Plus one on that score, the GT, 147GTA, 156 and 166 were the last models to use the Busso V6, the 159 uses GM based motors, some of which have dodgy M32 gearboxes. Mine's the 5 cylinder turbo diesel version (not sure of it's heritage but I like it!) but the V6 seems to be less tuneable than the Busso engine and nowhere near as aurally pleasant!Originally Posted by hedge
Guy
Although I like the idea of the Toyota I think after 300bhp the wheel base of the Stratos will make it not so pleasant to drive on a daily basis and become a "point and squirt" machine (Neil will be the one to ask though).
If I were to fit a non Italian V6, I would head for a mid to well tuned Duratec 4 pot to lessen the rear end weight, to reduce the pendulum effect when chucking it about (having fun)....
Welsh piloti rally sono i migliori del mondo
Couldn't agree more.
Until y'day I was running a 159 Ti SW. I chopped it in simply because of the engine. Mine was a petrol (1.75 Tbi) that chucked out 200bhp so it went well - not that you'd know it. You might as well have had a washing machine under the bonnet. Plus it had the dreaded M32 gearbox which, tbh, was another reason I chopped it in. It was gonna let go; more a matter of when than if.
I replaced it with another Alfa Sportwagon: a 156 GTA. Good lord it's a brilliant car. If you need a load carrier that's not a 3 series/ A4 etc, buy one. Less than 100 156 SWs ever made, a stunning blue one up for sale on PH right now (with only 30k). I love mine to bits. The engine, alone, is worth it. Especially with a Wizard exhaust...
Cheers,
Hedge
The Busso both looks and sounds great, but true enough, they are running out. Any of the Japanese V6 engines would be a good option, plenty of bigger V6 FWD packages from the US as well, and probably cheap. Personally, I still think a 4 or 5 pot turbo would be interesting. 5 pot might not sound quite as good as the Busso, but they can sound pretty good and can certainly produce the power.
Finding a 'pretty' engine might be more challenging though. Yet to see much as attractive as a nicely dressed Busso V6 in anything other than 'supercars'. Big chunk of plastic on top to hide the mess doesn't count
Surely the number of X1/9 parts must be seriously drying up big time by now, too?
Cheers,
Hedge
So you're "hedge" on Alfaowner too! I was looking for a black/tan leather Ti SW 1.75 turbo last Christmas until I started reading about the M32 gearbox (same as in the 1.9 Punto I had at the time which was okay as it's a lighter car). In the end I decided I wanted a 159 SW Ti 2.4 Q4 and ended up getting one (of four allegedly) from Veloces. Yes it was expensive but it's a great car with most options ticked, Bose, Xenons, Sunroof and Sat Nav. Not been a cheap years motoring sorting out niggles (suspension bushes shot, tyres getting low and a sunroof leak/flooded floorpan) but I love it and it's a keeper!
Guy
Anyone who's running a Busso, really ought to grab one more engine and box.
At the price of the 166 manual that Chris S. has posted here, you'd be daft not to?
If I had somewhere to store that car I would. Good point, though.
cheers,
hedge
Maybe a bit high mileage?:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alfa-Romeo...AAAOSwImRYTUnE
Its making good money given the miles....
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