Mustangs Alfa 156

[soc]

Agent S,
Don't forget to factor in costs for timing belt change, alarm, and probably stereo.

Mustang

Mustang, OT but how's that alfa going? I'm a bit of a 156 fan - what's the performance/handling like compared to the FTO?

[Mustang]

I am reluctant to engage in this thread jacking. Perhaps a split topic is in order! CJ?
But as you ask...So far so good. I've done about 3k miles since collecting the car. You know how it is when you buy a used car your are always a bit wary, in case there is something serious amiss. But the car seems fine.
As you know I'm a bit of a 156 veteran . The handling is very good, the larger tyres on the 16" rims provide noticebley more grip than the standard 15"s. That said I feel that my 2L is not as engaging or response as the 1.8L Not sure if it's just my imagination or what. The 2L engine is fitted with a balancer shaft and so should be more smooth, perhaps it's just theres less of a sensation of speed/acceleration?
I'll have to borrow the 1.8 enlist a second competant driver, and do some scientific testing on a private road
That said it's no slouch. Sometimes I look down at the speedo in amazement and think -no surely not.
Not something that used to happen with the FTO, as I would always have a very good idea the type of speed the car is doing.
Not all positive though, I neet to replace some of the wishbones/bushings etc, but these are regular ware and tear items so not too serious.

[CJ]

I am reluctant to engage in this thread jacking. Perhaps a split topic is in order! CJ?

Sorted.

Any pics by the way Mustang? Hows the fuel economy in comparison to the FTO?

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

I'll have to borrow the 1.8 enlist a second competant driver, and do some scientific testing on a private road

Mustang - My GF's new 147 has just arrived - 13 weeks after I ordered it (dealer said it would take 4 / max 6 weeks to arrive) - GTA kit going on as we speak - so you're welcome to compare if you like.

[Mustang]

CJ wrote

Any pics by the way Mustang?

Not yet. I'll try to get some up....

Hows the fuel economy in comparison to the FTO?

The fuel enconomy is an improvement -not sure how much though. The jury is still out on that one ...the fuel economy seems to be quite mixed

MfFTO wrote

GTA kit going on as we speak - so you're welcome to compare if you like.

So the kit is fitted locally then? I'd like to take a look at the new motor alright.

[Myfeckin FTO]

So the kit is fitted locally then? I'd like to take a look at the new motor alright.

Yeah - Dealers bodyshop putting it together along with S/S exhaust I bought for it. Car came in with all extras such as Red leather, Sunroof, 17's, upgraded sound etc but Alfa didn't want to endorse fitting the GTA kit themselves (exclusivity etc) - so it'll be done locally.

[soc]

The handling is very good, the larger tyres on the 16" rims provide noticebley more grip than the standard 15"s. That said I feel that my 2L is not as engaging or response as the 1.8L Not sure if it's just my imagination or what.

That said it's no slouch. Sometimes I look down at the speedo in amazement and think -no surely not.

Not all positive though, I neet to replace some of the wishbones/bushings etc, but these are regular ware and tear items so not too serious.

I've always had a soft spot for the 156 - I really like the looks and the sound. And the handling is supposed to be excellent with good ride too.... Only thing that ever put me off them was the poor reputation of alfa.

That said I'm not sure I'd refuse a blood red spoilerless 156, standard alfa factory side skirts, black leather interior, and lowered on some 17" or even 18" telephone dial alloys

[soc]

That said I'm not sure I'd refuse a blood red spoilerless 156, standard alfa factory side skirts, black leather interior, and lowered on some 17" or even 18" telephone dial alloys

I wouldn't say no to this either...
http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?f ... rID=228039

[Mustang]

Shane wrote

That said I'm not sure I'd refuse a blood red spoilerless 156, standard alfa factory side skirts, black leather interior, and lowered on some 17" or even 18" telephone dial alloys

Drop the requirement for the 17"/18" wheels and we could do a deal
It's a sweet car and a lot of car for the money. You do see some very cheap ones out there but, a lot of it is rough neglected stuff.

I wouldn't say no to this either...
http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?f ... rID=228039

Nice car. It's been for sale for a while. The GTA is a bit kamikaze, way too much power through the front wheels.

[CJ]

The GTA is a bit kamikaze, way too much power through the front wheels.

Torque steer anyone? When I'm wheelspinning out of right-hand turns across a busy road I often wonder how a RWD FTO would compare

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

I wouldn't say no to this either...
http://cars.rte.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?f ... rID=228039

Now thats a nice car for that money. Its the look I'm trying to get with the 147 at the mo.

[Mustang]

Further details here for your viewing and aural pleasure!

[CJ]

Further details here for your viewing and aural pleasure!

Out of interest, how did you find the link? The videos were taken in Clonsilla, close to where I live.


CJ

[Mustang]

Octane

[Mustang]

CJ wrote

The videos were taken in Clonsilla, close to where I live.

Seems he is based in Clonsilla. Why don't you call around and kick the tyres. Let us know how the torque steer characteristics compare to that of the FTO

[Mustang]

CJ wrote

Any pics by the way Mustang?

Not yet. I'll try to get some up....

Finally! Better late than never










Coincidentally the car is for sale The time has come for me to part company with the 156. But as you can see below I'll be able to get my fix of Italian motoring when I feel the need
Also added some pics of the current fleet.

[CJ]

Someones obviously had the hose out

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

Its probably a good idea to have 3 Alfas - that way you can allways be sure that you'll have at least one on the road at any one time - just kidding - looking well there - me like the GT.

[Mustang]

Its probably a good idea to have 3 Alfas - that way you can allways be sure that you'll have at least one on the road at any one time - just kidding

I'll let you away with that one seeing as you are an alfa driver

- me like the GT

[kevinod]

Coincidentally the car is for sale The time has come for me to part company with the 156.

Having a rethink about a 98GX sale by any chance?

[Mustang]

Coincidentally the car is for sale The time has come for me to part company with the 156.

Having a rethink about a 98GX sale by any chance?

It was great to sit into the FTO yesterday, and hear the familiar sound of the V6 -started first time too! But no I'm not planning on holding on to it. Never say never though

[kevinod]

Coincidentally the car is for sale The time has come for me to part company with the 156.

Having a rethink about a 98GX sale by any chance?

It was great to sit into the FTO yesterday, and hear the familiar sound of the V6 -started first time too! But no I'm not planning on holding on to it. Never say never though

Go on... you know it makes sense!

Something else interesting in the pipeline instead then?

[Mustang]

Having a rethink about a 98GX sale by any chance?.........

Go on... you know it makes sense!

You are not the only one to question me on this one...seems none of my family believe that I actually intend selling the GX either....

Something else interesting in the pipeline instead then?

No definite plans as yet....if there's anything news worthy I'll let you know....

[Dave]

Having a rethink about a 98GX sale by any chance?.........

Go on... you know it makes sense!

You are not the only one to question me on this one...seems none of my family believe that I actually intend selling the GX either....

hmm i do wonder alright!!

Unless you're going into the importing business on the side?

[CJ]

Unless you're going into the importing business on the side?

On that note Mustang, it would be good to see a write up on your experiences, we could add it as an addendum to kevs importing guide

CJ