any overwhelming advantage to getting a TQ and making it really
nice - I honestly feel I don't really NEED quattro, and I'm not willing to
start all over again with another car that is Q. (If that doesn't start a
flame war, nothing will . . .)

So here's my plan:

Brakes and suspension: Boge turbo gas or pro gas shocks (about $200),
stainless brake lines (GPR- $65?), set of dual piston calipers and carriers
from turbo (want to keep the 4 bolt wheels and hubs), set of later model
wheels - 90-91 style perhaps, and new tires if needed (brand not decided -
if the newer wheels are 14", I'll use my current tires which are just fine).

Lights: Set of eurolights reserved from another lister, I have no idea what
he's upgrading _to_, but it must be a laser death ray or something. Move
front turn signals to corner lights, install driving lights (already have
them) in bumper holes. Wiring harness and relays needed for these upgrades
- no problem - I can make them.

Some cosmetics, silver window foil to match silver paint, a thorough
detailing, one window switch, swap sun visors for non-droopy ones (already
have them), and similar.

Now the engine: Everything above can be done without taking the car off the
road - these are all one-day or half-day tasks. I'd like to build up a
spare motor, and when it is done, do a weekend R&R (yeah, I know that's a
dream, but I'd like to get as close as possible to it).

Start by buying a wrecked or trashed 86 through 91 (?) turbo car as a parts
car - I have a place to put it while I strip it to the bone - say $500?
That will be a source of MANY of the bits I'll need, harnesses, sensors,
the computer, etc. (Also the brakes)

Using a 2.5 or even 2.6 block (if it can be found), add the turbo head with
40 mm valves, 3 angle valve job, Schrick 272 cam, set of new lifters,
chipped computer, 2 pc exhaust manifold, 3" diameter exhaust (I think
Graydon makes this), reinforced intercooler and michelin man hose. Rebuilt
turbo.

Engine to be balanced, block and head surfaced, all new gaskets, seals,
hoses, thermostat, bearings, head bolt set, clutch, pressure plate, TO
bearing, and the TO bearing sleeve changed to a metal one. All exhaust
studs replaced with stainless while it is apart! New timing belt and water
pump - without fail! Rubber cam cover gasket (not cork). Clean, check and
flow match injectors (there's a guy here in town who does them for $25 each.)

Once the engine is done, checked out and ready, do the swap over a long
weekend.

Considering that I do virtually ALL my own work, I figure that with some
aggressive scrounging and horse-trading, and visits to the local u-pull-it
yards, I'm hoping to be able to achieve this entire want-list for a target
price of about $2,500 - I'm sure it will go over that, but as long as it
stays under $4,000, I'll be happy.

Soliciting comments from the list - anything I've forgotten, overlooked, or
just plain gotten wrong? And - anybody got a parts car/wreck or similar as
a donor?

Best Regards,

Mike Arman