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

[Ssgacc@aol.com]

Bob 

Thanks for all the info!  You provided me with much more than I could have
expected.
Unfortunately my limitations are due mainly to the amount of money I can spend
on my cars(or lack of money).  Both my cars came to me as maintance "wrecks".
I know many people advise against such cars, but I feel very confident in my
mechanical abilities and my willingness to learn from other sources.  I even
rebuilt the slushbox in the 85 5Kt in my basement shop for under $200(no
converter) and that  was 15-18K miles ago.  No problems so far.  I had
previously read Scott Mo's excellent site about prepping your engine to run
elevated boost levels.  I feel confident in the 89 200's engine.  It's an dual
knock sensor MC with 167k.  Recent head job.  Stripped to short block with all
seals replaced, oil pump and pan cleaned and checked as well as cooler, filter
housing, lines and turbo.  Also checked all hoses, sensors, etc. for
cleanliness/functionality.  Anyway, I'm ready for some boost!  I like the idea
of the manifold pressure over the spring.  This was even before you mentioned
the extra benefit of extended diaphram life due to lesser pressure
differential/diaphram deflection.  I also believe this would make for an
easily adjustable boost level in the cockpit.  I really appreciate your input
regarding the ECU electronic mods.  I've got a few extra ECU's(gotta luv those
u-pull-it yards, they are the only way I could afford to keep such wonderful
cars) so I would like to take you up on your offer to provide those detailed
instructions on the electronic mods.  The original concern I had was that the
mixture might become too lean at high boost/ rpm's and from what I understand
that can be disaster in a turbo motor.  Come to think of it my small block
Chevy didn't like lean at 7800 rpm either.  Anyway, my thought was that an ECU
mod that mearly "tricks" the computer, whether it's that lame "tuner" trick
Phil mentioned where they basically hard wire the fuel relay to prevent cutoff
or the more elaborate "low boost" deception you described might be susceptable
to leanout if the fuel map were not adaptive enough.  I think I might want to
monitor the lambda circuit to glean the "realtime" data regarding rich/lean
conditions until I was satisfied the ECU had a handle on the situation.  I
think ultimately the best solution would be to reprogram the Eprom as required
to raise or eliminate the overboost cutoff.  But what about overheating, poor
fuel quality, etc.  This would put all the onus on the driver to monitor the
gauges and "know when to back off.  Will the ECU continue to increase fuel
flow accordingly until the injectors max out?  Any further input is
appreciated from anyone who cares to answer.  Am I full of sh*t?  Slightly off
target?  Getting warm?  I'd love ANY input.  Thanks again Bob!  Sorry this is
so long, but I can't help getting stoked over a great car.  I LOVE horsepower
and I'll take all I can get.

Look forward to hearing from you,

Jim Accordino
89 200tq
85 5Kt