keep my GTV V6 or buy an MR2
Discussion
So, just over a month ago I bought myself a very tidy Alfa GTV V6. It's silver with blue leather and has been maintained meticulously. It has all the usual mods, ebach suspension, q2 LSD, GTA clutch and flywheel, BMC carbon air filter and ragazzon exhaust (last two are my mods) it sounds beautiful, is very quick, and of course is a lovely thing to look at.
However, I just can't get on with it. It's very uncomfortable (to me) and its quit a firm ride with the ebach springs. I can't really put my finger on what it is but I just am not gelling on with it.
I've recently found myself looking at mk2 MR2's probably a very late rev 5 N/A as these are generally tidier and less messed about with than the turbos.
Although they are significantly underpowered compared to the alfa, I think they may be a better all round car, easy to work on as I work for lexus and share a workshop with toyota. And they are very comfortable, so could do the motorway slog GT type thing as well As the b- road blast.
I'm in two minds, but swaying towards moving the Alfa on and going MR2
Am I mad!?
However, I just can't get on with it. It's very uncomfortable (to me) and its quit a firm ride with the ebach springs. I can't really put my finger on what it is but I just am not gelling on with it.
I've recently found myself looking at mk2 MR2's probably a very late rev 5 N/A as these are generally tidier and less messed about with than the turbos.
Although they are significantly underpowered compared to the alfa, I think they may be a better all round car, easy to work on as I work for lexus and share a workshop with toyota. And they are very comfortable, so could do the motorway slog GT type thing as well As the b- road blast.
I'm in two minds, but swaying towards moving the Alfa on and going MR2
Am I mad!?
What shocks do you have? I used to have a 155 with Eibach springs and it was really comfortable until I put replaced the standard shocks with some Konis ones, which were really OTT.
The GTV seats are rubbish but the ones in other Alfas are really good, might be worth looking into changing the seats if that's the main issue?
The GTV seats are rubbish but the ones in other Alfas are really good, might be worth looking into changing the seats if that's the main issue?
All good points. Think i need a proper drive of the mr2 first, have only been a passenger in one years ago.
It's on standard shocks, and its only lowered about 25mm on the springs, I believe this is the recommended set up for the V6.
I could put it back on standard springs, but i love the way it looks how it is!
Again, seats look amazing, but are rubbish, plus I think I'd struggle to find the blue colour in other models.
Willl think on it and try an MR2 out before making my decision.
Forgot to mention, it is a second/fun car, but one I use predominantly for longer trips, as the other car is just a work car.
Cheers for the help. My first topic I've ever started too, so sorry it was a bit self indulgent!
It's on standard shocks, and its only lowered about 25mm on the springs, I believe this is the recommended set up for the V6.
I could put it back on standard springs, but i love the way it looks how it is!
Again, seats look amazing, but are rubbish, plus I think I'd struggle to find the blue colour in other models.
Willl think on it and try an MR2 out before making my decision.
Forgot to mention, it is a second/fun car, but one I use predominantly for longer trips, as the other car is just a work car.
Cheers for the help. My first topic I've ever started too, so sorry it was a bit self indulgent!
Good responses. Some don't like the seats some saying the plainer looking non-Momo pleated seats grip better. If it's the original shocks from the factory they could be worn out. Worn out shocks with harsher springs may give the ride you're complaining about.
There's the FWD v RWD issue.
Attend an Alfa meet and see if another GTV owner will let you try theirs?
I am sure there are several threads about GTV V6 shocks on Alfa specific marque forums like alfalowner.com as well as recommendations on where to source the right shocks at the right price. That rear suspension on the back is a bit different too isn't it? It may need four wheel alignment?
You could swap it for an MR2 that needs just as much work to get it correct.
Synchromesh's MR2 toy here is an interesting thread.
Your GTV V6 may have all the correct ingredients but if the shocks are shot and it's not set up correctly it may feel a bit flat and disappointing?
There's the FWD v RWD issue.
Attend an Alfa meet and see if another GTV owner will let you try theirs?
I am sure there are several threads about GTV V6 shocks on Alfa specific marque forums like alfalowner.com as well as recommendations on where to source the right shocks at the right price. That rear suspension on the back is a bit different too isn't it? It may need four wheel alignment?
You could swap it for an MR2 that needs just as much work to get it correct.
Synchromesh's MR2 toy here is an interesting thread.
Your GTV V6 may have all the correct ingredients but if the shocks are shot and it's not set up correctly it may feel a bit flat and disappointing?
The shocks and wheel alignment are fine. I've had it on our alignment computer and its set up correctly, though that wouldn't affect the ride quality. It handles beautifully, but at the compromise of a smooth, less crashy ride. It's enough to make you realise how bad our roads are.
I think the only option would be to return to standard springs, but I'll know it'll never look as good!! And/or change the seats (expensive)
Cheers for advice, I'll keep mulling it over!!
I think the only option would be to return to standard springs, but I'll know it'll never look as good!! And/or change the seats (expensive)
Cheers for advice, I'll keep mulling it over!!
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