GTA Nearly Ready

[GOM]

Just been on to RoadSpeed and my beloved GTA should be completed in about two weeks time. Yipee

[cjm]

What are you having done to it?

Alway liked the alpines but not been brave enough to buy one!

Do you have any pics of yours?

Colin

>> Edited by cjm on Sunday 26th March 19:49

[GOM]

Full ground up rebuild. The old girl has done 100k, so I thought she deserved a treat. Plus larger hybrid turbo, straight thru zorst, turn the boost up and v - v - vroooooom. Next will be referb interior and full respray.



>> Edited by GOM on Sunday 26th March 19:32

[cjm]

Have you had any problems with the car, how reliable are they and are they problems getting parts for them?

I've read a few reviews that say the standard cars have a lot of turbo lag, are they worse than other turbochardged car of the same age?

[GOM]

I did 70,000 miles in just over two years in the GTA. Only ever broke down once and that was due to a fuel pump wire rubbing on the wheel arch causing a short. They are subject to the occasional electrical gremlin as all French machines seem to be, but I've never found it a problem. Decided to go for a complete rebuild as I thought at a 100,000 she would need it, but as it turned out sub-frames were fine and just needed re-powder coating and the engine and gear box were in excellent condition. Have had the discs replaced with new and the callipers referbished, all bearings renewed and some wiring, which was getting a bit long in the tooth replaced. Aircon compressor has been renewed along with new shocks and lowering springs. Suffers from some turbo lag but no worse than any other especially modern ricers. Cure for this is the elimination of the silencer system, loud but not excessive (I also have a Tiv with supersports zorst - that's loud) and it virtually eliminates turbo lag plus adding some useful horses. Parts are still reasonable easy to source as long as you steer clear of main stealers. Also, good active Club. I've never regretted buying the car. I've had it for 7 years and will never part with it. Probably the most under-rated car ever built. If buying, be very careful, a thorough inspection by someone who knows the cars is to be strongly recommended. Primary source of big money repairs is the chassis members bonded inside the body tub fibreglass which can rust - difficult and expensive to repair. Power upgrades are limited on the turbo (max about 300bhp)unless you spend really big money. Atmos are much more tuneable.

Alpine Andy is well informed and may be able to help you with additional information. Hope this helps.

[rumpelstiltskin]

The funniest thing i ever heard about French cars with turbos in the 80,s was a magazine article which opened up by saying,"In the 80,s the French had a habit of bolting on turbos to cack cars and ending up with fast cack!"Which really made me laugh as there's more than a tinge of reality about that,saying that i love French turbo cars,i've had Gordini turbos,Gt turbos...and loved them all!Gta's are great looking cars,one of my favourites!

[Alpineandy]

Hi Ya,
If your really interested then have a look on here:
www.renaultalpineownersclub.com/