1985 GTV6 24v Conversion and Restoration

[GVVGTV6]

Hey Sebastian,
Great project, I look forward to staying tuned!

About a year after I bought my 83 (way back when) the rear-end went caboom (with just 28K on it, thanks probably to the first owner being really hard on it or maybe just one of those things). So, I replaced it with an 85s that my mechanic said was a much better transaxle, and the synchros were certainly better. I put another 150K miles on the car until two years back when that gearbox gave it up - I jumped at the chance to get the original 83 back in! With all the mileage I put on the 85 transaxle I still always found myself wanting to grab 6th gear - now with the 83 back in it is just right! I really don't see the advantage of the 4.10 especially when you have the additional horsepower - with the 3.4 you can still cruise at 65mph in 4th if you really want to stay in the powerband, but what is so nice is grabbing 5th, the revs drop, and the car really quiets down. With the LSD I can't think of a better match up I'm jealous on that trick!

If there is one problem it's that it is very easy to go very fast so check those freeway on-ramps for the highway patrol as you go!

Cheers!

GV

[GTV6PASSION]

Thanks for the good words. I am glad that I finally hear from someone that has had and driven both transmission ratio's. See that why I feel this BB works. Ask questions, Hear different answers, Make the RIGHT decision for yourself. I had spoken to so many different people here, who said 4.1 was better 3.53 Verde was better, Andy from GarciaAlfaRacing was the first person to suggest just adding the LSD to the GTV6 transmission. Makes if just a trans swap orjust add a LSD to you existing box. No other problems. Thanks Andy.

[Echo Leader]

GTV6PASSION,

I've been quietly following along here, and I'm excited to see how your project goes. Its great to be able to see guys like yourself, cchan, jes, jj, etc all take on major projects like this!

Anyway, I was interested to read about your decision to go with a 82-83 GTV6 box with an added LSD (especially a beefed up one). I've been interested in doing this same thing in order to avoid the hassles that come with upgrading to a Milano box. Can't wait to see how it works for you!

Have you studied the individual gear ratios for all the gearboxes? I've never been able to find all the ratios for all the boxes, and I'd be really interested to know if 'mixing and matching' individual gears is an option in order to achieve a spacing between gears that's a good fit for your motor!

[GTV6PASSION]

Yesm Andy and i considered mdoing a mix and match. The $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
made my choice. Going with the 3.43 final from the box we sourced adding LSD beffing it up and rebuilding the old box kinda put me where doing a Verde box would have. The only difference it becomes a drop in. NO problems. I will see if Andy can add something here on the gearing.

[andrewg]

The problem with trying to swap gears from different transaxles is the layshaft gears 1 though 4 are one solid piece. The gears on the main shaft must mate to the gears on the layshaft. You would have to remove the existing layshaft gear set, make exact measurements, cut the gears you are changing off the layshaft gear set. You then must take the layshaft from the donor gear set and cut the necessary gear of it also. Then weld together this "new" layshaft set and press back onto the layshaft. This process can be done, but the costs would most likely double the costs of the transaxle rebuild. Everything would have to be precisely done otherwise unwanted noise and shift ability will be effected.

[GTV6PASSION]

See I knew there was a good reason I did not do it.

[Echo Leader]

And a sound reason it is!

So are the gear ratios, and not just the final drives, known for all the myriad transaxles? I'd love to see a matrix of these.

So Andy and/or Sebby, if you're both comfortable with it, can one of you PM me a price for adding the LSD to a GTV6 transaxle? Maybe a 'refresh and add LSD' type price?

Thanks!

[GTV6PASSION]

James you should contact Andy directly www.garciaalfaracing.com .
There are different options you can go with. For example I am increasing the LSD from a 2 disc clutch set up that gives you 25% control to a 4 disc setup giving you about 45%. With the added HP gain it made alot of sense. Also you have to consider if you wish to lighten any gears or not. I have spoken to different "experts" not just on this BB but don't forget I am in the car business and I found Andy to be very informative and he knows what he is doing. He has foresight for a project. In fact he is helping in the final setup of the engine by producing mounting brackets for both the a/c and alternator. Also where others told me hey I will sell you a LSD and use used clutch disc's Andy told me spend a few dollars more and get new disc's. That the type of mechanic I like.

[Echo Leader]

Sebby,

Works for me, thanks for the info.

I too like it when I guy, mechanic or otherwise, can honestly recommend something based on experience. Bumping up to 45% torque biasing is going to be cool too.

I guess I was just looking for a quick ballpark figure, as I'm not ready to buy at the moment, but would like to be able to plan to do this type of upgrade in the future. Didn't want to bother Andy too much.

Still curious about the ratios though....and if this is documented somewhere and my search just hasn't been well aimed, let me know.

Thanks again!

[GTV6PASSION]

Contacy Andy he is great and will spend time with you explaining all.

[Echo Leader]

Yeah.....perhaps I will. I'm curious about the possibility of a transaxle dogbox and he'd probably be the person to contact about the creation of such a beast as well.

Thanks!

What's the next step in your project??

[capricorn01]

Hi Sebastian, Can you tell me more about the GTA cams you put in your engine? Which Alfa is it originally from? My 3.0lt 24v in my GTV6 already pulls about 215BHP at the rear wheels with standard cams, so interested in what it will do with these GTA cams!
Thanks!

[GTV6PASSION]

I got the GTA cams from JJ(jungle justice) they are modified GTA cams from South Africa. Should add a good 15-20 hp with the Gotech that I am putting. JJ if you read this add in.

[GTV6PASSION]

Also Caprocorn1 Tell us about your engine and what you have done to it. Any pictures? Info that would be great. Has your car been on a Dyno? How about Dyno results.

[capricorn01]

Hi Sebastian,

Some pics of my engine! Internally the engine is standard.

Externally, the extractors has short primaries, which I believe supposed to give it better low down torque. The inlet from the aircleaner to the plenum is bigger, which matches the larger modifed aircleaner. To get more air into the aircleaner, there is a 4 inch intake on the bottom of the aircleaner through 4 inch hose to behind the front bumper.

The radiator is double flow hence cooling has never been an issue.

Engine management is done via an Autronic ECU.

Last time it was on the dyno it topped at 214 horsepower at the rear wheels.

The engine is very reliable and runs beautifully from idle to 7500 rpm.

Cheers

Victor