Thinking of purchasing a GTV, thoughts?

[V AR 164]

Hi all,

Currently looking at a future project and am keen on the later model Alfetta GTV's (around 1983).

Is there any specific issues I need to look out for? Ie rust is certain areas? How difficult are they to get parts for both mechanical and trim pieces/panels?

Looking at the 2 litres and would seriously consider swapping a 3.0 from my spare 164 into it. Do the 2 litre transaxles handle the extra torque? I would use the factory engine harness with the bosch motronic ecu.

Sorry if I'm asking obvious questions, I just have little to no experience with this series of Alfas.

Cheers guys, Andrew.

[carlo rossi]

A friend of mine put a 3.2 325hp busso ina 2.5 gtv
but as we know they have the more robust transaxle
you need a 1985 gtv with the thicker propeller
and tranny for a 2.0ltr i would think

[poohbah]

Great idea Andrew - but it is likely to be fairly costly. You either buy cheap and spend a fortune on repairs, or spend a fortune to buy a fully restored one...

Rust, rust and rust is the thing to most watch out for mate.

All the usual spots - main sills, bottom of the doors, the corner behind the front wheel arch, boot floor/spare wheel well, rear shoulders where the upright centre window frame is, rear hatch, and rear valence.

I think the later models (+'83) were galvanised so possibly might be less crusty.

And if possible, get one that has the transaxle from a 75 TS (much stronger gearbox, and has the LSD).

Iv'e never had issues finding parts for the mechanicals - but interior trim is almost impossible to find. (Seats/upholstery especially)

I know this will sound like heresy - but my suggestion is go for the 2L. Little bit lighter and you can have lots of fun playing with the carbies and old fashioned tuning. You've already got enough V6s to play with, and we need as many people as possible to rescue the 2L versions...

[Paul Gulliver]

+1 for what Poobah suggested. You could also consider a Twin spark engine. Everything just bolts up (exhaust etc) a lot easier conversion with the added benefits of extra torque you will never get out of a Nord engine . Plus electronic ignition , easier staring making an older car a lot more fun to live with.

[aggie57]

+1 for what Poobah suggested. You could also consider a Twin spark engine. Everything just bolts up (exhaust etc) a lot easier conversion with the added benefits of extra torque you will never get out of a Nord engine . Plus electronic ignition , easier staring making an older car a lot more fun to live with.

This.

[Citroënbender]

More fun could be a Busso into a Renault Fuego. It'll fit just fine, either adapt the factory transaxle face or bellhousing. Final weight should be similar to four-pot configuration but slightly better distributed.

[Garibaldi]

Poobah's spot on with this one, they're great cars but also money pits.

I've got one with a 2.0L Nord engine and whilst its not as powerful as the V6 it is a beautifully balanced car.

Rust is generally a maintenance item, even if you can find a good one, and you're forever replacing things as they are quite old cars now.

Another issue is that previous owners don't always use the right parts or do the repairs properly, I'm constantly sorting out dodgy stuff on my car.

I've never had any issues sourcing mechanical parts, although at times you have to do a fair bit of detective work especially for some body parts. Mine was missing its front spoilers when I bought it, it took me nearly 2 years to track down some good genuine ones.

I don't want to put you off buying one but you have to be aware of what you're getting into. 

[V AR 164]

Thanks guys, exactly the type of feedback I want to hear.

Indeed I do understand it will be a huge project and a money pit, but I am looking to snap one up now before the price for these cars go up and restore it later on. Plus they have been a dream Alfa for me for quite a while now.

I guess seeing a mate of mine restore his HQ prem from the ground up makes me want to do something similar...

[Alfetta77]

Agree with previous comments, but let's face it, if you want one, you want one, and you'll spend the time and money to make it right. I have an early steel bumper car which had been modified with an aftermarket EFI system and a supercharger (!) which I'm slowly returning to standard (sort of, incorrect interior from a later car had been fitted so thinking about Taking it out and going with a race interior). For mechanical work, advice, and second hand parts highly recommend Hugh and the team at Monza Motors. OKP, EB spares, and Highwood Alfa all have parts specific to the 116 series. Like others I have found mechanical parts not too hard to come by, body, trim, panels, and fiddly bits can be difficult. EB and OKP have repair panels but I'm not aware of any suppliers of complete steel panels - if anyone does let me know. Go for it and good luck!

[poohbah]

Definitely get one while you can then Andrew - they have already gone up a lot in the last two years. They were always my dream Alfa too, which is why I got mine, so looking forward to watching your progress.

[V AR 164]

Been to Monza Motors a few times now and they always seem to help me out with bits and pieces, also know of local Alfa wreckers so I don't think parts should be *that* difficult to come across.

Definitely get one while you can then Andrew - they have already gone up a lot in the last two years. They were always my dream Alfa too, which is why I got mine, so looking forward to watching your progress.

I can't guarantee anything, but I'd watch this space over the next few weeks...

Andrew.

[bazzbazz]

I guess seeing a mate of mine restore his HQ prem from the ground up makes me want to do something similar...

So, you're both into Sadism?   

[Citroënbender]

I'd restore an HQ over a late seventies or early eighties Alfa every time. Good parts support and easier to get shot of, should you come up short.

[kartone]

1980 GTV, all original including the stereo cassette!

[kartone]

1980 GTV, all original including the dizzy