Segment:
Executive Compact Car / Sports Sedan
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz W123, Audi 80, Lancia Beta
Design Philosophy:
Italian styling, performance-oriented, innovative transaxle design
Driving Dynamics:
Excellent handling due to rear-mounted transaxle, rear-wheel drive
Engine Placement:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair
Engine:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for all engine variants
Fuel System:
Carburetor systems, fuel injection (if applicable), fuel pump, lines, tank
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, timing
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, lubrication passages, oil cooler (if equipped)
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan
Exhaust System:
Manifolds, pipes, muffler, catalytic converter (later models)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission removal, disassembly, repair, and installation
Drivetrain:
Propeller shaft, differential, rear axle assembly (transaxle layout)
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs
Steering System:
Steering rack, column, linkages, power steering system (if equipped)
Brake System:
Front and rear disc brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, fuses, relays
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, trim, bumpers, interior components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (if equipped)
Chassis:
Frame and body structural components, mounting points.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and complete overhauls
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete guides for dismantling and reassembling all major vehicle systems
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing specific parts and components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific Alfa Romeo special tools
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, machining, and reassembly instructions.
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed steps for rebuilding the integrated transaxle unit.
Depth:
Advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds, suitable for professional technicians
Diagnostic Tools:
Emphasis on systematic diagnostic approaches and understanding of mechanical principles.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC (Alfa Romeo 'Busso' V6 introduced later in some variants)
Displacement Range:
1.6L to 2.0L (1570cc to 1962cc) for 4-cylinder; 2.5L (2492cc) for V6
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 95 hp (1.6L) to 130 hp (2.0L), V6 models around 150-170 hp
Torque Range:
Varies by engine, e.g., 1.6L around 130 Nm, 2.0L around 170 Nm
Fuel Delivery:
Dual Dell'Orto carburetors (typical for 4-cyl); Bosch L-Jetronic (later models and V6)
Engine Options:
1.6L Twin Carb, 1.8L Twin Carb, 2.0L Twin Carb, 2.0L Spica Injection, 2.0L 'Nord' V6, 2.5L 'Busso' V6 (later models like GTV6)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (or as per manual, approximately 3,000 - 5,000 miles)
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, ignition timing, carburetor adjustment every 10,000 - 15,000 km
Engine Oil Type:
API SF/SG, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (specific viscosity depends on climate and engine condition, refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (specific for transaxle unit)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Rust (particularly sills, wheel arches, floor pans), carburetor tuning difficulties, electrical gremlins, aging rubber components, wear in the transaxle linkage.
Engine Wear:
Timing belt wear (check and replace per interval), potential camshaft wear in high-mileage engines.
Legacy:
Alfa Romeo is renowned for its sporting heritage, racing success, and passionate engineering.
Key Innovations:
Transaxle layout, De Dion rear axle (early models), distinctive styling
Manufacturing Location:
Milan, Italy (and other Alfa Romeo facilities)
Total Production Approx:
Over 450,000 units across all variants