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1997 Alfa GTV

BBSparky Part of things Posts: 174	1997 Alfa GTV BBSparky @bbsparky
	Apr 10, 2012 15:01:14 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Well, straight swapped my old A4 with a local dealership for this Alfa Romeo GTV. Wanted one about 10 years ago but got messed around by the Alfa dealer over a test drive so went off an bought a supra TT instead ( mistake but hey were all young once ). Finally i now have an Alfa on my drive and as you would expect it had a few issues When i got it from the dealer it was FILTHY! the pictures ont show just how nasty it was! It also had a knocking from the back end and wouldnt idle at all. But, it had good history with it, a full black leather interior and was generally in fairly good shape


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BBSparky Part of things Posts: 174	1997 Alfa GTV BBSparky @bbsparky
	Apr 10, 2012 15:02:53 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Once i got her home, which was an interesting drive trying to stop it stalling!, i gave it a damn good wash and polish. Also treated it to some new matts and a gear knob i had in the garage as the standard one was very tatty


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BBSparky Part of things Posts: 174	1997 Alfa GTV BBSparky @bbsparky
	Apr 10, 2012 15:12:04 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Next on the list was sorting the idle issue out. I cleaned up all the sensors under the bonnet which helped a little but was still bad. I then ordered the lead to plug my laptop in and the FiatEcuScan software licence. As soon as the laptop was linked up it gave me a list off error messages to do with various sensors and problems with their power. A quick look over the wiring diagram for the car and it appeared they shared a common fuse. This was duly checked, found blown and changed. Hey Presto, one car that idles nicely To treat myself for that i fitted the clear side repeaters i had for it as I'm not a fan of the orange blobs Moving on from that I started having a look for the rear end knocking and found that the new exhaust the previous owner had fitted was hitting the rear arms when it moved slightly. I could have tried to adjust it but at the same time a Ragazzon stainless backbox came up on the owners club which doesnt have this silencer in it. This has been bought and is currently winging its way to me as I type. While in spending mode ( I have just sold my MZ motorbike ) I treated the car to a set of FK lowering springs to get the wheels sitting in the middle of the arch. I have also just taken the car to A+M alfas near me and Mike there gave it a good checkover. We found that one of the rear suspension bushes is a little worn so the car has been booked in for the start of may while I'm away to have all the rear bushes swapped for powerflex ones, the springs fitted and the back box put on before it gets sent off for an MOT. Must say I'm dead happy with the car and the way it drives so should be even better soon. Also chuffed with it considering I swapped it for my audi which I was only after about £450 for!! Other plans are to partially debadge the rear and get some 17-18" BBS CH style wheels. Also have a few chips and scratches etc which I will hopefully get sorted out asap. All in all a fun little car for the summer!
	Last Edit: Apr 10, 2012 15:13:10 GMT by BBSparky

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monkeywaythere Part of things Posts: 29	1997 Alfa GTV monkeywaythere @monkeywaythere
	Apr 10, 2012 16:10:02 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Nice motor i did my apprentiship on alfa's is it the 3ltr or the 2 twin spark both nice engines but i personally like the 3 just for the sound and power


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BBSparky Part of things Posts: 174	1997 Alfa GTV BBSparky @bbsparky
	Apr 11, 2012 7:38:08 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Its the 2ltr twin spark. Still makes a VERY nice sound when giving it the beans though ;D Should be even better when the new exhaust goes on! Took advantage of a break in the rain last night to take the rear badges off oh and a quick engine bay shot
	Last Edit: Apr 11, 2012 7:38:49 GMT by BBSparky

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greencloverleafpat Part of things restoring a wide body alfasud ti. Posts: 726	1997 Alfa GTV greencloverleafpat @greencloverleafpat
	Apr 12, 2012 21:32:30 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	car looks good mate i also have just picked up a gtv 2 litre as well i love the shape and how they drive love it . heres my one
	Maximum signature image height: 80 pixels

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BBSparky Part of things Posts: 174	1997 Alfa GTV BBSparky @bbsparky
	Apr 13, 2012 7:43:21 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Very nice! Sure i recognize that from AO? Was that first pic from the meet in Horsham? Had a few bits turn up yesterday too! MY FK Springs are here and my Ragazzon back box turned up too!


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BBSparky Part of things Posts: 174	1997 Alfa GTV BBSparky @bbsparky
	May 16, 2012 10:10:51 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Well, finally got round to having all these bits fitted. Also had new rear shocks, spring pans and rear end polybushed. Has made a nice difference to the handling and now has a fruity exhaust note. Its definately sitting 35mm lower but not too extreme so as to put the sump in danger. Next plans are to get some bigger wheels on it ( toying with the idea of 18's in a staggered fitment to fill the arches), upgrade all the stereo equipment and then get the paint sorted. Pics (apols for the quality but weather is a bit dull ):
	Last Edit: May 16, 2012 10:13:59 GMT by BBSparky

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75nut Part of things Posts: 512	1997 Alfa GTV 75nut @75nut
	May 16, 2012 20:45:52 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Great buy mate, I had the twinspark, and I have to say having the 3ltr 75's I actually think the twinspart GTV being FWD is better with balance with the 2.0. Mine was a great car, utterly relaible, major eye catcher and great fun to drive, but just for my 2 penny worth don't go made on the finds, you could wreck the balance of handling
	90 Alfa 75 3.0 V6 Cloverleaf 79 MGB Roadster 88 Saab 900i Convertible 94 MK1 MX5 1.6 05 Volvo V70

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goldnrust West Midlands Minimalist Posts: 1,887	1997 Alfa GTV goldnrust @goldnrust
	May 16, 2012 21:16:23 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Looks nice and I like the way you're going with it. The wheel arches pull of 18s surprisingly well don't they! Makes me miss my GTV.
	1968 Daimler V8-250 Restoration 1965 Fiat 500F Restoration 1972 Suzuki T500 Cafe Racer / Custom Build

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MJK 24 Part of things Posts: 175	1997 Alfa GTV MJK 24 @mjk24
	May 16, 2012 21:25:52 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Where's the picture of the rear silencer you bought? All I see is a length of pipe ;-)


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Llewelyn_ Posted a lot Hi everyone :) Posts: 1,977	1997 Alfa GTV Llewelyn_ @funkula
	May 16, 2012 22:32:59 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I had a v6 one of these... Hands down point to point the fastest car I have ever owned without doubt (and that includes a spate of twin turbo 90s j-cars and a few v8 Germans including a manual 928 GT with updated cams and x pipes fitted) Unbelievably driveable! Well done mate
	"Back off man, I'm a Scientist" - Dr. Peter Venkman

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BBSparky Part of things Posts: 174	1997 Alfa GTV BBSparky @bbsparky
	May 17, 2012 10:04:12 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Cheers for the positive comments guys. Trying to decide on wheels at the minute. Its between either Dare BBM or Dare BBC both in 8x18 front and 9x18 rear to fill the arches out a bit as the standard wheels sit in a bit. MJK 24 - Guess its a hang up from my biker side. Loud pipes save lives and all that ;-)


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dunk11 Part of things Posts: 156	1997 Alfa GTV dunk11 @dunk11
	May 17, 2012 10:31:14 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Looking good! Got lots of love for GTVs, almost bought one recently - but went to the other end of the Alfa scale and got a 166. also just ordered some FK springs for mine to! Keep up the good work!


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corefour Part of things Posts: 95	1997 Alfa GTV corefour @corefour
	May 17, 2012 11:19:40 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Its the 2ltr twin spark. Still makes a VERY nice sound when giving it the beans though I have a 2.0 T Spark 147, quite possibly the nicest sounding 2.0 engine ive heard! Great transformation by they way, I bet that simple fuse fix was extremely satisfying!
	Last Edit: May 17, 2012 11:21:48 GMT by corefour

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Llewelyn_ Posted a lot Hi everyone :) Posts: 1,977	1997 Alfa GTV Llewelyn_ @funkula
	May 17, 2012 16:01:32 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Ooooh Alfa friends! Haha! Despite it's foibles, and let's be honest it's not without them, the 2.0 T-Spark is a proper fruity lump!
	"Back off man, I'm a Scientist" - Dr. Peter Venkman

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garrett Part of things Posts: 613	1997 Alfa GTV garrett @garrett
	May 20, 2012 17:21:13 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Great work so far! I have owned a TS and a V6, great cars. Really like what you have in store for this, I think BBS CH's would suit this down to the ground. These also good with the wheels from the Alfa GT Blackline...


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markske67 Part of things Posts: 88	1997 Alfa GTV markske67 @markske67
	May 20, 2012 18:21:24 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Nice to see an Alfa.... beware, once bitten by the virus!!! Do check when the timing belt was changed, they need to be done every 3 years or 60.000km. Drive a 156 1.8 TS, which is one of the best cars I've ever had, the best things with Alfa's are their road-holding and engine sound, on mine helped by having a sport back box and the catalyst removed.
	Honda Civic EK3 Ford Capri III 2.3S

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ChasR RR Helper motivation Posts: 10,305 Club RR Member Number: 170	1997 Alfa GTV ChasR @chasr Club Retro Rides Member 170
	May 20, 2012 20:16:36 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I do indeed miss my old 147 2.0TS. Lovely cars and a car I may buy again . They do put on a smile on your face eh? 2nded on the timing belt.
	'79 Honda NC-50 '02 Mercedes R230 SL500 '03 BMW M3 Coupe '08 BMW E91 325d M-Sport Touring Pre-LCI '16 Yamaha XSR700 My car history and exploits: leylandlegends.com

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BBSparky Part of things Posts: 174	1997 Alfa GTV BBSparky @bbsparky
	May 21, 2012 11:43:35 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Cam belt is on the list to change i think. Was done 25k ago but have been told the interval should be @35k so going to drive it for summer then get it changed. I have only done about 50 miles in it so far and most of those were to the garage and back for the work to be done! Definitely a sunny day fun car only


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