May 22

Tech Corner

So what's the car like? It's really the nicest GTV I've ever had the pleasure to drive. The engine is quite strong, with just a slight stumble at low RPMs that may go away when the Spica injection is set up properly, which should improve the fuel economy as well. The transmission is easily the smoothest I've ever experienced—I can shift to second fast even when cold—I must find out whether it has lightened gears, or whether it's simply a fresh transmission. And the suspension is terrific—it has Ward and Deane street springs and sway bars and Bilstein shocks, adjustable A-arms, plus all of the bushings etc. are recently renewed. The car is tight and there is hardly any body roll, yet somehow it's not at all fatiguing to drive even for nine or ten hours a day. This baby's a keeper (although those of you who know me are laughing when you read that).

Cosmetically, it does need paint (I know, you can't tell from the pics), and I'll have it stripped to metal and repainted its original color (the burgundy color that you see). All of the trim is there and in excellent shape, and there is virtually zero rust—the underneath is as solid as could be. The interior is also in great shape except for a rip in a  driver's seat seam, which I'll address. It has a new headliner and dashboard (not a cap). There are a few little details to work on (like the window regulator), but that's all fun stuff. So without much further outlay, I should end up with one of the nicest driving and looking GTVs around.

I haven't decided about the Panasports. I really like the factory Cromodora turbinas on GTVs and we have a spare set in excellent condition. Any offers on the Panasports? They're 14", in excellent shape, missing one center hub cap.

Brian Barnett, the guy I bought the car from, had purchased it a year earlier from an Alfa mechanic in L.A. who did a lot of major work but, unfortunately, didn't do documentation, since it was his own car. The work included rebuilding the engine with a Sperry Stage IV head, rebuilding the transmission, plus the entire drive line and suspension. It has lots of new stuff, including Spica microswitch (there's no backfiring), thermostatic actuator, fuel cutoff solenoid, Spica oil filter, fuel pump and filters, air filter, fuel hoses, plugs, distributor cap and rotor, points and condenser, sump guard, rear brakes and rotors, speedo cable, Michelin Pilot 195/60 R14 tires, etc. The handbrake is rebuilt with new brake shoes and cables. The driveshaft is completely rebuilt including drive shaft center support and center support rings, U-joints, front flex joints, and new transmission mounts. Brian gave me receipts for over $5400 in work that he had done while he owned the car (that's after the engine, transmission, drive line, and suspension rebuild). A lot's been invested, so hopefully it won't take much more to make her close to perfect, besides the paint.

Oh yeah, she also has a new brake master cylinder...

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