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pjgid · 18-03-2008

Hi all. It's been getting on for a year since my last post so I thought I'd update you with a progress report.

The story so far - I bought a 1985 GTV6 2.5 in May last year with the intention of preparing it for fast road and trackday work. Obviously, loads needed to be done to convert it from a 160 bhp road car to a 300 bhp circuit warrior. And loads more is still needed to be done before it's finally ready for use!

After asking for help in this very forum, several members pointed me in the direction of Alex Jupe Motorsport in Newtown, Hampshire and the road to financial ruin....To them, I'd like to say a big "thank you".

Alex sourced a suitable, working car to use as a base and was entrusted with tackling the tasks.

Over the past few months the car has had a lot of welding carried out to eliminate as far as possible the rusted areas (as ever with an older Alfa, the paint was holding the body panels together!).

When the welding finally stopped and the smoke had cleared, all of the interior & exterior trim, running gear & chassis components were stripped off. It was due to be trailored (last Friday) to the Midlands to be dipped in chemicals that would strip the paint completely and remove any final traces of rust. I've been told it could be 4 - 6 weeks before the car can head back south.

In theory, I'll will at that point be the proud owner of a 1985 GTV6 bare metal shell - now that's what I call progress! When the car is back in Alex's care, it'll undergo a complete re-spray in a yet-to-be-decided colour.

Alex will then be fitting a full roll cage and fixed-back bucket seats with full harnesses in the front; the rear seat will be binned altogether. An RS Racing suspension kit, a "quickshift" for the transaxle gearbox from a 75 3.0 V6, bigger brakes and, of course, the new engine are also to be fitted.

It was my original plan to fit a GTA 3.2 24v engine from the 147 & 156 models and modify that, however Alex tells me the less-powerful 164 3.0 24v makes for an easier fit inside the GTV's engine bay. The final spec is still being worked on, though I believe it will include throttle bodies, a non-catalyst sports exhaust, lightened powertrain wherever possible and a full re-map. I'd like to end up with 300 bhp & 230 lbs/ft torque and Alex thinks this spec should just about achive those figures.

I'm really hoping the car will be ready before the end of this trackday season.

Should any of you take pity on this poor soul and feel the overwhelming urge to make a donation to my "Get The GTV6 Running Quicker" charitable fund, please contact Alex and make a pledge. No amount is too small, though bigger numbers are much better!

Yours (from the tent 'cos the house has been sold to fund this),

Paul.

18-03-2008	#1 (Post Link)
pjgid Newbie Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 38 Member car: GTV6 2.5	1985 GTV6 24v Hi all. It's been getting on for a year since my last post so I thought I'd update you with a progress report. The story so far - I bought a 1985 GTV6 2.5 in May last year with the intention of preparing it for fast road and trackday work. Obviously, loads needed to be done to convert it from a 160 bhp road car to a 300 bhp circuit warrior. And loads more is still needed to be done before it's finally ready for use! After asking for help in this very forum, several members pointed me in the direction of Alex Jupe Motorsport in Newtown, Hampshire and the road to financial ruin....To them, I'd like to say a big "thank you". Alex sourced a suitable, working car to use as a base and was entrusted with tackling the tasks. Over the past few months the car has had a lot of welding carried out to eliminate as far as possible the rusted areas (as ever with an older Alfa, the paint was holding the body panels together!). When the welding finally stopped and the smoke had cleared, all of the interior & exterior trim, running gear & chassis components were stripped off. It was due to be trailored (last Friday) to the Midlands to be dipped in chemicals that would strip the paint completely and remove any final traces of rust. I've been told it could be 4 - 6 weeks before the car can head back south. In theory, I'll will at that point be the proud owner of a 1985 GTV6 bare metal shell - now that's what I call progress! When the car is back in Alex's care, it'll undergo a complete re-spray in a yet-to-be-decided colour. Alex will then be fitting a full roll cage and fixed-back bucket seats with full harnesses in the front; the rear seat will be binned altogether. An RS Racing suspension kit, a "quickshift" for the transaxle gearbox from a 75 3.0 V6, bigger brakes and, of course, the new engine are also to be fitted. It was my original plan to fit a GTA 3.2 24v engine from the 147 & 156 models and modify that, however Alex tells me the less-powerful 164 3.0 24v makes for an easier fit inside the GTV's engine bay. The final spec is still being worked on, though I believe it will include throttle bodies, a non-catalyst sports exhaust, lightened powertrain wherever possible and a full re-map. I'd like to end up with 300 bhp & 230 lbs/ft torque and Alex thinks this spec should just about achive those figures. I'm really hoping the car will be ready before the end of this trackday season. Should any of you take pity on this poor soul and feel the overwhelming urge to make a donation to my "Get The GTV6 Running Quicker" charitable fund, please contact Alex and make a pledge. No amount is too small, though bigger numbers are much better! Yours (from the tent 'cos the house has been sold to fund this), Paul.