Hi guys,
Just came back from seeing a 91 Q that is up for sale. W.O.W
The guy took us for a spin and planted the foot, and my god does it take off. Having been in a standard 164 and getting to know the power that it provides, and then being in this one, it feels like a whole different car. I am not lying if I said it would keep up with a VE HSV, maybe quicker still.
That leads me to the question, is this how a Q should feel, or has this one been modified?
Thanks, Andrew.
I'd be amazed to see a Q keep up with a VS HSV let alone a VE. Either it's modified [a lot] or you need to drive a HSV for yourself again. Stock VE HSV's pull mid 13's on stock tyres. The VS HSV's standard run high 14's depending on tyres. Street legal tyres too, not slicks.
Owning a regular 164 myself, I doubt a Q would out handle a modern car... My standard 164, pretty lacking around anything sharper than a highway bend IMO ;) I'd guarantee you our Holden Cruze would out handle a 164, in my experience. I still don't like the Cruze though ;D
Some 164 figures
http://www.digest.net/alfa/FAQ/164/perform.htm (http://www.digest.net/alfa/FAQ/164/perform.htm)
I've owned both, they are different. 145 kw for the Q.
26,000 is just over 1,000 a year - not a lot really, just check that it has been serviced by a specialist mechanic.
They are a lot of fun aren't they, and can quickly lead to loss of points or even licence too (don't ask me how I know). :-X
I still miss my Q quite a bit because of how exciting it was in comparison to the auto, and the pull from about 3500rpm to redline is pretty addictive (plus that sound!). It measured 160hp at the wheels at one of the Beninca dyno days so not too bad for an old car. Best fun is going from 60kmh to 100 in 2nd - it really did pull hard once you were rolling and in the right rev range.
But for daily driving I did find that the Q was more fatiguing than the lazier auto which still has the lovely V6 sound, yet you don't need to continually restrain your right foot as much. For longer commutes the auto leaves you relaxed, the Q leaves you a bit more on edge IMHO (because everyone else is driving too slow). The Q is sooo much fun, but maybe I'm getting too old for that now, haha.
You might be lucky and own both a Q and an Auto at the same time!?!? 8)
Yes they are a lot of fun, the manual transmission is so smooth.
I'm going back tomorrow to see the car again and will give the guy my offer. May see a Q in the driveway soon, among the other 164's!
Thanks, Andrew.
Hi Welcome to the world of 164 Qs a very select few know Its sad to see the money they don't attract when for sale I guess when they are appreciated it will be too late . A well sorted q with bosell exhaust and 17 wheels will easily outhandle and outbrake a falcon or commodore maybe lose out from standing start but will be there when they run out at the top end, as quoted licence threatening.I have had three still own two and have had an auto for a long time as well totally different car john
Hi Just noticed a q on ebay very cheap good basic car its in vic john
Also a nice looking red '92 Q on Gumtree in Sydney. 223,000kms & the car is only just broken in IMHO! ;D
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sylvania/cars-vans-utes/alfa-romeo-164/1081186157 (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sylvania/cars-vans-utes/alfa-romeo-164/1081186157)
Ok, change of topic 8)
Just saw on YouTube a 164 3.5 V6 'SAVALI'' :o I have never heard of this variant, and searching it up does not seem to provide much info.
Can anyone provide info on this?
Thanks, Andrew.
Quote from: V AR 164 on June 14, 2015, 11:35:12 PM
Ok, change of topic 8)
Just saw on YouTube a 164 3.5 V6 'SAVALI'' :o I have never heard of this variant, and searching it up does not seem to provide much info.
Can anyone provide info on this?
Thanks, Andrew.
It'd be a custome built big bore engine. Certainly nothing factory.
Ohh, ok thanks.
Did you buy the Q? (really really small world)
Unfortunately no 😔
The guy was asking a reasonable price but there was too much wrong with it and would have cost a fortune to repair it. If anyone is interested in it, it is the red Q on eBay for 1,500.
Andrew.
Fair enough - yeah it doesn't take that much before you can end up with a very large bill on these cars, particularly if you are going to get a mechanic to do the work for you. Keep your eyes peeled and something else should come along...
I'm guessing the power steering issue is a leaking rack??? If anyone was keen to fix it themselves new power steering rack seal kits are available for about $70-ish from http://www.jorgenauto.com/index.html (http://www.jorgenauto.com/index.html).
Those sunroof/lighting panels are notorious for breaking too, and finding a good one is extremely tricky. Plus the plastic surround that holds it on most cars seems to go all sticky as though the plastic is breaking down.
I'd guess the boot issue is just a latch that has failed & it should be easy to get one off a wreck. Hopefully the boot strut mounting points haven't failed though as the welds tend to crack over time and when they break they can leave a bulge in the exterior panel.
Back when I had my Q, i left a VS HSV for dead, plus going on to the handling, my cousin has a VY commodore with quite a bit of extensive suspension work done, and my Q easily out handled it on the Great Ocean Road. IMO, these cars are soooooo underrated, I really wish I never sold mine! On the highway, these cars a nearly untouchable!!!! If only they were RWD:-(
It's a shame that they are underrated and overlooked. When sorted they are fantastic.
My dream would be to import a Q4. They had a 4WD system, would be pretty epic to drive one, one day I bet!
Andrew.
There was a Q4 for sale in NZ back in 2006. I remember dreaming when I saw the advert - and looking back now he wanted only $7,400AUD - what a bargain!!!!! Wonder where it is now...
http://www.digest.net/alfa/FAQ/164/forum2/DCForumID3/1207.html (http://www.digest.net/alfa/FAQ/164/forum2/DCForumID3/1207.html)
Best bet would be to keep an eye on the HK sellers who seem to have the occasional Q4 listed. I'm not that au fait with the import rules but I'd imagine it wouldn't be that hard to import one given the 12v (& unofficially 24v) 164 was sold here already, plus people are already importing SZ and RZs. Parts would possibly be a headache for anything transmission/driveline related though!
Hi guy
I just bought one WOW so fast but very smooooth
the koni are awesome 8)
need a few thing like a new clutch slave and new fuel line and a z400 fuel filter
some 10w60 liquid moly with a KN HP-2004 oil filter should be all good.
happy motoring
Congratulations!
They fly don't they! ;D
Got any pics of it? Would love to see it.
Andrew.
Hi Andrew,
the only pic are to big to load
I tried
hi all
hope this works?
Looks really nice! I'm a fan of those wheels! Not to keen on the stickers though haha.
Andrew.
Agree, love the wheels!! And white always looks great too! 8)
thanks' guys
I'm still to clean them.
I am in the mid of changing over all the goody I bought for the over 164 auto I wreaked
like ngk platinum plugs $36 bucks each, but 80,000 km
a new coolent tank, 10w60 liqui moly with knhp-2004 filter etc.
cheers
feed back for people that are only thinking about buying a Q
YOU NEED TO BUY ONE I have only had mine for one month and it is so very smooth doing 98km behind a car
you can see the over taking lane in an auto need 3 time the room an a manual. I can go from 98km to 140km in
feels like 2 seconds with a bloody big smile a my dial
A said 'Smooth" it's fast but with no lurching or nose motor going from 5 to 4 and back to 5 it's just beautiful.
not going on any, more just buy one
cheers guys 8)
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Yesss, totally agree with the above!! The Q isn't really a traffic light racer - it honestly feels best at 60kmh+ I think. Best fun is pinning it in 2nd at 60kmh, then gunning it all the way to 100kmh before you need to change gear. This is where they are the most fun!
Stu, you left out the "slightly twisty roads" bit. I love the "chicanes"on Diggers Road, Werribee South.
Really guys?
I'm so jealous right now! How about a trade for both my cars for someone's Q? hahaha
Andrew.
Andrew,
do not be jealous just buy one with a good one with a service history
cheers mate
Hi guys (and to you especially Andrew!,... Have enjoyed reading about your evolution into the world of Alfas and especially the Aristocrat of them all the 164)
There's a nice looking 164Q on Gumtree at present.(no affiliation to me).
I can't believe the price being asked.... $3000!!
A hell of an engine and overall car for a steal.
Hi there, thanks for the kind words!
I've had my eye on that one for some time now, only problem is, is that it is in NSW and unregistered :(
Hopefully another one will pop up in Melbourne, may even sell my donor 164 and get a Q.
In saying that, I've seen a black Q on the side of the road in my area with no plates, may go back and ask the owner if he is willing to sell it ;D
Thanks, Andrew.
sounds good,
Black would be a nice one 8)
I have two rear Q shocks for sale
cheers
Great posts..
I have had a number of 164,s all autos, currently restoring a 91, had many long distance night drives with late model cars following and trying to keep up on the bends, I would be tucked into the corners taking a nice line and when I looked in the mirror more often than not they would be out wide..(FPR - HSV Driver) I have always found I could out corner but loose on the straights with the 164. Great long distance car and it's a Alfa Romeo.
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