924Board.org

[Neil924]

I drove 2 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Spider's today. One was a black {very shiny} '88 with 45,000 miles and the other a red {fresh paint} 86 with 98,000 miles. The cars are almost exactly the same. {85 or 86 untill 90 was almost perfectly the same, right?}

The condition of the interiors were different. The red one had very soft seats {no support} they were showing their age very well. And everything was just a bit less perfect than the black one. The red has new paint and is very well worked in. It can be driven away now.

The black one has been sitting on and off it's whole life. Most of the rubber bits and hoses are replaced {the rest will be} Very few miles, the interior is in better shape than the red one and it has a hard top that comes with it as well as a toneu {sp.} cover.
So is just the rubber hoses a problem when a car sits? Or does it take life away from the motor or tranny etc... ?
The red one drove as well as I could hope and the black....
The black one needs a clutch pivot and a few items replaced {before it's sold}. It idles rough but when you're on the gas a little, no problems. Both radios are not working well, but all electronics on both cars are great. Although the power windows are on "italian time" {a.k.a. slow as hell. They always have been.}

Bad news. The engines are interference engines and even the valves will collide with each other if things go wrong.

Good news. Disks up front and on the back, stops very well for an older car. Better than the 924. {Disk/ drum setup}

Does anyone have a reason why one shouldn't buy one of these cars?
Anyone ever own one?
Anyone ever look into buying one?

I understand the Quadrifoglio's were the best of the Alfa's line up?

The red one is 12,000 cdn
and the black 14000 cdn

I am very tired, if this doesn't make sense, I'll fix it on Tuesday.
Good night!!!

[US924s]

I had a beautiful silver 1978 spider with a black stayfast canvas top and interior. I must say it was an excellent handling machine. With 50/50 front to rear similar to the porsche. The ladies loved it. I got more looks in that car with the top down than I did driving my fathers bright red 72 Pantera (now thats a car).

The Alfa nickle and dimed me to death. The problem was that the nickle was $500 bucks. I blew a U joint at 100 mph, the driveshaft wobble then tore up the rear pinion, pinion bearings and ring. It was $500 bucks for a rebuilt rearend with me doing the install. I blew 2 head gaskets until I bought a brass insert kit that ended my problems. I dont know if they changed over the fuel pump to something less exotic in 85. I lost a fuel pump on mine and it was cheaper to swap it over to dual sidedraft Webers. I bought the carbs, the European manifold, carb spacers, and carb support rod all cheaper than a new fuel pump for the FI. The Webers were a kick though. I loved the sound and the pep of the little 2 Liter motor with carbs.

Beware of an Alfa that sits. Mine did. It was stored for 7 years. The stiching on the seats were perfect when I bought it. 2 months later they were popping left and right. I blew a radiator hose on the way home from the original owners house. Thanks to duct tape I limped it home.

If the car is a driver and you go easy on it I think you'll be fine. I wouldn't recommend driving it hard if your short on cash. Its a recipe to put you in the poor house. They are great looking vehicles and bring a smile to your face when they arent broke. I still have a soft spot in my heart for the spider and the GTV. The GTV doesnt have the convertible top. Tops, dont get me started on Alfas top drainage system......

[Racing]

Have worked on alfas back when.
First of all the interferance deal-forget it.
The cams are driven by a chain,and the chance of the chain breaking is about zero.
Thing to look out for is electricals-where the alfas has always been weak.
Then...
Rust.
Rust.
Rust...
and...
Rust.

[Neil924]

Thanks guys.

To US924s:
As for the nickle and diming, is that for all of the cars or just your case?
I looked at a few magazines he had and you can get any part you need for them, at a fair price {so says I}.

And the 50/50 weight, It looks front end heavy. I can't believe it's 50/50. I forgot to post, the black one {sitting one} has a new fuel pump, and a few odds and ends {rubber bits and wires etc...}. The red one has what it needs. You can always add new items, even if there isn't a need.

The sitting, it had 2 owners before this dealer. And he drove this one from NYC to the Maine border. The red one too was driven from NH to Maine. Without a problem. So does sitting affect more than the rubber/leather bits? Also it was driven a few thousand miles each year and stored for the winters, like my 924. So it wasn't off the road for say, 10 years, will that make a difference?

Thanks for your help.


To Racing:
As for the chain, he said the same thing. Will not fail.
He also said the electrics are weak {radios not working in either car}.
As for rust, none that I could see. The red came back from the shop where they went down to the metal and removed as much as they could. I don't think they taped anything. The dealer took out the motor and tranny, left the windshield in though. And the blac one had the rear spoiler painted {plastic right?} because it was faded. As well as the cowling {right in front of the windshield, between the fenders.} He priced fenders for me, just in case. And they are 1,000 cdn. They are, steel I guess and have to be welded in place. He charges 52 per hour and will be a sport if somthing goes amiss.



As for shifting, wow! What's with the gear shifter? Odd. Very odd. Before going into 1st, place it in a higher gear {3rd, then 2nd before going into 1st} Does that seem right. To slow the tranny. It isn't a sign of wear, is it?

Any help is very welcome.

Thanks again.

O, both cars are U.S. spec. with new canvas tops.
What's with the hard top? Takes to guys how mant minutes??? Pain! Has to be bolted in?
You guys ever drive in the snow?

[924RACR]

Dude, if you really wish to spend that much money and play with cars that much, get another 924 and race it! At least you'll have something to show for your efforts, and you won't keep fixing the same stuff over and over again!

There's a reason they call them Alfa Repairos!!!

Feeble (the censored version)
Italian
Attempt at
Transportation

My brother had a FIAT. I thank him for falling on the grenade for me, and making sure I never wanted one.

I'd rather a Triumph. Don't get me wrong, when they run they're a blast to drive. When. If.

If you really like the brakes that much, but the M471 brakes on your 924 and buy some sticky tires. There'll be very few cars that can outbrake you. If you don't believe me, drop by some time, I'll put my race tires on my turbo and we'll do a few stops - the bruises from the seatbelt should convince you!
_________________
Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

[Neil924]

[US924s]

You might have noticed that I drove my car hard. Whats the sense of having a sports car if you have to baby it.

My tranny was the same way. I never had any problems with it. It shifts quick on the way up, but yes first gear was touchy. I had to do the same little drama at every stoplight. You get use to it and it becomes second nature. You'll find yourself doing it in your other vechicles. Like jumping into an automatic and reaching out your foot for the clutch.

I doubt it was just my vehicle. Like I said I drove it hard. I wasnt part of the 60 year old beret and scarf wearing crowd.

As for the 50/50. Get the car into a 4 wheel drift and you tell me. It was as close to neutral as they come. I had stainless brake lines. It stopped on a dime.

Believe Racing when he said look for rust. Pull up the carpet behind the seats. The top has 2 drain lines that run from a drip rail at the base of the top. They run behind the interior panel to the floor. On mine they were cracked rubber lines. They leak onto the floorboards when it rains rotting them out. Check for rust under the spare tire and behind the front fenders. If you can, pull the door panels and check behind the door skins.

8 to 10 grand is highway robbery. 6 grand for a perfect example is more like it. Kelly bluebook says $4800 US.

Triumphs are cool if you can get past that positive ground bs. I do like the Spitfire when it was still chrome and not that plastic. I think it was the MKVI. Sweet vehicle.

[Neil924]

Thanks for all of the help. This guy won't come down more than sat 500 bucks and he {as far as I know} is the only game within 500 miles. It will be hard to walk away, they are so very nice. Do you think they are on the same level as the 924's? Weight split 50/50, careful when going into 1st, reliablity, purchase cost, maintaining costs, parts availability? Life span? Which one is better, 924 or Alfa?
I did find a FAQ in PDF form, along with tips and model help.

I'll find the link if you want.

[US924s]

I dont think you'll like my answer and remember this is just my personal opinion. Your opinion is the one thats important.

There is absolutely no comparison. 924's are everywhere. Donor cars are plentiful. If its body parts, complete motors or just odds and ends chances are its on eBAy. The Porsche is cheaper to purchase, maintain and its more reliable. Life span, I have no idea. The Alfa does rust fairly easily if left to the elements. Were they driven on salted roads? regular oil changes? Alfa motors are sleeved. Look up the price of a rebuild kit vs a 924 rebuild. I bet the Alfa is at least 2x's the cost.

Is the Alfa a great looking machine with serious smile factor. It sure is.

I use to own a Alfa. I own a porsche now.

[Neil924]

[US924s]

My opinion is one of many. I'm sure there are others on this board who have had experience with Alfas. My experiences are just that, mine. I was 22 when I bought mine. Thankfully I was an aircraft mechanic and had a great set of tools.

A step up to the 924 would be inaccurate. I would say a step to the left. It is like comparing apples and oranges.

I believe the porsche was designed to be driven hard. Most German vehicles are. Every facet of the 924 was designed around performance. Why the transaxle? - F/R wieght ratio. Why was the engine inclined to one side? - lower the center of gravity. etc....

The Italian's, IMHO, designed the Alfa around a look and a lifestyle. Look at the gauge cluster on the older alfas. I call it t*ts in the face. I sat in the car for the first time and laughed. It was designed for the single wealthy man to pick up chicks. The entire vehicle is window dressing. It performs and handles well, dont get me wrong. But it was designed to be the other woman and she's high maintenance. The car can be made reliable but it takes work and $.

Would I buy another alfa? most definitely. Im still looking for a clean GTV. I just wouldn't kid myself about the maintenance and cost involved. Im 34 now. A little smarter but still a sucker for t*ts in the face.

[Neil924]

Well, I'm 22 now and if it isn't as reliable as my 924, why pay twice the purchase price and twice the shop fee, and twice the parts prices? I will have to think about this. It will be a waste of money, but so is the 924. I'll have to decide if it's worth it for me. Thanks for all of your help.
I'll let you know what happens.
Neil

[Joes924Racer]

What the 924 was designed to be driven hard what about the driver it drives me hard.. neil how about buying another 924. Would I buy
a spyder...I dont know.
_________________
1979 porsche 924 Na
1980 porsche Turbo 931GT Replica
Have u ever driven a turbo.

[Neil924]

I could get another 924, then I would have two of the same. I really like the look of the Spiders, and the converable is kinda cool. I will have to find out a little more about the reliablity first.
Tell me you don't like it and I will call you a liar!
This is a 91

[Joes924Racer]

the older ones look good also. theres about 5 of them
in the boneyard here. there pretyy picked clean though.
_________________
1979 porsche 924 Na
1980 porsche Turbo 931GT Replica
Have u ever driven a turbo.