Re: Ur-Q ... buyer's market or seller's market?

[OorQue@aol.com]

>  Okay, as one of the few owners of an '85 quattro here in the states, I'll
>  jump in the fire. I generally agree with JG on this one. While numerous
>  people recommended to me doing things like the two piece manifold and K24
>  turbo upgrade, I've gone through some painstaking efforts to do everything
>  factory original on mine.

Since my position about modifying these cars might appear inconsistent to 
some, I thought maybe I'd explain it a bit further.  So far as I'm concerned, 
so long as the modification can be reversed without any evidence that it's 
ever been done -- to me, this means no wires are cut, no holes are drilled, 
no parts are welded, filed or otherwise altered -- then I'm willing to 
consider it for my car.

Unfortunately, I think this rules out some of the more popular mods -- most 
chip mods to the ECU, for example, since it's impossible to change it without 
leaving evidence of this behind on the factory's wave-soldered board -- but 
not all of them.  It should be possible to change the wastegate spring, the 
strut inserts and/or springs, wheels, brakes, a/r bars, swap in a K24 turbo, 
etc. then change them back again at a later date so long as you save the 
original parts.  If you're willing to buy spare parts and modify those 
instead (costly though this may be!), then even chip mods are fair game in my 
book.

Having studied my car very carefully, I'm pretty sure I can install a 2.5L 
motor and an aftermarket FI/ignition system in such a way that it can be 
reversed without a trace at a later date ... the stock motor has been rebuilt 
and is in storage at my parent's house and all the stock FI and ignition 
components will soon join them.  I have spares for all the parts I know will 
need to be modified and will buy spares for any other parts I find I need as 
work on the project progresses. 

I know some people are probably cringing at the idea but aside from the extra 
labor this approach requires, it seems to be the only way that I can have my 
cake and truly enjoy driving it, too.  I'll still make a point to keep the 
miles on it low and if these cars ever do become valuable down the road -- 
here's hoping! -- then my heirs will still be able to capitalize on this 
after they inherit the car from me.
 
>  In fact I cringe each time I have to take something a part because I feel a
>  responsibility to get it back together as true to original as possible. The
>  exception to that is I have decided I will upgrade the wastegate spring and
>  computer to gain a more "European" feel to the car. It is likely I'll
>  upgrade the stereo too.

In my case, there will be no exceptions until after the car's been in an 
accident.  Since preserving its originality will no longer be relevant then 
-- regardless of how well a car's fixed, evidence of an accident almost 
always remains visible -- I'll probably go to town on it.  It's funny, too, 
as in a way, I sort of look forward to this happening since the decision will 
have been made for me and absolve me of any guilt that I'd otherwise feel.

>  Otherwise, as I've said I feel an obligation to originality. I don't feel
>  that way about my 90q20v. I'll gladly increase displacement, bolt on a
>  supercharger or turbo charger when and if it can be done in a cost 
effective
>  manor. What I am lacking for my ur quattro is time. Gees, for some more
>  time!

I know the feeling, believe me.  Even though I'mpresently unemployed, I still 
find it difficult to get a few hours of work in on my cars every day!

JG