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4000 turbo conversion advice
<<Ive got a couple of friends that think its just too much time and money for
a daily driver, and are steering me toward a 16v, turbocharged, Special
Performance Group Car that is made in sweden by a company that makes
airplanes, if you know what I am talking about. They assure me that with a
couple minor tweaks, I could easily be in the 230-250 hp range, and not
have to convert any motors or anything else to do this. Buy it, and drive
it.>>
I have a 16v, turbocharged, (quasi) Special Performance Group Car that is made
in Sweden by a company that makes airplanes... namely an '89 900T
convertible with some Group 6 tweaks bringing the power up to
about 210 or so. A similarly tweaked SPG would have another 20hp
or so. And you're right, a few more relatively minor tweaks would indeed
get me into the 250hp range.
I also have an 85 UrQ, an 84 4KQ, and have a lot of time with a 4KS, so let
me give you some comparisons.
A 900T is faster than a 4KS, but does not handle nearly as well.
A 900T is faster than a 4KQ, but is not even in the same ballpark
as a driver. I would much rather drive a 4kQ even with the 40%+
power deficit.
A 900T has horrible torque steer, made worse by the tweaks
which make the power curve sharper. Tossability is seriously
low and highway driving, while acceptable, is much more tiring
than in a quattro.
Compared to the UrQ, the 900T is slow, imprecise, has horrible
body roll, and terrible roadholding. Reliability is similar, so I'm not
sure why your friends think it would take less time or money to
keep it rolling. Mile for mile, I spend a similar amount on the 900 vs
the UrQ.
Why do I have one? Audi doesn't make a Turbo Quattro Convertible,
making the only reasonable alternative a 325/328, not good for
the WI climate.
<<Being a married man, time is very precious to me, so I'm leaning toward
thier suggestion. But, I just wanted a little input from the q-list people
first.>>
If time's important, forget about the 4KQ Turbo conversion. Buy
a UrQ or a Coupe Quattro for just a bit more money.
If you feel you HAVE TO HAVE more than 2 doors (why, I can't
imagine since I stuff my kids, one a HS football player, in the rear
of the UrQ.... it's their favored ride)..... then live with
a stock 4KQ or move up (or down, depending on your
point of view) to a 5KQT or 200Q.
Good Luck with your decision!
Bill Elliott
Lake Mills, WI