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Classic Cars Project Cars--You Get to Vote on "Hold 'em or Fold 'em"
19248 messages, Last post on Nov 09, 2009 at 3:32 AM
You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright
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Replying to: jrosasmc (Jan 05, 2009 9:14 am) The Alfa does require effort, although I think, unlike most cars, that effort gets easier at higher speeds ... to a point. Obviously, once you pass the point of traction, you are in the weeds quicker than you can blink. In other words, it has a sweet spot (IMHO) where it is a rather "easy" car to drive. |
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Replying to: lemmer (Jan 05, 2009 9:12 am) RE: "High Effort" cars. No I think the 560SL is easy to drive...you just put it in drive and point it, no muss, no fuss. The Alfa Spider could require more effort as most of them do not have power steering--so the modern wider tires make them heavy at slow speeds or when parking, and the gearshift will inevitably grind into 2nd gear up or down.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 05, 2009 9:21 am) just a note. dunno if I mentioned it before or not. Mine would grind only if trying to drive it like a modern manual. If I took my time shifting or, better yet, double-clutched, there was no grind. However, not too long before selling it, I switched the trans to Royal Purple synthetic trans fluid (claimed to be designed specifically for manual trans cars that require auto trans fluid - as the Alfa does). I was amazed at how much it improved the shifting. I really COULD drive it like a modern manual and get zero grinding. Great stuff!
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Replying to: qbrozen (Jan 05, 2009 9:30 am) 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.
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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. -Jason |
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 05, 2009 9:36 am)
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Replying to: qbrozen (Jan 05, 2009 11:50 am)
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 05, 2009 12:05 pm)
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Replying to: texases (Jan 05, 2009 12:09 pm) Fortunately in the SF Bay Area, we have 5-6 excellent Alfa shops. |
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"Doesn't run ... could be starter" 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?
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