Audi Quattro UR 20V

The Audi Quattro UR 20V (often referred to as the Audi Quattro 20V or simply the RR Quattro) is considered a highly special and iconic car for several reasons—technological, historical, and cultural. this is by far one of the most important cars we have ever had privilege to work on at Classic Car lab. You will be able to see from various photos outlining the work that had to be done.we are the the best Classic and retro car restorers in Yorkshire. We love restoring any type of car, wether that is classic retro or modern. So what makes this car so special? Read on , you may be impressed. I have also looked at some special pointers if you are lucky enough to consider buying one.

Here’s a breakdown of what makes it stand out:

🏁 Rallying Pedigree and Motorsport Legacy

• Group B Icon: The original Audi Quattro revolutionised rallying in the early 1980s, being the first successful rally car to feature all-wheel drive (AWD). The 20V variant was a culmination of that rally-bred heritage.
• World Rally Championship (WRC): Audi’s success in the WRC, including titles and major wins, helped cement the Quattro’s legendary status. Though the 20V was more of a road car, it carried the DNA of Audi’s Group B dominance.

⚙️ Technical Excellence: The 20-Valve Engine

• Inline-5 Turbocharged Engine: The 20V version used the RR engine—an evolution of the famed 5-cylinder turbo engine. It was smoother, more refined, and powerful than earlier 10-valve versions.
• Performance Figures:
  • Power Output: Approximately 220–230 hp
  • 0–60 mph: Around 5.8–6.0 seconds
  • Top Speed: Near 143 mph (230 km/h)
• Engine Sound: The 5-cylinder engine has a unique warble and growl, loved by enthusiasts for its characterful soundtrack.

🛞 Quattro All-Wheel Drive System

• Permanent AWD: Pioneering Audi’s quattro system, the UR Quattro offered unmatched grip and composure, especially in poor conditions. This became a hallmark of Audi’s engineering identity.
• Torsen Differential: Later models (including the 20V) featured the advanced Torsen center differential, further improving handling dynamics.

🎨 Design and Rarity

• Boxy, Aggressive Looks: The flared arches, angular lines, and purposeful stance made the Quattro visually distinctive.
• Limited Production: Only around 600–610 RR 20V units were made between 1989 and 1991, making it extremely rare and collectible.
• Hand-Assembled: Built at Audi’s special operations facility in Neckarsulm, Germany.

🏆 Cultural and Collector Status

• Iconic Status: The UR Quattro is considered a symbol of Audi’s innovation and rallying dominance.
• High Demand Today: Enthusiasts and collectors highly seek the 20V model, with values climbing steadily.
• Influence on Future Models: It laid the foundation for Audi’s performance cars and the RS division.

When recommissioning an Audi Quattro UR 20V (RR), especially after it has been stored or unused for a long time, there are critical areas to inspect and address to ensure safe, reliable operation and to preserve the car’s value. Below is a detailed guide broken into key systems:

🔧 1. Engine and Drivetrain

✅ Timing Belt & Tensioner

• Absolutely critical on the 20V turbo engines. Replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and any related pulleys if their age or condition is unknown.

✅ Turbocharger

• Check for shaft play, oil leaks, and boost integrity.
• Ensure wastegate and diverter valve function properly.

✅ Vacuum and Boost Hoses

• These tend to harden and crack with age. Replace with high-quality silicone or OE hoses.

✅ Injectors and Fuel System

• Clean or replace fuel injectors.
• Replace fuel filter and inspect fuel lines for cracks or leaks.
• Consider cleaning or replacing the fuel tank if the car has been sitting for years (may have varnish, corrosion, or debris).

⚙️ 2. Transmission and Driveline

✅ Gearbox and Differential Fluids

• Drain and replace fluids in the transmission, center, and rear differentials.
• Inspect for leaks around seals.

✅ Clutch Operation

• Check clutch slave/master cylinder for leaks.
• Test clutch pedal feel and bite point.

✅ Propshaft and CV Joints

• Inspect CV boots and universal joints for cracking or excess play.
• Repack with grease or replace if damaged.

🛞 3. Suspension and Steering

✅ Bushings and Mounts

• Subframe, control arms, and sway bar bushings often degrade.
• Replace tired or perished mounts with OE or upgraded poly options.

✅ Struts and Dampers

• Original dampers may be tired—consider refreshing with OEM or period-correct performance parts.

✅ Steering Rack

• Check for leaks and play.
• Refresh power steering fluid and inspect lines.

🛑 4. Braking System

✅ Hydraulic System

• Flush brake fluid (especially if it’s dark or more than 2 years old).
• Check for seized calipers, especially on rarely driven cars.

✅ Brake Lines

• Inspect hard and soft lines for corrosion or cracking.

✅ Discs and Pads

• Replace if pitted, grooved, or worn. Don’t skimp—this is a heavy, fast car.

⚡ 5. Electrical and Sensors

✅ ECU and Wiring

• Clean grounds and connectors (especially around fuse box, engine bay, and ECU).
• Inspect for rodent damage if stored poorly.

✅ ISV (Idle Stabilization Valve)

• Common failure point—clean or replace if erratic idle.

✅ Cooling Fans and Thermoswitches

• Test both stages of fan operation and replace faulty thermoswitches.

🌡️ 6. Cooling System

✅ Radiator and Hoses

• Replace brittle hoses and inspect radiator for leaks or blockages.

✅ Water Pump and Thermostat

• Replace with timing belt service.
• Flush entire cooling system.

🧼 7. Body and Chassis

✅ Rust Inspection Points

• Rear inner arches
• Floorpan and sills
• Around windscreen and sunroof
• Fuel filler neck and inner rear panel

✅ Underbody Protection

• Clean, treat, and recoat with quality underseal if needed.

💡 8. Interior and Electronics

✅ Dashboard and Switchgear

• UR dashboards are prone to cracking and fading—check for UV damage.
• Verify digital clock and gauges are working.

✅ Heater Matrix

• Test for leaks (common and painful to repair if ignored).

🧰 9. Consumables and Fluids

• Engine oil + filter: High-zinc 10W-40 or 15W-50 synthetic for classic turbos.
• Brake fluid: DOT 4 or higher.
• Coolant: G12+ or G13.
• Power steering fluid: Mineral oil (CHF 11S or equivalent).

🧾 10. Documentation and Provenance

• Ensure you document all work done—this helps with resale and authenticity.
• OEM parts and service records can add significant value.

 

 

Audi Quattro UR 20V Recommissioning Checklist in a formatted table:

🧾 Recommissioning Checklist Table

SystemComponentAction Required

Engine Timing Belt & Water Pump Replace if age/condition is unknown

Engine Turbocharger Inspect for leaks & shaft play

Engine Vacuum Hoses Replace if cracked

Engine Fuel Injectors & Filter Clean or replace

Engine Fuel Tank Clean or replace if stored long

Drivetrain Gearbox & Differential Fluids Drain & refill with correct fluid

Drivetrain Clutch Hydraulics Inspect and replace if leaking

Drivetrain Propshaft & CV Joints Inspect boots & grease joints

Drivetrain Driveshafts Inspect or replace as needed

Suspension Bushings & Mounts Check & replace if perished

Suspension Dampers & Struts Replace if worn

Suspension Steering Rack Inspect for leaks and play

Braking Brake Fluid & Calipers Flush fluid, check calipers

Braking Brake Lines Inspect/replace if corroded

Braking Discs & Pads Replace if worn or pitted

Electrical ECU & Grounds Clean grounds & check wiring

Electrical Idle Valve (ISV) Clean or replace if idle is erratic

Electrical Cooling Fan & Thermoswitches Test both fan stages

Cooling Radiator & Hoses Replace if brittle or leaking

Cooling Water Pump & Thermostat Replace with timing belt

Cooling Coolant Flush Flush full system

Body Rust Inspection Inspect sills, arches, etc.

Body Underbody Protection Clean & reapply underseal

Interior Dashboard & Switches Check function & damage

Interior Heater Matrix Check for leaks

Fluids Engine Oil & Filter Use high-zinc oil

Fluids Brake Fluid Use fresh DOT 4

Fluids Coolant Use G12+/G13

Fluids Power Steering Fluid Use CHF 11S or similar

Please consider us not only for just restoration’s but also servicing, general maintenance, SMART repairs , MOT work and even car resprays. All our services that we offer are all under one roof and you can be reassured all our work is guaranteed. We now offer all our garage services for any modern car so please give us a call or pop in to see us. We are based in Yorkshire but we cover all of the country.Yorkshires finest classic car restoration and general maintenance  workshop for Classic, Retro and Modern cars. The best classic and modern car garage, well we think so but don’t take our word come and see and make your own mind up.

 

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