a) Wanted: 164 advice b) Stebro exhaust question

[Mcmahonmik@domain.elided]

Well, I'm begining the process of proving that I am as sick as the rest of 
you.  :-)

I'm going today to buy my second Alfa!

This one is a 1994 164 LS automatic, and I will listen to any advice I am 
given.  (May not FOLLOW all of it, but I'll listen.)
   I was looking for a 5 spd car to get me through the Pittsburgh winter (I'm 
working a job here in PIT and car rental was adding up MUCH too fast)

   I found the 164, with an automatic and 136,000 miles.  It has been 
maintained at the local (former) dealer for the last 5 years.

Questions:
  1) Conventional Alfa attitude would imply I am weenie for accepting an 
automatic gearbox.  I drove it for a WHILE, and it seemed much better than 
most autos (in sport mode anyway).  While the car's purpose is a commuter car 
for me, does anyone have experience with track-type events and the auto 
tranny?  I mean drivers' ed or lapping sessions, not "real racin' ".

2)  Digest archives would imply that I am a weenie for buying an Alfa 
automatic with 136K miles on it.  Any POSITIVE feedback on how long the 
tranny can last if maintained properly?

3)  On the TODO list (soon) for the car is replacing the "front flex pipe" in 
the exhaust system.  Local dealer quote is $1000 with Alfa part, $700 with 
Stebro.  (I have no tools here and need it done ASAP.)  IAP quoted me about 
$500 for aftermarket part.
  3a)  Is dealer serious with the Alfa price quote?!?  Ouch.
  3b) their aftermarket pipe source is Stebro.  

Does anyone have experience with the Stebro flex pipe for a 164?

I usually prefer Alfa parts unless I have good recommendations.

Thanks for listening,
-mike, who now gets to list > 1 car after his name
86 Graduate
94 164 LS (maybe today)
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