Will asked: "assuming that this Torsen can be fitted to the 5-speed, what is its availability and (assuming the engine is out for other work anyway)what's the approximate level of difficulty? Is this within the abilities of a decent-to-good Alfa mechanic?"
The engine need not be out, only the transaxle. Depending on exchange rates, the diff itself is relatively inexpensive (not much more expensive than the standard diff). In addition, you will need new bearings and races because it is bad practice not to change them when you change the diff. Alfissimo.com sells a kit for $705. Do a search on the 164 Forum on alfabb.com to read more, especially about how you make the speedometer ring gear fit. The install is not difficult to do. There is a procedure to adjust the play on the diff (see factory repair manual), which should not be ignored although many mechanics probably would. However, adjustment on a transverse-engine FWD car is reportedly not as critical as it would be on a hypoid diff on a RWD car. If the mechanic is not going to adjust the play anyway, he might even be able to replace it without removing the transaxle from the vehicle (the transaxle must be removed to adjust the play). Sonny '91 164S w/ Viscodrive LSD Baltimore -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
