Re: [alfa] RE: 164 zig and zag

["Daegrigg (Don)" <daegrigg@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill,

Sounds like a nice car.  Here is a thought.  The usual source of the zig-zag
is worn strut bearings.  Yours have been replaced along with struts and
bushings.  I would not rule out this combination somehow having an effect on
the conditions underwhich the bearings find themselves working.  Stock would
have been softer struts, rubber bushings, 15-inch wheels.  You have stiffer
struts, firmer bushings, 16-inch wheels. Proper installation is a whole
other route to explore. Food for thought.
Don

----- Original Message -----
From: AlfaBill LLC /alfabill.com <mail@domain.elided>
To: Brad Anesi <brad.anesi@domain.elided>; <alfa@domain.elided>
Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 1:44 AM
Subject: [alfa] RE: 164 zig and zag


> Ok, I stand corrected, I am working off the previous owner's info. It's a
> 2/90 build, but I have seen one when I was selling them new in the early
> 90's. There was a red 91 L with an 89 build, it was 3 years old when it
> sold new in 92. Amazing, $32K sticker, sold for $19,800 to unload it.
> Imagine the floorplan bill on that one!
>
> Brad, it's a legit USA car, it was an ARDONA corporate demo, but sold at
> 7400 miles in Boston Mass.
>
> Anyone have experience with the install of these spacers? A solution? This
> is the only thing tarnishing this very nice car. An on lift inspection
> today disclosed nothing and all mechanicals are tight as new.
>
> I'm trying to understand suspension geometry to diagnose this. It seems
> something would have to shift or flex to allow it to do the action. I'm
> known this car for the last 4 years and watched thousands go into it at
> work to maintain it, no expense spared. The axles appear to be dead level,
> do they need some angle to help? Can that little 10mm or so spacer really
> make that much difference? I want to use logic, not guessing.
>
> My 91 Base (Sofia) has slightly more grunt with the Stebro, but pulls hard
> and straight. Motor mounts are newer and in good shape.
>
> Any wisdom appreciated.
>
> AB
>
>
>
> At 11:20 PM 9/17/2003, Brad Anesi wrote:
> >Bill-  Is this a "USA spec" car or one that got in through the backdoor?
> >I'm inclined to think the later, as the earliest USA spec car I've ever
seen
> >had a 1/90 build date.  But I suppose it's possible some 89's were
official
> >imports.
> >
> >Any way, the spacer thing didn't happen until mid 1990 - June 1990 or so.
> >My 3/90 built car does NOT have the spacers.  I'm not aware of any other
> >changes that happened along with the spacers.  Obviously you'd need an
> >alignment if you were to install a set on an early car.
> >
> >Let us know how this works out.
> >
> >Brad
> >------------------------------
> >
> >From: "AlfaBill LLC /alfabill.com" <mail@domain.elided>
> >Subject: [alfa] 164 that zigs....
> >
> >Hi digestibles;
> >
> >I need some help from some of the European/non USA owners or maybe a USA
> >owner.
> >
> >I just acquired a beautiful 91 164 L 5 speed, I dare say one of the
nicest
> >around for it's age. Garaged, pampered and in wonderful condition, along
> >with full service records since day one, one owner. ($24K in maintenance
> >receipts (!) ) 16" Euro wheels, new Michelins, needless to say, I am very
> >happy to have it here with the other 3 164s that call Rancho AlfaBill
their
> >home.
> >
> >So here's the catch.... It's an early build car, 1989. As I remember, the
> >early cars were famous for torque steer. This car is tight. New rack 6
> >months ago, New struts, bearings, PowerFlex bushings, everything is new!
I
> >mean tight. But when you accelerate, (even gently) it pulls a little to
the
> >right, and when you let off it drops off to the left. I have had 7 164s
and
> >none have done this. It's a bit unsettling.
> >
> >Alfa made some mods with the sub frame spacers. This car does not have
the
> >10mm or so spacers. What other mods were made to the later cars to combat
> >the torque steer, if that's what I have?
>
> Bill Harkell
> AlfaBill LLC
> Tampa Florida USA
> http://www.alfabill.com
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