Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 160 Series (90, 75, 164 Sedans) => Topic started by: V AR 164 on March 20, 2016, 08:08:22 PM

Title: 3.0 12v Power Mods?
Post by: V AR 164 on March 20, 2016, 08:08:22 PM
Hey guys,

After driving newer cars, my 164 just seems really sluggish. I get that it is getting quite old now but is there anything I can do to make it gain a few horses that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Also does anyone know of fixes for cabin drone? My new exhaust is pretty loud under load, especially at highway speeds  :(

Thanks, Andrew.
Title: Re: 3.0 12v Power Mods?
Post by: stustustu123 on March 22, 2016, 04:46:02 PM
Ohhh, I think the easiest option would be to get a cloverleaf car. What you might pay to get more power out of your engine would probably be a similar figure (Q cams, higher comp pistons), but you are still stuck with the auto which is not really designed to handle a higher power engine. But if you buy a Q, you get the whole package (more power, manual transmission, steering rack with better turning circle & dampener, adjustable suspension) already and it can become your next project!
Title: Re: 3.0 12v Power Mods?
Post by: V AR 164 on March 22, 2016, 05:53:00 PM
Yes that is true, but finding one is getting very tricky, let alone one in reasonable condition and that is cheap.
There's one on gumtree for 6,900 at the moment :o ,he is dreaming at that price!

Anyone have a cheap Q for sale???

Thanks, Andrew.
Title: Re: 3.0 12v Power Mods?
Post by: jazig.k on March 24, 2016, 06:59:59 AM
There was one on car sales that I inquired about for $3,000. White, clean body, interior pics looked good, particularly the rear seat! Just needed a new starter motor, said he can push start it for someone who wants to view it. I ended up buying a BMW e38 735iL though.
Title: Re: 3.0 12v Power Mods?
Post by: V AR 164 on March 24, 2016, 08:04:11 AM
Oooo I like those beamers, nice choice!

I too have enquired about that white Alfa a few months ago, but the seller has not replied to any of my emails.

Andrew.

edit: Just got to 164 posts on this forum  8)
Title: Re: 3.0 12v Power Mods?
Post by: Sheldon McIntosh on March 24, 2016, 11:06:28 AM
Basically nothing you can do to them for little cost.  Cams and a good exhaust is the first step, but they're not cheap.  Then megasquirt, ITBs......

But stustustu123 is correct, for anything you'd pay to get decent power, it's just not worth it when you could get a Q for the same price.  And if you wanted to stick to an auto, a sorted 166 (with the gearbox computer fix done) would be a good thing, if you could find one.

Do a google search for "Alfa V6 book", there's a high-performance manual available which will tell you anything you need to know.  I've got a copy, if you're in Melbourne you could borrow it for a little while.

Of course, the best option is to buy a cheap 90 or 75 with a dodgy engine, and put the 3.0 12v in that.  Lighter car, rwd, manual;  that will show you what the 3.0 12v can do!!

Also, agreed, an E38 BMW is a lovely car, good choice jaziq.k.
Title: 164 Performance Chip
Post by: V AR 164 on April 02, 2016, 11:44:19 PM
Hey guys, thanks for the input

Still on the quest for a little more power.
I have come across a performance chip that claims to add 18-22bhp. Has anyone had any experience with these and is it worth the money? I've seen alfissimo's squadra chips but they are quite expensive, this is a little cheaper, but does it do the same thing?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-164-3-0-V6-Chiptuning-Performance-chip-/221257851016?hash=item3383fee088:m:mX2JsxBI6hbUbXQuElhhbNw

Thanks, Andrew
Title: Re: 3.0 12v Power Mods?
Post by: gtv6sv on May 05, 2016, 12:18:30 PM
Hey mate,

I'd steer clear of eBay chips, unless someone on here has used them before with success, I wouldn't go there.

Check out Alfissimo, they have some proven performance chips there. You'll also find they have a good range of stuff for the 164, be it stock or performance!