Tell me about... GTs

[Johnny 89]

I asked for advice about the 159 in another thread a few months ago. Now I'm looking at GTs.

I'm looking mainly at 1.8 & 2.0 petrols and the 1.9 JTDm.

As I understand these are the same engines as the 159 and the same advice applies? Happy to be corrected otherwise.

I would love some feedback and opinions on the dos and don't sod buying a GT.

Thanks in advance

[Johnny 89]

Evanivitch said:

Had a GT Blackline 2.0 JTS for 18 months.

Good car, loved it, but it's still much and Alfa.

It squeaks (bushes), it rattles, it needs oil topping frequently, it has electrical issues (nothing major) and it's not all that fast or well handling.

But, great interior. Stunning looks. Pleasure to drive.

Thanks,

I don't mind niggles so much and an Alfa is what I'm after :-)

What electrical issues did you have?

EDIT: and what's the significance of Blackline? Thanks

Edited by Johnny 89 on Thursday 20th October 19:42

[Johnny 89]

rxe said:

Make sure the windows work before you buy it. They are generally possessed by evil spirits.

Other than that, it is a well proven set of 156/147 underpinnings. Suspension bushes are regular problems, but easy to replace. 1.9 is tough, but the clutch cannot take remapping, It simply isn't big enough to last properly unless you drive it like a pussy.

I have a 3.2 that I acquired with a blown engine that I rebuilt. Other than servicing, it has needed nothing in the last 4 years.

Thanks, is that the 1.9 JTDm you're talking about?

[Johnny 89]

Vitorio said:

Johnny 89 said:

I asked for advice about the 159 in another thread a few months ago. Now I'm looking at GTs.

I'm looking mainly at 1.8 & 2.0 petrols and the 1.9 JTDm.

As I understand these are the same engines as the 159 and the same advice applies? Happy to be corrected otherwise.

I would love some feedback and opinions on the dos and don't sod buying a GT.

Thanks in advance

The 1.8 and 2.0 engines are the same as the 2003 facelifted 156, the 1.8 is a twinspark unit as used since the facelift 146 and 155 and the GTV (although obviously with minor revisions for emissions etc..). Considered pretty decent, although TS engines have a weakness for running with low oil, and conveniently using oil, requiring frequent checking and potentially topping up. (my 1.6 TS uses 1L each 1500-1800 miles). Some people also consider the 1.8 a bit slow in the GT

The 2.0 is a JTS version of the old 2.0 TS, meaning the same bottom end, but a direct injection non-twinspark head. Im not sure if the oil/crank bearing weakness from the old 2.0 carry over, but the direct injection head did have issues with the valves getting dirty (since there is no petrol flow over them cleaning them), and apparently most 2.0 JTS engines never made the promised 165hp. It is considered a good engine by many, but its not without its flaws.

The JTDM is a good unit, practically bombproof, and indeed related to the unit used in (early) 159s, if Diesel makes sense for you mileage wise, and you are OK with having a derv in a sporty car, this is easily the best choice.

Then there is the 3.2 V6, the swan song of the Busso V6, and possibly one of the best engines alfa ever shoved into a car. If you can afford the extra petrol and slightly more expensive maintenance (a cam belt change for the V6 is twice as expensive as the 4 cilinders), this is the engine to pick, no ifs or buts about it.

Speaking of cambelts, if you go shopping, make sure any car you buy has had its belt done within the recommended interval, which is most likely NOT the interval listed in the books, as they have been adjusted downwards by alfa. AFAIK it is 3 years for all engines, 36K for the petrol 4 cilinders, 60K for the diesel or 70K for the V6, whichever comes first obviously.

Chassis/suspension wise the GT is very much a 147/156 coupe, the interior is pretty much a straight 147 copy-job, the front suspension shares the family-hunger for upper wishbones, but is also means it has a more dynamic and interesting ride then the rather heavy 159.

Thanks, some very useful info. there.
I would love the big Busso and wouldn't mind the add. maintenance and fuel as my mileage will not be huge. Unfortunately what rules it out is insurance and tax costs here in Ireland.

Which means, I'm not doing enough miles to justify the diesel either!

[Johnny 89]

_Superleggera_ said:

I wouldn't discount the 1.9. It's easily the best engine in the car (apart from the 3.2.... Which I owned)

The 1.9 runs really well has lots of oomph with great MPG.. The 1.8 is ok, but the twinspark engine is an old design. That would be my choice of the 1.8 or the 2.0

The 2.0 JTS is a terrible engine which is underpowered and probably in the real world has less power than the 1.8.

Thanks.. This is the 1.9 diesel you're referring to (150hp)?

[Johnny 89]

Thanks for your help everyone.. I picked up a 1.9 JTD this evening. Happy with it so far :-) it's very different to my other car though!
Pictures to follow when it's bright and I can get some good ones.

Looking forward to enjoying my first Alfa

[Johnny 89]

[Johnny 89]

Vitorio said:

Beautiful car! assuming its the 150hp, it should do 170-175 with a remap as well

Thanks. Yes, the 150hp. Is it a good idea to get the re-map? Do the gains outweigh the negatives? I've heard reports that the clutch doesn't handle the extra power well. Can anyone confirm?

Here's another shot with my other car (barely) in the foreground



Edit to add: I've ordered some new badges due to the common fading. I also have some more number plates coming to tidy up the look

[Johnny 89]

Nigel_O said:

My GT 1.9 Blackline has almost 215,000 miles on it now - still going strong. OK, its had a clutch and a turbo, as well as a small collection of suspension wishbones, but that's only to be expected.

It responds VERY well to the following:-

EGR valve blank
Terraclean
Remap

I've had a "blended" map (a balance between extra power and extra economy) - its probably at about 160bhp. However, its the mid-range grunt that is the biggest improvement - very easy to drive. I get about 46-48 miles on my mixed commute - dead easy to get mid 50's on a run. 60s mpg is possible at a gentle cruise and if you REALLY try (ie slipstreaming the trucks at 56mph), its possible to get it into the low 70s, although I accept hypermiling isn't very PH.....

Watch out for tracking (rear is adjustable too) and inner edge tyre wear. Wind noise around the windows is common - the window ECU can be reset by lowering the window, holding the button down for 10 seconds, then raising the window and holding the button up for ten seconds.

Clutches are generally OK, but a stiff pedal is common - new clutch needed.

For what is essentially a 147 in a frock, its a good looking car for not much money. Hugely practical too. Shame I've missed the boat on affordable 3.2s...

Thanks Nigel. I'm warming to the idea of the re-map. I got a quote today. Mine is on 130k miles and has recently had a clutch fitted.
Interesting about the Windows, I did notice the wind noise recently. Thanks.