First let me say hi, and I'm glad I found you guys.

I have a 97 A4 1.8 Turbo Quattro. It has absolutely no low end power off the line. I have had it for three years and just thought that is how the vehicle was supposed to be...a dog off the line...

I took it to a buddy and had him put upper control arms on it, he took it for a test drive after he was done with. He asked if it had always been that frickin slow or is that something new. I told him it was like that as long as I have ever had it. He agreed that it was definitely a safety issue if you have to pull out in traffic.

So it got me thinking and researching about it.

I have seen a few threads about the wastgate valve, or possibly hoses, or possibly a bypass valve. All great ideas...problem is, I have no idea what this means, where they are, how to check them, etc. basically don't know anything about it.

I am looking for some direction on this, maybe some instruction on how to check these, or maybe be pointed in a direction of some good threads, or manuals on where to get started checking this stuff or any other ideas or thoughts.

Sorry for the long winded post, but I am lost here.

Thanks kindly for any and all help

 

Haha, It's definitely not a dog off the line, I've got an 01 QTM And I can chirp off the line with all 4's with only mild modifications... Even stock I could.



I've driven many A4's they aren't power houses ranging from 150-170, but they aren't exactly heavy either. You should have *NO* problem getting onto a road/highway at high speeds.
Somethings definitely up. Get it scanned with vag-com if available.


Otherwise, I'd invest in a boost gauge for one to see if you're getting the proper 8-11 psi. And if you are, investigate possible fueling/air flow/leak issues.

 

Yeah this thing is definitely a pooch. Very dangerous pulling out in traffic.

What is a VAG COM?

Are there any good tutorials I can find to show me how to start trouble shooting this? Where to look?

Thanks

 

A vagcom is a cable that hooks up to your OBD2 port and to your lap top, then you use a software like Ross-tech to read the ecu for codes and look at what info it is getting from the sensors in the car.

Check out www.Ross-tech.com

 

Thanks for the help Mike

I guess I was hoping to be pointed in a direction with some pics and instructions of what needed to be done. I am mechanically inclined, I just need a little direction.

Thanks so much

 

There are plenty of pics and instructions, but VAG COM is definitely a good place to start. As mentioned in the second post, it would also be a very good idea to pick up a boost gauge. This will definitely help you identify boost/vacuum leaks MUCH sooner. If you don't want to invest in a OBDII cable or don't have a lap top, you could go to AutoZone. Some locations still scan codes from free, others actually sell the scanner. This is typically less desirable than VAG-COM, because it's far less capable.