I am not too sure what to expect. I get about 30 with mostly city driving and roughly 34 highway with the 3 speed auto. Unfortunately the 3 spd box I have has taller overall gearing than the 5 spd I will be putting in. The problem with the auto off the highway is that it tends to stay in 2nd gear for a long time, letting the engine rev much more than is necessary around town. I have to get to 40 mph and stop accelerating to let the trans shift into 3rd...it's annoying to say the least. That coupled with the losses through the torque converter should let me gain quite a bit of efficiency around town. I am looking to get at LEAST 35 around town, probably not much more on the freeway (because of the gearing...I think I'll be at 3k rpm doing 65, which kinda sucks).
Sorry I didn't get back to you on the head issue yet, I'm not sure I'm going to touch anything yet, I think I'm going to put my good engine (the one in my 1980 5 speed) into my perfect 83 auto. I have the five speed, and the gearing leaves much to be desired, although it is much more fun than an auto. You'll be very lucky to see even 30 mpg around town... I'd expect closer to 25. Also, at freeway speeds (65+) the mileage dips below thirty quite quickly as well. I can't wait to see what mpgs I'll get with the auto, I'm hoping they're a bit better.
Wow, the car looks excellent, and makes me miss my old '83 5000 TD. His name was named Higgins. I bought him from a retired Audi mechanic in Phoenix, who had replaced ALL suspension bushings, upgraded the rear brakes to disk, and installed a NEW motor crated from Germany.
I did lots of things to keep him in great shape - mostly electrical repairs, adjustments, odo repairs, and new struts/shocks all around. GOD I miss that car - I had to sell him in March 2009. Pictures below:
Very nice job, the car looks and sounds great! Sounds just like mine did right after I adjusted the valves. Keep up the excellent work, and keep us posted!
Oh, and if you ever want to sell him, give me a shout!
The last month before the sale:
When I first bought him:
An engine so clean you could eat off it!:
Adjusting the valves:
Dash shot:
Doing some odometer repairs:
Hey, I've seen this car! I flew down to Tucson in January on business and stopped by to have a look at it. You must be Barry? If so, I talked to you about it over the phone last year. I got your number from Tony who was selling it. It's a pretty nice car. Unfortunately, it wasn't running (dead battery) when I was down there to look at it, and I didn't have time to wait for it to charge because I was on a tight schedule. I wish I could have driven it. The body was in excellent condition, but it really was the engine that stood out. You are right, it was CLEAN! I have a few more pictures of it that Tony sent to me. If you want, I will post them.
Awesome! Yup, I'm Barry. Tony ended up letting it sit, that battery was new when I sold it to him. He ended up selling it to a vintage diesel enthusiast in Tucson, so at least Higgins has a good home now. I admit I'd buy it back if I could!
Post away, I'd love to see more photos.
I think "mmitocky's" car is the ONLY cleaner 5000 TD I've ever seen than Higgins - mostly because of the amazing motor work. Looking forward to the manual trans conversion - something I always wanted to do to Higgins.
Hey, I've seen this car! I flew down to Tucson in January on business and stopped by to have a look at it. You must be Barry? If so, I talked to you about it over the phone last year. I got your number from Tony who was selling it. It's a pretty nice car. Unfortunately, it wasn't running (dead battery) when I was down there to look at it, and I didn't have time to wait for it to charge because I was on a tight schedule. I wish I could have driven it. The body was in excellent condition, but it really was the engine that stood out. You are right, it was CLEAN! I have a few more pictures of it that Tony sent to me. If you want, I will post them.
Wow, the car looks excellent, and makes me miss my old '83 5000 TD. His name was named Higgins. I bought him from a retired Audi mechanic in Phoenix, who had replaced ALL suspension bushings, upgraded the rear brakes to disk, and installed a NEW motor crated from Germany.
I did lots of things to keep him in great shape - mostly electrical repairs, adjustments, odo repairs, and new struts/shocks all around. GOD I miss that car - I had to sell him in March 2009. Pictures below:
Very nice job, the car looks and sounds great! Sounds just like mine did right after I adjusted the valves. Keep up the excellent work, and keep us posted!
Oh, and if you ever want to sell him, give me a shout!
The last month before the sale:
When I first bought him:
An engine so clean you could eat off it!:
Adjusting the valves:
Dash shot:
Doing some odometer repairs:
wow, i have an 83 5000, same car as in the pictures. almost makes me want to restore it. thats a sexy car..
wish mine was that nice..
Sorry for taking so long to post up this picture. This is a nice one that Tony sent me. I really do love the lines of the T43s. I hope the guy that owns it takes good care of it.
