Alfa Romeo Donor
Jermyn - 9/9/04 at 03:27 PM
I was considering on using an Alfa as a donor. I think the twin cam 1750 or 2000 has a cool period-look under the bonnet 
I have read about plenty of folks who used these engines with success but had to heighten the scuttle, bonnet and nose to fit it properly. Even so, I
still think the car looks good.
Has anyone used the axles or running gear out of these cars? I don't even know the suspension setup or which Alfa would be the best. Any
suggestions?
Stateside, Spiders Grads are cheap enough to find a suitable donor. But, I think the 2000cc only came in the Veloce...which tend to be a little more.
Is there a sedan or something that might be better?
Rescued attachment alfa 1750.jpg
phelpsa - 9/9/04 at 03:39 PM
I think that some alfas had a rear transaxle? Maybe not the ones with the engine you want though. I am not an italian car specialist
.
Adam
white130d - 9/9/04 at 03:54 PM
I think the up to 1986 Alfa Spider would make a great donor. The rear axle has disc brakes and an LSD. The front upright could be used very easily.
I would think ideally use the engine out of the spider but use a narow alfetta (76-79) sump. Switch from the SPICA to the twin webers and go. I have
put alot of thought into this, feel free to contact me as I am only over the hill (mountains) from you.
David
Tblue - 9/9/04 at 04:11 PM
I am planning on using the front uprights, but I'll redrill to get a different PCD to increase the wheel choice, then front mount some disks with
the same PCD. Only problem I can see is the rack is rear mounted, but on a Locost I can't see it being a big problem.
I'd use the engine too but I can't find a cheap gearbox. Mine is out of an '80s Guiletta, hence the transaxle. I did think about using
the transaxle but the clutch and flywheel will be in your left knee.
AvonBelgium - 9/9/04 at 04:48 PM
Hi,
Alfa engine would be great, you can use the Nord engine ( Giulia series,Berlina,Alfetta series), or the TwinSpark from a 75.
Only the Giulia series uses an gearbox behind the engine, all the other have a transaxle.
Also for the rear axle only Giulia series ( spider,gt,gtv,super,berlina)
I investigated some transplant for my next project, an Giulia spider with TS or even V6 power.
Jermyn - 10/9/04 at 03:26 PM
quote:
Originally posted by white130d
I think the up to 1986 Alfa Spider would make a great donor. The rear axle has disc brakes and an LSD. The front upright could be used very easily.
I would think ideally use the engine out of the spider but use a narow alfetta (76-79) sump. Switch from the SPICA to the twin webers and go. I have
put alot of thought into this, feel free to contact me as I am only over the hill (mountains) from you.
David
So, are you actually using the Alfa? If so what engine are you using? I was thinking the 2000 just for the most power possible but are there drawbacks
to this engine versus the 1750 or others? What's the Twin spark?
Some of the main reasons I am considering an Alfa are: 1. A cool period-type look. 2. lightweight eingine block/head. 3.Good power-to-weight ratio.
My main concerns are:
1. Heightening the body. Since this is my first build, I don't want to stray too far from the book chassis. Heightening the bonnet/nose and
scuttle shouldn't be that tough but I'd rather get 1 build under my bonnet then go for something crazy. 
If I use the reduced sump you
describe, can I keep the bonnet at book height? (or maybe with a small air scoop) How about dry sumping it to maintain the book height? Easy?/
Hard?
2. Transmission. Are they 5-speed transmissions? I know the shifter comes out of the dash a weird way. Is there a linkage issue there? Of the locosts
I've seen using Afla engines, the engine placement seems all over the place. I attached another picture. Compare the one I first posted with this
one. This seems much further back. I can only assume that has to do with shifter placement. I'm only 5'9" tall so mine would probably
have to be pretty far back with the stock transmission. Is this going to kill my footroom?
3. Are there any other specific drawbacks to using these cars? My specialty is Triumphs and MGs. I don't normally mess with Italian stuff, so I
don't know the quirks.
Certainly, the locking rear diff and rear discs are a plus. Are there only certian years this was available?
Can I actually badge and title the car as an Alfa when I'm done? That might be a state-specific thing. Sorry for all the questions. 
Thanks, Bradley
Rescued attachment alfa engine.jpg
white130d - 13/9/04 at 02:55 PM
1. I am not sure of the height of the chassis, building a +1 would make fitment easier.
2. Yes they are all 5 speeds. And the 2.0 ltr is easiest to find in the U.S. There would be no linkage problems as the shifter comes right out of
the box, but there would be changes to the shifter to get it into the right position.
3. I was big into MGBs then I got my first ALFA spider, a 1974, then my second on a 1982. I drove the 82 50K miles in 1 year. reliable as anything,
fast, flashy, a working heater, a top that kept out the drafts etc., Parts are available too.
In NC it would be easy to register as a homebuilt or custom fabbed car, check with the DMV. I know a couple folks who have "fabricated"
cars in the Wilmington area, the took all tjeir reciepts and photos to the DMV, Had it (the car) inspected and it was assigned a vin# from the
state.
I hope this helps...
David.
Mena - 18/9/04 at 10:11 PM
If you want to use a nord engine (straight 4) then try to get a TwinSpark from a 75 (Milano) they are the strongest from all nord engines, have
variable inlet timing and you can even use a cylinder head from a 155. (the 8valve)
Most parts are interchangeable. I use a 75 TwinSpark with a 155 head and batwing 105 type oilpan in my 1973 Gulia Sedan.
C Ya,
Timo
ayoungman - 29/9/04 at 08:47 AM
I investigated using an alfa lump that I was given. I,m building a Tiger avon. The 2lt will fit easily in the engine bay, but the gearbox and
bellhousing width was very wide. It would mean you need to widen the propshaft tunnel to make it fit. Engine does look the business though !
stu205 - 29/9/04 at 10:16 AM
http://www.550-spyder.co.uk/racecorp%20build.htm
i know its a fiat but though it might help
