What shoudl I do with my Audi? (LONG)

["Alexander van Gerbig" <Audi_80@email.msn.com>]

    I have been weighing my options with my 80.  I've invested a ton of
money and time into the car but it always seems to have another problem
looming over the horizon.  Now it seems like the autobox is out the door in
the next couple months, although that may not be true.  I have a manual
trans awaiting transplant into the 80.  I need around $500 worth of parts to
get the swap done, that means new clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing,
clutch/slave cylinders, and that like.  I'd need to find a willing wrench to
help me do the swap at my house.  I think I have found someone, but not
officially.
    After doing the swap I'm not sure if I want to keep the car.  I will
most likely keep it since I have pumped a TON of money into the car, nearly
$7500 not including the new wheels.  Contrary to list belief my 80 is really
nice.  I am occasionally asked what year the car is and people seem to think
it's an A4.  Also only 45,000 miles on the odometer.

    What is wrong as of now is: auto transmission is misbehaving, when
started cold there is a train whistling noise that goes away after a minute,
the A/C doesn't work(I don't care), and the center resonator has a small
hole.  I can fix the center resonator problem with a $15 cheapo if needed.
I was going to wait for a stainless cat-back G-Power system from
Germany($600).  The auto transmission problem will be removed and a 100,000
used manual trans with all new clutch and such will be thrown in.  A/C needs
a leak test to diagnose.  The train noise is coming from the alternator I
think, charging system is fine though.

    What should I do?!  I am a major complainer to the list so try to
disregard my nit-picking statements I have made before.  The chassis is not
bent, the leaning is normal.  Idle problems are solved.  Suspension is
really lowered, some like it, most don't.  New wheels and tires, really nice
stereo system($1500), major amounts of work on the engine/fuel system, and a
lot of tender love and care from a crazy college student.  I wish it was a
quattro, but it ain't.
    Personally I think since there is no way I could get more than $5000 for
the car it is mine forever.  No point dropping $7500, $2200 to buy it too,
then sell it for less than $4000.  Waste of money.  Might as well keep the
damn car until it falls into the ground.  If something major happens with
the engine I'll make into my daily junker and save up for another Audi, sell
some stock and buy a 4kq or something.  Suggestions?

Thanks!!

Alexander van Gerbig
'88 Audi 80 -- Koni Yellows, G&M Springs
HÖR Technologies Sport Hydro Cam, K&N Filter
Borbet Type T, Dunlop SP9000 Sport

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