156 mods

Hello,
Just started to mod my 156 v6. First mod was clear side repeaters, and second was a carbonfibre centre console. just fitted new alloys. Looked at the threads on here but still put my trust in the specialists. I had 205 60 16s and ordered 17s. I expected these to come 205, but they are 225 45 17's - although I took them for a short run I'd like to know if anyone has fitted this size and come across any problems. They are 5x100 with these special bolts - any issues with these? Can I put the standard locking nuts back on ar do I need special locking nuts?

Ash

Hi Ash,

Not too sure about visual mods mate but if you need any ideas regarding performance mods take a look here at a past thread of mine:

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/tunin...56-2-5-v6.html (Modifying a 156 2.5 V6)

Should be 'some' useful information there mate regarding speed and the such.

Welcome to the forum mate!

Darren

Originally Posted by AlfaAsh

Hello,
Just started to mod my 156 v6. First mod was clear side repeaters, and second was a carbonfibre centre console. just fitted new alloys. Looked at the threads on here but still put my trust in the specialists. I had 205 60 16s and ordered 17s. I expected these to come 205, but they are 225 45 17's - although I took them for a short run I'd like to know if anyone has fitted this size and come across any problems. They are 5x100 with these special bolts - any issues with these? Can I put the standard locking nuts back on ar do I need special locking nuts?

Ash

225/45/17 is what they should be for 17" wheels. Never heard of someone running 205/60/16s, you either run 195/60/15s or 205/55/16s..

The first thing I would mod on a V6 156 would be the suspension. The sportpacked cars are under-damped, and the non sportpack version which your sounds like it is is even worse...

All 156 17" wheels were fitted with 215/45x17 except for the GTA which had 225/45x17 tyres.

I have 225/45-17's on my SuperSports (7 x 17), and I have no issues with rubbing/fouling, but these are the proper Alfa wheels, 5 x 98, with the correct 156/147 offset (whatever that may be). Make sure any aftermarket wheels you get have the correct offset, or they will rub (on the suspension & wheel arch liners at the front, on the wheelarches at the rear).

Originally Posted by Pascs

All 156 17" wheels were fitted with 215/45x17...

This is true, but the 225/45-17's are a better match size-wise to the 205/55-16's which were previously on my car - the circumferance of the 215/45-17's is much smaller.

The offset of the 7x17" Alfa wheels is 40.5mm.

I was thinking to fit some 205/50x17 which have slightly bigger diameter than 225/45x17 (for added comfort) but I think they are more expensive than 225/45 so no real point in that.

Moved to Tuning Lounge

you cant fit your original locking bolts, you need wobbly locking bolts that have 1mm of play on the collar, this play alloys the bolt to sit off centre in the wheel's hole.

thanks for all your comments - any brake mods worth doing?

Originally Posted by AlfaAsh

thanks for all your comments - any brake mods worth doing?

I found that Ferodo DS2500's to be one of the best all round pads - no fade and plenty of bite, can be slightly noisy at very light brake applications. Work well with standard discs and dont produce too much brake dust.

And flush through with new Dot 4 brake fluid

As for brake upgrades, have a look here:

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/tunin...mm-330mm.html? (Brake conversion 284mm -> 330mm)

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/tunin...6-147-gt.html? (Group buy - big brake upgrade for 156/147/GT)

The v6 is gona be pretty pokie as it is but a decent induction kit and free flowing exhaust system from either the cat back or have it decat'd to really open her up (dont forget your need the cat back in for MoT time) after that I'd leave the engine alone. Simple breathing mods should wake the performance up a tad and also get a great soundtrack to listen to while driving.

As for body mods, there are a few kits out there and other body parts like front and rear spoilers but I wouldn't go to mad as the 156 has great lines you just want to compliment them lines not detract from them.

You could look at the high rise evo style spoiler which looks nice with the sports skirts that higher spec'd cars come with.

Either a nice twin pipe like the GTA has or a large oval tailpipe should fill the bumper cut out nicely, I'd avoid Jap style/custom/universal dustbins as again I'm not sure they would suit the clean lines of the 156

When it comes to styling its all personal taste and its your car and money so buy what you like

Get some pic's up in the pic section