🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

33 Sport Wagon

Year:

1987

Chassis Code:

Type 907

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Alfa Romeo 33 Sport Wagon represented a practical yet stylish option in the compact estate segment, appealing to families and individuals seeking Italian flair and driving dynamics.

Competitors:

Competed against European models such as the Volkswagen Golf Estate, Ford Escort Estate, Fiat Regata Weekend, and Peugeot 309 Familiale.

Distinctive Attributes:

Known for its distinctive Alfa Romeo styling, engaging handling, and the unique boxer engine configuration.

📋 Manual Details

Supported Regions:

Global (primarily European market focus typical for the era)

Estimated Page Count:

Highly variable in PDF format, but comprehensive workshop manuals for this era often exceed 500 pages when compiled.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service Repair:

Comprehensive coverage including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components.

Transmission Service Repair:

Detailed procedures for manual and potentially automatic transmission (if applicable) servicing, repair, and clutch service.

Brake System:

Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of hydraulic and mechanical brake components, including master cylinder, calipers, drums, and lines.

Wiring Diagram:

Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for troubleshooting electrical issues.

Electrical System:

Detailed troubleshooting and repair procedures for lighting, ignition, charging system, starting system, accessories, and ECUs.

Suspension:

Service and repair of front and rear suspension components, including shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and bushings.

Steering:

Repair and adjustment of the steering system, including steering rack, linkages, and power steering components (if equipped).

Cooling System:

Maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and cooling fan.

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Detailed coverage of fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, fuel lines, and diagnosis of fuel delivery issues, including L-Jetronic or similar systems.

Emission System:

Information on emission control devices, diagnosis, and repair procedures to meet regulatory standards.

Engine Control System:

Troubleshooting and repair of the Engine Control Unit (ECU), sensors, and actuators for optimal engine management.

Chassis Body:

Repair and maintenance of the vehicle's body structure, panels, doors, glass, and chassis components.

Restraint System:

Information on seat belts, and potentially early airbag systems if equipped, including inspection and repair.

Axle:

Service and repair of front and rear axles, including CV joints and differential (if applicable).

General Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and general inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex vehicle issues.

Periodic Lubrication:

Specific lubrication points, recommended lubricants, and service intervals for various chassis components.

Disassembly Reassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for taking apart and putting back together major vehicle components.

Refurbish Renovate Mend Fix:

Guidance on restoring, repairing, and fixing various mechanical and electrical parts and systems.

Depth:

Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and chassis repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

Software Requirements:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader and WinZip.

Printability:

Designed for easy printing of specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

Digital (PDF) - no physical binding.

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer (Flat) Engine

Displacement:

Commonly 1.3L (1351 cc) and 1.5L (1490 cc) for the 1987 model year. Later models saw 1.7L variants.

Cylinders:

4 Cylinders, Boxer Configuration

Bore X Stroke:

Varies by specific engine variant (e.g., 1.5L: 80.0 mm x 74.0 mm approx.).

Horsepower:

Typically ranges from 70-95 HP (DIN) depending on engine displacement and state of tune (e.g., 1.5L often around 85-90 HP).

Torque:

Varies by engine variant, typically in the range of 110-130 Nm.

Fuel Delivery:

Carburetor (e.g., Weber twin-choke) or Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection for higher performance variants.

Ignition System:

Distributor-based electronic ignition (e.g., Marelli).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-speed Automatic (less common, availability varied by market and engine).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 rated gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4160 mm

Width:

Approx. 1640 mm

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2510 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1000-1100 kg, depending on engine and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No standardized global crash test data readily available for this specific model/year from sources like Euro NCAP or NHTSA as they were established later or did not test this model extensively.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Some higher trims might have featured front ventilated discs.

Seatbelts:

Standard seat belts for front and rear occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, often a single-DIN unit. Speaker configurations varied.

Dashboard Features:

Analog instrumentation, including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not standard equipment on most 1987 models; availability was typically optional or on higher trim levels.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB ports. Connectivity was limited to the radio and basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 km or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended every 20,000-30,000 km, depending on spark plug type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for boxer engines. Typically every 40,000-60,000 km or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual. Typically API SG or higher rated multi-viscosity oil, e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-40 depending on climate.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water. Consult manual for specific mix ratio and type.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Rust Corrosion:

Common for vehicles of this era, particularly the Alfasud-derived chassis components and bodywork. Rust in sills, wheel arches, and floor pans is frequent.

Carburetor Tuning:

Carbureted engines require regular tuning and adjustment to maintain optimal performance and emissions.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical faults.

Suspension Wear:

Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common due to age and mileage, affecting handling and steering feel.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Essence:

Alfa Romeo is renowned for its sporting heritage, distinctive Italian design, and engaging driving experience, often referred to as 'cuore sportivo' (sporting heart).

Predecessor:

The Alfa Romeo 33 Sport Wagon succeeded the Alfasud Giardinetta. The 33 series itself evolved from the Alfasud platform.

Generation:

The 1987 model falls into the later iteration of the Alfa Romeo 33, known as the Type 907, which received styling updates and mechanical revisions over the original Alfasud-derived 33 (Type 905).

Production Period:

The Alfa Romeo 33 series was produced from 1983 to 1994. The Sport Wagon variant was available throughout this period.

Assembly Plants:

Primarily assembled in Italy, at Alfa Romeo's Pomigliano d'Arco plant near Naples.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

While specific awards might be scarce, contemporary automotive press often praised the 33 for its driving dynamics and unique character, despite noted concerns about build quality and rust in some reviews.