Audi Coupe 1981-1987.5

This file attempts to list the various changes the type 85 Audi Coupe (GT) went through during its six year history. The first section simply lists everything I have been able to think of, under three broad headings. Also included, free of charge, is my opinion of the each change - and whether I have incorporated them into my car, or plan to. The last section is an inaccurate history of their introduction.

CIS to CIS-E, to CIS-E III
Better cold start, slight improvements in power and economy. Computer controls mixture based on more variables. The 87.5 gets the high compression 2.3 liter engine with knock sensing ignition - and what appears to be a better exhaust manifold. I have retrofitted CIS-E to my car, for the perceived benefits, the challenge, and the opportunity to paint a lot of parts.

Lower geared final drive
Unless you value low revs at serious highway speeds, and some do, this is a great step. The fifth gear on my '85 is where fourth is on my '82. A must-do improvement in apparent power. I would like to get a transmission from an '84, since I will not be changing to a hydraulic clutch if I can help it! Addendum: having driven the '85 a bit more, I must say that this tranny is also a pain in the butt. For normal driving, you spend more time shifting. maybe I am just used to the gearing steps in the '82, but they do seem more useful. Also the apparent feeling of more power disappears pretty soon and you realise it isn't there. Hmmmm. I still wanna do it!

OXS counter reset
The new version sucks. The old one is easy to get to, under the hood. The new one requires dismantling the instrument cluster cover, which usually results in broken plastic bits. No benefit perceived.

Hydraulic clutch
Easier to operate, does not require cable adjustment due to stretching. More complicated/expensive to maintain. I'll pass.

Hydraulic valve lifters
Never needs adjusting, in exchange for some clatter when cold.

Front brake sizes
By 1984 the rotors were thicker and vented, which was made up for by thinner pads. In 1985 the rotor became larger as well. Since my 1985 seems to have great brakes (it should, they're all new!), I'm impressed. I have installed 16v Scirocco rotors which are the larger size and vented, while still fitting my 4 x 100 hubs, along with the 85-on calipers.

4 x 108 hubs and wheels
Is this better? Who knows... maybe it's stronger. Anyway, I don't have it, and I have cool 4 x 100 15" wheels now.

Larger bolt circle on the inner CV joint mounting also.

Anti roll bar system
I don't know if the newer system is better, but it sure is more complicated. A couple of extra bushings, nuts, and link rods, all prone to decay. Not going there.

Control arms & ball joints
I prefer the old style, not sure what practical difference there is, but they attach to each other differently. One big deal is the later control arm bushings are steel-sleeved, so they rust in place. No thanks.

Fuse box location
Under the hood from '84 on. Definitely easier to get to, the fuse style changed to the plastic kind with tabs. This is an improvement. Will I upgrade? Almost certainly, someday.

Tail light wiring
The newer (85 on?) cars have a slightly different connector, and the right side wires are crimped directly in with the left side wires. This contrasts with the early version, where the right side depends on contact through the left side pins, to a separate contact, in order to get power. I have finally spliced in a set of these in frustration!

Cruise control function (coast)
A simple improvement - requires newer style column switch. Done. The later ECU has a ninth connection, for ground, but functions identically. I wonder if this is a patch to an old problem?

Shift lever control linkage
This assembly (which I have rebuilt but kept stock on my car) is competely different. More investigation will tell me whether it is better (smoother? crisper? tighter?) and whether I want to convert. I have a used one I'm looking at, it does appear to provide a more solid, direct connection. This one is a bit worn though, and the wear is in an area that can't be dismantled (a possible drawback to the design...). If I get my hands on a nice tight one I will probably use it.

Dashboard
A much nicer dashboard. They don't seem to crack, padding is better. Done.

Dash switches
Also much nicer, easier to use. Required as part of the dashboard project. Only drawback is the trim that holds them is very prone to breakage around the switches, and the connectors can be difficult to pull off. Done.

Center console
Better looking in my opinion. Done.

Column switches
Main difference is cruise function, though they look and feel better also. Done.

Handbrake - handle, cover, switch.
Looks better (smooth handle, boot covers all metal). Done.

Seatbelt lock sockets
They are just different - but they are higher and more forward. Perhaps easier to engage. Perhaps not. I might swap mine - the seat belt hook is different also - and the reason I might do it is to get "younger" seat belts.

Seat fore-aft adjustment levers
Nicer feeling plastic covers - and they are under the opposite side of the seat! Swap in pairs, reverse sides. Done.

Seatback adjuster knobs to inside
Or whatever. These things wander around like crazy, my interior has them both on the left sides of the seats. Stock was both outside, I think my '85 has them both on the inside. Whatever...

Steering wheel
In my opinion, much nicer. I went to a 1988 model 80 wheel, which is a little slicker looking, with a very nice bas-relief logo.

Overhead light
Better made - the housing is a softer, more rugged plastic, the switch is much easier to operate, and the lens casts a better light. A winner, folks! Done.

Floor mat tie down pegs
This prevents the front mats from sliding forward, if they have the matching holes. Don't think I'll ever get quite this carried away, but you never know. Maybe I'll acquire a nice set of later model mats someday for motivation!

Trunk liner
By 1987 it is carpet-like instead of plastic. Much nicer, I have one to put in after the paint job.

Digital dash, etc.
I almost forgot this. It came along in 87.5, I think. I've never driven one, but in general I am prejudiced against digital instrument clusters. If I ever drive one and have a chance to get used to it a bit I will actually have an informed opinion...

Bumpers & bumper trim
Wow! They look better, integrating the car's body lines smoothly. It seems every car on the road today has copied this cosmetic style. They are made of fewer pieces as well. Installation requires a bunch of extra square holes in the fenders. You lose the front spoiler, but that only works at over 100 mph, which I can't afford anyway. Done

Side molding trim
By '85, the side moldings matched the bumper treatment perfectly, and cover the widest part of the body properly. Trouble is, a set of 6 pieces costs around $400.00 and they don't come off junk cars in usable condition... yet! I want to do this one way or another.

Rear spoiler
Much better, it is attached at the ends, outside the trunk seal, and looks better. Done.

Front signals
Bigger is not necessarily better. These are always broken, and require you to stock one more (yellow) type of bulb in your kit. But they go with the new bumper. Done.

Front corner marker lights
Oh yes. These are slick. With a relay, I have made them into marker/signals, because I believe cars should indicate that they are turning from the side as well as the front.

Aero headlights
Hey, they look great, but the DOT version is a lousy source of light. I prefer the quad setup, but as you may know I have a fetish for round lights. This is one system that you can improve by retrofitting the older design, with a flat grille, and adding lenses that use replaceable H4/H1 bulbs, with relays...

Sloping grille (larger logo), headlight trim
Looks great, integrates with the car body better. Done.

Rocker panel skirts
These look good and protect the rocker panel metal from wear and tear. Doing.

Jack points
Another winner! My rocker panel bottom edge is trashed from jacks and jackstands. These give you a nice, easy to find, solid place to put your raising gear. On order.

Stone guards, wheel well liners
More of the same... protects the car's paint and sheet metal from general abuse. Doing.

Front hood seal
I dunno, it's on my fiche, so I bought one. The holes are there to mount it in the earlier hoods. Maybe it organises underhood airflow better, or cuts wind noise, who knows?

I will attempt to indicate roughly when the various changes to the Audi Coupe/Coupe GT were introduced. the car was built from 1981 to "1987.5".

1981

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1987.5

Well, that's my little display of knowledge (or the opposite!) and opinions, I hope you found it amusing. Comments, corrections and additions are always welcome, especially to the chronology! Email me at: one@humanspeakers.com to do this.