Crunchy gearboxes, Themas, and thermostats

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

what was I thinking (besides nothing!)??? There was a transverse drivetrain 
model from the FIAT empire I had in mind, but the thought processes got 
totally confused. The Scorpion (Monte Carlo in Europe) was a mid-engine, 
transverse drivetrain, with an engine  similar in looks to the largest 
displacement FIAT 124 engine. But this was sold as a Lancia. The Lancia 
Beta also used this drivetrain. The FIAT 128 transverse drivetrain powered 
the X1/9. No crunchies in that gearbox either. What were we discussing anyway?

The V8 Thema may have used a bent crank version of the 308 engine 
(certainly a flat crank would be a bit uncultured for a luxury sedan). I 
believe the Ferrari used a flat crank in the 308 etc. That wouldn't account 
for the power difference, in street trim anyway. Anyway, the 308/328/348 V8 
WAS a transverse design (only the 288 GTO version had an inline mid engine 
design), and a mid engine, and therefore bore the same relationship to the 
Thema layout as the Scorpion to Beta and  X1/9 to 128 layouts. So the 
exhaust wouldn't have to be different just for the front drive. The exhaust 
would have to be different for a bent crank version of a flat crank V8. 
Probably, the Thema couldn't put the extra power onto the road anyway, a 
notorious weak point of FWD, rear weight transfer under acceleration 
reduces traction available at the drive wheels.

Ok, correct me again.

As far as the bits and pieces wearing out on the 164 thermostats, I am 
informed that ALFA only supplies the thermostat complete with its housing 
ready to swap.

Finally, has anyone experienced throttle plate icing on a 164L? I have on 
two essentially identical occasions, one year apart, experienced fuel 
starvation symptoms which mysteriously disappear. The ambient conditions 
were ideal for intake tract icing, but this is virtually unheard of with 
modern engines. Any ideas?
Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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