🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

Alfetta

Year Start:

1973

Year End:

1987

Chassis Code:

116

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Alfetta represented Alfa Romeo's push into a more modern, volume-oriented market segment in the 1970s and 80s, designed to compete with German sedans and coupes. It featured a distinctive transaxle layout for balanced weight distribution.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series (E21/E30), Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 80, and certain models from Lancia and Fiat during its production run. Its front-engine, rear-drive layout and sporting character set it apart.

Key Features:

Transaxle layout (gearbox and differential at the rear), De Dion rear axle on some models, powerful twin-cam inline-four engines, distinctive Bertone styling, driver-focused interior.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full factory workshop service and repair

Page Count:

Estimated 800-1500 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era, precise number not provided in product description)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (assumed based on typical market for such manuals, though original factory manuals may have been in Italian or other languages)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanicals (including Camshaft timing, piston/ring replacement, cylinder head repair), Fuel system (carburetor tuning and overhaul, fuel injection systems if applicable), Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Exhaust system, Clutch, Transmission (gearbox and transaxle components), Driveshafts, Differential, Brakes (hydraulic system, pad/shoe replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul), Suspension (front and rear components, bushings, shock absorbers), Steering system, Electrical system (wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator), Body and chassis repair, Heating and ventilation, Interior trim, Maintenance procedures, Troubleshooting guides, Specifications and tolerances

Procedures Included:

Complete disassembly and reassembly of all major mechanical and electrical components, routine maintenance, diagnostic procedures, component testing, adjustments, overhaul of specific parts, body repair techniques, safety checks, torque specifications for all fasteners

Technical Depth:

Factory-level detail suitable for both experienced mechanics and dedicated DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed schematics and troubleshooting flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and illustrations. Pages are printable.

Binding Type:

Digital download (N/A for printed)

Paper Type:

Digital PDF (N/A for printed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

1.8L (1779cc) and 2.0L (1962cc) DOHC 'bialbero' inline-four, typically with twin Dell'Orto or Weber carburetors. Later models (e.g., Alfetta GTV6) featured a 2.5L V6.

Performance:

1.8L: Approx. 122 hp (SAE net). 2.0L: Approx. 130 hp (SAE net). Specific outputs varied by market and emission controls. Alfetta GTV6 2.5L V6: Approx. 158 hp.

Fuel System:

Primarily twin downdraft carburetors (Dell'Orto DHLA, Weber DCOE) on inline-four models. Later versions and specific markets might have seen Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection on some 2.0L variants and standard on V6 models.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

5-speed manual transaxle (rear-mounted gearbox and differential)

Optional:

3-speed automatic (less common, typically on larger sedans or specific markets)

Features:

The rear transaxle layout improved weight distribution for better handling. Clutch operated via a cable linkage. Limited-slip differential was an option on performance variants.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Sedan and coupe (GTV) body styles. Wheelbase: approx. 2510 mm (98.8 in). Length and width varied slightly between sedan and coupe, and over model years but generally around 4400-4500 mm length and 1650-1700 mm width.

Interior:

Seating for 4-5 occupants. Driver-oriented cockpit with a full suite of gauges. Sporty interior design for its era.

Cargo:

Trunk space located behind the rear axle, influenced by the transaxle design. Capacity varied between sedan and coupe models.

Weights:

Curb weight typically ranged from 1150 kg to 1350 kg depending on body style, engine, and equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

No official NCAP or equivalent crash ratings for this era of vehicle. Safety features were typical for European cars of the 1970s and 80s.

Active Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes were standard across the range, a significant feature for the time. Light and responsive steering.

Passive Features:

Seatbelts (likely lap belts in front and rear for early models, 3-point belts in later versions), padded dashboard, energy-absorbing steering column (later models), reinforced passenger cell.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic for the era. Likely AM/FM radio, often with a cassette player in later models. Simple HVAC controls. Focus was on driving mechanics rather than electronic features.

Driver Assistance:

None in the modern sense. Driver assistance would have been limited to the car's inherent handling characteristics and the driver's skill. ABS was not standard or widely available during most of the Alfetta's run.

Connectivity:

No electronic connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. Communication was purely mechanical and electrical within the vehicle's systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Typical intervals for the era: Oil change every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles) or annually. Spark plugs and air filter every 15,000-20,000 km (10,000-12,000 miles). Timing belt (if applicable to specific engine variant, e.g., V6) every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles). Regular checks of all fluids, brakes, and suspension components. (Specifics detailed in the manual).

Fluid Specifications:

Engine Oil: SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (specific viscosity depends on climate and engine condition, typically API SE/SF rated). Gearbox Oil: GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4. Coolant: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Power Steering Fluid (if equipped): ATF Type A or Dexron II.

Known Issues:

Rust/corrosion (particularly wheel arches, sills, door bottoms), aging rubber components (bushings, hoses), electrical gremlins (Lucas components on some models, though less common than in British cars), potential for wear in the transaxle linkage and clutch actuation, carburetor tuning difficulties, timing belt tensioner issues on V6 models if not replaced proactively.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Alfa Romeo has a long and storied history in motorsport and performance car manufacturing, known for its distinctive styling, engaging driving dynamics, and passionate following.

Model Evolution:

The Alfetta line was introduced in 1972 as a replacement for the Giulia series. It spawned various body styles and performance variants, including the Alfetta GT coupe, Alfetta GTV, and the iconic Alfetta GTV6 with its potent V6 engine. The Alfetta platform was also the basis for the Alfa 6, Giulietta (116), and Alfetta-based RWD Alfa Romeo Arna (though Arna was FWD).

Production:

Production ran from 1972 to 1984 for the Alfetta sedan and from 1974 to 1986 for the Alfetta GT/GTV variants. The manual covers the entire production span of the Alfetta and its direct derivatives like the GTV.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not a recipient of specific "car of the year" awards during its entire run, the Alfetta GTV and GTV6 variants were widely praised for their handling, styling, and performance, often appearing on 'best sports car' or 'best handling car' lists of their respective eras.

Ratings:

Automotive journalists of the period consistently highlighted the Alfetta's engaging driving dynamics, sporty engines, and Italian flair, often overlooking some of the practical drawbacks common to Italian cars of the time.

Certifications:

N/A (Vehicle specific certifications are not applicable to manual documentation)