'90 Spider Veloce - same as '89?

DBSpider90 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 10:46 AM

So often I am looking at parts for my spider and it will say 2000 Spider 1986-1989. Is the '90 S3 that different from previous years S3's?

Thanks,
David

Elio Comello · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 11:24 AM

It's engine management system is Motronic, same as S4 (No AAV, different, crank sensor arrangement, different idle control, different exhaust manifold, no Manifold pressure sensor. different FI's, etc.) Engine is higher compression as well.
It also has the same rad (horiz aluminum) as the S4 and electric cooling fans.
The 90 S3 does not have power steering like the S4.

So yes they are quite a bit different.

When all is said and done most S3 fans think the 90 motronic spider is the best and fastest of the non carb'd group!

TTFN Elio

**Slash** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 11:31 AM

David, to add to Elio's comments:

The 1990 Spider in general has an S3 body with an S4 engine. So, for the most part, if you want something for the body, chassis, suspension, drivetrain from the transmission back, and the interior; the 1990 is the same as the 1989. However, the engine (including the exhaust system) is the same as the 1991.

DBSpider90 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 01:04 PM

Elio and Slash - Thanks. Back in 93' when I bought the car I remember the dealer telling me that it was a bit of a mash (a good mash) between the S3 and S4. But I was not sure at what extent they differed. I have the shop manual for the 89' - so it sounds like I need the one for the S4 also.

Cheers -

David

**vf31rhill** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 10:24 PM

Slash,
Does your 88 Graduate have the passive seat belts? I have an 88 Veloce and I am in the process of removing the passive system entirely. It is mostly just a load of crap. I am tying to fighre out what to replace it with and am wondering if an 88 Graduate might have anything to offer on this score.
Thanks, Robert

**Slash** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2008, 07:50 AM

Robert,

I PM'd you, but check out This Thread.

David,

If you get the Car Disc set of manuals on CD, you will get S3 and S4 manuals in addition to the manual specifically for the 1990 Spider. Heckuva deal!

paulbinct · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2008, 06:35 PM

They went with the S4 body in 1990 in Europe, stayed with the S3 body here for that year, why? I have no idea ....

the_sicilian · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-2008, 11:33 PM

because the source for the S4 body parts was from a new place (used to be russia, but now was galvanized to fight rusting. its also why bodyparts for S4 spiders are so hard to find)

the 1990 has its own Service manual. its the only year to have this. its awesome. every detail in-depth and totally accurate. theres a seller on ebay with them. run a search 1990 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER

the 'Novante' is the best of the S3 spiders. the motronic hi-compression 10.1 engine takes out the flat spots in the acceleration curve, gives it proper engine management like a BMW, and uses electric fans so that at high-speeds, the fans dont drag the wind. and its body is lighter and easier to source parts for.

i know my 1990 like the back of my hand (and have every manual and document for it), so if you have any questions at all feel free to email me. i can emai you the owners' manual if you dont already have it.

**papajam** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-02-2008, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_sicilian

...the 1990 has its own Service manual. its the only year to have this.

the_sicilian · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2008, 09:19 AM

so the 91 had something different than the 92 and 93? wow i wonder what.

this might be due to the fan-system. theres a definite bug in the 90 and my friend'd 91 automatic in the single-relay for both fans design. we both had an electrician setup secondary relays on the fans which ended the issue forever (including an over-ride for when the air-conditioner is switched on) and works perfect.

because i dont hear about the issue very often from late S4s

DBSpider90 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-02-2008, 04:12 PM

Once again thank for the info. I am going to order the CD and the 90 service manual. It's great to have all the help here on the site.

falconmicart · #12 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 11:32 AM

where can i get these discs i have a 1990 spider

**Tifosi** · #13 (**permalink**) 11-07-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconmicart

where can i get these discs i have a 1990 spider