164 V6 gearboxes

[projectcinqv6]

Are broken gearboxes common on 12v 164's? I've seen a couple going cheap with synchro's gone, are good gearboxes in short supply, or will the 'box from other Alfa's fit?
Also, does anyone know if theres a theres any with Limited slip diff's?
Thanks,
Mark

[Tim Hancock]

Well I suppose synchro wear/failure is inevitable given the ages of the cars, the driver profile and the power available.

The only inherent fault in 164 manual boxes was failure of the input shaft bearings. Many were done under warranty, and it can be done with the engine in the car according to my 164 experts. I beleive they used bearings with plastic cages instead of metal cages...bad move, but many car makers fell for this one so its not just and Alfa thing.

The 'upgraded' bearings were simply the metal caged ones they should have used in the first place.

I don't think there is a substitute box, but some Lancias used the V6 so there may be.

LSD...again, I think the Lancia had one, but whether it will retrofit a 164 I would not know...sorry!

Tim Hancock Boston UK

164TS (no work on this box from new)
164Super 24 valve (with input shaft bearings replaced before I owned it)

[projectcinqv6]

Thanks Tim,
I'll look for a bit more info on Lancia boxes and diffs, but good to know that they're not a major weakpoint, might own a 164 soon!!

Mark