Recent 147 Purchase.

John Hanslow · January 20, 2011, 05:42:44 PM

Went out looking for a spider, then a GTV, but a 156 V6 would have been nice .

Ended up with this at a good price with a few extras. 2002 Twin Spark with soft leather interior- and the duel zone climate control ...

Evan Bottcher · January 20, 2011, 06:09:46 PM

Nice one John, glad to see it's a spaniard. Looks very tidy.

massiveluvbuddy67 · January 20, 2011, 06:35:48 PM

Hi John,'
It looks beautiful. I love the red leather and contrasting silver duco!
Best Regards
Phil

Mark Baigent · January 20, 2011, 08:39:50 PM

Like Phil says ... a super colour combination John ... enjoy !

Steve S · January 20, 2011, 08:43:27 PM

Looks great, has it been lowered?

John Hanslow · January 21, 2011, 07:35:14 AM

Have to do a bit of research on the suspension but the answer is yes.

It has lowered springs. I understand that they are red eibach in the front. The ride is firm but not harsh but it does mean that those lovely leater seats work well and do absorb some of the bumps. That is why I stayed clear of the Ti and the sports seats for that reason.

The ones in the back are black. It was suggested that they could be stardard ones but will need someone who knows to check it out. The shockers also. I thought I could pay Top Performance to give me an 'opinion' but they only sell suspension and do not have a workshop.

I do like a car slightly lowered but may comnsider swapping springs to standard ones and getting Koni yello shockers - generally thought as the best combination for general road use for Australian conditions.

Overall I have to say, in looking at a hatch, serviced, under 100km and about $10k (lets forget deals and discounts), sitting in an Alfa Romeo 147 (or any other) is just a nice place to be !

Cheers.

Anthony Miller · January 21, 2011, 08:55:35 AM

Well done mate, very tidy looking indeed

Steve S · January 21, 2011, 12:52:11 PM

Quote from: John Hanslow on January 21, 2011, 07:35:14 AM

Overall I have to say, in looking at a hatch, serviced, under 100km and about $10k (lets forget deals and discounts), sitting in an Alfa Romeo 147 (or any other) is just a nice place to be !

Cheers.

I couldn't agree more with that. I decided to pay a little bit more than that but its still a bargan compared to anything else similar.

One thing is for sure, the rear springs can't be factory. Yours definitely looks a lot lower than mine. It should be obvious if it has aftermarket spring or not. My 147 is not a Ti - I think its the same as yours but it does have the "ti" seats which I think are very nice. It does have a rather firm ride though so I wonder if it got the TI springs? Handling is brilliant though. I think a nice set of Bilstiens on standard springs is probably what I'd go for if anything.

John Hanslow · January 24, 2011, 07:28:29 AM

Will get an opinion about the springs and shockers from Monza Motors. Red springs in from and black ones at the rear and all lowered.

What I want is the a comfortable ride but an Alfa that can perform best on Australian roads. See how I go.

Steve S · January 24, 2011, 11:55:13 PM

Cool, let us know how you go.

John Hanslow · February 28, 2011, 01:47:24 PM

The front shockers are 13mm eibach style. So they are red, thiucker and lowered to.

So that means they are like track springs I suppose.

The back are just lowered. I measured the front wheel against a 147ti locally - from the base of the wheel to the inside edge of the guard (at the top) and got 64 cms for me and 69cms for the ti.

Will now look at options. Just a bit sporty for me so even stock springs and koni shock ?

Not sure but open for ideas.

rocklogic · February 28, 2011, 06:01:15 PM

Hi John!

Congrats on the 147!

i'd got Koni yellows + Eibach on my 147, and they're definitely firmer than the stock ones.

I found that the Koni at its' softest rebound setting (it's adjustable) is very comfortable on the roads, save for those major bumps on the roads. At its hardest, very firm ride, but still bearable.

When at its tallest - the 147 looks a bit like a mini SUV (looking at the massive gap between wheel arches and the tyres) - in my opinion, but lowered they do look much sportier and better. But that's horses for courses.

I'm sure you'll have massive fun driving this one around!

Cheers

John Hanslow · March 08, 2011, 07:38:00 AM

Recent info to hand is that Alfa Sports suspension is 'similar' to Eibach red springs ?

Not sure if that then is same as the Ti springs - anyone confirm that ?

colcol · March 08, 2011, 09:08:47 PM

I saw a 147 TI at Winton on the weekend and it had fair bit of space between the gaurds and the tyres, and i thought that the TI was lower than stock 147's, maybe every 147 i see is lowered or the springs have sagged, question, how does lowering your car effect your insurance policy?, my insurance company asked me had i lowered the car or modified it, Colin.

John Hanslow · May 12, 2011, 07:23:31 AM

Just had the suspension exchanged at Monza Motors. The H&R 13mm black springs were removed and replaced with 147 ti springs and shockers. So if you want some heavier springs you know where to go. These were firmer and thicker than normal springs as I understrand Alfa 147 springs are 12mm.

In doing a 147 hight clearance comparison a month ago, there was 50 mm difference between the a standard ti and the lowered H&R springs. So the car now is higher and gives different feel yet the drive is more compliant and just beaut !!!

Took it for a 'spin' on the way home from last night's Club Meeting and the car was well mannered and easy going - even in poor driving conditions.

I reckon that the 147 now is suitable for most suburban and 'general purpose' touring conditions.

Cheers!