Looking at buying a car that the owner says is a 1987.5. Have not seen the car yet. Car fax check came back OK, but had some confusing info:

VIN Vehicle ID: WAUBE0854HA034553
VIN Yr/Mfg: 1987/Audi
VIN Model: 4000 Gt
Body: 2 Door Unknown Style 4-6 Passengers
Engine: 5-Fi-2.226l
Country Mfg: Germany

OK, my question is on the engine. I thought 1987.5 CGTs had the 2.3 ltr NG engine, right? It says 2.226 ltr. Or are "we" just rounding 2.226 up to 2.3?

Should be 2.3L. Ask him if it has rear disc brakes. Get some pictures. Body color B-pillar.

However Looking at the VIN the E (5th position)for motor makes me think it is a NG.

The 85 means it is a CGT.

The H is for 87 model.

Also, the higher number 034553 also points to the later part of production.

You can ask some of direct questions that would pin down:

Does it have rear disks?

Does it have AUDI written on the intake manifold?

Does it have the digital panel?

If all answers are yes, then you have a 87.5.

Car Fax could be screwed.

Good luck,

Carlos.

1. It has rear disks
2. Has digial dash, but it is not the original (original died at 106,700 miles). This is why I wanted to make sure he didn't just "make an 87.5" by pinting the parts that are body colored on the 87.5 and by adding the rear disk from and Audi 80/90 and replacing the analog dash with a digital. OK maybe I'm a bit paranoid. :)

Sounds like CarFax is messed up... thanks!

Also, the side view mirror housing will be body colored instead of just black. (Unless of course the car is black). ;)

2 piece intake manifold. Looks sort of "flat" on top. The earlier cars have a one piece manifold that's sort of rounded on top.

As others have said, the rear disks are key. Some have upgraded the earlier cars to rear disks, but if that was the case, these same people would've done TONS of other mods as well.

Once you buy the car, you'll need a Bentley. Just take a look on the Digital Dash. It has a whole chapter on it.

The IM will definitely hold the key (round = KX \ flat with Audi = NG).

I hope you find the car and relax (how long have you live without one?)

Carlos.