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

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/10/99 10:52:07 AM Pacific Standard Time,
Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com writes:

<< ... somewhere in the '87-88 time frame a dashpot was added to the throttle
body to keep it from shutting too quickly on decel. >>

Hi Steve,

Mine (4/87 build date) has the dashpot. I thought that was an '87 MY change
but maybe it happened mid year. It does seem to soften the blow from the (qlcc
boost modded) turbo when the throttle shuts with the boost up. A good thing
best I can tell.

<< 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. >>

True, a point I forgot to mention. Of course the way to go is not stock code
anyway ;-)  

<< ... the sea level comment is very well taken.  I was quite underwhelmed by
the performance of the v8 at 5000 feet. >>

I recall you saying that, it was the source of my beliefs.
 
<< 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. >>

My point exactly. The 0-60 times are close by factory specification if I am
not mistaken. But, to get a fast launch and be moving quickly there is no
substitute for cubic inches. A V8 engine wins hands down in the low end torque
wars. I just plain know not to do stoplight duals with anyone with my tq. Once
rolling at say 30 mph or better is when I "pick my battles" ;-)

<< 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. >>

True. I was kinda grouping all V8's together for sake of discussion. 
 
<< 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
 :). >>

The 91 200q also has some of those improvements, but I don't think all of
them. Much as I like the 91 200q and the S4, I am not sure sure they offer the
best bang for the buck in the used quattro market today. At the "budget" end
the best bet IMO is an '87 or '88 tq. For those who can spend say 10-15k, and
don't live at high altitudes, the best bet clearly is a V8 5spd if you can
find one. Of course one must be prepared for the maintenace costs regardless
of the purchase price of the car. Theoretically the maintenance costs should
be lower to start with for the early 90's cars than late 80's.

<< 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. >>

Run it at the NASA AX in Marina and let's see how it fares against all them
A4's ;-)  
 
<< ... who says you can't have a turbo on a v8? >>

Nobody, but wouldn't two be better? ;-)
 
<< ... 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 ... >>

I'll really waffle on this and say I like 'em both. Then again, I also like
the idea of a LT1 in a quattro so call me sick ;-) I too tend to prefer the
Avant. I have always liked the V8q since it came out and they seem like a
bargain these days.
 
<< Steve Buchholz, San Jose, CA (USA) ... who would be summarily shot if he
even thought about getting another car right now ... :) >>

Oh my how I can relate to that and I only have two cars. Not to worry Steve,
Wolff has taken up where you left off in buying up used quattros ;-)

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq