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787 views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  GianniVen 
#1 ·
Hi guys,

Trying to soak up as much Alfa info as possible prior to a purchase. I love machines, and the Alfa is a machine to love. Actually, like Ducati's, an Alfa works well just sitting in your living room...

I believe that the Australian Spider 1998+ is what's called the 916 on this forum.. but here it just seems to be "Spider" or "GTV".

I want solid advice please. Certainly I want a 2000+ Spider and condition is much more important than anything ( unless she has red leather upholstery in which case all bets are off ).. but which version? Firstly - this car will only have a manual gearbox... . I'm inclined to the V6 ( mainly because of the noise it makes but the power is also a draw ), but is a 4 cylinder a better or more balanced driving option with front wheel drive? If so, which four cylinder - the twin spark or the direct injection JTS?

I'm an aircraft mechanic so work on my own stuff. My memory of Alfa's is always the sound, so work will concentrate on that. In truth, a decent Alfa makes a V8 sound like a Honda postie bike. But realistically, is there any particular maintenance nightmare to avoid?

Many thanks in anticipation.

Chilby
 
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#2 · (Edited)
They're just referred to as 916 to avoid confusion with other GTV & Spider models.

916 is the model number. When you get one, look at the VIN number and you'll see it starts ZAR916... ZAR is Alfa and 916 is the numerical model ID.

There's no question the 4 cylinder cars handle much better than the V6 variants although those V6s with the Q2 diff are said to equal things out.

As to the JTS, many people do not like the engine and claim it is unreliable. However my wife had a 156 JTS which is now used by my son and I think its a great engine; it's never caused us any trouble although it does burn a little oil. The extra 10 - 15 bhp over the TS is very noticeable. It also delivers that power in a nicer way compared to the cf1 TS ( however a 2000 year GTV would be cf2 or cf3 and would therefore have the variable inlet manifold which is said to help ).

The only problem with the JTS and 3.2 V6 is, in my opinion, the awfully bad front end. That's easily fixed though with an earlier bonnet and bumper!
 
#4 ·
hey thanks Freds.. yes as I suspected. So, seduced by the notion of power I now research Q2 diffs..

yes, as in the JTS, all direct injection engines fry injectors in the heat of combustion, but i've noticed that new injectors and ( even more important ) the injector seals are quite cheap - even listed on eBay. So i'm sensing a drift to either a JTS 4 cylinder for all round driving experience, verses a V6 for straight out power. Hmm.. have to drive a few I reckon..

Thanks very much for your information. Taken onboard :)
 
#3 ·
Hi Chilby, are you from Australia ? where abouts are you? Im in Sydney.

Mate, get the V6 dont muck around with the 4 cylinder stuff. If you want to be a serious Alfisti get the V6 3.0L or 3.2L

The maintenance is not going to be that much different and if you working on it yourself definitely get the V6.
 
#5 ·
out in the Boondocks PKR.. The Coorong in South Australia. Here I get a 50km straight run to the base of the Adelaide Hills, then it's all fast twisties into the city. Generally I do it real fast on my Ducati.. weee.

Yes I tend to the V6. Despite it's greater complexity it makes up in performance. Also, the "cruise" fuel consumption is listed by Alfa as the same as a 4 cylinder. And yes, with double overhead cam engines, one bank or two, you're basically taking apart a big bit of something just to get at it.

But in the end it's about the sound.. :)
 
#6 ·
I have owned both the 2.0TS and have the 3.0 V6 now.

There is alot thats been written about both but Ill outline what are common to both :

2.0L TS
1) Has Brilliant razor sharp handling. It handles like its on rails. Probably the best handling car Ive ever driven. Sublime experience going round corners that feel like the car has made rails on the road ahead of it in advance. It eats up my favourite twisty pieces of road for breakfast.

2) It doesnt have much power of the line at traffic lights etc. Especially when they get older, You need to replace the Air Flow Meter about $200-300. Make sure its an OEM Bosch. Even so it is Very Slow off the line. It feels like a truck getting off the line. Its really annoying in traffic stopping and starting and no fun at all.

3.0L V6
1) Has an ABUNDANCE of Power compared to the 2.0 Litre. Almost feels like it has DOUBLE the Power. You feel like its a Proper Sports Car. 0-60k time is 6.6 Secs and thats very quick. 2.0Litre is 8.8secs or so ? but the V6 has all the Power youll ever need and more. You'll never be able to rev it that high unless your on the Autobahn or something !

2) Handling is not as good as the 2.0Litre but its an acceptable trade off as the V6 Power is the real Star and outshines the 2.0 Litres handling by a long way. It still is very good handling car dont get me wrong. Also with the Q2 its even better again. Have driven a 147 GTA and that also has brilliant handling, so I assume GTV V6 will be similar

3) Also over time the V6 will become more valuable and collectable.

Overall go for the V6 the choice will be obvious when you drive both

Cheers
 
#7 ·
V6 every time.

Don't get me wrong as I had a TS GTV for over ten years and loved it. Nice revvy engine and great handling. After that died I got the V6 Spider which is a total joy to drive.

Without the Q2 diff it can be a handful and certainly does not handle as well as a TS. Terrific fun to drive though as you fight the torque steer and learn how best to go round corners. BUT fit a Q2/Quaife and transforms the handling - just as good as the TS but with so much more oomph - powering through bends is a joy and it would be fair to say that, if you were being followed by a TS, you would leave them wallowing.

As I say both great cars but that Busso V6 engine is a true classic.
 
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