Re: Sad reactions to S4 drive - experienced turbo drivers please help (very long)

["Robert Wunderlich, DPM" <Robert@Wunderlich.com>]

-----Original Message-----
From: Avram Dorfman <dorfman@est.org>
To: quattro@audifans.com <quattro@audifans.com>
Date: Tuesday, September 21, 1999 5:48 PM
Subject: Sad reactions to S4 drive - experienced turbo drivers please help
(very long)

>So, my question for all you out there who drive turbos all the time is
>this: Is this something that you just accept & get used to? Or are there
>techniques that you learn which avoid lift-throttle lag? Am I going to have
>to get used to a 2 stage acceleration curve on *every shift at any speed*?


I think the secret is to anticipate when maximum power will be needed, and
keep the rpms up just before flooring it.  In my chipped 1.8T, that means
keeping it at 3000-3500 just before the moment of truth.

>What about chipped 1.8t owners? I've driven unchipped 1.8ts, and I find the
>lag totally acceptable. Now I don't believe the *duration* of the lag is
>any shorter, I believe it's that the amount of additional thrust you get
>once it's over is small enough that you didn't really miss it while it was
>gone. This is just my guess - I'd like to hear more experienced accounts.


I think the reason you don't feel any lag in a stock 1.8T (besides the fact
that the turbo is very small) is that it runs a relatively low amount of
boost.  So there isn't an abrupt burst of power when the boost comes up.  In
a chipped 1.8T, there is a HUGE surge in power when the rpms hit about 2800
at WOT.  Although the perception is that chipped 1.8Ts have more lag, in
reality there is just a much bigger difference in power between "no boost"
and "full boost".


FWIW, I disagree with you about the S4.  I don't think it feels like a
turbocharged car at all....none of the characteristic turbo sounds, and
certainly no perceptible lag, IMO.  I think it feels and sounds like a
really smooth, powerful V6.  The biggest complaint I have about the new S4
is that the stock tires seem terribly insufficient...I don't know, maybe the
tire pressures were off on the car I drove.  I wasn't crazy about the
shifter either...felt kind of 'rubbery.'  None of these things will stop me
from buying one, though.

Bob W.
'99 A4 1.8Tqms, APR 1 bar, Brullen cat-back