Paso

I found out that there are water pumps available with metal rotor! I'll let you know the brand and model number tomorrow. It seems that many GTA engine owners buy those for old GTV 3.0 as the newer cars (147/GT/156) use the plastic one. There are also some reports on Alfa forum that plastic pumps can fail in 40-50k km, so better to be safe than sorry.

The timing belt job has finally started today... I made an arrangement with my mechanic (and friend) so that I try to do it myself, of course, in his workshop and with his supervision. It's super interesting but not easy at all... now I fully understand why such kind of work is expensive. Day one I have done the whole disassembly except for the water pump - I needed help there as it's really nasty to get it out without removing the engine. However, it's possible, my mechanic has a lot of experience. The interesting thing is that the original Alfa Romeo part has metal rotor in the pump and every new replacement part today uses the plastic rotor. I don't like that but there is no choice. I hope it will last. Also, during process we have found out that lower engine mount is in bad shape (no wonder after 21 years!) so we'll replace that too. I'll write on as I progress with the service... Wish me luck!

I just couldn't resist to make a Photoshop simulation of the Scudetto sticker for your beast! It's that familiar face that we all love and recognize... it shouldn't be expensive to make in on cutter or in some print shop that do quality color prints. I intentionally used Phase 1 scudetto beacuse there is no place for chrome on this racing machine! Consider this for the sake of tradition!

Welcome! You'll be happy with the bunch of lunatics here!

It's a privilege to have such a nice track 15 min from downtown, such a joy to drive...

And some more uploads from Grobnik.... the track is superb now as it has super-fresh asphalt!

And now something special... GTV 2.0 Twin Spark Turbo with Quaife LSD on the Grobnik racetrack in Croatia. (And if you wonder about that Lambo - yes, later on he passed that Gallardo!)

That is normal.

This will be great! An idea about scudetto, I have the same strange feeling when I see Alfa without it, BUT in your case I think there is a great solution: do you remember the fake headlights on 155 DTM made as a sticker just so that the car looks really recognizable? I think it will be possible to make a scudetto-sticker for your GTV! You don't have to modify anything, you get the aerodynamics you want and the car get that pro-racing look where the modificaiton is made but in a way to honor the original design!

I am long overdue with this (playing with luck) and now the time has come to do the timing belt replacement. I bought the Continental set, the newest I could get was 11/2017, I guess that would be fine.

I love this! It was super-cool in that Martini edition long time ago... so if you make it at least in some aspects similar, it could be really great!

Welcome! I love your no-compromise stickers!

Looking great! What weight cca is the car now?

What do you think, how much we can shave off the door without compromising safety for standard road use?

Huh! I think this will be one hell of a machine just with the weight reduction, maybe it's a time to enjoy it a bit when you finish this series of upgrades? Do you remember GTV Bimotore from Netherland? It's crazy, but maybe an unpractical overkill and very heavy.

Hello Karl and welcome! Good luck with your repairs and see you on our forum!

I am on new set of tyres. I had Toyo Proxes T1-R and while they are perfect on dry and great in rain, they lasted only 4.800 km. Performance-wise I can recommend them, but in durability zone they are very weak. Yes, I admit, there was a bit of trackday use , but 10.000 km should be some minimum I believe. Now I am on Nexen N8000 and we'll see. It's also a very soft tyre, but on top of middle segment (reputable German Autobild test), right below premium tyres. As I do low mileage there was no point to invest in very expensive tyres as they'll get old before I wore them down, so this could be a happy compromise. So far they are quiet and comfortable (for a 19") and I hope they will last at least 5.000 km.

What is your weight saving estimate on this roof?

I enjoy every bit of this upgrade process!

Looks immaculate!

Haha, yes, that's mine! Robert kindly asked for the photos!

Yes, it was rapid, but not so much as I thought - but I think it's because of a driver, an Italian, not familiar with our Grobnik racetrack. It should be much much faster in experienced hands. I followed it in corners quite good with my Koni setup and Q2, but the acceleration of 4C is far better on straight parts of the track.

It was too many cars on the track to have a real race, 145 was not ahead for long!

Today we had annual international Alfisti meeting in Rijeka, Croatia. It was over 200 Alfas, there was a track driving session on the Grobnik racetrack, a lot of fun and great people!

GTV is still going strong by the latest models!