164Q/S vs. 164LS Suspension

["Roger Pellegrini" <pellegrini_roger@domain.elided>]

In an effort to go about this scientifically, I have a couple of questions
for the Alfa gods.  (All questions pertain to US models).

1)  Is the only difference between the 164LS suspension and the 164S or 164
Q suspension the wildly expensive adjustable shocks?

2)  Are people are generally happy about the handling of the 164S or Q in
the "Sport" mode?

3)  Needless to say, I'm not happy about the handling (really the damping)
of my 164LS.  Therefore, if the answers to #1 and #2 are "true", shouldn't
it be possible to retrofit a 164LS with shocks having characteristics
similar to the 164S/Q shocks when set to "Sport" and attain better
handling?

4)  In an effort to proceed scientifically, is there some measure of a
shock's stiffness that one can refer to?  Can one ascertain whether say, a
Bilstein shock or a Koni shock might have damping characterisctics similar
to the "Sport" setting on the 164S/Q shocks in order to select the
appropriate one?

As I live in the New York City area, and drive through potholed streets on
occasion, I'd rather not go the route of lower, stiffer springs, etc., on
this car.

Thanks to all in advance.

Best regards,
Roger

1994 164LS
1969 1750 Spider (Konis, W&D, adjustable control arms, chassis stiffener,
etc.,etc.)
1990 MB 300TE 4Matic (Actually better damped than my 164LS)



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