I've heard good things about synthetic fluids for the Alfa--I guess it depends how badly the synchros have deteriorated---there's only three kinds of Alfa Synchros---bad, real bad and broken.
Some people tell me they can adapt Porsche synchros into the Alfa transmission and the problem is gone forever.
I got very good at double-clutching and downshifting, so it never bothered me, but that does make things "high effort" for many people.
It's hard for people to believe, but Alfas are very reliable cars if you simply maintain them. I drove mine all over god's good earth and never ever broke down. One time I had a weak battery but even then I push started it MYSELF (pushed and jumped in).
Another time I shed a fan blade (the "yellow fan of death") but I got home okay.
E36 M3s are sweet. I have a '98 4-dr as my daily driver. The car loves abuse - I took it to VIR in November and it was a blast. This is a bone stock, well maintained 13x,xxx mile car - on all seasons no less. 240 HP isn't slow, but on the straights it won't hang with Vettes and Evos, that's true.
I rebuilt the trans in my Alfa Giulia Super project myself, and it really isn't that hard. A well treated Alfa trans will last a good while if rebuilt correctly, shifted with some skill, and filled with a good gear oil. I use Redline in mine. The Super is driveable now, I'm hoping to have it truly roadworthy by Spring so I can use it as a (semi) daily driver. It really scoots with the Weber-fed 2L engine. I'll probably sell the '74 Alfa Spider and the M3 at that point.
I know I'm an incorrigible Alfa geek, but I LOVE love love love this Super. One of the coolest cars ever made, IMO.
"Only 78 of this model left in the USA!" And where would one get such data? Oh, and stating "Stellar for beach rides, highway raceways"? Do you seriously think advertising that you partake in illegal street racing and drive the car through salt and sand HELPS the value?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yeah, I was just over poking around on Ebay and saw a nice overpriced 65 Corvair and an insanely overpriced 58 Edsel. Top of the Line. Well, that may be but it's still an Edsel...
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Its just one of MANY under consideration. RX7 seems to be the one that is the most impossible to find a good clean example of, though.
I keep thinking it will wind up being a Miata. It makes the most economical sense ... although what still holds me back is the fact that I would be one of a dozen at any local autoX event.
Right now, my Ebay saved searches for which I receive an email each day are as follows (all within 50 miles of my zip): manual trans BMW Benz AMG manual trans Porsche manual trans Mazda Nissan/Datsun
Doesn't always work so great. For some reason, I NEVER get BMW emails, yet if I search, quite a few always come up in my area. And, while I thought I specified manual trans for the Nissans, I always get sent autos. I should add a corvette search, but haven't gotten around to it. And I would go higher on price (I think I have a $5k limit set on some of those searches) for the right car. However, then we are talking financing, which I'm not completely against. So, obviously, I've cast a wide net.
I still think about that anniversary Miata I posted a little while ago. I see the ad is still up. I just haven't gotten the wife on board yet. She wants to see how her raise pans out next week, and I'm on hold here at work for promotion/raise for an undetermined amount of time.
Oh, and then there's that whole "maybe we should have another kid before its too late" thing. Can't my cars count as kids??
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Miatas are dirt cheap and bulletproof, so it may have to be your interim choice. You could take a big risk and get an RX-7 twin turbo for around $15K and it'll slap those other cars silly----but you have to be darn near anal about maintenance, quality fuel, frequent oil changes, etc.
If you could find a Boxster S (don't get the base model), this might satisfy both parties.
Remind me again why not the base model Boxster? We touched on it before, but not in detail. Just reading the specs it seems to me the Base and S were so damned close in performance in those early years that it doesn't justify the price difference. I would love a Boxster, but 2 things have been plaguing me. 1 is the talk of engine failures we had here. The other is the asking prices.
I am very very afraid of twin turbo RX7s. As much as I have loved them since they first appeared in the mags, I can't trust any for sale have been properly cared for.
My choice would be an early '80s GSL-SE.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The S really feels better all around, no matter how close it looks on paper to a base car. It's way more fun.
Okay then, stay away from very early Boxsters. Start with year 2000. You know, they have made a BOATLOAD of these cars---they've been spitting them out for ten years and I do not see the highways littered with their blown up engines. So what, maybe 1% of early cars had some issues---who knows? But that's all ancient history.
I'd be more afraid of a newer 996 than a Boxster.
Yes the RX-7 is very risky, but its a fabulous, and true, true sports car.
had that one on my list, too. i emailed the seller a couple of days ago asking for more pics (in the daylight!), interior pics, repair history, etc, etc. He said he'd be posting more pics.
I just love when people list their cars for sale when they aren't completely prepared.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
but can someone tell me what a 5.8 liter engine is? Wasn't this the good ole 5.7? And, unless this is not original, the manual trans, 350ci combo makes this a canadian car, correct?
This is similar to the '79 my dad had. (before he stuffed a 454 into it)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I think the 5.8 is just a typo, and should be the Chevy 350. Ford had a 351 that was referred to as the a 5.8. I think in actuality, the Chevy 350 is something like 5.74 liters, so they round down, while the Ford 351 is 5.75, so they round up.
Anyway, according to the VIN, that car should have originally just had a 305. The engine code is the 8th character, and "H" stands for 305. I didn't think you could still get a 350 in 1981, other than in the Corvette or police cars, but the VIN decoder I found here does list a 350 as being offered in the 1981 Camaro.
As for country of origin, that Camaro was built in the United States ("1" at the beginning of the VIN; "2" would have been for Canada). It was built in Van Nuys, CA (the "L" in the VIN just ahead of the sequence #)
I mean, those things were just so choked by emissions I can't imagine them being much fun.
Yeah, unfortunately by that time, I think the Camaro was all show and no go. That link I posted listed the 305 as having 150 hp in California and 165 elsewhere. I think they were both 4-bbl carbs, it's just that the 165 hp version was a bit hotter. It lists the 350 at 175 hp.
Now it's possible that that particular car has been hopped up, so it might be more fun than it "should" be...especially with the stick shift!
Saab - I'll let Shifty denigrate that one MGB - Those hood pins just don't look right Junk M3 - why bother? Mustang - 100' photos, too scary up close! BMW 630 - OK, how many '77 630s have you seen sell for $30k? Cutlass - 'Car complete minus engine'...
89 Saab Turbo -- no upside here...convertible top is $$$, "needs a good tune up" UH-OH. These can be troublesome automobiles, not many shops work on them, and his price is too high IMO given the car's needs. Beware of bad head gaskets. Saabnet says 9% failure rate! Interesting, all the tops wear in the exact same place. I used to own this very type of car. Sweet to drive, a struggle to own. Of the many many cars I've owned, the 3 Saab Turbos were the most difficult to keep running.
MGB-- might be a good buy if the rust isn't too bad. In the UK they wouldn't think twice about changing the oil and cutting out the rockers as a matter of habit. It's a unibody car though, so rust inspection is VERY important. Restore it? Only by yourself, as a hobby.
1999 M3 -- Acme Auto Wrecking.
71 Mustang -- doubtful it's worth it. Needs a look to be sure. Just go buy a nice one for little $$$. No reason you can't get a spiffy V8 coupe for $8K
78 Mini-- Acme Auto Wrecking
56 Imperial -- might be a good buy. Get noticed for real cheap! These were good cars.
BMW 630 -- neither rare nor classic I fear. His estimate of value at $20K-$30 is sheer lunacy, beyond even exaggeration. Nobody cares about these cars, which is too bad. Nice highway cruisers, good engines, pricey to restore. Major defect includes driveshaft problems, marginal AC and electrical bugaboos. Better that you buy a nice one already done for $6,000 or so.
72 Cutlass -- might be a good buy. Worth a look. Once done it might be worth $25K--$30K if you do it up nice. Not a 442. Me? I'd just fix it up, get a decent quickie paint job and enjoy it for what it is. 1972 is post Golden Years. Stop at $15K total investment or don't bother to start.
Oh, I want the Imperial - though I'd like it in a different color. I remember those when I was a kid. I wanted one bad but we were stretching it with the Plymouth....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
stay away from that mustang unless you want to put a bunch on money in it. are the front springs broken? it looks like it is about ready to get rolled into the ditch anyway.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
The RX-7 took a major jump, it was sitting at $1700 all week and with 2 days before the auction is done it seems odd that it would jump that much. I thought it would go for $3000 to $3500.
it makes no sense. he told me he'd post more pics on wednesday, but still nothing. I find it very hard to believe folks are willing to pay nearly $5k on a car with no info and no good pics.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Maybe $7500--$8,000. The engine bay is disappointing. This is a #3 car at best and quite frankly, one has to doubt the mileage claim. If I saw the car, I might even offer less.
the stripes and the spoilers look pretty good. don't like the wheels. the exhaust system is strange, although looks good. should be straight duals with a cross over pipe(H). seems pricey without a 350.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I had to ask you- do you still own the '97 Subaru Legacy Outback that you purchased a while back? How is it running as of late? More importantly, what do you make of its driving characteristics, in comparison to the many European cars you've owned?
I'm asking because I am about to receive a free car (yes, free) from an elderly friend of my mother's who is no longer able to drive because she is in her 90's. It's a '98 Subaru Legacy wagon and only has 59k original miles on the clock. I know nothing about Subarus at all. Does that generation have any serious problems or bad points I should know about before taking possession of the car? Also, I want to modify it a little bit to make it steer and handle like my Volvos.
Actually they are GREAT cars. Mine has been flawless.
Weaknesses? Well if the car has the 2.5L engine, you have to worry about head gaskets at around 90K-110K.
As for handling, I would think they already handle better than your Volvo, since they are AWD. As for steering, that might depend a lot on the tires on the car.
Lucky you--this will be the best car you ever owned, probably. It's no "sports car" and I can't say it's exciting, but it's very useful, great in snow and rain, tough, not hard to fix or maintain, and comfortable enough for 2-3 hour drives.
Thanks very much for the advice and input. Once I get it, though, I'm planning a few small mods to it, so as not to break the bank. My plans consist of these: Wider tires with alloy rims, preferably from an Impreza RS, K&N air filter, and Bilsteins or Koni shocks
Sounds good except for the K&N. That's just a waste of money and you might screw up your MAF sensor. A simple "drop-in" washable filter is worthless; only a cold air intake system would be of any value.
Comments
Some people tell me they can adapt Porsche synchros into the Alfa transmission and the problem is gone forever.
I got very good at double-clutching and downshifting, so it never bothered me, but that does make things "high effort" for many people.
It's hard for people to believe, but Alfas are very reliable cars if you simply maintain them. I drove mine all over god's good earth and never ever broke down. One time I had a weak battery but even then I push started it MYSELF (pushed and jumped in).
Another time I shed a fan blade (the "yellow fan of death") but I got home okay.
I rebuilt the trans in my Alfa Giulia Super project myself, and it really isn't that hard. A well treated Alfa trans will last a good while if rebuilt correctly, shifted with some skill, and filled with a good gear oil. I use Redline in mine. The Super is driveable now, I'm hoping to have it truly roadworthy by Spring so I can use it as a (semi) daily driver. It really scoots with the Weber-fed 2L engine. I'll probably sell the '74 Alfa Spider and the M3 at that point.
I know I'm an incorrigible Alfa geek, but I LOVE love love love this Super. One of the coolest cars ever made, IMO.
-Jason
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Fortunately in the SF Bay Area, we have 5-6 excellent Alfa shops.
Hey, here's a CRAZY idea! Have you tried PUSHSTARTING IT??!
"Only 78 of this model left in the USA!"
And where would one get such data?
Oh, and stating "Stellar for beach rides, highway raceways"? Do you seriously think advertising that you partake in illegal street racing and drive the car through salt and sand HELPS the value?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Tell me you're adding an RX7 to the stable.....
"The public has spoken"
Its just one of MANY under consideration. RX7 seems to be the one that is the most impossible to find a good clean example of, though.
I keep thinking it will wind up being a Miata. It makes the most economical sense ... although what still holds me back is the fact that I would be one of a dozen at any local autoX event.
Right now, my Ebay saved searches for which I receive an email each day are as follows (all within 50 miles of my zip):
manual trans BMW
Benz AMG
manual trans Porsche
manual trans Mazda
Nissan/Datsun
Doesn't always work so great. For some reason, I NEVER get BMW emails, yet if I search, quite a few always come up in my area. And, while I thought I specified manual trans for the Nissans, I always get sent autos. I should add a corvette search, but haven't gotten around to it. And I would go higher on price (I think I have a $5k limit set on some of those searches) for the right car. However, then we are talking financing, which I'm not completely against. So, obviously, I've cast a wide net.
I still think about that anniversary Miata I posted a little while ago. I see the ad is still up. I just haven't gotten the wife on board yet. She wants to see how her raise pans out next week, and I'm on hold here at work for promotion/raise for an undetermined amount of time.
Oh, and then there's that whole "maybe we should have another kid before its too late" thing. Can't my cars count as kids??
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
If you could find a Boxster S (don't get the base model), this might satisfy both parties.
I am very very afraid of twin turbo RX7s. As much as I have loved them since they first appeared in the mags, I can't trust any for sale have been properly cared for.
My choice would be an early '80s GSL-SE.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
So what was wrong with the one just listed? Just because it has 200k? Just because it won't start? Probably just a loose coil wire! :P :sick:
Okay then, stay away from very early Boxsters. Start with year 2000. You know, they have made a BOATLOAD of these cars---they've been spitting them out for ten years and I do not see the highways littered with their blown up engines. So what, maybe 1% of early cars had some issues---who knows? But that's all ancient history.
I'd be more afraid of a newer 996 than a Boxster.
Yes the RX-7 is very risky, but its a fabulous, and true, true sports car.
On the other hand, however, this guy pulled down many "fastest time of the day" awards.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I wish he had some better pictures.
link title
I just love when people list their cars for sale when they aren't completely prepared.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
but can someone tell me what a 5.8 liter engine is? Wasn't this the good ole 5.7? And, unless this is not original, the manual trans, 350ci combo makes this a canadian car, correct?
This is similar to the '79 my dad had. (before he stuffed a 454 into it)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Anyway, according to the VIN, that car should have originally just had a 305. The engine code is the 8th character, and "H" stands for 305. I didn't think you could still get a 350 in 1981, other than in the Corvette or police cars, but the VIN decoder I found here does list a 350 as being offered in the 1981 Camaro.
As for country of origin, that Camaro was built in the United States ("1" at the beginning of the VIN; "2" would have been for Canada). It was built in Van Nuys, CA (the "L" in the VIN just ahead of the sequence #)
think I'll have to email the seller.
Although I dunno if I'd truly be interest anyway. I mean, those things were just so choked by emissions I can't imagine them being much fun.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yeah, unfortunately by that time, I think the Camaro was all show and no go. That link I posted listed the 305 as having 150 hp in California and 165 elsewhere. I think they were both 4-bbl carbs, it's just that the 165 hp version was a bit hotter. It lists the 350 at 175 hp.
Now it's possible that that particular car has been hopped up, so it might be more fun than it "should" be...especially with the stick shift!
Looks like you ended up in the wrong place here. I'm going to move your question to the
Ford Ranger Topic
where you are much more likely to get a good response. This section is for classic cars.
We'll see you over there!
MrShiftright
Host
I think you'd have a lot more fun if you could find a clean '83 GTI, all 90 hp of it!
he fixed the ad. now just says "v8."
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Old Charger
MGB - fun car for so little?
Junk imo
Knock off Corvette monstrocity isa back on the market
Riviera
Interesting Mustang un less it's rusted beyond repairs
How would you sit in a chooped mini?
Pink Imperial
BMW 635 looks good from afar
Cutlass conv project
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
When I click on the Riviera link, I get directed to that Corvette that's hiding in the trees. What year Riv was the ad?
MGB - Those hood pins just don't look right
Junk M3 - why bother?
Mustang - 100' photos, too scary up close!
BMW 630 - OK, how many '77 630s have you seen sell for $30k?
Cutlass - 'Car complete minus engine'...
MGB-- might be a good buy if the rust isn't too bad. In the UK they wouldn't think twice about changing the oil and cutting out the rockers as a matter of habit. It's a unibody car though, so rust inspection is VERY important. Restore it? Only by yourself, as a hobby.
1999 M3 -- Acme Auto Wrecking.
71 Mustang -- doubtful it's worth it. Needs a look to be sure. Just go buy a nice one for little $$$. No reason you can't get a spiffy V8 coupe for $8K
78 Mini-- Acme Auto Wrecking
56 Imperial -- might be a good buy. Get noticed for real cheap! These were good cars.
BMW 630 -- neither rare nor classic I fear. His estimate of value at $20K-$30 is sheer lunacy, beyond even exaggeration. Nobody cares about these cars, which is too bad. Nice highway cruisers, good engines, pricey to restore. Major defect includes driveshaft problems, marginal AC and electrical bugaboos. Better that you buy a nice one already done for $6,000 or so.
72 Cutlass -- might be a good buy. Worth a look. Once done it might be worth $25K--$30K if you do it up nice. Not a 442. Me? I'd just fix it up, get a decent quickie paint job and enjoy it for what it is. 1972 is post Golden Years. Stop at $15K total investment or don't bother to start.
The Saab 900s were cool cars to me when I was very young. Wanted to have one (well, my family to have one). Now here's my chance...NOT.
The Mustangis very tempting at $800, but yeah, the photos from 100' away might be a hint.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
350, 305, throw the bait out and see what you get.
are the front springs broken?
it looks like it is about ready to get rolled into the ditch anyway.
here's the link again
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
he told me he'd post more pics on wednesday, but still nothing. I find it very hard to believe folks are willing to pay nearly $5k on a car with no info and no good pics.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
don't like the wheels. the exhaust system is strange, although looks good.
should be straight duals with a cross over pipe(H).
seems pricey without a 350.
I posted it in your forum because of the number of people familiar with old beaters like my Ranger didn't mean to intrude.
Thanks
Edmunds Answers
I'm asking because I am about to receive a free car (yes, free) from an elderly friend of my mother's who is no longer able to drive because she is in her 90's. It's a '98 Subaru Legacy wagon and only has 59k original miles on the clock. I know nothing about Subarus at all. Does that generation have any serious problems or bad points I should know about before taking possession of the car? Also, I want to modify it a little bit to make it steer and handle like my Volvos.
Weaknesses? Well if the car has the 2.5L engine, you have to worry about head gaskets at around 90K-110K.
As for handling, I would think they already handle better than your Volvo, since they are AWD. As for steering, that might depend a lot on the tires on the car.
Lucky you--this will be the best car you ever owned, probably. It's no "sports car" and I can't say it's exciting, but it's very useful, great in snow and rain, tough, not hard to fix or maintain, and comfortable enough for 2-3 hour drives.