Market Position:
The Alfa Romeo Alfetta 1977 was positioned as a sporty, rear-wheel-drive sedan and coupe offering distinctive Italian styling and performance, competing with other European sports sedans of its era.
Competitive Analysis:
Competitors included models like the BMW 3 Series (E21), Mercedes-Benz W123, Ford Cortina, and certain Lancia models. The Alfetta differentiated itself with its transaxle layout and sophisticated engineering.
Key Features:
Distinctive Italian design, sporty handling, rear-wheel drive, transaxle drivetrain for optimal weight distribution, lively twin-cam engines.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical (including tuning, overhaul), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drivetrain, suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes, electrical system (wiring diagrams, components), bodywork, interior, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if applicable).
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step repair procedures, disassembly, assembly, cleaning, lubrication, inspection, troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance, adjustments, and component replacement.
Technical Depth:
Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge. Covers detailed repair and maintenance procedures, critical specifications, and likely includes diagnostic fault finding.
Illustrations:
Includes illustrations, diagrams, and potentially photographic references to aid in repair procedures.
Specifications:
Provides critical specifications such as torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and electrical data.
Troubleshooting Guide:
Likely includes a dedicated section for troubleshooting common problems and diagnosing faults across various vehicle systems.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for major component overhauls, including engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds, and suspension component refurbishment.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system wiring diagrams are essential for diagnosing and repairing electrical faults.
Body And Trim Coverage:
Covers repair procedures for body panels, trim pieces, interior components, and potentially some cosmetic adjustments.
Technical Bulletins:
May include or be based on information found in factory technical service bulletins for known issues and recommended fixes.
Engine Management:
Covers ignition timing adjustments, carburetor synchronization, and fuel system component maintenance.
Suspension And Steering Coverage:
Detailed procedures for inspecting, repairing, and replacing suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, bushings) and steering system parts.
Brake Overhaul Coverage:
Procedures for brake caliper overhaul, brake pad/shoe replacement, brake disc/drum inspection and replacement, and brake system bleeding.
Fastener Torque Specifications:
Crucial torque specifications for engine components, chassis fasteners, and suspension parts are provided.
Catalytic Converter Coverage:
For 1977 models, emissions controls were simpler. The manual would cover any relevant emissions system components of the era, potentially including early catalytic converters depending on market.
Primary Engine:
1.8L (1779 cc) DOHC inline-4 (Type 010.04) and 2.0L (1962 cc) DOHC inline-4 (Type 010.12).
Engine Performance 1.8L:
Approx. 122 HP (91 kW) at 6000 rpm; Torque approx. 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm.
Engine Performance 2.0L:
Approx. 130 HP (97 kW) at 5400 rpm; Torque approx. 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm.
Fuel System:
Typically two downdraft Weber carburetors (e.g., 40 DCNF or similar) or Solex, depending on market and specific engine variant. Fuel injection was introduced later on some Alfetta variants.
Engine Code Example:
1.8L: 010.04; 2.0L: 010.12
Engine Layout:
Front-mounted, inline-4, longitudinally positioned.
Bore X Stroke 1.8L:
80.0 mm x 89.0 mm
Bore X Stroke 2.0L:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1.8L:
8.5:1
Compression Ratio 2.0L:
9.0:1
Valve Gear:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), chain-driven.
Transmission Standard:
5-speed manual transaxle (gearbox and differential integrated).
Transmission Optional:
3-speed automatic (e.g., General Motors TH180) became available on some models/markets, though less common for the sporty image.
Transmission Features:
Rear-mounted transaxle layout for 50/50 weight distribution, clutch located at the rear.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated.
Exterior Dimensions Sedan Length:
Approx. 4370 mm (172 in)
Exterior Dimensions Sedan Width:
Approx. 1660 mm (65.4 in)
Exterior Dimensions Sedan Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Exterior Dimensions Coupe Length:
Approx. 4230 mm (166.5 in)
Exterior Dimensions Coupe Width:
Approx. 1660 mm (65.4 in)
Exterior Dimensions Coupe Height:
Approx. 1310 mm (51.6 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2510 mm (98.8 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1150-1250 kg (2535-2755 lbs), depending on model and equipment.
Wheelbase Design:
Transaxle layout contributes to a near 50/50 weight distribution.
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 in)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1360 mm (53.5 in)
Safety Ratings:
Specific crash test ratings for the 1977 model year are not readily available by modern standards. European safety standards of the era were less stringent than current regulations.
Active Features:
Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on most models), rack-and-pinion steering.
Passive Features:
Seat belts (likely lap belts in the front and rear for the 1977 model, with optional three-point belts becoming more common). Crumple zones integrated into the body structure.
Brake System:
Hydraulically operated four-wheel disc brakes. Often a dual-circuit system for safety.
Service Intervals:
Refer to manual for specific intervals. General recommendations for a 1977 vehicle would include: Oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6-12 months. Regular checks of all fluid levels, belts, hoses, and brake wear. Ignition timing and carburetor adjustments likely needed periodically.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SE or SF service classification, viscosity typically SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for precise recommendation.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant. Mixture ratio of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water is standard. Check manual for specific type and capacity.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Ensure compatibility with seals.
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Manual transmission: GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Automatic transmission: DEXRON-III or equivalent ATF (if equipped).
Differential Fluid Specification:
GL-5 gear oil, SAE 80W-90 or 85W-90.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 liters (with filter change). Exact capacity in manual.
Known Issues:
Rust is a common concern for vehicles of this era, especially in sills, wheel arches, and floor pans. Carburetor tuning can be sensitive. Electrical issues can arise due to age and wiring complexity. Clutch slave cylinder and main cylinder seals can be prone to leaks. Transaxle oil leaks can occur.
Tune Up Components:
Spark plugs (e.g., Champion N9Y or equivalent), distributor cap and rotor, ignition points (if not electronic ignition), condenser, ignition coil, fuel filters, air filter.
Timing Belt Chain Type:
Timing chain for DOHC engines.
Carburetor Model Typical:
Weber 40 DCNF or Solex C34-PAIA (varies by engine and market).
Brand Heritage:
Alfa Romeo has a long and storied history in motorsport and automotive engineering, renowned for its sporty character, distinctive styling, and passionate following.
Model Evolution:
The Alfetta was introduced in 1972 as a successor to the Giulia sedan. The 1977 model represents an update within the first generation (Type 116). It was available in both 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe (Alfetta GT/GTV) body styles, with the GTV being a particularly acclaimed performance variant.
Production Years:
1972-1987 (Alfetta Sedan), 1974-1985 (Alfetta GT/GTV).
Transaxle Innovation:
The Alfetta's transaxle design, placing the gearbox and differential at the rear, was a significant engineering feature intended to improve handling dynamics by achieving near-perfect weight distribution. This layout was also used in other notable Alfa Romeo models like the Alfetta GT/GTV and the later Alfa 6.