Noob question(s) re 156 Twinspark/JTS & GTV

[Splinter]

Hi All,

I see '156 JTS' referred a lot on the forums and is apparently a popular car choice.

Is the JTS the same thing as a '156 Twin Spark' ? i understand the TS may be 'twinspark' ... where does the 'J' come into it?

Also, would a 156 Twin SPark be a decent purchase? I've seen one on the market currently for ~$11k with 111k on the clock...is that a reasonable purchase (depending on whether all mechanical, servicing etc checks out to be ok).

At the moment after a bit of researching, i'm narrowing down to choices between a GTV6 and a 156 Twin Spark which fall within my price range and requirements...see how we go.

[NigelC]

The JTS engine (Jet Thrust Stoichiometric) is a direct injection engine that effectively replaced (I think) the twin-spark in the 156 and gave increased power and torque with better fuel economy.  Some other manufacturers like Mitsubishi used a similar technology but focused more on the fuel economy and emissions than did Alfa, where the focus was on performance.  The power curve was lower in the rev range and so more useable power was produced in the mid-range.

A JTS engine doesn't sound the same as a twin-spark and many Alfisti rue the loss of the 'traditional' alfa roar but emissions control has effectively killed that sound anyway.

Hope this helps.

[Splinter]

Thanks for that Nigel...i should've maybe wikipedia'd or something and found out for myself   

Guess i'd probably be selling myself short by going for a normal Twin spark model when there is an upgraded JTS ones around?

So i'll shift my focus now towards GTV6 vs 156 JTS  i guess.

Also, how knowledgable does one ahve to be in terms of being able to work on the cars yourselves? I've seen a fair few threads where people have been doign their own work to suplement the general servicing and other work done by specialist mechanics/dealerships.

I have working knowledge of other cars (mianly Jap models) but lack the hands-on experience/knowledge of the Alfa's. Also, nowadays i don't have as much time to work on my cars which is why reliabilty and longevity are a must for me.

Are Alfa's heavily labour-intensive or can i get away with just doing the general oil and other checks and leaving the rest to the specialists when service time comes around?

[Prana69]

The JTS engines that started with the 2002 model 156 upped power to 121kw, from the Twin Spark's 114kw.

If you are particularly interested in a V6 Alfa (as you keep referring to a GTV6), you know there are V6 versions of the 156, right? 

2002-2003 V6 156 manual models can be had for $15-18000.  2004-06 for $20-30000

Dave

[John Hanslow]

Also depends on what you want to spend.  Be mindful that the JTS came out in 2003 with the similar front as the Twin Spark but new interior.  However the facelift model of the JTS then came out in 2004 (Giugiaro Design) and that of course is newer and more expensive to buy.

With the JTS a few forum members have mentioned that with the extra power, it is up these towards the V6 so unless you want an automatic (Q system) a JTS is the go.

These is a Ti version and it was a bit of a dress up of the standard JTS so you will notice it has 17 inch wheels, recarro style seats with red stitching and firmer suspension.

These are Alfa Specialists in each state and pre-purchase inspection is recommended to the uninitiated and ensure these is service history.  Correct oil is 10w 60 otherwise the cams wear out faster (thats what the dealer mechanics say).

Let us know how you go.  Cheers.