Alfa Pages

edjshall · Alfa Arna Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 1

Hi Chaps,
I'm writing a buyers' guide on the Alfa 33 for Practical Performance Car magazine having owned one of these wonderful cars a few years ago.

I was wondering if you knowledgeable folks might be able to give me a few pointers on what to look for on them?

I remember doing lots of welding along the floor/inner sill, sills, rear strut mountings but I can't remember anything specific about the rest of the body, gearbox (apart from the lack of synchro!), suspension or brakes.

Mine was an '88 1.5Ti, but what about the face-lifted, injected or 4x4 models, what are they like to own/run?

Sorry for lots of questions but I'd like to ensure the guide is as accurate as possible and I'd like to give alfa-pages.co.uk some good coverage in the feature.
My email address is ed@ppcmag.co.uk

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,
Ed Hall

john 33_16v · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject:

email sent

John
_________________
If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

Admin · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:56 pm Post subject:

Hi

Corrosion is not that bad on the later ones (although nowhere near perfect). Expect some around the fronts of the rear wheel arches, and also possibly around the fuel filler cap. Also check under the plastic trim around the boot catch.

Boot releases play up. You pull the lever and they release, but catch again when you release the lever and go round to the back. Short term bodge is to wrap the seatbelt around the lever to hold it up while you wander round the back.

Petrol tanks are not that bad for rust, but they are now getting on a plenty seem to have issues. Fuel tanks for the P4 are VERY difficult to find.

The mounts for the viscous coupling on the P4 are unobtainable and have been for quite a few years. They are also prone to a short life.

Rear calipers on the P4 are a pain. But they are a pretty typical rear caliper with a handbrake.

The normal seats wear, but the Ricaro seats in the P4 are pretty tough.

Synchro is weak on 2nd gear. Double declutching is easy though.

Door handles can break.

Power steering racks can have their gaitors split. Unfotunatly that pretty much means a reconditioned rack, and getting the powered racks on and off is not easy.

16V cranks are known to crack towards the front.

Cam belts need changing. The pulley wheels on the tensioners can seize.

All the best

Keith
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I owe, I owe, its off to work we go.
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JeremyC · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 9:59 am Post subject:

And, as I understand it, there are barely more than 200 33s of all types still on the road in the UK!!!
_________________
'93 Black 33 1.7 16v

lee16v · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject:

Hi Ed,
I've owned a 1993 1.7 16v for 6 years now and it's been amazingly reliable. Only issues I've had are the big ends went last year but that was due to driver more than engine problem, and gearbox thrust bearing letting go (these are particularly weak). Other than the things mentioned above I'd rate it as a quick and cheap fun way to drive.

Cheers, Lee.

Ps, need any pics for the mag?

bobbber · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:28 pm Post subject:

I'll second Lee's car as an excellent example for any magazine shots.

Bob
_________________
Fiat Bravo 165 Sport

lee16v · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:41 pm Post subject:

johnboy · Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 5:38 pm Post subject:

lee16v · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:29 pm Post subject:

Another reason for you to keep it John!

johnboy · Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 6:55 pm Post subject:

john 33_16v · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:59 am Post subject:

Hi,

Got this mag on ebay the other day.

33 article makes the cars sound worth having, and this site gets a thank-you plug too.

John
_________________
If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

lee16v · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 11:50 am Post subject:

What issue is it John?

john 33_16v · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:00 pm Post subject:

33bits · Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:28 pm Post subject:

Jeremy, there are just under 500 33's in the country of all models, i have the figures of how many are left of each model if you interested. Some of the numbers are surprising. Very Happy

_________________
155 sportpack
33 16v Sportwagon
33 Permanent 4
33 16v (for sale)
156 JTS sportwagon
contact me for any 33 parts. Alex, 07896-327708

JeremyC · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:25 am Post subject:

Paul had given me the impression it was less than that. Are all of those taxed or does that include projects and spares cars?
_________________
'93 Black 33 1.7 16v

paulhide · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:46 am Post subject:

Courtesy of Alex, definately less than 486 33s in existance in the UK - probably only half taxed and may include some minaris - need Bobbber on the case. Have the registrations of 233 cars now.
_________________
Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188

33bits · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:17 am Post subject:

We are doing well! Very Happy

_________________
155 sportpack
33 16v Sportwagon
33 Permanent 4
33 16v (for sale)
156 JTS sportwagon
contact me for any 33 parts. Alex, 07896-327708

paulhide · Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject:

235 registrations known now. Maybe a few more if Bobbber could help.
_________________
Owner's Club 33 Registrar. Now from P4 & S2 1.7 QV
http://www.alfa-pages.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5188

gritsop · Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:49 pm Post subject:

John, is there any chance to have the article scanned and posted here?

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

john 33_16v · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 10:32 am Post subject:

bobbber · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:08 pm Post subject:

flat4alfa · Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:38 pm Post subject:

I bought mag as a back issue, after seeing this thread.

Pity it was a sparce even though over two pages. But it's a start though, glad it was done. We need to rally other magazines into featuring the 33, especially the first series.

Most classic car mags still have yet to list early 33 in the price guides. Alfasud and Sprint have been in there for years. And Mk4 Escort.

Even AutoItalia seems to have forgotten anything pre-S3
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'83 Mk1 Gold Cloverleaf
'82 Lancia Beta Berlina S3 - sold
'86 Alfa 6 Cloverleaf - sold