Hi from Melbourne - 156 V6 2004

[JBAlfa]

Hi all, just signed up but have been reading for a while.

Have had my 156 V6 (2nd hand) for 2 years now and can't complain too much.

I do urgently need some rear disc brakes and pads. Dealer wanted $520 all up so I shopped around. Strangely, other aftermarket places wanted about the same if not more.

Seems the rotors are $160 each and pads about $100 each. Whoa..more expensive than I thought.

Also need 4 new tyres. All I wanted was a service and instead got a massive headache!!

Presume others face the same prospect.

Different topic: Can anyone join the Sandown race-days or do you need to have some qualifiication? Would love to go around the track one day and see what the car can really do. Bumper to bumper at 10km/h into work aint fun.

[Mat Francis]

Couple of things you will need to do before you can enter.

Firstly join the Club, your membership will last for a year and gives you plenty of other benefits as well- possibly discount at some of the club sponsors- handy for things such as new brakes etc 

The other thing you need is a cams license- a level 2S for club sprints. $100 for the year. Allows you to enter this sprint, and any other one you want as well. No driving test necessary, just a few pages of paperwork.

a few little things like a helmet and fire extinguisher are needed as well.

Don't be put off by the initial start up fees, just think of it like this: even if you add all the costs together, they won't come close to a decent speeding fine. and there is no speed limit on the track!

[John Hanslow]

Its a shit thing JB Alfa in having your car serviced and getting a list of additional items.  But that's life when you drive a car - and the more you drive the faster it wears out.  Howevwer, these are things that need replacing on any car from time to time and not necessarily cheap either.

Following Mat's comments, join up and check out our sponsors.  Some offer discounts to members.  I recon that a Alfa specialist is pretty good value with advice and options that others may not provide.

Doesn't matter if its Monza, Maranello Motors, Italian Job or another, good advice about your brakes and choice of tyres is important, as is any possible savings.  This effects performace, handling and the ride comfort. In a v6 I would be looking at performace considerations too as you want the car to drive as it should and have some fun.
Cheers.

[JBAlfa]

Cheers for the advice.
Got a quote of $250 per tyre for Dunlop 3000A's?
Will probably get them but didnt want to spend anywhere near that much.
Have been talked out of Duro's and kelly's by dealers who say they are no good.

[John Hanslow]

Check out Stuckey Tire Service in Brunswick who have had a long association with the club.  They may have a few ideas and are specialists in road and race tyres.

http://www.stuckey.com.au/

Cheers.