NEW 156 OWNER

[ALFA156DALE]

Hi Guys,
           Iam Dale im 17 years old and have recently brought a Black Alfa 156 2.5ltr V6 with red leather as my first car. Iam very happy with it i have had it for a few months now and want to start modifying it a bit (just an induction kit, exhaust, wheels) and probably tune it up a little (chip) if i can afford it all are there any suggestions of what i should do first or any other mods you think i should do?
I live in Western Victoria, Portland (if you know where that is, its unlikely since iam the only one in town to own an ALFA)


Thanks guys
its good to see we all follow the same passion 

Dale

[John Hanslow]

Congratulations on your purchase.  It would be great to see your car if you are in Melbourne when we have a Club function.  If you want to try our your car on the track, get involed in some sprints.

There are a few Alfa Specialists besides the dealers who can easily help you.  Sponsors link from top right front page: http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/content/view/20/33/

We just had a 156 Workshop at Monza Motors where such matters were discussed by a few members keen to do such things.  A range of after market upgrades are readily available.  At Maranello Motors, they enhanced a 156 GTA and it had a 3.7lt upgrade with other bits.  You can buy them over the net or thru the workshops.  The Specialist mechanics have a wealth of knowledge of what works and what is practical - or value for money for budget conscious individuals.

By the way, if your car is a manual, then you can put in the Q2 diff.  If it is an auto, check that the Q -sytsem software has been upgraded with routine servicing at the dealer - as they only have the gearbox upgrades that are on the factory disk (so I have been told).

I always recommend to get the car thoroughly checked out with the first service with correct oil.  With all the facts you can plan on what needs repairing, replacing and upgrading. 

I would assume that the timing belt has been changed and the plastic water pump replaced with a metal one.

Let us know how you go.

[ALFA156DALE]

Hi,
   Thanks for all those suggestions. I have a Q-system Auto, Whats the business with the disk stuff
I have been looking at exhaust systems, theres one iam interrested in its a REMUS TWIN SUPERSPRINT
for $850ono, is this a good price and is remus a good brand? I will defenently come to Melbourne next
year for a track day (does it cost any thing?) since i dont have my license yet . I always go with my
dad and his mate to tarmac rallys like the winter classic in ballarat and clipsal 500 rally in adelaide, its
great fun they drive a maserati ghibli, great looking car. For these track you guys have do i need a cams
license or anything? I know the timing and cam belt have been changed, i have had its first service over
in ballarat  (KINGS CARS) they said it was in really good condition and they said the only thing wrong with
my alfa was it might need its front brake pads changed next service, which i was pretty happy with, i
thought it would have more wrong with it then that.

Thanks i will stop talking now 

Dale.

[John Hanslow]

As stated check out Monza Motors or Maranello Pur-sang - to name a few sponsors who know these cars and what to add and what is of value depending on your needs.

With a factory Alfa Analyster, you can reset the selespeed.  But I was told if at a service, an upgrade may be put thru and its on a disk - only the dealers have the disk. The 156 and also 159 have had selespeed and auto upgrades to the programs.

Don't know about Kings, but when you change the belt on a V6, you have to check if the wayer pump has been replaced from the shitty plastic one to a better metal one.  The plastic blades break off and your engine may overheat and its all over! 

When in Melb, show these guys your car and get an opinuion on what needs doing and what needs improving.

Cheers.

[Sheldon McIntosh]

Yes it does cost something to attend a track day, and you can get your CAMS license on the day.  But don't worry, if you can live with the standard exhaust note, you could get four track days, plus licence, for the price of your Remus system.  I know which is the better value, but I guess it depends on your priorities.  Better change those brake pads before you come though!