Randy,
A good source of information would be www.A4.org, there's tons of info
there, including details on the 1999.5 model year changes (mostly
cosmetic). Their message boards are very active, and include a
racing/autocross board.
>>1. I am not sure it matters, but is the general consensus that the 2.8l A4
can still be competitive in GS with those Talons/Type Rs?<<
I've got a 1.8T that I'll be autocrossing next week for the first time,
I'll be posting my thoughts soon after.
>>2. Was there a model change that had any signifigance beyond the 1998 model?
I heard something about a 1999 1/2 model. Is that true? If so, what is
the changes?<<
Check out the website...changes are things like dash layout, aluminum
door sils, clear side markers, projector headlamps, etc.
>>4. I see the car is available with tiptronic tranny now? Good idea or bad
idea for autocross?<<
As opposed to manual, I'd go with the manual. BUT since it IS a second
car, and IS the V6...the tiptronic should be allright. By the way, with
the sport package, awesome value, you get a 3 spoke sport steering wheel
with the tiptronic shift controls on the wheel...no reaching for the
shifter.
>>5. I know that the right car for autocross is probably the 2.8l sport model
with quattro AWD and obviously the heated seats...since the fast cars
have them. Anything else I should know about?<<
Actually, if you're comfortable putting an aftermarket chip in then the
1.8T might be the better choice. Lighter, better weight distribution,
chip and filter $150-$600 for 188hp to 205hp. Which is what Audi has the
same engine putting out in the TT. On the other hand the 2.8 is more
luxurious and you do have the MR2 to really drive hard.
Regards,
Rodney
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