Japan/Alfas/SUV's/Belated Thanks/?

[lavalips@domain.elided]

Just returned from Japan (got married there).  Some nice Alfa sightings... two RZ's(ES30)-- 
cab's at that, a tricked out 155, a 155 "Normale", 164/168's and a 156.  Many upline Toyotas 
(Lexus 400SC's, GS400's in the US)had just the best "Rice Boy" treatments (see Brian's Rice Boy 
page http://riceboypage.com/index.html for some hilarious photos, etc.) -- dual aftermrket 
exhausts the size of coffee cans, multiple antennas for cell phones, wild paint, molto lowered, 
etc.  But little to no exhaust noise.  Like the Japanese saftey inspections I imagine that 
they're very strict about this.  No way that my 69 GTV ("Ruvido") would be allowed on the 
streets there.  Very interesting assortment of domestic micro, city and rally type cars.

On the Alfa SUV thread...before discounting Italian SUV type vehicles, remember the Lamborghini 
LM002 America.  Carburated V12 from the Countach/S, all wheel drive, the ultimate "get the *%#! 
out of my way or I'll blow you and yo mama's doors off" family recreation vehicle.  
Shit, I can probably add a gun rack. Wouldn't mind adding this to the garage.

Belated thanks to all of the responses and advice regarding retrofitting coil overs to my GTV6.   
I decided to leave things as-is.  Well, not exactly... dumped the Konis, replaced with Bilsteins 
(much more to my liking) and put on a set of NOS, out of production Shankle pipes that replaced 
the cat (perfect fit). This car is just sooooooo nice. Fast, smooth -- everything I could ask 
for as a daily driver and for long trips.

Lastly:  Has anyone had experience with IAP's "heavy duty" F&S clutches?  The trans is out of 
the GTV (big valve 1750, Autodelta cans, GTA headers, yadayadayada) for other work and I'll 
replace the clutch while we're at it.  What are my options for a car that will spend some time 
on the street, running the canyons and on the track, too?  What do the digesti say?

Jim
69 GTV
86 GTV6
91 Spider


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