Keep my GTV V6 or buy mk2 MR2
Discussion
So, just over a month ago I bought myself a very tidy Alfa GTV V6. It's silver with blue leather and has been maintained meticulously. It has all the usual mods, ebach suspension, q2 LSD, GTA clutch and flywheel, BMC carbon air filter and ragazzon exhaust (last two are my mods) it sounds beautiful, is very quick, and of course is a lovely thing to look at.
However, I just can't get on with it. It's very uncomfortable (to me) and its quit a firm ride with the ebach springs. I can't really put my gunfire on what it is but I just am not gelling with it.
I've recently found myself looking at mk2 MR2's probably a very late rev 5 N/A as these are generally tidier and less messed about with than the turbos.
Although they are significantly underpowered compared to the alfa, I think they may be a better all round car, easy to work on as I work for lexus and share a workshop with toyota. And they are very comfortable, so could do the motorway slog GT type thing as well As the b- road blast.
I'm in two minds, but swaying towards moving the Alfa on and going MR2
Am I mad!?
However, I just can't get on with it. It's very uncomfortable (to me) and its quit a firm ride with the ebach springs. I can't really put my gunfire on what it is but I just am not gelling with it.
I've recently found myself looking at mk2 MR2's probably a very late rev 5 N/A as these are generally tidier and less messed about with than the turbos.
Although they are significantly underpowered compared to the alfa, I think they may be a better all round car, easy to work on as I work for lexus and share a workshop with toyota. And they are very comfortable, so could do the motorway slog GT type thing as well As the b- road blast.
I'm in two minds, but swaying towards moving the Alfa on and going MR2
Am I mad!?
I don't know about the BEAMS's unless they are fitted to all rev fives, but the late 98-99 ones I'm looking at are between 2-3k.
Think I need to give one a test drive first and see what I think. I've been a passenger in one and it was comfortable for a long journey. I quite refined. Though that was a few years ago, when newer and factor in the rose tints!
Think I need to give one a test drive first and see what I think. I've been a passenger in one and it was comfortable for a long journey. I quite refined. Though that was a few years ago, when newer and factor in the rose tints!
Yes I heard the BEAM's very rare. I've been on imoc, it's very good.
I would need to have a drive of a turbo as well, but they do appear to be creeping up in price. And, although I haven't actually been to see any, a lot do appear quite rough, and/or poorly modified.
There are a couple of beautiful turbos for sale on imoc at the moment, but they are up for over £4.5k wich is more than I'd want to pay for one tbh, when I can get a same condition N/A for half that.
But coming from a 220bhp alfa, the N/A might be just a bit too underpowered, so i think I need to try both blown and n/a MR2 and see what's best. I can handle power drop if it offers something else.
I would need to have a drive of a turbo as well, but they do appear to be creeping up in price. And, although I haven't actually been to see any, a lot do appear quite rough, and/or poorly modified.
There are a couple of beautiful turbos for sale on imoc at the moment, but they are up for over £4.5k wich is more than I'd want to pay for one tbh, when I can get a same condition N/A for half that.
But coming from a 220bhp alfa, the N/A might be just a bit too underpowered, so i think I need to try both blown and n/a MR2 and see what's best. I can handle power drop if it offers something else.
Not sure if Turbo's are coming up - but for sure I think they may in the future.
I bought an NA a year ago for just over shed money and then changed it to a turbo engine as it needed a cambelt and clutch at some point.
To change to a turbo motor is fairly easy but you need to source the bits which cost anywhere between £800-£1200. Add to that £800 labour if you cant DIY. I was lucky and spent way less.
I would only describe the NA performance as adequate so suspect you may be dissappointed coming from a v6 alfa.
I bought an NA a year ago for just over shed money and then changed it to a turbo engine as it needed a cambelt and clutch at some point.
To change to a turbo motor is fairly easy but you need to source the bits which cost anywhere between £800-£1200. Add to that £800 labour if you cant DIY. I was lucky and spent way less.
I would only describe the NA performance as adequate so suspect you may be dissappointed coming from a v6 alfa.
psychoR1 said:
BEAMS are very rare circa 220bhp. A 99 NA is about 170bhp and performance is ok only. A turbo or a v6 is quick.
You should get a very good turbo in your budget but probably a rev3/4 not rev 5 which was the post 97 car.
Take a look on IMOC.com
The BEAMS would be a great option (although they are rated at 200hp rather than 220). As said they are rare but that just adds to the appeal.You should get a very good turbo in your budget but probably a rev3/4 not rev 5 which was the post 97 car.
Take a look on IMOC.com
Whatever you choose out of the many options available with the SW20, they really do get under your skin. I've owned my GT Turbo for 8 years now, its so addictive. Probably the best driving position this side of exotica.
Don't discount the Turbos. Whilst it is hard to find a good one they are out there. If you drive a good'un you'll forget about N/As.
Mikeymike, what are the turbos like on a run, as in, are they comfortable, and relatively smooth on standard suspension?
I'm going to look at what appears to be a decent rev 3 GT-S turbo t-bar on Sunday, it's a 93 on an L, so a bit older than I wanted, but it's only done 100k and hasn't been messed about with apart from an exhaust inc. decat, dump valve, and some tasteful alloys.
I'm going to look at what appears to be a decent rev 3 GT-S turbo t-bar on Sunday, it's a 93 on an L, so a bit older than I wanted, but it's only done 100k and hasn't been messed about with apart from an exhaust inc. decat, dump valve, and some tasteful alloys.
Benj1984 said:
Mikeymike, what are the turbos like on a run, as in, are they comfortable, and relatively smooth on standard suspension?
I'm going to look at what appears to be a decent rev 3 GT-S turbo t-bar on Sunday, it's a 93 on an L, so a bit older than I wanted, but it's only done 100k and hasn't been messed about with apart from an exhaust inc. decat, dump valve, and some tasteful alloys.
I do a weekly cross-country commute from Bath in the south west to Cambridgeshire. The MR2 is a great cruiser. They are very comfortable with standard seats, the steering wheel on most can be adjusted for reach and rake, and the transmission tunnel makes for a comfy arm rest. I'm going to look at what appears to be a decent rev 3 GT-S turbo t-bar on Sunday, it's a 93 on an L, so a bit older than I wanted, but it's only done 100k and hasn't been messed about with apart from an exhaust inc. decat, dump valve, and some tasteful alloys.
I have coilovers on mine so I can't vouch for the standard setup, but as long as the suspension is in good fettle you'd probably find it very smooth. My coilovers are set to their softest setting, and I changed the 17's I had fitted for a set of the standard 15's. Whilst the ride is firm, it manages to be smooth and avoids feeling "crashy".
The only gripe I have is noise. There is a fair bit of road noise at motorway speeds, perhaps more-so with the T-Bar. I also have an aftermarket exhaust fitted, the Blitz Nur-Spec to be precise, which is very loud and takes some getting used to on a long motorway jaunt.
I really wouldn't worry to much about the age of the car, without trying to patronise you, buy on condition first and foremost. They're all old cars now, whether its a Rev 1 or a Rev 5. Whilst the Rev 3+ is a better car as standard than the Rev 1/2, I'd sooner take a mint Rev 1 over an average Rev 5.
If you're still not quite convinced, here's the original dealership promo from the cars launch in 89/90, cheesetastic! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTpdWBNC48c
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