Just bought a 3.0 V6 Spider...

[RichB]

Well, we've finally swapped the 2.0 Twin Spark for a 3.0 V6 with 5,000 fewer miles and 2 1/2 years newer. My wife was a bit upset at trading in her car, which she treasured, but for heavens sake the new ones got that lovely Alfa 3.0 V6 engine!

Not got it home yet but I've already noticed on the web that Autodelta sell straight through tail-pipes, carbon air intakes/filters and exchange ECU chips. Anyone got any experience of these, good or bad, or for that matter any other tips on the 3.0 Spider? Rich...

[pdV6]

Don't touch the airbox - jury's still out, but a wealth of circumstancial evidence (see www.gtvv6.com) points to the AD airbox as a major culprit in acellerating the failure of the Mass Airflow Meter (already a weak point - cr4ppy Bosch part). Seems to be most prevelant in the Phase-II models (chrome surround on the grille, alu-look center console)

Similar worries regarding the AD ECU chip as well (MAM failing and possibly aircon going haywire, I seem to remember).

Besides, with the roof missing, the Spider has enough of a job coping with the V6 without throwing any more horses into the equation!

Nice car, though! Pictures please...

[RichB]

Fair enough, so it's just the sports exhaust to get some extra noise then! i must confess I find the V6 somewhat muted compared to the 2.0 Twin Spark Rich...

[pdV6]

RichB said:

i must confess I find the V6 somewhat muted compared to the 2.0 Twin Spark

Need a few more revs mate... Things really start to happen at about 4500 onwards!

[RichB]

Picking it up tomorrow so I will look forward to that! I had a couple of V6 164s years ago so I recollect the noise well! Cheers Rich...

[pwig]

3.0V6 spiders, get a Straight through zorst and enjoy the noise!

[eddymann]

powerflex do a rear suspension bush kit that makes the car handle quite a lot better.. you need a press
to punch all the old bushes out.
I now sell the front bottom arms new - with
powerflex bushes already fitted to then along
with new roll bar eyes and plastic pads.
you need a set of proper shocks as well.
ck.the oil leval please
and enjoy the car.
eddythealfaman

[pdV6]

Apparently the Powerflex kit may inhibit the passive rear wheel steering, which would be A Bad Thing.

[RichB]

eddymann said:

ck.the oil leval please

Oh yes Eddy, I've owned 3.0 V6 engined Alfas before Rich...

[Alfa Mad]

I don't think that the passive rear wheel steer is a particularly good think- seemed to spoil the fun at a track event earlier this year- even my 155wb was much better.
If the Powerflex bushes improve things to the extent on other Alfas I've seen, then they are worthwhile!

I thought all the V6 Spiders and GTVs are all 24v. Surely oil consumption isn't that much an issue? I do know running in, oil choice and use do all make a significant effect, but I thought the new head pretty much sorted things?

[pdV6]

Alfa Mad said:

I thought all the V6 Spiders and GTVs are all 24v. Surely oil consumption isn't that much an issue? I do know running in, oil choice and use do all make a significant effect, but I thought the new head pretty much sorted things?

There were some 12V 3.0 Spiders and GTVs, but they're mostly 24V I think.

Oil consumption seems to vary vastly from example to example. Mine, for instance, uses none at all - the local dealership basically refuse to believe me, but I used 2 litres in the 1st 8000 miles and none at all in the following 28000...

I've heard of others that drink up to a litre a week (but that particular one went bang, so there may have been a serious problem with it!)

[RichB]

My wife's V6 Spider, which is a 24v needed a small-pint when I last checked it, so that's after say 1,000 miles. My 164's (I had 2) on the other hand needed a good-litre every 1,000! Rich...