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May 27, 2011 13:46:43 GMT
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Yeah the V6 is very quick but feels heavier than the TS. But you can't argue with the sound they make!
I liked both cars, but they did cost a fortune to run, the V6 on fuel and the TS on constant repairs! Got the merc right now, but I will hopefully get another V6 in time...
Can't wait to see how yours pans out, reckon it's gonna look great!
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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May 28, 2011 21:33:37 GMT
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That sound <3 I did consider a V6 but being 22 years of age and not in the best of jobs it wouldn't have been a wise choice. I can definitely admire how balanced the TS is as a package and will avopid test driving any V6's until the time is right I'm just working my way through bits that need sorting. I can guarantee as soon as I get them all dialled something else will break or it'll have done enough miles to warrant its next cam belt change. I guess to own an Alfa you've got to have a pretty good sense of humour. £60 each for wiper blades ? No wonder they've never been changed.Thank-you mate I'm hoping it all goes to plan, just a case of making a few phone calls and saving a bit of wedge to really get things moving.
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Last Edit: May 28, 2011 21:35:43 GMT by Jowey
2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Okay coil-overs should be here Thursday B)
They are made by Intrax a dutch company and have cost me an arm and a leg !
That'll be part of the satisfaction though.. it has an odd PCD 5x98 and Coil-overs aren't readily available for traveller money.. so once the right wheels and coils are on and fitted it'll be a very very satisfying car to own.
Currently averaging around 33mpg, I tend to accelerate rapidly but I do a lot of engine breaking, travel at 65mph on motorways and I rarely brake for corners and turning off etc.
I'm interested to see how this figure changes with the lowering and fitting of some narrower 195/40 instead of 225/45. Lowering may increase aerodynamic efficiency less drag underneath and less drag due to reduce arch gap. Lowering means I'll brake less and less for roundabouts, corners and turns and i'll be avoiding all speed bumps which I currently need to coasted over.
My Arosa on a run originally hit 42mpg. after lowering, narrower tires with higher pressure a good service and the tracking done I hit 52mpg on a run.
If I could get the GTV to average over 40mpg on a run I'd be really happy.
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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If I could get the GTV to average over 40mpg on a run I'd be really happy. And a fuel saving hero. ;D Love these, really nice looking car you've got there. Glad to see one getting "The Treatment"
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mitchy
Part of things
Posts: 62
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you'll definitely be going slower around speed bumps As said looks amazing in the photochop so cant wait to see the coilys on mate stunning
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Ditched the yellow lamps today and tinted my indicators (and fogs ..shh ) amber. Did the same on my Arosa. I really like Amber turns on modern cars. Also spent some time preparing the car for the coil-overs, slacked off, removed, wire brushed and copper slipped every bolt on the suspension so once the coils are here it should only take an hour to chuck them on as all the hard work as been done. Also raised the washer bottle up out of the wheel arch to increase clearance, and removed the arch liners at the fronts, chances are I'll need to trim back some of the metalwork as it'll probably get in the way of the tires. Will be getting some 195/40's up front tomorrow and then fingers crossed the postman brings me the coil-overs. If I could get the GTV to average over 40mpg on a run I'd be really happy. And a fuel saving hero. ;D Love these, really nice looking car you've got there. Glad to see one getting "The Treatment" Thank you mate. I'm excited to see what one looks like with 'The Treatment' as there seems to be zero around. There is a black one on air but it isn't as low as it should be and an orange one with 18x11J rears... just need to combine the two you'll definitely be going slower around speed bumps As said looks amazing in the photochop so cant wait to see the coilys on mate stunning I'll just totally avoid them to be safe, it means I have to go through a few more traffic lights on my drive to work but worth it ;D
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Okay so these turned up this morning, second hand Intrax coil-overs £1200 brand new. Fella did 300miles on them and decided they were too harsh and sold them at a massive loss.. #vulturescirclein So the ride is a bit harsh. what could be done to rectify that ? Shorter marginally softer springs. and longer harder helper springs. ideal. Excellent. eff' you man! undoing top mounts like a pro. (turns out that was the captive nut for the front springs..so didn't actually need to undo it.) That big flappy piece of metal will need to be cut off as it'll almost definitely get in the way of tucking tire top. So anyway not a successful day because after removing the old strut and offering the new one up to the hub.. "oh for king and contry they don't even fit" Now when I read that the V6 had a 30mm mounting bracket I assumed (first mistake) that it just meant the mounting bracket was 5mm wider than that of the TS. I was wrong.. totally different. So had to reassemble the car and go back inside crying.. Not all was lost though as I was successful in replacing the O/S side light bulb.. So the plan from here is either: Redrill coil-over hub mounting and use washers to space the gap and line-up up the M10 hole. Or Buy V6 Hubs, M12 bolts and some 300mm Brembo's. I'm swaying towards the Brembo's but it means I can't get the Alfa GT Blackline Alloys that I realllllyyy want for it. however.. the wheels would look even better with a nice big grooved disc and Brembo caliper. hmmm To be continued..
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Jun 17, 2011 10:48:57 GMT
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Finally replaced the clunky rear bush with a powerflex counterpart. I've fitted the rear setup for the coil-overs so slightly reduced arch gap and wheels secured The dampening on these shocks is seriously plush, So I've decided after pricing up V6 hubs etc to come to more than 400quid that I will drill an extra hole in the coil-over allowing them to mount to the TS. Next task is ordering adapter plates for the wheels so that I can sell the Tdials and free up some money for some other trick bits.
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,194
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Jun 17, 2011 11:52:45 GMT
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This project shows alot of promise!
Are those Satin wheels from a Porsche?
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Jun 17, 2011 12:25:00 GMT
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The wheels are Autostrada Monza I believe. Basically a 17" x 8.5 3 piece split rim replica of the Porsche Teledial made by Work wheels in Japan. they are 5x114.3 stud pattern and normally found on things like this: will probably give them a bit of a refresh before they go on as matte black isn't really my thing although they do look hard as nails !
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jun 17, 2011 13:22:47 GMT
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looks very smart just be careful at lowering the front as the sump sits very low on these cars, iv smashed the sump twice maybe 3 times on my old 145 (same chassis) also try and keep on top of every issue haha does look well smart with the cup bodykit, you have been bookmarked keep the updates coming
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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looks very smart just be careful at lowering the front as the sump sits very low on these cars, iv smashed the sump twice maybe 3 times on my old 145 (same chassis) also try and keep on top of every issue haha does look well smart with the cup bodykit, you have been bookmarked keep the updates coming It does seem that the sump is really low and a really big on these The roads I use daily I know very well so fingers crossed the sump will live, but it only take one misplaced larger than average stone. can't imagine what this engine would be like in a 145, must be a little rocket. I've finally worked through all of the previous owners remaining issues si anything that develops now will be my first Alfa issue. it has been said "A car is only as reliable as it's owner" so I'll keep on top of belt and fluid changes and solve any other issues along the way. coil redrilled for TS hubs, I need to make up a 5mm spacer to sit inside hub mount to space make sure it sits snug then find time to fit them.
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Jun 23, 2011 12:39:10 GMT
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also making a start on these
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Last Edit: Jun 23, 2011 23:52:30 GMT by Jowey
2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jun 23, 2011 12:39:24 GMT
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Loving the progress mate
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nofrills
Posted a lot
my wings are made of Steeeeeeeel!!!
Posts: 1,243
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Jun 23, 2011 14:22:56 GMT
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Sweet as mate, now just out of curiosity, does your drop link bolt to the front coil over? the reason i ask i s a run a fiat marea weekend 2.0 20v and i swear those coilovers would fit my front? (can't get them for a marea) could you do me a favour and give me some measurments of the original mountin points, and the drop link bracket as i would love to run collies on my wagon
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Jun 23, 2011 20:15:42 GMT
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looks very smart just be careful at lowering the front as the sump sits very low on these cars, iv smashed the sump twice maybe 3 times on my old 145 (same chassis) also try and keep on top of every issue haha does look well smart with the cup bodykit, you have been bookmarked keep the updates coming It does seem that the sump is really low and a really big on these The roads I use daily I know very well so fingers crossed the sump will live, but it only take one misplaced larger than average stone. can't imagine what this engine would be like in a 145, must be a little rocket. I've finally worked through all of the previous owners remaining issues si anything that develops now will be my first Alfa issue. it has been said "A car is only as reliable as it's owner" so I'll keep on top of belt and fluid changes and solve any other issues along the way. the 145 and GTV are about the same weight, so speed is about the same the GTV handles alot better tho due to lower centre of gravity. 145 rolls around corners unless you stiffen up the back end like I have done to mine lol I am very much looking forward to seeing those alloys on the car ;D
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Jun 27, 2011 10:42:11 GMT
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It does seem that the sump is really low and a really big on these The roads I use daily I know very well so fingers crossed the sump will live, but it only take one misplaced larger than average stone. can't imagine what this engine would be like in a 145, must be a little rocket. I've finally worked through all of the previous owners remaining issues si anything that develops now will be my first Alfa issue. it has been said "A car is only as reliable as it's owner" so I'll keep on top of belt and fluid changes and solve any other issues along the way. the 145 and GTV are about the same weight, so speed is about the same the GTV handles alot better tho due to lower centre of gravity. 145 rolls around corners unless you stiffen up the back end like I have done to mine lol I am very much looking forward to seeing those alloys on the car ;D Typical hatchback fault, compact, space saving rear suspension setup to be able to bare load and provide comfort. I'm rather excited about getting the alloys on too, I need to get some decent quality PCD adapters made up and get my polishing arm out on those lips to get a good shine. Sweet as mate, now just out of curiosity, does your drop link bolt to the front coil over? the reason I ask I s a run a fiat marea weekend 2.0 20v and I swear those coilovers would fit my front? (can't get them for a marea) could you do me a favour and give me some measurments of the original mountin points, and the drop link bracket as I would love to run collies on my wagon The L-shaped bit on the coil-over body is indeed for the ARB drop link. The 2.0TS that I have has the ARB attached to the wishbone, as do the early 3.0 V6's, The later 3.0 V6's however have the droplink. By all means can run off some measurements for you. What would you like to know ? Shocks body length and hub attachment and then the placement of the droplink bracket along the shock body ? Thank you mate just piecing bits together at the moment. I like to do lots of prep and then have a big change all at once which gives maximum mojo boosting impact Another goodie turned up today 300mm omp tracento, There isn't a boss kit available for a GTV, however this doesn't mean there isn't a boss that fits.. I hope In other news, O/S Outer CV boot has blown it's load all over the inside of my wheel. So one of those'll need ordered on Monday.
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Jun 27, 2011 12:22:13 GMT
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very quickly mocked up that bases for a spacer to make up the 5mm difference between the coil=over and GTV hub mount
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Last Edit: Jun 27, 2011 17:15:56 GMT by Jowey
2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Jun 28, 2011 22:01:36 GMT
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Last Edit: Jun 28, 2011 22:03:03 GMT by Jowey
2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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Jowey
Part of things
Posts: 933
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Jun 29, 2011 13:38:15 GMT
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Did the 1000,1200 and 1500 grit sanding last night an got the polishing wheel the results are pretty good. I can still see a few scratches so I think a jump from 150 to 400 grit was a bit too much soon.. Still awaiting response from Superforma in relation to PCD adapter's which will adjust the stud pattern from 5x98 to 5x114.3. Hopefully won't need to run those stretched tires as there should be sufficient clearance. hmm what color for the centers ?
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2000 Mercedes E55 //AMG 1998 Alfa Reomeo GTV 24v 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider 16v 1996 Suzki Swift 1.0 GLS
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