Rough guess from memory: 1 atmosphere (which is close to a bar) is about 30" mercury or about 14.7psi, so 5" is about .17bar or 2.5psi. Sounds low for boost.

Which is 7.35 psi

I have some information about the part of your posting, "some guy in the 1920's, I believe, came up with the idea for a supercharger". This is correct. What few people know is that it was a black man that invented the supercharger. I learned this little gem during Black History Month some years ago, I regret that I have forgotten his name.

never know when a tidbit like that will come in handy...thanks...!<p>steve

A neighbor of mine took delivery of an A4 1.8T Quattro Tiptronic in June (On my birthday, June 20, to be exact). He got it brand new (A 98.5 model) and got practically every option available (Sticker was about $30,000, but I don't know what exactly he paid.)<p>I am considering a 2.8Q, as well as cars from BMW, Volvo, MB, Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti. Here's my main problem. I don't like to copy people, and I know mine would be a 2.8, his is a 1.8, but it bothers me slightly that I am getting a car like this while the neighbor didn't have to work at all for his. You see, hes 18 and it was his birthday gift.<p>I feel uncomfortable knowing I worked hard for this car and all he had to do was ask Daddy. Also, what would you as Audi owners think if a neighbor and older, wiser but not as rich friend went out and bought a better A4 than you? Would you be upset, or happy?<br>

As I live in, perhaps, a less status-conscious community (or perhaps one with less status comparison between neighbors), I can't say that any neighbors that I've encountered are offended by other residents' choices in cars. Porsche and Mercedes dominate the sales (the 911/ML320 combination seems like the next 540i/Grand Cherokee suburbanite pair), but people with Audi, Volvo, Saab, and VW products certainly aren't frowned upon.<p>Secondly, I'm somewhat alarmed by the possibility that you might be purchasing the 2.8 simply because a neighbor has a 1.8T. If I really wanted to look wiser than the 18-year-old and was in your position, I'd get a manual transmission. Suddenly, you're wiser... far wiser than this idiot who went through Driver's Ed in automatic Chrysler Breezes and operates a clutch as well as you operate a hair gel squirter plugged by a 90210 cast member. Neither generation thinks the other's toys are needed... prove the third pedal is still alive and well at a nearby stoplight. If you think the 2.8 suits your lifestyle better, then get it... but don't get it only to be different, because you hate to copy, and now are bumping up against the other extreme.<p>Last, I'm happy whenever someone around here buys an Audi... I frown when a GM product pops up on a nearby street. But I was at the gas station today and someone pointed to a Cavalier and said quite loudly, "Making those, I'm convinced General Motors doesn't *deserve* to stay in business." Maybe it's local prejudice, but I think it's a trend of forward thinking... something that's been missing for awhile.<p>But I'm just another A4 owner toying with his car, enjoying every minute of it, and smiling at every A4. And every Beetle... okay, so I've got a soft spot for the little bug.<p>P.S. - Anyone noticed that ten red VW Beetles are parked just off Arlington Heights Rd. and each is labeled "The Heart and Soul Patrol"? Great stuff.<p>Cameron

Get it because it is one of the best companions you'll ever have in a car, not because of what your neighbor did or didn't do. You might go for different color, though.