164 Comments, summary (long)

[Mcmahonmik@domain.elided]

A few weeks back I posted some questions regarding a 1994 164LS (auto) I was 
considering purchasing.   I thought I would summarize the responses for those 
who were interested.

Re: 164 flex pipes
       * multiple positive responses regarding parts from www.epiflex.com 
             The price is right, and a local shop can easily put them in for 
you.  I did not choose this route.  If I had a local muffler shop I really 
trusted, maybe I would have.
       *  Multiple responses that Stebro makes good stuff, but some pointed 
out that customer support and order fullfillment are sometimes lacking.
             My local Alfa-specialist garage would not order direct from 
Stebro for this exact reason.  He wanted to go through Algar (which had the 
parts in stock to boot).  I elected to save $250 by purchasing direct from 
Stebro.
             Parts were great, had "issues" with delivery fullfillment, but 
CUSTOMER SUPPORT was fantastic.  Sure, my first set of flex pipes was 
apparently totally lost in the importation process from Canada, but in the 
end, they actually drop-shipped overnight delivery so I wouldn't have to get 
a rental car.  This may not be the best BUSINESS approach for continued 
profitability on their side (I doubt they ran a "corrective action" report) 
but I will order from them again when I need Alfa exhaust parts.
       * Alfa flex pipes:  were back-ordered anyway, but overpriced, and 
rumored to last less time than Stebro.  This is believable if you compare the 
designs.  I will say the Alfa looks like it gives better "mechanical 
isolation", though.

Re: automatic tranny
       * NO POSITIVE COMMENTS on longevity.  MULTIPLE encouragements to 
change ATF fluid early and often.  I had it changed before I took delivery of 
the car, along with the oil & flex pipes.  

??  Does ANYONE have > 140K miles on an original 164 autobox?  ??

       * multiple positive comments on action of autobox compared to other 
autos

Re: track time experience for autobox
       * NO comments on this.  Maybe I just think strangely, but if my friend 
Jim can do drivers' ed events in a Porsche 928 auto (THERE goes another WOB 
thread - sorry!) then I should be able to have fun in a 164!

?? What do y'all think about manually shifting the ZF autobox?  Dangerous for 
longevity?

Re: 164 quality overall

Well, I picked up my fresh-fluid-ed 164 on Monday.  The AC was significantly 
weaker than on the original trest drive.  Then again, the temperature outside 
was hotter...
       On Thursday I was putting in a can of 134a to help the suddenly weak 
AC when I noticed the puddle of coolant under the car extend past both sides. 
 
       Temp gauge was high, but didn't peg at full.  Idiot light didn't go 
on.
       Coolant-steam POURING out of interior vents.

End result:  Limped to (VERY nearby) ex-dealer.  Heater core is gone.
?? Is this a known weakness on 164s?  They had another one in there in the 
last few months with the same thing.
       8 hours labor, PLUS a recharge of the AC (at rather higher cost than 
my Pep Boys attempt, may I add!)
       Cha-CHING: almost $900.

So far I'm under-impressed.  Not willing to write it off as a mistaken 
purchase, but I need to consider that option.  Moral support is galdly 
welcomed.

Cheers,
-Michael McMahon
86 grad (started the Alfa addiction)
94 164 LS (threatening to end the addiction cold turkey)
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