New Alfa Member and Owner

skyrat · #1 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 02:19 PM

I finally purchased a 1991 Alfa Spider. It was a good deal, but it does have some minor problems.
Does anyone know the repair and cost for:

1) inoperative driver's window (motor is good)
2) inoperative tachometer
3) coolant gauge is reading average 200F. What is the normal temp?
4) Tire pressure states 24 and 26 on manual but that seems too low.
Anyone know what the better psi is?
5) Is the proper deceleration of the car by downshift only or is neutral ok?

What do you recommend I replenish, upgrade and check for tear and wear, before heading out on the road this summer? I am not a very mechanically inclined person, but are beginning to learn quickly and are having fun. Here is a picture! Thank you for any info! Great to be part of the Alfa community, cheers!

**Tifosi** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 03:37 PM

Many many threads covering the info you're after.

For a couple quicksies:

Coolant temp should normally run in the 180 range. (ensure the electric fans kick on, that the coolant is topped up, and check/replace the t-stat if that doesn't bring it)

The tire pressures on the label are correct, but you can adjust from there based on your comfort and whether or not the tires are spec size. (some folks like to get up closer to, or even into the 30's, others are quite comfortable with running them that soft)

Downshift or neutral while slowing is fine.

The safer way is downshifting though, so you have throttle response if you need it, and it helps prolong the brake pads life a bit, especially if you're braking aggressively. (not to mention that you can bring a car almost to a dead stop while using nothing but downshifts. Something that's impossible to accomplish in neutral)

geh458 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 03:44 PM

First off, welcome to the AlfaBB.

My attempt to answer your questions goes like this:

1: If you've verified that the motor is good, that leaves the switch and/or the fuse for that circuit as possible culprits.
2: I have no idea, did I mention I hate electrical problems?
3: Coolant temp of 200 seams ok depending on outside air temp and what thermostat is installed. I didn't run a thermostat on the race car and coolant temps of 170-180 with air temp of 90 were common.
4: Go with what the manual suggests as a start. Add a pound or two depend on the load in the car. Otherwise just try different pressure and keep an eye on the tire wear.
5: deceleration without down shifting will cause additional wear on the brakes because you'll use them more to slow down.

Just my 2 cents worth of advice.

thegarzacomplex · #4 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 04:54 PM

i leave car in gear while decelerating to a stop (clutch in to prevent stall of course). The alfa syncros are not the most robust.

Bottom line, it's cheaper to replace brakes rather than syncros or a clutch so i try to limit the amount of down shifting i do.

phil c · #5 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegarzacomplex

i leave car in gear while decelerating to a stop (clutch in to prevent stall of course). The alfa syncros are not the most robust.

Bottom line, it's cheaper to replace brakes rather than syncros or a clutch so i try to limit the amount of down shifting i do.

**lgbalfa** · #6 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 06:19 PM

congratulations on the purchase of your alfa.

i hope you have a great experience with the car.

please post more pics when you get a chance.

thanks

skyrat · #7 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:05 AM

Thank you for the info! Great giagnostic page on your signature. Even though it is for S3 series, I found it very helpful. Take care!

skyrat · #8 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:12 AM

Thanks for your feedback and the warm welcome!
I still have to find an Alfa certified mechanic's shop in my area so they can run a full inspection and replenish the essentials. I hope the higher temp is not an indication of a big problem with the engine. So far, I've driven from Portland to San Francisco and to San Jose from San Francisco 2 round trips with no problems, even though it's having a hard time climbing steep angles (San Francisco). I lose speed and power very quickly. Other than that, it's so great I drove with the top down tonight even though it was pretty chilly. I hope that feeling of driving insanely doesn't fade away! Take care!

skyrat · #9 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:16 AM

Thanks! You are right on that! I asked because my manual states that one should not drive the car in neutral. So I was wondering the reason for that. I am curious about this statement on the manual. I'll try to get a professional opinion on the pros and cons of neutral vs downshifting. Take care!

skyrat · #10 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:19 AM

That is so true! I love the sound of the opera!! I find myself singing Italian chants every time the engine gives me feedback! Cheers!

skyrat · #11 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:23 AM

Thanks for the welcome! This is truly a great community! I've owned VWs since before I was born, but this Alfa has changed the way I perceived driving. I find myself looking for excuses to take her out! Even with the outrageous gas prices in California! By the way, the previous owner has been using the top notch Super gasoline. Do the S4s require that grade? I am loading some more pix! Thanks for asking!

skyrat · #12 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:34 AM

Here are some more pix upon request! I am so glad I was able to take-off the front plates since my state of residence (FL) does not require them!
I want to thank everyone for the quick and great feedback!
I plan on getting new upholstery and sound system. Does anybody see a problem with letting BestBuy install the system? Can they be trusted? Maybe I should install it myself?

**Tifosi** · #13 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:46 AM

Well, you've prolly seen more spiders than they have at this point.....

Likely better you do the work if you're capable rather than paying them to to butcher it when they can't figure things out.

There's several good threads around in the audio subsection and up in the pictures section that have some very nice home-built installs ranging from simple stereos to full on ~~annoying as hell pimp daddy thunderbumpers~~ amplified units with large speakers.

**Tifosi** · #14 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:53 AM

There's a few audio setups w/pix in this thread that may be of interest to you.

geh458 · #15 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 03:45 PM

You have several postings in a row that seem to be replies to someone else posts. If you look in the lower right corner of any post you will see the "Quote" button. If you use this button, it copies that particular message into your new message, and that makes it much easier for the rest of us to follow the conversation. By the way, where is Travis AFB?