My new Alfa 164

The new Alfa has finally arrived! $800 plus $179 for a tow that I didn't actually need. I bought it with a clutch that wouldn't disengage, turned out it really just needed a good bleeding! It will need a clutch in the near future, but now after six months, I'm just happy to be able to drive it!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Alfa
• 164

[poisonleech]

I will definitely check them out. Right now, my 94 LS is doing fine. It needs a power steering rack bushing but I will have that fabricated since they don't make that part anymore! Have you ever driven a 12V vs. 24V? I've never but I am curious as for what differences in feel they may have.

[jpatt1000]

@poisonleech Never driven a 24V, but I know they have around 70-80 more HP, so that can't hurt. I have heard that they have a tendency for the cam belt to slip once in a while. Something about the amount of surface contact between the belt and the camshaft sprockets . If I could get some, I would bolt them on in place of the 12V when I rebuild the engine on the black car. (I think the cam sprocket and tensioner need to be changed as well. Oh, and the ECU.)

[jpatt1000]

@poisonleech If you check his website I think tranny rebuilds are around $600 for new synchros and bearings, but you have to remove it yourself and ship it to him. He was the mechanic on my new GTV6 before I bought it. I remember always seeing it in the back of the shop and wishing it were mine. I also have gotten to know the 164 pretty well so I can also offer advice (although the 94 & 95 cars are little different.)

[poisonleech]

Thanks! I have a 91-93 Alfa Romeo 164 for parts so you'll know where to come to when you need spare parts!

[jpatt1000]

@poisonleech I bought my first GTV6 from them and my red 164. Also a Porsche 914 that I sadly don't have anymore. They are an ok source for parts. For service I don't feel comfortable doing myself I go to GT Motorsports. Al Pinkowski runs the place and is good with advice and is top notch as far as workmanship and trust go. (Not to mention he's reletively cheap. I.e. doesn't charge an inflated rate if you bring in a Ferrari.) Also Rex Chalmers at AlfaSport (Who I bought my black 164 from.)

[poisonleech]

@jpatt1000 Thank you. The 94' LS models come with self-adjusting valves so they don't require adjustments. However, I will definitely give the car a full service to check for any problems. I live in Minnesota right now so I hear you about the warm-up times required. Are there any Alfa Specialists where you live? I only know of Reina International.

[jpatt1000]

@jpatt1000 I tried to get on AlfaBB but have trouble posting. BTW, I'd call/E-mail Centerline Alfa and order the 164 shop manual. It's $126 U.S. and it's been very useful to me!

[jpatt1000]

@poisonleech I'd start by changing the oil. Starting up from cold they'll tick a little louder, but it should settle down within a minute or two depending on how cold it is and how thick your oil is. I run VR1 20/50 year round and I live in Wisconsin, so in the winter I let in idle about five minutes. As far as it sounding like a diesel, I'd have your valves checked. If you didn't get a service history with you cars, I'd have the timing belt, and water pump changed for peace of mind.

[poisonleech]

@jpatt1000 Thanks! I just got my car and I thought it sounded like a diesel! The noise seems to settle when warmed however. It seems you need to drive it to get rid of that sound. I bought 2 164's at the same time; a 1991 L and a 1994 LS. Are you on AlfaBB? I found that forum extremely helpful.

[jpatt1000]

@poisonleech A little noise is normal. I would only be concerned if the volume of the ticking wasn't constant. (Like one hammering a valve.) Also listen for a grinding noise which would probably be a water pump. My red car in the background has both these symptoms but is due for a timing belt anyway. (Always change the water pump every belt change. They're cheap enough, and you're already paying for the labor to remove and replace the timing belt.