Another Alfa V6
Discussion
Following the last installment, I thought any problems to do with the clutch were a distant memory. This wasn't the case and I ended up with a slipping clutch on the way to Goodwood FOS.
As the clutch isn't a small job, I decided not to take it to a generic garage and find an Alfa specialist instead. From looking at the Alfaowner forums, I found Northern Alfa Performance in Maltby, south of Doncaster, and east of Rotherham. Gareth, who owns the garage really knows his stuff and did a great job.
The car went for its MOT and passed but needed a couple of front tyres as the insides were worn.
The wallet is a bit lighter than before, but I am loving driving this car! I am taking it out about once a week so the miles are kept down.
My list so far....
- New MAF
- Undertray secured
- Clutch cylinder replacement
- Two tyres
- Clutch
- CV Boot
Still need to get that damn cambelt done!!!
As the clutch isn't a small job, I decided not to take it to a generic garage and find an Alfa specialist instead. From looking at the Alfaowner forums, I found Northern Alfa Performance in Maltby, south of Doncaster, and east of Rotherham. Gareth, who owns the garage really knows his stuff and did a great job.
The car went for its MOT and passed but needed a couple of front tyres as the insides were worn.
The wallet is a bit lighter than before, but I am loving driving this car! I am taking it out about once a week so the miles are kept down.
My list so far....
- New MAF
- Undertray secured
- Clutch cylinder replacement
- Two tyres
- Clutch
- CV Boot
Still need to get that damn cambelt done!!!
This was my nice 1.8TS that I should never have sold...for £600 ! It was a sorted car, only reason I sold it was to get this one...
The above pic was taken before I had the rear springs replaced with the correct height ones ( the previous garage put a set of Monroe 156 springs on, and I have subsequently discovered that Monroe only supply one type for the 156 and they are for the Turismo spec !)
It is now back to Veloce ride height :
The silver one was my first Alfa, bought from a friend, and had 115,000 miles on it when I acquired it.
It was well sorted when I sold it, and I loved the sound of the 1.8 140BHP TS with a stainless Cybox back box on it at 7K !
I changed the 2000 TS for the blue 2005 1.9JTDM150 for reasons of economy due to my 350 mile a week commute. Although I have had it remapped to about 190 BHP...which is nice !
The blue one had the GT finned 17" alloys on when I bought it 4 years ago, but I discovered that one was buckled and unrepairable, so I swapped the 16" TS Teledials onto the diesel car.
I resprayed the rims myself earlier this year and they look OK...could be better but I did not have the time !
I think the silver Teledials suit the dark metallic blue better...but that is IMO of course !
Both these cars have leather, they are a must in an Alfa and they are so well made that they wear very well ( compared to the E36 BMW that I recently sold !) Alfa interiors are of a very high standard and help to define the car.
Well done to the OP for saving another 156... I would really like a 2.5 V6 but looking after one Alfa is enough !
Paul S4 said:
The above pic was taken before I had the rear springs replaced with the correct height ones ( the previous garage put a set of Monroe 156 springs on, and I have subsequently discovered that Monroe only supply one type for the 156 and they are for the Turismo spec !)
It is now back to Veloce ride height :
Hi Paul,
Can you remember where you got the Veloce spec springs from for your 156? I can't find them anywhere these days, the closest I can find is the Eibach pro-kit. My 156V6 looks like an off roader with the wrong standard spec springs on (see page 1 for a pic)!
Eibach pro-kit (-30 drop) is pretty much identical to Veloce. I've used several sets on my fleet.
The only better option I've found are the Pro Street S coilovers, but with 250mm springs rather than 200mm. I've got those on my 2.4 Dieselwagon, and they're fantastic. Autolusso in Cumbria can do the kit - it's non standard.
Overall - pro-kit is a very good answer for the few hundred it costs. Pro Street is a better answer but much more expensive.
The only better option I've found are the Pro Street S coilovers, but with 250mm springs rather than 200mm. I've got those on my 2.4 Dieselwagon, and they're fantastic. Autolusso in Cumbria can do the kit - it's non standard.
Overall - pro-kit is a very good answer for the few hundred it costs. Pro Street is a better answer but much more expensive.
Cheers rxe, that's good info. With the pro-kit route, were tyres wearing out on the inside any quicker than usual? Camber isn't adjustable as far as I am aware on the 156, but I never (with the Veloce springs before they were replaced a couple of years ago) had high wear rates like some people have reported.
The car I've had the pro kit on for longest is my 2.5 V6 - at the front this has Eibach ARB, poly-ed upper arms, B6s and a Quaife LSD.
Front tyres on it have done about 20K miles of hard-ish driving and are noteable for their lack of wear on the inner face. This has surprised me!
I did have a full realignment done after I put the springs on - this may have helped rather a lot. Any fiddling with the arms has the potential to mess up the tracking (and you'll need to be really invasive to get the shocks out, as the lower fork will be utterly seized with the bottom of the shock). Utterly seized = I thought my 10 tonne press wouldn't have enough chuff, but it yielded at about 8 tonnes....
I suspect on an awful lot of these cars, the tracking is pants because of the legion opportunities to mess it up.
Front tyres on it have done about 20K miles of hard-ish driving and are noteable for their lack of wear on the inner face. This has surprised me!
I did have a full realignment done after I put the springs on - this may have helped rather a lot. Any fiddling with the arms has the potential to mess up the tracking (and you'll need to be really invasive to get the shocks out, as the lower fork will be utterly seized with the bottom of the shock). Utterly seized = I thought my 10 tonne press wouldn't have enough chuff, but it yielded at about 8 tonnes....
I suspect on an awful lot of these cars, the tracking is pants because of the legion opportunities to mess it up.
Thanks rxe. Certainly agree about the potential for buggering up the setup.
Your 2.5 sounds nicely upgraded, do you have any pics?
One final question - have you ever had a V6 remapped? I know there are a few options out there but was wondering if it offers any real benefit, more so in the torque department rather than BHP. I'm not really sure how stressed the 24V V6 is under normal use and whether a remap would shorten its life, particularly as mine (like most now) is over 15 years old. It had new head gaskets about 6-7 years ago.
Your 2.5 sounds nicely upgraded, do you have any pics?
One final question - have you ever had a V6 remapped? I know there are a few options out there but was wondering if it offers any real benefit, more so in the torque department rather than BHP. I'm not really sure how stressed the 24V V6 is under normal use and whether a remap would shorten its life, particularly as mine (like most now) is over 15 years old. It had new head gaskets about 6-7 years ago.
rxe said:
Eibach pro-kit (-30 drop) is pretty much identical to Veloce. I've used several sets on my fleet.
The only better option I've found are the Pro Street S coilovers, but with 250mm springs rather than 200mm. I've got those on my 2.4 Dieselwagon, and they're fantastic. Autolusso in Cumbria can do the kit - it's non standard.
Overall - pro-kit is a very good answer for the few hundred it costs. Pro Street is a better answer but much more expensive.
"but with 250mm springs rather than 200mm" What do you mean by that? - Confused....The only better option I've found are the Pro Street S coilovers, but with 250mm springs rather than 200mm. I've got those on my 2.4 Dieselwagon, and they're fantastic. Autolusso in Cumbria can do the kit - it's non standard.
Overall - pro-kit is a very good answer for the few hundred it costs. Pro Street is a better answer but much more expensive.
JBT said:
Thread revival / hijack!
Hi Paul,
Can you remember where you got the Veloce spec springs from for your 156? I can't find them anywhere these days, the closest I can find is the Eibach pro-kit. My 156V6 looks like an off roader with the wrong standard spec springs on (see page 1 for a pic)!
Ive got some Veloce/sport pack 3 V6 springs, if you interested drop me a pm. Ive just spent the last year rebuilding my 156V6 into a new shell and doing a few upgrades along the way.Hi Paul,
Can you remember where you got the Veloce spec springs from for your 156? I can't find them anywhere these days, the closest I can find is the Eibach pro-kit. My 156V6 looks like an off roader with the wrong standard spec springs on (see page 1 for a pic)!
Re the Veloce springs....
Rxe has answered the query fully.
The reason for replacing the rears on mine was due to the infamous corrosion of the damper cup, which resulted in a shredded rear tyre etc. So it was new shocks/springs and various other bits.
My local garage at the time sourced some rear springs at a decent price, but it seems that Monroe only supply one set of springs for all the 156s, and they are Turismo spec, so they sit too high for a Veloce. So as a result the car sat too high at the back..so it never looked right !!
When I got the opportunity I had them replaced with the correct length ones by Dan at Autolusso Penrith, and IIRC they were Eibach -30mm rear springs ( not 100% sure about that by the way, so don't quote me !). My front springs are original and seem fine.
I would love a V6...I have never driven one but a pal has one that is currently being 'brought back to life' so hopefully I may be able to experience that engine at 7,000 revs!!
Rxe has answered the query fully.
The reason for replacing the rears on mine was due to the infamous corrosion of the damper cup, which resulted in a shredded rear tyre etc. So it was new shocks/springs and various other bits.
My local garage at the time sourced some rear springs at a decent price, but it seems that Monroe only supply one set of springs for all the 156s, and they are Turismo spec, so they sit too high for a Veloce. So as a result the car sat too high at the back..so it never looked right !!
When I got the opportunity I had them replaced with the correct length ones by Dan at Autolusso Penrith, and IIRC they were Eibach -30mm rear springs ( not 100% sure about that by the way, so don't quote me !). My front springs are original and seem fine.
I would love a V6...I have never driven one but a pal has one that is currently being 'brought back to life' so hopefully I may be able to experience that engine at 7,000 revs!!
Zombie said:
"but with 250mm springs rather than 200mm" What do you mean by that? - Confused....
Eibach have a variety of springs for the coil overs - you can get different rates and different lengths. Rate is how much pressure you need to deform them, length is well, length. The target market for ProStreet S is people who really want to lower their cars. The more sensible market is people who want to lower the car a bit, but also get KW dampers on the cheap.... When I put standard 200 mm long springs on mine, the ride height was too low, even with the springs at their highest setting - especially on e diesel. They were also 60 N/mm springs and too soft for the diesel. I've no replaced them with 70 N/mm springs (so stiffer) and 250 mm, so the car is a tiny bit high with the spring platform in the middle of its adjustment. I'm going to drop it half an inch when I stick the 305 mm brakes on in a few weeks. Dan (Autolusso Cumbria) does the modified kit - as standard you get the short springs from Eibach.
I'll dig out some pictures of the 156 V6 - to be honest it just looks like a very slightly lowered silver 156. Standard teledials etc. Its filthy at the moment, I'll give it a bath.
Thought I'd update since the Alfa went in for a big bill recently.
I am based in York and take the Alfa to a place called "Northern Alfa", situated between Doncaster and Rotherham on an industrial estate in the middle of nowhere! Run by Gareth, his rates are very reasonable and he checked the car over in detail. Although a pain in the arse to get to/from without a car, it is worth it to ensure that the car is properly looked after by someone who knows Alfas in detail and their areas of weakness, rather than a random mechanic.
He did the following....
Engine oil 10w060 fully synthetic
Oil Filter
Air Filter
Spark plugs (platinum)
Pollen Filter
Front upper wishbone
Inner Track rod
Track rod end
4 wheel laser alignment
Timing belt kit and idlers
water pump with metal impeller
aux belt
Coolant
Cam cover gaskets
Waxoiled brake pipes
Lubricated locks and hinges
Removed wheels, cleaned and greased hubs
Reset engine management and airbag lights
Painted top cam cover
The Alfa is driving great and feels very sure footed on the road. Having put quite a bit of money into it since buying it, it is certainly intended to be a keeper, so I am trying to keep the miles off it and onto the XJR (which is more or less my daily). The Alfa currently sits at 72k miles and I will probably only be putting 5 - 7k on a year from now on.
Next on the list will be to address rust on the lower front wings. Probably replacements are needed, but I'll deal with that down the line. For now I'm gonna rag the thing senseless around North Yorkshire! The Busso eats revs for fun.
Here's a shot with my XJR...
I am based in York and take the Alfa to a place called "Northern Alfa", situated between Doncaster and Rotherham on an industrial estate in the middle of nowhere! Run by Gareth, his rates are very reasonable and he checked the car over in detail. Although a pain in the arse to get to/from without a car, it is worth it to ensure that the car is properly looked after by someone who knows Alfas in detail and their areas of weakness, rather than a random mechanic.
He did the following....
Engine oil 10w060 fully synthetic
Oil Filter
Air Filter
Spark plugs (platinum)
Pollen Filter
Front upper wishbone
Inner Track rod
Track rod end
4 wheel laser alignment
Timing belt kit and idlers
water pump with metal impeller
aux belt
Coolant
Cam cover gaskets
Waxoiled brake pipes
Lubricated locks and hinges
Removed wheels, cleaned and greased hubs
Reset engine management and airbag lights
Painted top cam cover
The Alfa is driving great and feels very sure footed on the road. Having put quite a bit of money into it since buying it, it is certainly intended to be a keeper, so I am trying to keep the miles off it and onto the XJR (which is more or less my daily). The Alfa currently sits at 72k miles and I will probably only be putting 5 - 7k on a year from now on.
Next on the list will be to address rust on the lower front wings. Probably replacements are needed, but I'll deal with that down the line. For now I'm gonna rag the thing senseless around North Yorkshire! The Busso eats revs for fun.
Here's a shot with my XJR...
Edited by strangehighways on Sunday 21st October 10:58
Edited by strangehighways on Sunday 21st October 11:58
Hey Guys,
i`m Also in North Yorkshire!
Just to say... coming soon,
I have just rescued a beautiful Red 1998 Alfa 156 V6 Veloce Manual, 95k with Tan leather, Has a non standard exhaust that is just pure music!
I Have fitted a Momo Prototipo Steering wheel and fitted some Alfa GT 18" Blackline Alloys in graphite grey, GTA Headlights and front lip spoiler.
The car is currently at the Paint shop getting a ful paint in Ferrari Red and to say I`m excited to add it to my fleet is an understatement!
It drives so well with amaing throttle response!
I worked for Alfa Romeo back in 2000 so had a Brand new 2.4 JTD Veloce in red and adored that car.
Always wanted the V6!
Spent much more than i expected on welding etc but I think she is worth it! A sure future classic this one!
Will post pictures once it is done say in about 3 weeks or so.
i`m Also in North Yorkshire!
Just to say... coming soon,
I have just rescued a beautiful Red 1998 Alfa 156 V6 Veloce Manual, 95k with Tan leather, Has a non standard exhaust that is just pure music!
I Have fitted a Momo Prototipo Steering wheel and fitted some Alfa GT 18" Blackline Alloys in graphite grey, GTA Headlights and front lip spoiler.
The car is currently at the Paint shop getting a ful paint in Ferrari Red and to say I`m excited to add it to my fleet is an understatement!
It drives so well with amaing throttle response!
I worked for Alfa Romeo back in 2000 so had a Brand new 2.4 JTD Veloce in red and adored that car.
Always wanted the V6!
Spent much more than i expected on welding etc but I think she is worth it! A sure future classic this one!
Will post pictures once it is done say in about 3 weeks or so.
petrolhead888 said:
Hey Guys,
i`m Also in North Yorkshire!
Just to say... coming soon,
I have just rescued a beautiful Red 1998 Alfa 156 V6 Veloce Manual, 95k with Tan leather, Has a non standard exhaust that is just pure music!
I Have fitted a Momo Prototipo Steering wheel and fitted some Alfa GT 18" Blackline Alloys in graphite grey, GTA Headlights and front lip spoiler.
The car is currently at the Paint shop getting a ful paint in Ferrari Red and to say I`m excited to add it to my fleet is an understatement!
It drives so well with amaing throttle response!
I worked for Alfa Romeo back in 2000 so had a Brand new 2.4 JTD Veloce in red and adored that car.
Always wanted the V6!
Spent much more than i expected on welding etc but I think she is worth it! A sure future classic this one!
Will post pictures once it is done say in about 3 weeks or so.
Let me know when you're out and about in it and maybe we can compare the two.i`m Also in North Yorkshire!
Just to say... coming soon,
I have just rescued a beautiful Red 1998 Alfa 156 V6 Veloce Manual, 95k with Tan leather, Has a non standard exhaust that is just pure music!
I Have fitted a Momo Prototipo Steering wheel and fitted some Alfa GT 18" Blackline Alloys in graphite grey, GTA Headlights and front lip spoiler.
The car is currently at the Paint shop getting a ful paint in Ferrari Red and to say I`m excited to add it to my fleet is an understatement!
It drives so well with amaing throttle response!
I worked for Alfa Romeo back in 2000 so had a Brand new 2.4 JTD Veloce in red and adored that car.
Always wanted the V6!
Spent much more than i expected on welding etc but I think she is worth it! A sure future classic this one!
Will post pictures once it is done say in about 3 weeks or so.
More expense on the Alfa, but this time, not for maintenance reasons, but just because I wanted a fancy exhaust!
There are many exhausts that are popular in Alfa circles, which include Supersprint, Ragazzon, Alfaholics, and in the last few years Wizard. I had a Wizard on my last GTV and it sounded incredible. The Wizard exhausts are based on a very expensive Unicorse exhaust which one of the Wizard guys got and opened up in order to use as a template for the Wizard.
This Unicorse backbox came up for sale on Facebook marketplace along with a Wizard centre section for £800 and I managed to do a deal within an hour or so before anyone else. I know that sounds expensive, but the original Unicorse backbox on its own was apparently £1500 in 2007!
The exhaust as it stands isn't as loud as the Wizard was on my GTV was because the centre section has a silencer on it here ie. two silencers after the CAT (the Wizard was one silencer after the CAT). If I really want it to be louder in the future, then I can always get a straight through centre section. It is still reasonably loud now, but not ridiculous at all.
From the drivers seat the car has the perfect balance of induction roar and exhaust. The great thing about the busso with the Unicorse is that the sound changes as you go through the rev range. Anyway, enough words, here's a few pics and a video. Sorry it isn't very good, I'll try and get some better videos soon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKOlBXkVEAE
There are many exhausts that are popular in Alfa circles, which include Supersprint, Ragazzon, Alfaholics, and in the last few years Wizard. I had a Wizard on my last GTV and it sounded incredible. The Wizard exhausts are based on a very expensive Unicorse exhaust which one of the Wizard guys got and opened up in order to use as a template for the Wizard.
This Unicorse backbox came up for sale on Facebook marketplace along with a Wizard centre section for £800 and I managed to do a deal within an hour or so before anyone else. I know that sounds expensive, but the original Unicorse backbox on its own was apparently £1500 in 2007!
The exhaust as it stands isn't as loud as the Wizard was on my GTV was because the centre section has a silencer on it here ie. two silencers after the CAT (the Wizard was one silencer after the CAT). If I really want it to be louder in the future, then I can always get a straight through centre section. It is still reasonably loud now, but not ridiculous at all.
From the drivers seat the car has the perfect balance of induction roar and exhaust. The great thing about the busso with the Unicorse is that the sound changes as you go through the rev range. Anyway, enough words, here's a few pics and a video. Sorry it isn't very good, I'll try and get some better videos soon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKOlBXkVEAE
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