There are 3 distinct types of 155 Q4, the first 1500 cars, for simplicities sake called series 1 cars from now on, were produced between 1992 and late 1993, the net 1000 cars (series 2) were produced between 1994 and 1995, and the final run, produced in 1995 and 1996 (series 3). In general they are straight forward to tell apart, series 1 cars have the hoop style headrests and front door bins with slashes in them. Series 2 cars have solid headrests and doorbins, and of course the series 3 cars are widebodied.

Interestingly Alfa Romeo decided to install an intercooler waterspray system on the series 1 cars. As with all things Q4 related, there is very little factory documentation about the system and why it was installed. One theory is that it was there for homologation reasons, with Alfa planning on using a race version of the car in the future. The fact that many of the series 1 cars left the factory without the relay and fuse needed to operate the system backs up this theory. Its a situation similar to the supply of Silverstones with their spoilers and extension brackets supplied to dealerships in the boots of the cars. Something hat was brought to everyones attension when Alfa used the spoilers in the 1993 BTCC championship.

So many owners of the series 1 Q4's have got a factory fitted system that will improve performance, if only it were connected. However the system is abit of a mystery to most owners, and many dealers don't even know what it is. (lets face it many Alfa dealers don't even know what a Q4 is.) So this article will hopefully clear up some of mysterys of the Waterspray system.

Waterspray components

The waterspray system is actually pretty simple, and consists of only a few components. The spray is initially triggered by a pressure switch, this provides a signal to a relay which switches power on to two pumps connected in series in the boot of the car. The pumps pump water held in a large black bag, also in the boot, through a hosepipe style hose. The hose is routed through the interior of the car, passes through the front bulkhead and terminates in a washer jet, that is directed at the intercooler. It really is as simple as that.

Details of the components can be found on the parts CD if you dig around abit, but I've reproduced them here.

Number	Description	Alfa Part number
1	Hose	60595829
2	Nozzle	60809009
3	Nozzle holder	60809009
4	T-piece	14583087
5	Hose	96506445
6	Bracket	60809007
7	Connector	60809010
8	Gasket	10296160
9	Pressure Switch	60809006
10	Clip/connector	1341770
10	Clip/connector	60809003
10	Clip/connector	13433470
11	Relay	60577687
12	Fuse	11055390

Number	Description	Alfa Part number
1	Wiring loom	60594037
2	Water bag	60809000
3	Rubber ring	60807761
4	Elecrtical connector	60809005
5	Strap	5943973
6	Pump	82439887
7	Hose	60595828
8	Hose	82480654
9	Valve	60809002
10	Bracket	96506422

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