Generation:
First Generation (Series 1)
Production Years Covered:
1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
Chassis Code:
907 Series (overall Alfa 33)
Positioning:
The Alfa Romeo 33 represented a significant step in the evolution of Alfa Romeo's compact car offerings, aiming to compete with established European hatchbacks of its era. It was known for its distinctive styling and engaging driving dynamics, characteristic of Alfa Romeo.
Competitors:
Primarily competed against vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra, Renault 9/11, and Fiat Ritmo/Strada.
Design Heritage:
Carried forward the DNA of its predecessor, the Alfasud, maintaining a strong emphasis on sporty handling and engine character.
Engine Configuration:
Featured Alfa Romeo's renowned Boxer engines, offering a low center of gravity for enhanced handling.
Body Styles:
Offered in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback configurations, as well as a rarer Sportwagon (Per Tutta La Famiglia) variant.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of engine components including cylinder heads, blocks, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, and timing systems.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection (Bosch LE2-Jetronic / Motronic depending on engine variant), emissions control systems.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and overhaul procedures for manual transmissions, clutch assembly, and driveline components.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications, steering rack and column.
Braking System:
Hydraulic system, brake calipers, master cylinder, brake pads, rotors, drums, parking brake, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System Components:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, instrumentation, fuses, relays, starter solenoid.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hinges, latches, glass replacement, structural components.
HVAC System:
Heating and ventilation system components and repair.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common problems across all vehicle systems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for component removal and installation with torque specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for accurate diagnosis and repair of the electrical system.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex component overhauls and diagnostics.
Printability:
Full Printable
Binding:
Digital (Not Applicable - Downloadable)
Paper Type:
Digital (Not Applicable - Downloadable)
Zoom:
Zoom IN/OUT enabled for detailed viewing
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Type:
Boxer (Horizontally Opposed)
Engine Family:
Alfasud/33 Boxer Engine
Displacement Range:
1.2L, 1.3L, 1.4L, 1.5L, 1.7L
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 75 hp to 105 hp, depending on engine displacement and tuning (e.g., 1.3L to 1.7L variants).
Torque Range:
Approximately 100 Nm to 135 Nm.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (Weber, Dell'Orto) or Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection (LE2-Jetronic/Motronic on later models).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Super Unleaded 95/98 RON)
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback
Length Approx:
Approx. 3960 mm - 4030 mm (depending on body style and bumper configuration)
Width Approx:
Approx. 1600 mm - 1640 mm
Height Approx:
Approx. 1350 mm - 1380 mm
Curb Weight Approx:
Approx. 950 kg - 1050 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
Crash Test Results:
Contemporary Euro NCAP or similar independent crash test data from the 1980s is limited or not readily available in standardized formats comparable to modern standards. However, the design predates many modern safety mandates.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Drum Brakes (some later models may have disc brakes on rear).
Seatbelts:
Standard front seat belts, optional rear seat belts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones (typical for the era).
Features:
Basic radio systems, typically analog tuning. No advanced infotainment features like touchscreens or navigation.
Features:
No electronic driver assistance systems (e.g., ABS, traction control, airbags) were standard or widely available on early models. Some later variants might have offered ABS as an option.
Features:
Limited to antenna connection for radio.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for Boxer engines; typically every 60,000 - 80,000 km (37,000 - 50,000 miles) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG classification, viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-40 recommended (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature ranges and Alfa Romeo approvals).
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water. Specific type may vary; consult manual for OE recommendation.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil, viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended. Capacity typically around 2.0-2.5 liters.
Rust Corrosion:
A known weakness inherited from the Alfasud. Underbody, sills, wheel arches, and suspension mounting points are susceptible to rust. Thorough inspection and preventative treatment are vital.
Electrical Gremlins:
Wiring harnesses and connectors can degrade over time, leading to intermittent electrical faults.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors (especially twin-choke Weber DCOEs or Strombergs) may require periodic adjustment or rebuild due to wear or contamination.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings (especially control arm bushings) and ball joints can wear out, affecting handling and alignment.
Heritage Connection:
The Alfa Romeo 33 inherited the legacy of the Alfasud, which was critically acclaimed for its engineering and driving dynamics, despite some historical concerns regarding rust.
Facelifts:
Received a significant facelift (Series 2) in 1989, introducing updated styling, interior, and some mechanical revisions, which is outside the scope of this manual.
Manufacturing Location:
Alfa Romeo plants in Italy (e.g., Pomigliano d'Arco).
Total Production Run:
The Alfa Romeo 33 production ran from 1983 to 1994, with the first generation covered by this manual spanning the initial 7 years.
