Positioning:
Compact, sporty hatchback aimed at enthusiasts valuing driving dynamics and Italian styling, a more affordable entry into Alfa Romeo ownership compared to larger models.
Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, Ford Escort XR3i, Fiat Strada/Ritmo Abarth.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for sharp handling, responsive steering, and a spirited engine character, typical of Alfa Romeo's performance heritage.
Design:
Distinctive Bertone styling, characterized by its aerodynamic wedge shape and classic Alfa Romeo grille.
Audience:
Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their vintage Italian hatchback.
Coverage:
Complete mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Pages:
Estimated 500+ pages (based on typical workshop manuals of this era and detail level)
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
1.3L (1300cc) Alfetta derived Boxer engine (AR00537) – disassembly, assembly, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions.
Transmission:
5-speed manual transaxle – removal, overhaul, clutch, driveshafts, differential.
Suspension:
Front independent MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on specific sub-model), brake system hydraulics, parking brake.
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering system, steering column, universal joints.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, ignition system, dashboard instruments, accessories, fuses and relays.
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumpers.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, brake adjustments, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults in engine, transmission, electrical systems, and fuel system.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component overhaul and replacement, including engine rebuilds, gearbox repairs, and suspension work.
Installation:
Procedures for installing new or reconditioned parts and components.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers complete tear-down and rebuild, detailed diagnostics, and specific repair procedures with torque specifications and critical measurements.
Engine Type:
Inline Boxer-4 (derived from Alfetta/Giulietta series)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (1351 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 67.5 mm (typical)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (typical for 1.3)
Horsepower Ps:
75 PS (DIN) at 6000 rpm (typical for 1.3)
Torque Nm:
106 Nm (DIN) at 3500 rpm (typical for 1.3)
Carburetion:
Twin downdraft Weber 34 DFC or Solex 32 DDH carburetors (typical for 1.3)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 RON)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system with contact breaker points (or electronic ignition on later models).
Oil Capacity Liters:
4.0 Liters (with filter change)
Cooling System:
Water-cooled, front-mounted radiator.
Type:
5-speed manual transaxle (integrated gearbox and differential)
Layout:
Rear-wheel drive, transaxle design places gearbox behind the engine for better weight distribution.
Gearbox Oil:
GL-4 Hypoid gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts; optional rear seatbelts.
Body Construction:
Unitary construction with crumple zones.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums. Dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Steering:
Rack and pinion, offering direct feedback.
Audio:
Basic factory-fitted radio/cassette player (optional or standard depending on trim).
Dashboard:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and temperature gauge.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not standard or commonly available on this model year and variant.
Connectivity:
None (no provisions for Bluetooth, USB, or modern digital connectivity).
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually (whichever comes first), with filter replacement.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 20,000 km, replace as needed.
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 km or 4 years (critical component for Boxer engines; failure can cause valve damage).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (depending on climate and manufacturer recommendation).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixture (50% coolant, 50% distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Rust:
Significant susceptibility to rust, particularly in the sills, wheel arches, floor pans, and suspension mounting points due to the Alfasud platform's original galvanizing issues.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors (Weber/Solex) require regular tuning for optimal performance and fuel economy. Vacuum leaks are common.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses can become brittle, leading to intermittent electrical faults. Grounding points can corrode.
Engine Mounts:
Engine mounts can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.
Heritage:
Alfa Romeo has a long history dating back to 1910, renowned for its sporting pedigree, beautiful designs (often by Pininfarina, Bertone, Zagato), and technologically advanced engineering, particularly its boxer engines.
Predecessor:
Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint.
Relation To Alfa 6:
The Sprint shares its platform and many mechanical components with the Alfa 33 (which succeeded the Alfasud), and the 1985 model is essentially a facelifted Alfasud Sprint with some updates.
Production Period:
1976-1989 (Alfasud Sprint and its successor, the Sprint)
Manufacturing Location:
Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, Italy.
