164Q exhaust and euro headlights

**AR4me** · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2003, 10:33 PM

Hello,

While I'm waiting for my new 1995 164Q to arrive, won't ship until Dec 22, or so, from NC to CA, I need to plan a bit.

The car only has 27k miles on it, but is in need of a new exhaust according to the independent inspection by Peter Krause. Since that is the case I might as well consider upgrading from the standard exhaust. It basically needs new center and rear exhaust. Any suggestions, experiences, etc you can share? Focus is on performance, though I don't want something excessively loud. I have Ansa on my Milano Verde, and would not want it louder. It also needs to pass CA smog.

Also, I like the Euro 164 headlights from 1994 onwards. A plug-n-play set of projector headlights is available from Alfa Bill. Though, I remember seeing a 164Q for sale on the web at some point with a full xenon headlight conversion. Anyone has any experience with a full xenon headlight conversion or pointers to a source?

Thanks,
Jes

Brianjonesphoto · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 11:27 AM

Holly crap that was fast. You just emailed me for info last week!

I'm glad to see you got a great car. If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for it?

I haven't posted anything here yet, but I just started a 164 Quad Registry. I have most of your cars info from Nick, but I would live to include it's new home town and current milage.

If you don't know about it already check out the 164 forums. It's a great group of people(many of which are members of the BB) with more info pertaining to the 164's http://www.digest.net/alfa/FAQ/164/b...um/dcboard.cgi

There are 2 guys I know of with the HID conversion on the forum. TJ, and Jason. Jason also sells the projector headlights and I would imagine he can hook you up with everything you need to do the conversion

As far as exhaust goes I would recomend Stebro. The are full stainless system and sound wonderfull. It's not loud unless you stump on it and is makes beautiful sounds as you down shift!

Welcome to the club

pedi · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AR4me
Also, I like the Euro 164 headlights from 1994 onwards
full xenon headlight conversion.

**AR4me** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:20 PM

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the info! And, for your original pointer to Nick's Quad.

Any idea how much the Stebro buys in terms of HP? - in addition to the musical note.

I have been looking for a low mileage Q at a reasonable price at numerous occasions over the past 6 years or so. So, when I saw your email I jumped on it. I did see the original listing on Ebay, but didn't want to put money into independent inspection with a great likelihood of someone else being the highest bidder and getting disappointed...

Anyway, can't wait to get it home. I will provide you detailed info for your registry when I get the car.

Jes

**AR4me** · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:28 PM

Pedi,

Yes, those are the projector headlights which are available from various source in the US including the trim strip under the headlight.

As you said they are not xenon. To get "true" (high K = bright bluish light) xenon headlights you need to make quite a bit of modifications. At the least that is my understanding. Anyone, please correct me if I'm wrong.

It is my understanding that some people have done such conversions to "true" xenon headlights on the 164 in the US.

Anyway, if the the "true" xenon conversion is not feasible I will go with the regular projector headlights (seen on your car).

Jes

Brianjonesphoto · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:28 PM

Thanks Jes,
I don't kown concrete HP # but Ive heard any where fomr 4-10HP increase. But it won't really be noticeible

pedi · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AR4me
As you said they are not xenon. To get "true" (high K = bright bluish light) xenon headlights you need to make quite a bit of modifications. At the least that is my understanding. Anyone, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Brianjonesphoto · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:42 PM

you can purchase a HID convertion kit. This includes Ballists, wiring and bulbs. The bulbs have been re-based to a H1 base so they will fit right in the projector headlamps

pedi · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brianjonesphoto
a HID convertion kit.
includes Ballists...

**AR4me** · #10 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 01:54 PM

Any idea how much is involved in installing a HID conversion kit? Don't want to mess too much with my low mileage original Q. A plug-n-play like thing is fine since it can easily be reversed.

So, the 164 that came with the projector headlights had slightly different front fenders (avoiding the small gap at the corner of the side light)?

Pedi, I like your Q4! At one point, I was looking into importing one to CA, but it proved practically impossible

Jes

Brianjonesphoto · #11 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 02:00 PM

Jes
It's mostly a plug and play type set up. you already have to modify the wiring to install the projectors, but not much more in involved. Here are a few pages about the convertion

http://www.brightheadlights-hid.com/...ights-Kits.htm

Here's TJ's car with the convertion
http://mail.verus-tech.com/alfa/164Q.htm

**AR4me** · #12 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 02:09 PM

That's the car I remember seeing with a "true" xenon conversion.

On those pictures I don't see the gap mentioned (and shown) by Pedi. Could it be, that for 94 onwards there will be no gap, but there will for the 91?

Brian, do you remember the front fender on your 95 Quad, would it have a gap (don't have mine yet , so I can't go look)?

Jes

Brianjonesphoto · #13 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 02:16 PM

I don't know it it would have a gap or not I have yet to get a set of projectors. It's just alot of money for me right know for headlight when mine work fine. I did see a set for sale on the alfa classifieds for around $500 It might be worth a look.

pedi · #14 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AR4me
Could it be, that for 94 onwards there will be no gap, but there will for the 91?

tjp74 · #15 (**permalink**) 12-03-2003, 05:36 PM

When ever I don't check the forum for a while someone is talking about me

Yes that was my Q that I sold a year ago to a gentleman in NY. I installed the headlight my self and also did the XENON conversion.

You can also find the full instruction on euro headlight installation instruction on my site.

http://mail.verus-tech.com/alfa/

As you can see it's not a plug and play. Wire modification is need but anyone can do it if you have wired something in your life.

About the fender gap, 94-95 US models have different fender than 91-93 US models so you won't have a gap when you install the euro headlight.

Regarding the Xenon conversion, I did it but I do not recommend my way. No matter how they claim or how accurately you align HID bulb the light reflector is different so you will not get the correct beam pattern. The proper way is to get a set of DE (Projector) assembly designed from the factory to use XENON light and blaster set and replace the 164 one. This is not a plug and play and will require some modification to the housing. You can get a full set of DE/Projector assembly, blaster and wiring taken off from cars like BMW 5 series or Audi A6 for around 2-300 dollars on ebay. BiXenon will cost you around $350 and you can have true HID/Xenon high beam. Don't waste any money on those HID kit claiming more than 5000 Kelvin temperature. And don't even bother on those high wattage halogen bulb coated with blue paint claiming to be better than the true XENON light.

tj
94 LS
95 Q4