Alfa GT - recommended improvements?

[Atmospheric]

Hello all,

I bought a 2006 Alfa GT in Rosso Alfa about a year ago.

I'd like to make some slight modifications, but don't want to go too mad. It's currently on 16's are I loathe to change them incase I lose some feel and agility.

Are 17's/ 18's going to be loads different?

Also, I am thinking of an Eibach AR bar, short shifter kit and maybe all new standard suspension - is this a good idea? I don't want a rock hard ride and I don't want to lose feel. Also, is a proper intake an improvement? Exhaust

Its not quick, but its very good on A-B roads, I think I just want a bit more poise.

Love your thoughts/suggestions. Cheers!

Edited by Atmospheric on Thursday 23 May 16:12

[Atmospheric]

Pics for good measure

[Nigel_O]

I had a GT Blackline which ran on 18” wheels - the ride comfort was fine, even on 225/40 tyres. I’m biased, but I thought the 18s suited the car - 16s look a bit lost in the wheel arch.

The best ‘mod’ I ever did was to fit new OE spec suspension (at about 200,000 miles, so the originals were shot…). With good tyres, it handled pretty neatly for a FWD hatch derivative.

[r159]

Eibach springs and Koni FSD dampers 17/18 wheels and and a thorough alignment session. Top strut brace would go nicely too.

[GTVOX]

I would also go with good quality standard suspension I found the sports kit worked well but ruined the ride especially on long continental runs but that could be a sign of me getting old.

[V6Alfisti]

It's been a while since I was in a GT, but the things that people always used to recommend were:

A Q2 diff, the thicker anti roll bar, I thoughts wheel at 17" were considered the best compromise but I might have misremembered. Suspension - I can't recall as it never really bothered me, but I bet they would be feeling a bit tired now and a refresh certainly won't hurt, along with new upper wishbones if not done recently (they always need changing, just buy TRW as they were OEM and nothing else)

Most people from an aesthetic perspective, like to fit the later chrome whiskers at the front too.

[Atmospheric]

Thank you all very much thus far!

[Om]

r159 said:

Eibach springs and Koni FSD dampers 17/18 wheels and and a thorough alignment session. Top strut brace would go nicely too.

This ^ It was what I had on my JTS and the transformation was night and day. Felt like a different (better) car. Ride improved massively and all squeaks, knocks etc gone. Mine was a Cloverleaf on the 18" wheels so definitely benefitted. Handling was massively improved also. This was the best single upgrade I have ever done on any car.

I also had mine remapped by Gus at Autotune (also fitted C&B fast road cams). A little quicker but much more driveable. Unfortunately I think Gus has now retired. Other than that I had a stainless catback exhaust and a BMC carbon airbox which added to the sound a little.

One thing with the JTS engine is they progressively 'coke-up' with miles (early DI engine) and lose lots of power in the process. Finding somewhere that can walnut blast or similar the intake side is a worthwhile consideration - though a little fiddly on the JTS due to access.

[andyA700]

This is my 2008 GT on the 18" Jetfin wheels. It is the best handling/steering car I have ever had, but keep an eye on the tyre pressures, they make a huge difference to comfort and control.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/andym42/32425305437/

[mbwoy84]

Does the Q2 Diff from the 1.9 Diesel fit these? That would be the best modification by far

[Evanivitch]

Had a JTS, I found the 18s ride to be decent but induced paranoia with the state of roads in the UK (and this was going back a few years).

I'd agree with others, brace and refreshed suspension (loved to eat wishbone bushes) and decent rubber. Q2 doesn't make huge difference at speeds the JTS will achieve.

Stainless steel mid-back exhaust was nice, place near Cardiff.

[Atmospheric]

Very much appreciated for the responses lads!

[Atmospheric]

andyA700 said:

This is my 2008 GT on the 18" Jetfin wheels. It is the best handling/steering car I have ever had, but keep an eye on the tyre pressures, they make a huge difference to comfort and control.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/andym42/32425305437/

Thats lovely!

[andyA700]

Atmospheric said:

andyA700 said:

This is my 2008 GT on the 18" Jetfin wheels. It is the best handling/steering car I have ever had, but keep an eye on the tyre pressures, they make a huge difference to comfort and control.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/andym42/32425305437/

Thats lovely!

Cheers, it doen't look as good as that now, because for some reason, Alfa decided to put a clearcoat over the white and it is delaminating, which is a real pain and I am going to have it sorted.