240hp Abt A4

["Jouko Haapanen" <joukoh@vtoy.fi>]

I've had a week and a half of getting to know my reborn 1.8T with the Abt
240hp conversion.  This includes a KKK Abt-exclusive turbo (specs unknown to
me at this time), a second (rather large) intercooler in front of rad, new
injectors, a modified ECU, and partial exhaust replacement.

The difference is noticeable.  ;^)

The car pulls much like my Carrera once you hit 3000rpm, and does so with
determination until cut-off around 6800 rpm.  The gas mileage may vary with
respect to usage of right foot.  I have not done any standing start, smoking
clutch take-offs for I have too much respect for the driveline.

Once the winter/spring slipperies go away, I'll have a chance to put some
times to the accel figures and test for top speed.  I'll leave my fate to
the Valentine gods on the latter issue, as the trip to Germany will not
happen until June/July at the earliest, and at that time, I might still give
the Carrera the nudge for mode of transportation...

I am impressed with the Abt exhaust, it is not much louder than the stock
unit, only a little more dB and the visibly large dual tips give away what
is going on.  The workmanship of the IC is beautiful, and the unit is
definitely made to fit in the nose of the car.  It effectively replaces the
cross-member pipe going right-to-left at the nose of the car.  For best
results, I should cut a hole where the front plate now sits and remove the
bumper frame underneath, as approx. 1/2 of the IC is behind the bumper.  A
good idea, but I haven't yet figured out where to get a factory-look grille
for such an opening.  The other issue would be the placement of the legally
required front tag.

I don't want to restart the thread on airbox mods, but does anyone have any
experiences with the TAP cone filter setup or a similar one by someone else?
Such systems are not sold here in Europe due to stringent drive-by noise
regs.  The idea of a less restrictive airbox/filter setup with a good supply
of fresh ambient temp air does interest me.


Jouko Haapanen
Pori, Finland
97 A4 1.8T 240hp-1450kg
89 Carrera 3.2 Coupe 231hp-1340kg
decisions, decisions...