When I bought Mia Bella in March this year I knew the clutch on the girl was shuddering slightly and would likely need replacing within 12 months. It had travelled 94,000km after all on the original clutch.
Then I made the mistake of letting my wife drive the car last weekend.....it returned to me with clutch so badly knackered that the engine feels like it's trying to jump out of the engine bay and into the passenger's seat.
The new clutch kit for the 2.5V6 is about $800 but labour is going to be big, it's a 2 day job! All up Lance Dixon reckon it will be about two gorillas worth.
Moto of the story:
1. Don't let the missus drive the Alfa
2. Refer to 1.
After 3 days with the nice folk at Lance Dixon I've got my 156 back complete with new cutch, machined flywheel and a clutch pedal so light I just about pushed it through the firewall the first couple of gear changes! It's smooth as silk, which is great.
Thanks Damon and the guys!
If you don't mind me asking - did it end up being 2 gorillas?
2 gorillas indeed....the wife popped an artery just about.
This was on a V6 though, they had to drop the gearbox and they also took out and lubricated the starter motor whilst they were at it. I also went for an Alfa remanufactured clutch (as most people do) rather than a new one, this saved about $300 and is warranteed as per a new unit by Alfa. Given it lasted nigh on 100,000km, it ain't too bad a hit.
Next up is some decent shockers....any suggestions on sourcing Konis or Bilsteins?
Hard to go past the konis - once i've finished the grp s car i'll put a set on the 156
Call Rick at Top Performance (Koni Distributors) 03 9873 1722
http://www.toperformance.com.au/index2.html