Shifting gears in Alfas

["Roger F. LaFerriere" <rogerlaf@xxxxxxxx>]

My "secrets" are not rocket science. Before I describe my method let me =
state=20
CATEGORICALLY that I own an '84 spider with 87k on the clock and parted =
out an '87 Milano with 100k ( I bought almost new and drove 'till it got =
whacked big time) and the second gear synchros are as quiet and smooth =
as the day they were new. Anyone in central Mass. is welcome to drive my =
spider in the spring if they're curious or doubt my word. Anyway, don't =
drive as if you are in a drag race slammin' and bangin' gears. I drive =
fast and make accurate smooth gear changes. Learn to locate and use the =
"sweet" spot in your trans. during gear changes. It's the one spot where =
the trans. will just float from one gear to the next without any =
resistance, noise or roughness - it's there. Practice and develop your =
technique and use the engine revs to help power your gear change. If you =
develop a certain level of skill and are consistent in your shifts, your =
transmission should provide many thousands of miles of trouble free =
service. I have seen the internals of many Alfa gearboxes and they are =
robust and bullet-proof. The transaxle from the Milano is going as is =
into my '84 GTV6.=20
The po of the GTV6 autocrossed the car and beat the piss out of the =
gearbox totally ruining second gear synchro! If you are one of several =
owners of your Alfa the trans. may need service or repair and if you =
intend to keep the car it may be worthwhile to put the money into a =
rebuild and learn how to develop your gear change technique. Believe me, =
a smooth quiet gearbox will go a long way to increasing your enjoyment =
of your Alfa. I have owned my two cars for ten years plus and they will =
be sold off by my heirs when I croak - that is how much I have enjoyed =
them!
Roger 

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