Re: Milano Verde - Modifications

["Bill MacFarland" <bmacfarl@domain.elided>]

Well I'm certainly no expert, but in trying to learn more about upgrades
for my 3.0 Milano, this is what I've learned. Please note, all the
recommendations below are highly debatable, but that's what this list is
for.

> Here is what I am looking at doing (over the next year or so):
> a.    Exhaust
Stebro has a nice stainless system (center and rear muffler I think). I
heard a GTV6 with a full Stebro system down at VIR this summer - very
nice - probably not the best for the street though. One or two people
have had difficulty working with Stebro I guess. Ansa has an muffler. It
sounds nice, but I think fitment and rust is a problem. Regarding exhaust
manifolds/headers, check out
http://alfacentro.com/features/csc/index.html. IAP and Alfa Ricambi have
similar systems.

> b.    Suspension/ brakes
Shocks - Koni yellow adjustable or Bilstein HD's (my preference). As for
springs, torsion bars and sway bars, I *think* shankle is the only widely
available upgrade (via Alfa Ricambi). There are two levels of Shankle
components: sport and supersport.

> c.    Wheels/ Tires
Haven't played with these yet.

> d.    Steering wheel/ interior bits
I went with a MOMO steering wheel and a MOMO adapter.

> e.    Stereo
I just turn the stereo off and listen to the engine - sorry.

> f.     Bodywork & Paint
Last on my list, sorry.

> g.    Better engine breathing
I just read J. Montebello's note about AFM's not mattering, but this is
what I've heard. You can put a bmw AFM (ljet not motronic) on the intake
to help breathing. A K&N panel filter is available, or you can build your
own cone style filter, just find an adapter to connect it to the AFM.
Also, with a cone filter, you probably want to find a way to shield the
intake from all the engine's heat. Something I heard recently was that
Sperry had larger intake runners. All of this is probably a moot point
without a cylinder head that has been worked over by a knowledgeable
Alfist.

> h.    Better Lighting
Check your grounds?

So that's what I've heard. Good luck and welcome to the club.

While I'm posting to the list, anybody in the MD/DC/VA area with a spare
3.0 V6 engine, please let me know. My timing belt slipped earlier this
year and I have to rebuild my engine. One of my cylinder heads is pretty
beat up, but I've found a congenial member of alfa-digest with a head for
sale. It would be nice to find either a complete engine or a spare head
locally though.

Bill in MD
'77 Fiat Spider
'88 Milano 3.0
'01 Audi S4 Avant
-- 
  Bill MacFarland
  bmacfarl@domain.elided
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