Re: D/SP VWs

[Arthur Emerson <emerson@eideti.com>]

Mark Klaus Radelow wrote:
> 
> The reason we don't do so well on
> autox (IMHO) is for several reasons.  Listed here:
> 
> 1.  Too much power to front wheels.  Tires spin when you come out of most turns

Yup.

> 2.  Too much WAY too much understeer.  The car pushes like a stuffed pig.
> 3.  Too much body roll (leads to 2)
> 4.  ABS Sleigh Ride (ask if you don't know what it is)

All three can be fixed in street prepared class, but the car is 
out-gunned in that class big time.  Second to last place at Nationals 
last year says it all, unless that guy had something break.

> 5.  Gearing too high

The gearing is just wrong for most autocross courses around here.
Where the other cars are in the power band in second, the GTI VR6
is redlined in first.

6) Ludicrous front weight bias.
7) Heavy chassis, and the A4 is getting even more bloated.

> BUT, once the car is at speed (aka Solo 1/Road Rally) they kick some major ass.
> I have seen some Jetta's at Holtville Airfield here in So Cal kicking the shit
> out of a few BMW 3 series (even playing with a few M3's).

Mike Balasko and I were lapping Vettes on the old road course at
Las Vegas in his car.  Properly done, the GTI VR6 is a respectable
track ride.  However, it needs room to stretch its legs.  The older
VW's, OTOH, run best in cramped quarters like autocrosses.....

- -Arthur