1994 Alfa Romeo 33 1.5 IE petrol from Sri Lanka
Summary:
At this age, not recommended for ones who aren't mechanically inclined or knowledgeable
Faults:
Wiring.
Alternator.
Gearbox.
Clutch.
Handbrakes.
A/C.
Windows (both manual and power windows).
After I fixed it and got it running, the alternator belt kept shredding. Fixed the alignment, only to find out it was because it was running with a Mitsubishi alternator whose pulley is wider than the water pump pulley. So I installed a thinner pulley and that solved the problem. Getting to that belt was not easy.
The dashboard is plastic underneath and it is cracked everywhere (only held by the cover outside). That needs to be taken out and fixed properly (later someday).
Speedometer wasn't working. I fixed it but it reads a bit higher. Good for safety LOL.
General Comments:
I found a non running 33 1.5 IE in 2015. It didn't start, didn't even crank with a good battery, didn't charge the battery when running, didn't change gears when running, has failed emissions, handbrake didn't hold, seats were bottomed, A/C didn't work, and windows didn't go up and down.
Poor previous owner was helpless and clueless. What did I do? Bought it real cheap, loaded onto a truck bed and brought it home. Thank you Alfa virus.
Got the starter working (wire from ignition switch to starter relay was almost broken; soldering wire fixed it).
Got two selector sleeves and synchro rings in the gearbox with synthetic oil API GL-5.
Installed a new clutch kit, new clutch and brake master pumps with fresh fluid Dot 4.
New tie rod ends.
Engine oil change with filter.
New air filter.
Iridium plug set with correct heat range with new HT leads.
Took out the fuse board and cleaned oxidization.
Fixed alternator with new external regulator.
Handbrake fix was just inside the handle itself.
New window rail rubbers on all 4 doors (less than $10).
Repaired the power window cables (at a local shop, less than $20 for both).
Re-connected the oxygen sensor plugs (4 wires - those weren't connected: failed emissions).
New idle actuator, new fuel pump and two fuel filters (at tank and close to engine).
New secondary fan to cool the radiator with relay and fuse.
Fresh fuel hoses, fresh coolant hoses.
Restored most of "ruined" wiring according to wiring diagrams.
New battery.
New timing belts and tensioners.
Fixed speedometer (broken wire from sender).
New A/C compressor.
Except the transmission, timing belts and clutch, all the rest were DIY. It passed emissions (last "recorded" mileage was 236000 km, could be a lot more) then it was my daily for few weeks (2nd or 3rd car anyway). It made a few hundred kilometers event racing up the hill country. Didn't miss a beat in all weathers!
Love the sewing machine like sound of the engine. Quite smooth. Pedals are bit too close but you get used to it. I had my seats stuffed and done in leather, and they are very comfortable.
Closing the doors doesn't give the quality CLACK as of the 164, it's more like a twig breaking crack (doesn't sound nice) haha.
SOHC engine is more user friendly for maintenance and the torque is remarkable for its size.
Gear change has to be done carefully (even after rebuild) and it's best to have some mechanical sympathy towards it.
Air conditioning isn't too good even if it works perfectly. The blower fan is in the engine bay and the cold air has quite a distance to travel to your face. You feel it only at full blast, which is very noisy.
These are light, feels flaky and plastic bits crack like biscuit (talk about air vents). But if you look after them, these are terrific to drive and reliable if you maintain them correctly. Not difficult for DIY, and the AR forums/community are a great resource.
The 33 is the cheap alternative to the legendary Alfasud, and this one doesn't rust. EFI makes it easier to live with. It's a keeper, along with my 164.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 10th October, 2018