Suspension Packages for 101/105 Giulia Spider

[Ohiospider1975]

Do people install suspension packages onto 101/105 series Giulia Spiders? As you know, many Alfa owners here recommend Chassis Stiffners and Suspension upgrades (Konis, Red Springs, new ball joint and bushing replacements, even 5/8 inch rear torsion bars) for S-2 Alfa spiders. I can attest to the improved performance, though I really don't like the lower stance of the car. Yes, you do really need an oil pan guard once this is done. Are these type of products available/necessary/an improvement/detrimental, to heritage/performance on the Alfa Giulia's/Giulietta's spiders too?

[genericwood]

Ohio, your post is a little bit confusing....perhaps that is why no replies so far. Since you have experience with suspension upgrades on a 115 chassis, I assume you know that the 105 Giulias are almost identical. So I assume you are inquiring about 750/101 chassis cars. The answer is yes, many do install stiffer springs and bars in these cars. It all depends on what type of driving experience you are looking for. My 750 Spider has stock springs and bars and I love it that way. Of course, I'm still running 155-15 tires also.

Erik

[Ohiospider1975]

Yes, you are correct and I mis-typed. I am speaking of a 1964 Giulia 1600 spider, which is a 101 Type. I don't know yet what to expect in the Giulia's performance relative to the 75 Alfa Spider performance. Sorry for the confusion. I will drive it on streets and highways only. Never above 65 or so. Never further than 50 miles. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[jarrington]

I have a stock '60 Giulietta Normale, and a fairly hot '74 Spider with the Shankle spring / Koni shock setup, as well as some poly bushings and stuff. In short, they're completely different animals, and that's a good thing. The Giulietta is a hoot to drive but has a very antique feel to it, with those skinny tires, plenty of lean, and big steering wheel. Not to mention no seat belts. It might be the ultimate example of the saying "it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow".

The '74 is much more modern, and even without any suspension upgrades is certainly faster around a corner. The higher capabilities do expose the floppiness of the chassis to a much greater extent than the 101 cars.

I'm sure a hot 750 / 101 Spider with upgraded suspension - maybe even an Abnormale with a 1750 or 2L engine - would be a lot of fun. But I like my bone stock Giulietta an awful lot, and I think given the rarity of the earlier cars it might be more appropriate to leave them stock and turn a later car into a hot rod.

-Jason

[Subtle]

I'm sorting out the suspension on my 101 Spider.

Recently installed the Koni Classic Red adjustable shocks. Set fronts and rears at 1 notch above soft. With this the front was too quick in turning in. Prolly something to do a lot of front-end roll.

This was too soft on front and went up one notch. Better, but not there yet.

Have ordered the 1-inch sway bar from Dave Rugh, and will advise when installed.

Shocks on it when bought two years ago where KYG gas, and they were OK, but one was beginning to stick on cold mornings.

I had a 1600 Spider as a daily driver in 1965 and compared to other cars of the day the handling was outstanding. That was with the best tires available then--in snow, or on rough surfaces.

Now, tires are even better in the dry than racing tires then, and hugely better in the wet. So much larger section tires, other than for looks, may not be necessary.

My objective is to have the suspension set up for fast driving--sometimes on rough roads--with comfort, compliance and control. Not set up for road plus track time.

The two things to accommodate are stickier tires and modern shocks.

I'm looking forward to the results.

[italcarguy]

Check out Centerline Products (Centerline Alfa Romeo (888) 750-ALFA). They have a lot of the parts you will need to rebuild the suspension on your Spider. They make a very nice front sway bar for the car that works well with their springs and Koni shocks. I've built a few cars with their "kits" and customers have been very happy. Sometime within the next year, I'll be doing the same with my own '64 Giulia Spider.

[Ohiospider1975]

By changing the springs do you lower the stance of the 64 Giulia Spider? Is an Oil Pan guard then needed? Is it the same one as you would put on a 115 Spider?

[Subtle]

One in our group returned from Southern California with a v. nice Giulia Spider with the Rugh suspension. Whether from Dave, C/L, or Chris in England these suspension kits are firm and low.

On the smooth roads in California the suspension was fine, but up here the frequent complaint is about how harsh our roads are.

Beyond comfort, another reason for a full-travel and compliant suspension is to soak up the torque without inordinately twisting the chassis.

When the head gets back on my 2 L it will be putting out almost 160 lb/ft of the good stuff.

[AlfaDuc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ohiospider1975 By changing the springs do you lower the stance of the 64 Giulia Spider? Is an Oil Pan guard then needed? Is it the same one as you would put on a 115 Spider?