Hello Alfa Owners

[argento_GTV]

Hey guys,

My name is Frank from Adelaide and im in the market for my first Alfetta. In terms of style and lines, my fav model is the 2000 model GTV. I am aware they come in 4s and the V6. Im more keen on the V6 for the sound and performance. Can some members here give me an idea on the 1998-2000 GTV series. All ive learned so far is the 2000 models have the 6spd box in them. Is this a significent improvement? Im not phased by the upkeep costs of an italian car. I know my way around Japanese cars and quad cam motors, engine management ect, so the idea of a DOHC V6 Alfa really excites me. So are they a good lil number? My first test drives are this week. Im looking to find out the right questions to ask the sellers. Heres a pic of what id want, what id dream of driving, its the hot sh&^... really. Id like to find 1 in either in red or blue.



Cheers

Frank ;-)

[Sheldon McIntosh]

They're a very nice car, but I wouldn't go calling them an Alfetta if I was you.  Alfetta refers to the 70s and 80s sedans and coupes with a rear transaxle, and earlier to the 158/9 grand prix cars raced from the late 30s to early 50s.

[argento_GTV]

They're a very nice car, but I wouldn't go calling them an Alfetta if I was you.  Alfetta refers to the 70s and 80s sedans and coupes with a rear transaxle, and earlier to the 158/9 grand prix cars raced from the late 30s to early 50s.

Wow, you must know your alfas very well. Thanks. My grandpa said something about not all Alfas are Alfettas.  Im learning but it wont take me long. You mention the GTV is a nice car. From an engineering point of view, and perhaps to your knoledge, how so?

[Sheldon McIntosh]

I know very little about these particular cars, only driven them briefly.  I assume you've scanned through the 932 series section of this forum?  Here is the link, just in case  http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?board=15.0  I don't know if there's a whole heap about them there, but there will be the odd gem.  Failing that, someone with more knowledge than me will be along shortly.

Good luck with it all, and welcome to the forum.

[shane wescott]

Hi Frank


They are very beuatiful cars. I had a 1998/99 2 litre twin spark model, handled beautifully, nice sound, great looking car. I rode around in a V6 one many times as a mate owned one, still beautiful probably more challenging to drive than the 2 litre.

As far as relaibility goes, mine only had a powersteering leak (after a gutter issue) in 6 years so no complaints there. Main question is evidence of when the timing belts were done and the usual regular service questions. You sound like you have the right mind set upfront so take one for a drive and enjoy :-)

Catch ya

Shane

[spieret]

I own a black 1998 V6, I love it to death. Having driven both the V6 and the twin spark, I wouldn't go to the twin spark personally. Once you drive the V6 you'll know why. Pre 2000 model are actually 916 series. Make sure you have had the belts changed at 50-60k intervals. Also the hoses are starting to get old and worn now, so that is something to look out for, but never fear the hoses aren't expensive to replace. The only problem is if the parts are actually in australia, otherwise you have to wait up to 2 weeks for the part to arrive.

I've owned mine 2 years, service it regularly and have had nothing expensive go wrong(touch wood). You also need to make sure you check your oil regularly. Never let it get below the low mark. Tyres will last 20-30k unless you do a couple of track days. You definately have to use Premium fuel or you'll blow your oxygen sensor and my mechanic says in that car you'll be looking at about 1k for that fix.

Good luck in your search. shouldn't be too hard to find a very good example for around 16-17k. But definately get it checked by an Alfa specialist. Also make sure they still have the Master key and never ,ever lose that key.

Cheers

Tony

[John Hanslow]

I own a 156 twin spark and took a qwhile to get the car of my choice.  Have a good look around and do you research.  Do not forget to get the car checked out with a prepurchase inspection and joining your local club may assist in getting some invaluable contacts. 

Depending on what is available in the market, you may even have a look at post 2000 year cars with differing options and features. Check out a car reviews on line ( there are a few) and Auto Italia who did a pretty thorough car review recently.

Good luck.

[argento_GTV]

Thanks to Shane, spieret et al....

Yeah ill speak to some club members and so on as i know the value. Being in the 300zx owners club as easily saved me over 10 thousand dollars over 4 years. I love my 300zx but it might be time for a change. The 300 has made me understand that you never just drop a car off at the mechanics and hope they figure it out for you... Ive found to fully understand and oversee any work being done, even supply my own OEM parts to save on frieght times and to know whats going in your car. Its helped a lot.

Hey Spieret thanks for the overview on your 98 GTV, I can imagine the 2L wont be as fun and by right, the capasity and the data shows it (the 3L) should be more ballzy. I have a very open mind so i will attempt to drive a twin spark just incase I prefer the wieght distribution of the 2L. I would have thought the belt and autotensioners are 100k intervals but if its common for them to fail earlier (id be suprised) I will invest in them. Im not suprised a genuine alfa romeo Cat converter is worth a $1k aus! However, I will research wether the 3L responds well to a more free flowing exhaust and such the stock cat wont be needed. It will depend on wether the BOSCH ECU can readjust the fuel map to suit the increase in flow. How are stuff like water pumps, CV's, brake pads like to source in Australia?? I am a first generation Australian / Italian with family still over there. I can probably organise group buys direct in Italy on certain items and bring them back here for us members LOL

Well I cant wait its only a matter of days till i jump in and turn that master Key!

[spieret]

Did i mention , don't use the Master key unless you have no other option. Brake bits can be readily found at DBA distributors like repco, i just recently replaced my discs after warping them on a track day. I have an article from a recent Auto Italia magazine on the pro's/con's of buying a GTV , if you like i can scan it and send you a copy.

[argento_GTV]

Did i mention , don't use the Master key unless you have no other option. Brake bits can be readily found at DBA distributors like repco, i just recently replaced my discs after warping them on a track day. I have an article from a recent Auto Italia magazine on the pro's/con's of buying a GTV , if you like i can scan it and send you a copy.

That be great! send to frankie_308@hotmail.com

Ive just driven 3 GTV's... all 1998 5pds... one with 128,xxx kms, one with 75,xxx kms and one with 52,000kms...

Questions i now have is regarding servicing intervals, fluids and km's traveled over periods of time.

Ive learned the GTV's have a 20,000km service interval. If, however, the 20,000kms isnt exceeded very quickly, how often in Months should the engine oil and coolant be replaced?

Im asking this as i have some serious questions about the 52,xxx km's GTV. It was serviced (end of warranty service/ inspection) in 2004 at 43,000kms. It had the oil and filter replaced and the drivers window adjusted. The owner has literally done 9,000kms in 4 years and has NEVER serviced it since this 43,000kms. He as only driven it on weekends and the condition of the body and interior shows this. It doent have the wear of a daily dirver or a car that is used for shopping.

This car now has 52,000kms and Checking the oil level showed me that the level was on the lower dot marking. (needs top up?) Clearly  in only 9,000kms its only used a bit of oil. My concerns are has the shell Helix synthetic gone off during those 4-5 years? Is this a bad thing for what is a near new car (52,000kms - the body and interior is truly immaculate) It has travelled 5 summers in Adelaide (3 of which were long a extreme) without the coolant being changed. ( my understanding is that any coolant will go stale and loose its glycol in about 3 years. This is an all alluminium motor with stale coolant!  The owner could not promise me if the Belt/autotensioner has been done in the cars 10 year life. Any timing belt is made of rubber and on a V6 has some sharp bends to work around ect. After 10 years (and only 52,000kms) is this belt and auto tensioner now an accident waiting to happen?

I love this car its done only 52,000kms and looks identical to the car in my first post and is in truly amazing condition overall. Its just never been serviced in 5 years / 12,000kms ago and its a real concern. Furthermore, it has a 10 year old timing belt and auto tensioner, seals, and waterpump. Should I be worried? It drove very well and had nice throttle responce.

Question is...Alfa owners... WOULD YOU BUY IT?

[AGM155]

If the timing belt really is 10 years old I wouldn't even drive the car....I'd get it towed straight to a timing belt change.

Sounds to me like its low km and rarely used, which is fair enough, but short cuts have been taken on servicing during that time. Personally, I wouldn't touch it.

[Craig C]

You definately have to use Premium fuel or you'll blow your oxygen sensor and my mechanic says in that car you'll be looking at about 1k for that fix.

I've had a couple of oxygen sensors replaced in the last few years and I put it down to using the higher octane premium fuel such as the 98 octane rather than the mid premuium one at 94 octane.  Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[spieret]

I have mine serviced every 10k, keeps it running nice and the fluids are fresh. If it's done 52k with no timing belt change, then i would have it changed as soon as possible, especially since it has been sitting around, the 1k you spend now freshining it up could save you 5-6k down the road if the belt breaks. And once it has been changed you have a beautifully running motor.

[argento_GTV]

Hey members,

Ive brought a Silver 7/2000 build GTV V6. She wears tan momo inside and rolls on stock 16s with yokos as the rubber bands. For now its stock as a rock down to the air box and Philips CD. Mods to come are mild and subtle including full audio upgrade, some 4000k diamond visions, clear blinkers, suspension, induction and minor exhaust tweaks. Lastly, I will aquire a Q2 LSD and when the yokos wear thin ill be buying some 17s or 18s if they fit. For now its just getting to understand her better!  :roll:

Enjoy... :wink:








And, as I like to call it.. The Money Shot.



Images taken with a Nikon D90 DSLR.

Well thats it for now looking forward to being a member.

Cheers

Frank

[spieret]

I've been told you shouldn't need the Q2 diff in the GTV as it's diff setup is totally different to a 147 and isn't prone to the same problems.