164 Q Performance

V AR 164 · June 12, 2015, 08:09:42 PM

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.

jazig.k · June 12, 2015, 11:53:31 PM

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

Some 164 figures
http://www.digest.net/alfa/FAQ/164/perform.htm

Joe Garra · June 13, 2015, 12:26:32 AM

I've owned both, they are different. 145 kw for the Q.

Joe Garra · June 13, 2015, 10:50:30 AM

26,000 is just over 1,000 a year - not a lot really, just check that it has been serviced by a specialist mechanic.

stustustu123 · June 13, 2015, 04:51:18 PM

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).

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!?!?

V AR 164 · June 13, 2015, 07:06:27 PM

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.

alfafarm · June 14, 2015, 09:02:58 AM

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

alfafarm · June 14, 2015, 09:26:15 AM

Hi Just noticed a q on ebay very cheap good basic car its in vic john

stustustu123 · June 14, 2015, 11:18:12 AM

Also a nice looking red '92 Q on Gumtree in Sydney. 223,000kms & the car is only just broken in IMHO!

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sylvania/cars-vans-utes/alfa-romeo-164/1081186157

V AR 164 · June 14, 2015, 11:35:12 PM

Ok, change of topic

Just saw on YouTube a 164 3.5 V6 'SAVALI''

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.

Duk · June 15, 2015, 04:31:00 PM

Quote from: V AR 164 on June 14, 2015, 11:35:12 PM
Ok, change of topic
Just saw on YouTube a 164 3.5 V6 'SAVALI'' 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.

V AR 164 · June 15, 2015, 04:42:24 PM

Ohh, ok thanks.

Joe Garra · June 15, 2015, 04:58:33 PM

Did you buy the Q? (really really small world)

V AR 164 · June 15, 2015, 05:28:37 PM

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.

stustustu123 · June 15, 2015, 07:56:16 PM

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.

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.