Thanks to everyone who replied. I went through the electronic security gizmos thing when the engine ecu on my 164 QV (quad-cam, 24 valve) bit the dust and realized what a can of worms these issues can open up. The ecu finally went to England to BBA-Reman who did a great job on rebuilding and reprogramming it so that I saved about $1000 off the price of a new one from Signore Alfa.
Everyone tells me to take the chip/whatever out of the key and tape it under the shroud of the ignition switch. Then I can have a key cut and it will work ok. Somehow that idea doesn't grab me although it may end up being the only practical solution: $500 for a new key from Italy I do not want to spend. An Alfa mechanic in Wellington, Bruce Stevens at Hutt City European (for Kiwi readers) tells me he can program another 156 key to work: the key is the black type with the folding-back blade, not the one with the red housing and fixed blade. So I have gone and bought a similar "lost" key that someone advertised on our auction site ($20) and am hoping that Bruce can weave his magic on it. Incidentally, the car, a 156 2.0 Twinspark Selespeed (Silly-speed according to my wife) is a real step up in performance from our 156 1.8 Twinspark. The 1.8 has the smoother engine and great handling because of the lighter engine up front but the 2.0 flies. At 4000 rpm there is a real shove that can catch one unawares - concentrate! However, the bugbear of all front wheel drives is there, that understeer. At the moment the car is on Good Year Assurance mid-range, touring type tyres so that may be contributing some to the handling woes. Thanks again. Les in Wellington, NZ -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
