164 Power Antenna & info for Alfa & Maserati owners benefit

[VLADDS@domain.elided]

For 164 Power antenna (black mast) try the unit a Pep Boys. It's an almost bolt-on (have to bend the bracket using your hands or pliers). Then (as any time you replace an antenna with a different manufacturer antenna), you have to readjust your radio's gain. I found it that Alfa even did not bother to open up the factory Chrylser unit ( I think the manufacturer was Sansui) and adjust the gain. When i did that i got 50% better reception, and everyone was amazed who listened.
Adjusting the gain involves taking to top cover off the radio, while everything is powered and connected, turning the unit on, using a small screwdriver to rotate the "trimmers" (variable resistors) located on the circuit board. Of course one will object that there are many things that look like such, most of which, if you turn you screw up the whole setup. First of all there shall be one trimmer per wavelength. Second of all those that are to be ajusted have holes in the cover so they can be reached through the cover. The reason i say take the cover off is to make things more visible and make sure what you're putting the screwdriver into.
About those that do own an Alfa and a Maserati, just like me, here's a valuable info:
Know how the Biturbo blows the second (boost) advance capsule on the distributor? The replacement "only" costs $170. Well, there's a $15 Chevy capsule that can be adapted and will last forever. Ask me for details..
Vlad
'91 164L
'85 Maserati Biturbo S (after 1 year of ownership and 10K miles have to report mainly fixing oil leaks, and fluid leaks, 1 pair of rear tires, allignment, thermostat, air filter) Maybe mine is better than the average..
By comparaison, the 164 had 2 times AC compressor & accessory belt& filter-drier, power antenna, water pupm&timing belt& tensioner, many times fuel hoses, 1 pair of tires..

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