159 ti 2.2 Manual

[vincep]

Hi
I have recently purchases a a beautiful red 159 2.2 manual. Sensational car but could do with a a bit more power. Can anybody suggest any performance modifications to help the the engine  breath and sound better. There doesn't seem to be much around in performance kits.

Vince

[colcol]

The 159 is quite a heavy car, if its done a lot of klms, then the timing chain may have stretched and the timing is out, so its not running to its optimum, before you do anything take it to an Alfa Romeo service provider and make sure the timing is still ok, and there are no other issues, ie Air Flow Meter, etc, look on the home page of this site for service providers, 2.2 owners say that when the timing chain is renewed it goes a lot better, Colin.

[Meng]

Hi Vince,

My running gear mods are Supersport 8C rims with Eibach prokit and anti roll kit.  Breathing mods are a custom stainless steel exhaust
BMC air filter. 

The running gear mods really transform the ride, makes it have an absolutely planted feeling.  The breathing mods are mainly for sound and aesthetics, though it "feels" like it breathes easier and is freer higher up the rpm range. 

With the 2.2 you'll never get it to be more powerful without spending major coin or going down the forced induction route (in which case you're better off saving some cash and just buying a V6 as a weekend car).  Even with a remap, you'll be expecting no more than 18bhp (maybe 12hp taking into account loss through the drivetrain).  But it is a fantastic handling car, and sounds great in the high revs with the custom exhaust.  Just accept that it'll never take off quick, but at least you've bought a car that looks 100 times better than the latest merc or bmw equivalent (imo anyway).

[vincep]

Thanks Meng, any tips on who can do the mods you are talking about, in particular the exhaust system.

Vince

[Meng]

http://www.alfastumper.com/index.php?cPath=270_45

Have a look at the things you like and buy.  A mechanic can do the install if you can't do it yourself. 

I used Justin at Midas in Ringwood for my exhaust system (he's worked on Alfas before) and did a great job, very pleased.

[L4OMEO]

+1 for Alfastumper. Peter is a great guy to deal with, very trustworthy. Also try alfisti.net.

Need some pics of the new car too otherwise it didn't happen 

[John Hanslow]

Also check out the link under Victoria for Alfa Specialists.  Some give a bit of a discount to club members and really good advice.

There is maranello Pur-Sang in Brunswick and Monza Motors in Bayswater and Mauceri in Clayton.

Cheers