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Hello from new GTV owner

2K views 22 replies 15 participants last post by  Durty dog 
#1 ·
Hi folks
Just acquired a 1998 GTV 3.0 V6, sight unseen from fleabay....62,000 miles, looks OK in the pictures.

I see a number of seemingly good cars go for breaking - are they really prone to tinworm underneath?

Whats mods should I look at???
 
#2 ·
Hello BQF and welcome to the liveliest forum there is. i'm not sure its tin worm that kills off most GTV's as they are galvanised. Most of the suspension components though are not and Alfa charge ridiculous amounts for replacements. for example rear spring pans cost £496 each from alfa and come without paint!! whereas 916 autoparts (00Andy) on this forum can supply powder coated and bushed replacements for far less than half of that. You're in good company, the GTV owners here have been amazingly helpful and if you have a problem or question they can't sort i'll be surprised.
Have a good time, enjoy your alfa and for gods sake post some photos of your Bella
 
#3 ·
Congrats! It's not rust that kills them it's big bills that crop up might make them uneconomical to repair so unfortunately some get sold for parts.

Mods? Exhaust if it's still stock, BMC air filter - which doesn't add any performance but sounds great, Q2 diff and then sorting out any worn suspension components by fitting better versions such as Koni shocks and powerflex bushes.

Even if it's still stock they are amazing cars so don't rush out and start bolting bits on at first, get to know the car and you might love it just as it is.
 
#4 ·
Welcome - the best thing you can do before any mods is spend some time and money getting your new Bella into tip top mechanical condition. Focus on that first, it will pay dividends. No point having a raucous exhaust for example if your car stops moving.
Good luck and post some pictures when you've got some
 
#6 ·
As well as the other suggestions above. It is still a good idea to remove the plastic sill covers and have a good look underneath. These were packed full of muck/silt on both my 916's and there was evidence of the start of some rot which luckily was caught early enough to deal with.
Do a search for Mitch's thread on sill removal and you should be fine.
 
G
#7 ·
Welcome....To avoid all these big bills, Alfa ownership can mean that some knowledge of mechanics & a very good tool kit along with comprehensive workshop manuals will go a long way to keeping your car happy and running well.
If you rely on Specialist garage services for everything, you could well empty your wallet fairly rapidly if things aren't kept in check and dealt with reasonably quickly.
Also, I believe that before altering & modifying, it is always best to ensure that the basics are dealt with...ie timing belt, variator etc.
 
#10 ·
Well, collected the car yesterday and it's great. Interior perfect, bodywork perfect, doesn't look too bad underneath (!) - although I will obviously have to get it up on a lift and have a proper look-see. They make a great noise don't they!

One question - when I hit the limiter there is a 500rpm drop in revs immediately - which I have never seen before - usually the engine will bang off the limiter rather than be cut sharply like that. Is this normal?

I have to say that is a sweet gearchange too - excellent.

Will a Quaife diff sort out the hilarious Torque Steer?
 
#15 ·
Will a Quaife diff sort out the hilarious Torque Steer?
YES - A Q2 or Quaife combined with a GTA clutch and flywheel will transform it. Once fitted you can look those 2.0 enthusiasts in the eye when they say how much better their's is through the bends. Trust me I have both and a sorted 3.0 will power through any bend squarely planted and leave a twinnie standing.

Don't get me wrong - I love my GTV - it is so nimble and a great drive. The Spider however is such a blast that I smile just thinking about it.
 
#19 ·
Welcome to AO ... nice colour combination there. You just need to ditch the "castors" and get some 17" / 18" rims for it and keep those 16" for a set of winter tyres if using it all year round. Lots of stuff on this site and you'll soon get into it, and as said..... spend, spend, spend £££'s :lol:
 
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