Spider 3.2 2005, any advice
Discussion
So after 4 years of delightful 156 V6 ownership I'm looking for more of a play thing. A low mileage 2005 Spider 3.2V6 is up for grabs. Is there anything I should really look out for? (aside from the usual cambelt/suspension bushes etc). Any comments welcome - indeed, is the 3.2 an engine of choice or is the 3.0 better? In fact, am I mad, should I stick to the 156?
Of course, if the advice is go for it then there'll be a 1998 65k miles saloon with full service history (two owners only) on offer soon!
Of course, if the advice is go for it then there'll be a 1998 65k miles saloon with full service history (two owners only) on offer soon!
Having owned two of the 3.2 916 Spider's I can report the following: do check the rear suspension and sub frame for wear. As a precaution I would always poly bush the rear (not the front though) and have a full alignment carried out. If it hasn't already had one then do fit a Q2 diff it'll make a big difference to the handling and traction. The engine is a gem and the last of the truly great Alfa V6's. There is always a fair amount of scuttle shake, particularly on the rough old roads in E Sussex where I am, fitting a good quality strut brace will help. Just get it and enjoy it, I regret moving mine on.
xyyman said:
Having owned two of the 3.2 916 Spider's I can report the following: do check the rear suspension and sub frame for wear. As a precaution I would always poly bush the rear (not the front though) and have a full alignment carried out. If it hasn't already had one then do fit a Q2 diff it'll make a big difference to the handling and traction. The engine is a gem and the last of the truly great Alfa V6's. There is always a fair amount of scuttle shake, particularly on the rough old roads in E Sussex where I am, fitting a good quality strut brace will help. Just get it and enjoy it, I regret moving mine on.
The engine is a good enough engine, however its not a great Alfa engine as its a GM unit. The last truly great v6 production was stopped in 2005 - as it failed to meet EU emissions.. which is a shame because it was of the best engines ever made - pulled in every gear and at every revs.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfa_Romeo_V6_engine
The wife had a v6 Brera and a friend had the 2.2 petrol, interesting the 2.2 drove better in the corners as the 2.2 unit was a lot lighter, but in a straight-line you can tell the difference.
Something to bear in mind.
Rythmic slapping said:
caiss4 said:
We're talking 916. So it's a Busso engine, not GM!
My bad - thought you were looking at the newer spider.In which case - yes the engine is a gem..
I havent seen many 2005 916 spiders.
Absolutely no need to polybush the rear end unless the rear end requires an overhaul
My 61k GTV V6 is still on original rear bushes and was given a 100% clean bill of health by an Alfa specialist a few weeks ago
The gearbox is weak and its not uncommon for the diff to explode, often punching a hole in the casing. Q2 is not that popular since they ramped up the prices to the point where Autolusso can supply and fit a Quaife for less money than a Q2
Mine is booked in for a Quaife, single piece flywheel and GTA clutch in a few weeks, not a cheap job but a really good upgrade
A 3.2 Spider is a rare thing indeed, only 39 ever registered in the UK
My 61k GTV V6 is still on original rear bushes and was given a 100% clean bill of health by an Alfa specialist a few weeks ago
The gearbox is weak and its not uncommon for the diff to explode, often punching a hole in the casing. Q2 is not that popular since they ramped up the prices to the point where Autolusso can supply and fit a Quaife for less money than a Q2
Mine is booked in for a Quaife, single piece flywheel and GTA clutch in a few weeks, not a cheap job but a really good upgrade
A 3.2 Spider is a rare thing indeed, only 39 ever registered in the UK
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