RE: WHAT AUDI SHOULD I GET...(kinda long)

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

> << There was also a slight, but insignificant, change in various things,
> like
> the throttle body is a little different. >>
> 
> Between '87 and '88 type 44 tq? Hmm...what is different in the throttle
> body?
> 
... somewhere in the '87-88 time frame a dashpot was added to the throttle
body to keep it from shutting too quickly on decel.  I believe this was to
reduce NOx emissions.  I know for a fact that the '88 ECU is a MAC11C while
in '87 it may have been the MAC11B (but it may actually be '86 with the
"B").  The word is that the MAC11C is slightly leaned out as compared to the
"B" ... which to some might make the older car more preferable ... of course
there's nothing stopping you from putting the MAC11B code in a newer car.  
>  
> (WRT the V8 5spd)
> 
> << In terms of:
>  
>  -replacement parts(try finding a V8 manual tranny!)
>  -performance mods
>  -performance, period... >>
> 
> You kinda opened yourself up on this one me thinks. Seems to me that in
> stock
> trim the V8 5spd can easily match a 91 200q at sealevel. Performance of
> the
> 5spd version is very, very good.
... the sea level comment is very well taken.  I was quite underwhelmed by
the performance of the v8 at 5000 feet.

Considering the two cars at sea level, perhaps in passing tests the two
would be pretty similar, but in a stoplight drag the V8/5's gonna win hands
down against a stock 200q20v.  I've even driven a chipped 200q20v and though
its been a while I think that the V8 still would have the edge.  We also
seem to be ignoring the 92-on v8 with the 4.2 ... I've never driven one, but
I hear they're much better.  

Another thing that I'm not seeing mentioned is the fact that the v8's body
is significantly strengthened with additional welds and stiffer crossmembers
over any other type 44 (don't forget that titanium bar behind the dash too
:).  I wish I would have known that I could have signed up for a single day
at Thunderhill ahead of time ... I would certainly like to see how well the
stiffened body behaves on the track.  

> Replacement parts? Certainly no worse than a 91 200q given they (V8's)
> were
> around a few years.
> 
... very true.  The cars are very similar outside of the engine, tranny and
rear diff.  The v8 is still a type 44 after all.  

> Performance mods? Well, I bet we hear of some things soon that make 'em go
> faster now that Graydon has one ;-)
>  
> << a turbo car is a much better idea. >>
> 
... who says you can't have a turbo on a v8?

> Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the Audi turbo I5 and turbo cars in general.
> But,
> the Audi V8 is a wonderful engine. The V8q 5spd maybe the best bang for
> the
> buck out there in the used quattro market for those at or near sealevel.
> Gotta
> include the V8 in any preferred list of used quattros out there IMO.
> 
... I'm with Mike here ... given that you can often get a v8/5-speed for
LESS than a '91 200q there was no question in my mind.  The only '91 200q
I'd consider over a v8/5-speed would be an Avant.  But of course that is
just my preference, I can support those those who prefer the 200's as well
... 

Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)
... who would be summarily shot if he even thought about getting another car
right now ... :)