ALFAGTV6.COM

[la_strega_nera]

Most road rubber has those rim protecting flanges these days - makes them a bit wider in the sidewall. I'm not convinced that what the front wheels do is really called "fitting" but i guess i'm just being a little paranoid about becoming a cop magnet.
235s would be nicer I guess - but the KU36s are out of stock nation wide in a 235/45/17... fail.
235 seems to be the upper limit for 164 tires.

Micke - any chance you can snap some pics of how the rear rails kick up over the rear driveshafts in a Q4? Been daydreaming a bit about converting one to 4wd using bits of the integrale/155 driveline, or even building a rwd one... lol.

[Zamani]

Hey Ben,

How is the 24V exhaust manifold conversion going?

[Micke]

I have some photos. Hope they help. If not I'm not likely to get any new in a while as you can see in the latest one.

[la_strega_nera]

Thanks Micke - doesn't look too different from what I recall the normal 164 pressings looking like last time i was under there...

So, sold the Falcon, it left on a tilt tray yesterday for a new home in Melbourne, new owners are finishing it as a Biante series car - so they're basically going to spend cubic money on it.
Anyway - anything toy related is going on the back burner for 6 months or so - basically working for the next 6 months for a large-ish % of the company myself and 2 other ex-coworkers are putting together - will hopefully be worth the sacrifices in the end.

[la_strega_nera]

Took the 164 for a bit of a run through the hills yesterday - the stock wheels are going back on. the 17x9s rub the plastic guard liners when cornering quick-ish, and its all nasty and tramliny, almost like it's got too much toe out.

Z - the manifold conversion is on hold for a few weeks while I sort some shit out with moving and stuff - across the next 6 months I'm going to be spending about half my time in sydney too.

[kevin]

Ben, I had 235 40 17 on my 164 and found I had the 'tramliny' problem which I could never get rid of so back came the 16's. I only found this problem at about 140km on slightly uneven roads . I dont have this problem on my spider with same tyres. Is it something to do with 164 geometry or my imagination.

[GTV27]

Could be offsets changing the scrub radius - is it negative on those?

[Bruce]

.. waiting to hear that exhaust...

[la_strega_nera]

well, it's gone from a 35mm offset to about a 22mm offset, but it's probably a combination of the change in offset, big heavy wheels and stiff sidewalls... the scrub radius effect seems to be manifesting itself by forcing you to apply a bit of effort to initiate winding lock off on the exit of a corner as well as the bumpsteery feelings. Mate of mine has some heavy-ish 17" wheels on his Audi and has noted some interesting effects from the heavy wheels - his are a different offset to stock too.
Anyway, those wheels aren't going back on - might wind up with a set of Ultraleggeras or the 7 spoke Technomagnesios in a couple of months.
Still haven't finished up wiring up the exhaust valve controller, will sort that when I get back to brisbane I guess, so patience Bruce!

[GTV27]

my 17x7.5s have a 35mm offset so if you want to try them on to see how it steers before buying another set, let me know.

[la_strega_nera]

That would be great, will be a little ways off though.

[la_strega_nera]

So, just scored these Stilautos for the 164, take 2 on putting bigger wheels on the red sled.

[Zamani]

Ben,

Have you tried the muffler? Does it work as you expected? I found a pair of 360 tips, but I am curious if there is enough vacuum created by the engine to pull the actuator.

[GTV27]

ha, nice wheels, look vaguely familiar...

[la_strega_nera]

Z - plenty of vac to drive the flapper ( you will need to install a check valve though, otherwise the valve will open at large throttle openings below your intended trigger point), been driving it with the flapper closed because i *still* haven't finished wiring the controller... been busy with spending 50% of my time in Sydney, and moving house...

Wheels were delivered on tuesday, they weigh about 9-9.5 kg, the OZ Pegs weighed 12 on the same scales... the federal 595Evo strikes me as a pretty heavy tire - about 12kg for a 225/45/17.
Only just got internets on at the new place, now I get to order wobble bolts and the correct hubcentric rings...