New 116 Owner

Started by werdna, August 27, 2015, 10:38:37 AM

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werdna

As above, new 116 owner in the fraternity.
The car in question is a Gary Pearce's old car, a 1985 Red GTV. I've never owned a 116 before and this car looks like it should make a great daily drive to replace my super.

Anyone here DD one, any things I should be looking to do in the short/near future to make things better/more reliable?

In regards to getting it home, I am once again doing the Melbourne to Gold Coast road trip. The plan so far being fly down tomorrow morning, pick up the car, meet up with some alfa guys for coffee (anyone want to join?), then drive to Sydney. 9 Hours on the Hume solo should be a ball of fun! ::) Then a friend is flying down to Sydney on Saturday and we'll leave early Sunday morning to do the final leg to the Gold Coast.
I'll try and keep you all updated with the trials and tribulations of the trip, hopefully the weather holds up!

Andrew


werdna

I forgot to add.
I can throw some parts in the car for anyone wanting some stuff brought up from Melbourne if it's not too far out of my way (or too big!)

poohbah

Speaking from experience - check the driveshaft rubber donuts are sound. Tell tale sign is rattling from the transmission tunnel, especially at idle.

Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

gtv6sv

Oooo what parts are available:-)?

Regarding the donuts, at idle but at also roughly 2900-3500rpm aswell!

Can always add relays to the lights/wipers, would recommend going through it's electric system!
1970 1750 Berlina
1983 GTV 2.0
1985 GTV6 2.5
1991 164 Q 12V
1992 33 16V S
1999 GTV Twin Spark

GTVeloce

As someone who has daily driven a GTV, my thoughts:
1: relay your ignition switch
2: clean all grounds
3: relay your starter
4: relay your headlights

These are all quite cheap, especially if you do the work yourself.

Yes, your donuts are important but you usually get some warning well before they go. Electrical gremlins leave you stranded suddenly. It's expensive, but a TS transaxle revolutionises these cars. Much better ratios, stronger synchros (less grinding) plus a LSD.

I also find heat can be an issue if you live in QLD/WA/SA etc. Air-con goes a long way but will struggle unless you also tint the windows and improve the floor insulation. These cars love the cold weather!

I also went the way of a TS engine but a well sorted nord can work if you are used to that. The FI is very nice on cold mornings...

carlo rossi

well if you have a problem within 50kms of newcastle
happy to help ill send you my mobile
current cars
red 83 gtv 2.0


previous cars
Red 76 1.2/1.5 alfasud ti
white 79 alfetta 2000
alfetta 74 1.8
escort Lotus twin cam
bikes
ducati 900 ss 1979
moto morini 3 1/2 sport 1975/6
Moto morini 3 1/2 valentini speciale 77 oh and a deltek rockhopper

werdna

Thanks for the offers and tips fellas!
Old cars in summer suck - I ran a Citroen GS over 2 summers - never been in such a hot car!
105's in comparison are nice, but I assume the 116 will be a tad hotter due to the glasshouse.
I'll look into installing relays, reliability is paramount.
Thanks again guys.
Andrew

Alfapride

Welcome! All great suggestions so far I'd also suggest an alternator upgrade to 80 amps makes a big improvement on stock. goodluck!
Alfa 33 16v
Alfa 116 Giulietta
Alfa 116 Alfetta GTV
Alfa MY2004 147 TI
Alfa MY19 Giulia Veloce

poohbah

Alfapride, do you need to do any other mods to upgrade to the 80 amp alternator, or is it a straight swap? I might look at that.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

Alfapride

Hi there I recall the auto elec adding another earth and positive wire as original wiring isn't strong enough gauge if done correctly you can blend it nicely into the loom it's easy to do if you know how the auto elec fitting the alternator would do it as part of the job id recommend the relay upgrades already mentioned too
Alfa 33 16v
Alfa 116 Giulietta
Alfa 116 Alfetta GTV
Alfa MY2004 147 TI
Alfa MY19 Giulia Veloce

Alfapride

Also I'd recommend new cooling fans the originals suck a lot of current and don't draw much air new ones are lighter more quiet and more efficient I purchased two 10 inch fans on eBay for 40 dollars each and very pleased with the outcome.
Alfa 33 16v
Alfa 116 Giulietta
Alfa 116 Alfetta GTV
Alfa MY2004 147 TI
Alfa MY19 Giulia Veloce

poohbah

Cheers Alfapride. The relays are on my definite to do list, as she struggles to keep the headlights, wipers, demister and stereo all going at once! When its dark and rainy, I tend to drive in silence...

I'm pretty happy with my existing fan - comes on when its supposed to, and the engine to date has never run too hot, even when stuck in accident traffic for an hour recently. Just replaced thermostat, water pump and rad hoses too. Will see how she handles summer, which will be the real test I suppose.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

Alfapride

If your Gtv has the two fan system your auto elec can wire them in parallel to work together at same time the second fan was for your air con however I don't know many Gtv with working air con so good to put that unused fan to good use.
Alfa 33 16v
Alfa 116 Giulietta
Alfa 116 Alfetta GTV
Alfa MY2004 147 TI
Alfa MY19 Giulia Veloce

Evan Bottcher

How'd the trip go so far?  Sounds like there was a side trip to Brunswick involved...
Newest to oldest:
'13 Alfa Mito QV
'77 Alfasud Ti
'74 Alfasud Sedan
'68 1750 GTV
--> Slow and Fun - my Alfa journal

Storm_X

Quote from: Alfapride on August 27, 2015, 10:43:28 PM
Welcome! All great suggestions so far I'd also suggest an alternator upgrade to 80 amps makes a big improvement on stock. goodluck!

I used  164 alternator on my giulietta
"Alfa Romeo built to excite.. Some dream of driving the ideal.. I drive it"