🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

33

Chassis Code:

Tipo 907

👋 Introduction

Historical Segment:

Compact/Small Family Car (often with a sporting edge)

Key Competitors:

Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Opel Kadett/Astra, Fiat Ritmo/Tipo, Peugeot 309, Renault 19

Unique Selling Points:

Distinctive Italian styling, lively Boxer engine performance (especially performance variants), advanced (for its time) boxer engine layout, available Q4 all-wheel-drive on later models.

Target Audience:

Alfa Romeo 33 owners, classic car enthusiasts, mechanics specializing in Italian vehicles, DIY restorers.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Chassis, Bodywork, Troubleshooting

Electrical Coverage:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, electrical system diagnosis

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by edition and specific vehicle variants, typically 300-600 pages for a complete workshop manual with wiring diagrams.

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual & Electrical Wiring Diagram

Language:

English (typical for international market manuals)

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Boxer Engine (all variants: 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.7ie, Q4), Engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics

Transmission:

Manual gearbox (5-speed), Clutch, Driveshafts, Differential, Q4 All-Wheel Drive system

Chassis:

Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam/trailing arms), Steering (rack and pinion), Wheel alignment

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, Rear drum or disc brakes (depending on variant/year), Brake system bleeding, component replacement, ABS (on later Q4 models)

Electrical System:

Battery, Charging system (alternator, regulator), Starter motor, Ignition system (distributor, coil, spark plugs), Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper/Washer system, Fuses and Relays, Engine Control Unit (ECU) for injected models

Fuel System:

Carburetor systems (Weber, Solex), Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic for 'ie' models), Fuel pump, Fuel tank, Lines

Bodywork And Trim:

Body panel removal and installation, Interior trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk lid

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant checks, belt adjustments, brake pad replacement, basic tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common faults, electrical fault finding using wiring diagrams

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, alternator/starter motor testing and replacement

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic trees for engine performance issues, electrical gremlins, and chassis problems

Depth:

Comprehensive: Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text for easy reading and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Alfa Romeo Boxer (flat-four) naturally aspirated gasoline engine

Displacement Variants:

1.2L (1286 cc), 1.3L (1351 cc), 1.4L (1357 cc), 1.5L (1490 cc), 1.7L (1712 cc), 1.7L IE (Fuel Injection)

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 75 HP (1.3) to 105 HP (1.7ie Quadrifoglio Verde/QV) and up to 137 HP for the 33 Stradale

Torque Range:

Approximately 110 Nm (1.3) to 140 Nm (1.7ie QV)

Carbureted Models:

Twin-choke Weber 32/34 DMT or Solex carburetors

Fuel Injected Models:

Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic electronic fuel injection

Type:

Liquid-cooled

Type:

Electronic ignition (Distributorless ignition on later models)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Type:

4-speed Automatic (less common)

All Wheel Drive:

Permanent 4WD ('Q4' designation) available on later models (post-1988) with a viscous coupling center differential.

Type:

Dry single-plate clutch, hydraulically operated

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, 4-door Sedan (Alfa 33 Sportwagon - essentially a long-wheelbase variant or related model)

Length Range:

Approx. 3960 mm - 4200 mm (depending on body style and generation)

Width Range:

Approx. 1650 mm - 1680 mm

Height Range:

Approx. 1390 mm - 1420 mm

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 950 kg - 1200 kg (depending on engine and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Not explicitly stated, but typically around 1400-1550 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Limited publicly available data from formal crash tests by modern standards. Early models predate widespread independent testing.

Braking:

Front ventilated discs, rear discs or drums. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on Q4 and later models.

Steering:

Rack and pinion, power steering optional on some later models.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts in the front, lap belts in the rear (later models may have three-point rear belts).

Body Structure:

Reinforced door beams, crumple zones (design principles of the era).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic analogue radio/cassette player common. Some later models might have CD players.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) introduced on Q4 and later 'ie' models. Not present on most earlier variants.

Remote Locking:

Manual key entry common. Central locking may have been an option on higher trims.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights, potentially twin round or rectangular depending on generation and trim.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km or annually. Manual specifies exact intervals.

Timing Belt:

Crucial item. Usually recommended every 50,000 - 75,000 km or 5 years. Critical for Boxer engines as they are interference engines.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate. Manual will specify exact type and API rating.

Coolant:

50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, conforming to relevant standards. Manual will specify.

Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 manual transmission fluid.

Rust And Corrosion:

Prone to rust in typical areas: wheel arches, sills, floor pans, rear spring mounts, strut towers, especially in damp climates.

Cooling System:

Radiator and fan issues can arise, especially on older vehicles. Coolant leaks from hoses or the engine itself. Engine overheating is a significant concern if not maintained.

Electrical Gremlins:

Common in older vehicles due to age and quality of wiring insulation. Fuse box corrosion, faulty switches, earthing issues.

Carburetor Performance:

Carburetors require periodic tuning and cleaning. Difficulty starting, rough idle, poor fuel economy can indicate issues.

Suspension Wear:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, and shock absorbers can affect handling and safety.

Clutch Wear:

Clutch wear is normal, but hydraulic clutch systems can develop leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

Italy

Brand Philosophy:

Known for sporty handling, distinctive styling, and engaging driving experience, often with a passionate following.

First Generation:

Launched in 1983 as a successor to the Alfa Romeo Alfasud. Initially available as 3-door.

Second Generation:

Facelifted and revised in 1989 (Tipo 907), featuring updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and the introduction of the Q4 all-wheel-drive system. More engine options and injection variants.

Production Years:

1983 - 1997

Manufacturing Location:

Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, Italy

Total Production:

Over 600,000 units produced across all variants and generations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Press Reviews:

Generally praised for its handling and engine characteristics, often lauded as a driver's car, but criticized for build quality and rust susceptibility compared to some German or Japanese rivals.

Handling Dynamics:

Consistently rated highly for its sporty chassis and roadholding, a hallmark of Alfa Romeo vehicles.

European Certification:

Compliant with European automotive standards of its respective production years.