156 GTA tyres/fuel gauge
Discussion
Hi guys, this is really just an excuse to say that I managed to get my hands on a 156 GTA, yeesssss! Anyway, need new front tyres. What would you recommend? I know how important getting the right tyres can be on FWD 250bhp car. Is it better to go same as the rear, Goodyear Eagle F1, 17", or is 2 and 2 acceptable. Mainly normal drive about town stuff with the occasional thrash. One other thing, my fuel gauge ain't working. On a car like this, that's hilarious! Is there anything quirky in that or is it quite a straightforward replacement? Thanks.
Michellin Pilot Sport 2 or 3 is the general concensus on the Alfa Owner forum.
I've got Goodyear on the front and Michellin on the back at the moment but they were fitted when I bought, just waiting for them to wear out and it will be Pilot Sports all round for me.
As for the fuel guage, no idea... Never heard of one going.
Has it got a Q2 diff?
I've got Goodyear on the front and Michellin on the back at the moment but they were fitted when I bought, just waiting for them to wear out and it will be Pilot Sports all round for me.
As for the fuel guage, no idea... Never heard of one going.
Has it got a Q2 diff?
Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. Nope, doesn't have the Q2 diff or the bigger brakes but all in good time. It's got an Autodelta exhaust on it, so if anybody has any info on that I'd be interested to hear it. I bought it a couple of months back and I'll get it into the garage in the next 2 or 3 weeks for the once over and hear the bad news! Cheers.
Falken 452's are excellent and that little bit cheaper than the other brands, but no less as good. Good in the wet and dry, but do wear quite quick. As for the fuel guage, most 156's have guages with a mind of their own, but if its totally broken, its a fairly straight swap. Try a breakers? Enjoy the 3.2!
Get the Q2 done ASAP, it's not nice when it goes (I speak from experience).
I wouldn't worry about the brakes too much, just try to avoid warping them. A pad upgrade is more than enough for the road. If I were to upgrade my brakes I'd be looking at K-Sport rather than trying to find/buy a 330mm setup from the later ones.
I wouldn't worry about the brakes too much, just try to avoid warping them. A pad upgrade is more than enough for the road. If I were to upgrade my brakes I'd be looking at K-Sport rather than trying to find/buy a 330mm setup from the later ones.
^^
Good advice.
Get the Q2 done quickly. The diff went in my 147GTA a few months ago but luckily just as I slipped it in to reverse to park up. The mechanic said he'd never seen one that hadn't demoished the diff housing before so I guess I was lucky.
Tyres wise (if you can get them) Goodyear Eagle GSD3's are good but someone told me they'd been discontinued. I know a few who also like Bridgestone Potenza's.
Brakes wise I'm in the same camp as you with an early GTA which still has the 305's on. I've done the Nurburging a few times now and have actually replaced them each time prior to going because they do wear quickly on the track (and heat/fade quickly). If you aren't tracking it I wouldn't bother with the upgrade.
Good advice.
Get the Q2 done quickly. The diff went in my 147GTA a few months ago but luckily just as I slipped it in to reverse to park up. The mechanic said he'd never seen one that hadn't demoished the diff housing before so I guess I was lucky.
Tyres wise (if you can get them) Goodyear Eagle GSD3's are good but someone told me they'd been discontinued. I know a few who also like Bridgestone Potenza's.
Brakes wise I'm in the same camp as you with an early GTA which still has the 305's on. I've done the Nurburging a few times now and have actually replaced them each time prior to going because they do wear quickly on the track (and heat/fade quickly). If you aren't tracking it I wouldn't bother with the upgrade.
Thanks for the advice gents. Looks like there are some good tyres to choose from anyway. As for the Q2, I'll make it the first thing tended to, unless the visit to the garage throws up anything major. What price are we talking about for the Q2 replacement? Nurburgring...? Now you're just boasting, ha.
fin said:
Thanks for the advice gents. Looks like there are some good tyres to choose from anyway. As for the Q2, I'll make it the first thing tended to, unless the visit to the garage throws up anything major. What price are we talking about for the Q2 replacement? Nurburgring...? Now you're just boasting, ha.
The Alfa Q2 diffs have gone up slightly lately so don't expect change out of £6-700 (including fitting).Jimbo. said:
Was there ever any issue with 156 GTA differentials? Ours was an early one, and in 100,000 miles we never had any trouble nor heard about it 
from what the www says, yep, a significant number of cars, both 147 & 156, have broken their diffs, which also takes the gearbox with it.
I've got gsd3s on the rear of my spider. Did have them on the front last time round. Awesome tyre on this car - not sure about a 156. Weight is probably not dissimilar. Currently running falken 452s on the front. They're good, but nowhere near as good as the goodyear in the wet. Won't get anymore, but I did try them.
Enjoy the car. That must sound fantastic!
Enjoy the car. That must sound fantastic!
I'm beginning to wish I hadn't mentioned the whole thing now, hehe. It's all doom and gloom. I'm scared to go above 70mph in case something goes bang!
Had my parents in it the other day and it was amazing how quiet it all went when I floored it in 2nd. Saves them needing a face lift though.
Had my parents in it the other day and it was amazing how quiet it all went when I floored it in 2nd. Saves them needing a face lift though.
Hi Fin,
popped in to see how you are getting on - tyres sorted? Are you going to Q2? - A lot of fuss over this, I am still not sure. As I have said before I have owned many Busso 3.0 and 3.2 V6's as has my brother (around 20 between us) with no gearbox issues but there are scare stories!?
I have a 147 GTA for sale in classifieds at present - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2998769.htm
If you can recommend a potential purchaser I would be very grateful :-)
Dougie
popped in to see how you are getting on - tyres sorted? Are you going to Q2? - A lot of fuss over this, I am still not sure. As I have said before I have owned many Busso 3.0 and 3.2 V6's as has my brother (around 20 between us) with no gearbox issues but there are scare stories!?
I have a 147 GTA for sale in classifieds at present - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2998769.htm
If you can recommend a potential purchaser I would be very grateful :-)
Dougie
Hi Dougie
Sorry, I haven't been on for a while. Yeah, I got a couple of Michelin Pilot Sport 3 for the front. It also needs the tie rod done and the mechanic thinks he knows how to fix the fuel gauge. We talked about the Q2 and he says he's replaced just about every GTA in the area! I'll probably get it done later in the year, for peace of mind, if nothing else. He gave it the once over and apart from the usual wear and tear, he says it's in pretty good nick. Only down side is having to get another key....expensive!
Have you sold the 147 yet? There's only one of my mates who's an Alfa man but he's out of work at the moment, so I can't really help out.
Loving the sound and performance of this thing, and all for less than a fish supper, haha, awesome!
Sorry, I haven't been on for a while. Yeah, I got a couple of Michelin Pilot Sport 3 for the front. It also needs the tie rod done and the mechanic thinks he knows how to fix the fuel gauge. We talked about the Q2 and he says he's replaced just about every GTA in the area! I'll probably get it done later in the year, for peace of mind, if nothing else. He gave it the once over and apart from the usual wear and tear, he says it's in pretty good nick. Only down side is having to get another key....expensive!
Have you sold the 147 yet? There's only one of my mates who's an Alfa man but he's out of work at the moment, so I can't really help out.
Loving the sound and performance of this thing, and all for less than a fish supper, haha, awesome!
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