Alfa is determined, it seems, to convince enthusiasts that they can have their cake and eat it. The 166’s Sportronic is a normal torque converter
automatic with a manual, sequential-shift override alongside. Then there’s Q-system – another conventional four-speed automatic, this time with a manual H-pattern gate offset to one side of the D. Last, but by no means least, Selespeed is effectively a regular five-speed manual, but without the clutch pedal. It not only offers self-shifting gears to ease the burden in suburban snarl-ups, but ices the cake for boy-racers with Formula One-style, thumb-operated gearshift buttons on the steering wheel. So now we can all play at being Michael Schumacher.
This is the story of three men and a T car. It’s a tale to warm the heart of every true Alfista, and that means all those who don’t secretly long for a Ferrari with every fibre of their being. Let us begin with Luciano Cappiello. After all, it is his car. A native of Sorrento he’s now domiciled in Southport. Both seaside resorts begin with the letter ‘S’ but, I’d wager, have absolutely nothing else in common. Luciano has twin passions – apart from his very beautiful wife, of course – and they are food and cars. Food is his business and business is good.
The launching pad for the Visconti was the Premium Platform, developed by Alfa Romeo as the basis for the next-generation 156 Sedan, Sportwagon, Coupe and Spider, a quartet of cars all drawing life from the pencil of Giugiaro as evolution of the Brera concept car. Given the flagship characteristics with which the Visconti takes the scene, Giugiaro lengthened the wheelbase of the Premium Platform by 20 millimeters, stretching it out to 2,825 mm, with two almost identical overhangs, 1,064 mm to the front and 1,066 mm to the rear, thereby attaining a total length of 4,955 mm.
Follow all Federal, State and Local Regulations. Proper A/C performance is dependent on all systems performing properly. Make certain that the engine cooling system is at peak operation, and that the cooling fan / fan clutch is operating properly. Worn belts, idlers and tensioners can cause poor cooling system performance due to belt slippage. Low voltage at the A/C clutch assembly can cause premature compressor failure. Contaminated refrigerant continues to be one of the most significant problems facing the A/C service industry today. Use a refrigerant identifier to verify that the refrigerant in the system is not contaminated with a blend refrigerant or has a high concentration of air. Replace the Filter Drier or Accumulator All Filter Driers and Accumulators contain a desiccant material.
A. Prior to placing the top on the car:
1. Fold top cloth into the normal top down position being sure to snap the two rear leather tie down cords. Alternatively, you may remove the cloth top from the car.
2. Clean top of windshield frame and rear deck area.
3. Lubricate the bottom of the deck rubber of the hardtop with a silicone lubricant or Vaseline.
4. Attach the supplied metal adaptor plates (taped to turnbuckle assembly) to the convertible top frame at the frame pivot point (behind the upper screw) – one per side. The plate should be placed in a vertical position with the large hole up.
5. On the hardtop: loosen front fasteners
B. Place hardtop on the car:
1. Make sure that the side window moldings do not get pinched between the top and the windshield frame. Align the top on the windshield frame and install the two “J” hooks. Hand tighten these fasteners being careful not to over tighten.
2. Hook the turnbuckle assembly into the rear adaptor plates and hand tighten the turnbuckles.
3. When top is properly positioned, loosen fittings and trim excess side window rubber with scissors or a knife (see Fig.1)
4. Latch the front fasteners.
C. Maintenance of the top:
1. Side window rubber molding may be lubricated with a silicone base wax of Vaseline for easy winding of the windows. Similar lubrication may be used on the deck rubber seal if squeaking occurs.
2. If painted, keep surface waxed to preserve the gloss finish. On vinyl tops, clean periodically with a vinyl cleaner and coat with a vinyl top sealer.
3. The rear window is Plexiglass and caution should be exercised to prevent scratching. Clean with mild soap and sponge or soft cloth. Dry with a chamois skin – keep dirty rags away from the window. A plastic wax such as “Mirror Glaze” can be used to wax the window.
This Manual, supplied to all authorised ALFA ROMEO Repair Shops, contains instructions for the overhaul and recondi- tioning of the BOSCH K1 (RL) 14V 35A2Û alternator. The operations are amply illustrated so that the detail and unit concerned can be quickly identified and the tools to be used and the correct method of operation can be seen. Only genuine spares should be used if any assemblies or parts have to be replaced; only in this way can complete interchangeability and fully satisfactory performance be guaranteed. This Manual should be kept continuously up-to-date by the addition of new information and instructions issued at intervals by the Technical Service Division in the regular Information Sheets.
Step 1 – First, identify the ignition system your car has, most cars have a DIS (direct ignition system, shown).The HEI (high energy ignition) this ignition system has a distributor with cap and rotor. The COS system (coil over spark plug) which has no plug wires just ignition coils. Firmly grab a hold of the spark plug wire at the boot nearest the spark plug. Gently but firmly twist the boot to loosen the seal, now remove the spark plug wire.
AIM has developed special applications for many of the most common ECUs: by special applications we mean user-friendly systems which allow to easily connect your ECU to our high tech data loggers: user needs only to install harness between the logger and the ECU. Once connected, the logger displays (and/or records, depending on the logger and on the ECU data stream) values like RPM, engine load, throttle position (TPS), air and water temperatures, battery voltage, speed, gear, lambda value (air/fuel ratio) analog channels… All AIM loggers include – free of charge – Race Studio 2 software, a powerful tool to configure the system and analyze recorded data on your PC. Warning: once the DLC is connected to the logger, it is necessary to set it in Race
