164 questions

["Sedon, Doug (OD)" <sedond@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

eric - misc questions/answers:

I have decided to retire my trusty Milano and move up to a 164.
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unless you need the extra room, i think you'll find it a move down, in the
handling/fun dept.  a move up in luxury, for sure.

I've been following the threads concerning overheating, tire vibration, and
stepper-motors on the 164 with interest and I'm looking for a little
advice. What I am interested in is a 164S. 
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's' models definitely have a nicer engine & susp, however that susp is mucho $$$
when it needs fixing.

I know that the stepper motors in the HVAC system are a problem, and I am
looking to purchase a
car that has had this taken care of (or is priced accordingly). 
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ya, my 164 needs this fix - fortunately, only the directional functions failed -
i still get hot/cold/recirc, etc.  i have a new set sitting in the box, awaiting
my free time.  the fact that i still have temp controls means i may NEVER have
the free time, unless i get further failure!

What other things should I keep an eye on when checking out a possible
purchase? Are overheating and tire vibration widespread problems?
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these cars run hot, but don't overheat.  ~210f is a common warm weather temp
when cruising.  will get hotter when stuck in traffic.  i don't have the
vibration problem, but 164's are hard on tires - typical fwd stuff.

Are the hydraulic belt tensioners a problem on 164's like they were on
earlier V6 engined cars? What are the real problem areas?
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my 164 had the gnu mech'l tensioner installed before i purchased it.  really,
this car has not been a big maintenance headache.  i got it 1.5 years ago
w/117k;  it now has almost 140k.

The 164 that I want would be a red S with black leather interior and a
sunroof. I would like to pay under $8,000 but could come up with more
for a really outstanding example. I am not locked into red but I really
like what the car looks like in that color. Does anyone know what other
colors were available on the 164S's. 
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i've seen 's' models in black & in white.

I have seen red cars with tan
interiors and I'm only assuming that they are available in black, anyone
know what the options are as far as interior colors go?
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i've seen red 's' models w/black interior.

My Milano has a set of 15" Momo Arrow wheels that I may be interested in
putting on the new car. Do the cars share bolt pattern and offset? So
many questions!
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they should fit, milano offsets were either 45 or 30mm;  i think the 164 offset
(stock) is 40mm.

good luck,

doug s

'78 ducati darmah
'86 gtv6, bastardized
'88 milano verde, minor abherations
'92 164L, stock
'95 buell s3, w/white lightning top-end

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End of alfa-digest V7 #101
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