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My 156 SW - Not that quick!

881 views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  cj romeo 
#1 ·
I love my 1.8TS Sportwagon but I must say that the performance is slightly underwhelming and I wonder if it’s down to the perennial MAF problem?

I recently took it to Southern France and the car was a joy (Great on twisty roads and really comfortable) apart from the following points.

  • Felt pretty sluggish (although it will get to 80 quite easily and go on through to 100+)
  • After motorway cruising at 80-90 MPH and then slowing/stopping in traffic or at toll booths the car felt reluctant to pull away, almost as if the revs were being limited. After a minute or two it was back to normal.
  • The car seemed lacklustre on uphill sections, even fairly shallow ones – had to really floor it.

I’ve looked at loads of posts on here re MAF’s but not all of my symptoms seem to apply.

  • The car idles perfectly.
  • The engine revs freely although there is a slight delay (probably only half a second or less -might just be me though) from idle before it shoots up.

Also I have to say that I’ve never noticed the well known TS power surge after 3000rpm. The car revs freely but just doesn’t seem to pull spectacularly.

To put things another way it seems hardly any quicker than the 1.6LS Astra I had and the other day I was beaten away by a Skoda Estate!

I must admit that I haven’t tried unplugging the MAF yet. Would that show up any power loss issues or am I best to ask my friendly independent to try a good MAF out?

I’m not expecting super car performance from my 156 but I’ve just got this nagging feeling that it could/should be a whole lot better. It just sort of feels like there's power in there but it's somehow being stifled.

Any Thoughts?
 
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#2 ·
Personally I think the 1.8 engine is maybe ill equipped to handle a car the size of the 156 SW, but then again there's only 10BHP difference between the 1.8 and the 2.0 anyway so they should both be pretty decent.

If the car revs freely though I can't see it being your MAF.
 
#3 ·
My wives 147 is more racey than my SW (both have 2.0 TS's). I know gearing is slighly different and weight is an issue (the SW not me). However, I've had my SW a year, changed the MAF as it began to fail(great improvement). Also when I changed the timing belt I noticed the timing was out. Now the car pulls away better, smoother idle and quicker pick up (starts up easier as well).
Could just be having then 1.8 engine or it may need a good service.
Good luck.
 
#4 ·
well That had crossed my mind too. Perhaps I'm just expecting too much from a biggish car with a smallish engine.

I think the thing with ALFAs is that they LOOK fast so you expect them to be fast!

Still love it to bits though. Just need to convince my other half that we need a GTA!:lol:
 
#10 ·
Thanks Guys

Some interesting comments there. I'll have to take it round to my local Alfa specialist (Richard Drake in Norwich - Top chap!)and see what he thinks.

It's just one of those niggly things where the car is running ok so I don't want to spend loads (i haven't got just now) only to find it's just my expectations were too high.

On a different note my wife picked me up at lunchtime and the car looked so sool as it rolled up. Funny how you get that different perspective thing when you see someone else driving your car isn't it?
 
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