Alfa Tech

A few years ago, Master Alfa Romeo Technician, Nick Muto, the former owner of Alfa Tech Center in La Habra decided that he would tackle the V6 project. He took his own 1974 Spider Veloce, gutted the engine compartment and began doing something that few Alfisti have attempted -- installing the high-performance Milano Alfa V6 -- an engine designed for a 5 passenger sport sedan weighing 3800 lbs* into the 2900 lb* Spider (*GVWR). His result differed from those achieved by most others who attempted similar projects. This retrofit succeeded in creating a V6 Spider that retains both its Alfa Romeo and Italian heritage, will pass emissions requirements and drives nicely on the street.

Keeping the Marque Interesting – American Style…
With no new Alfas bound for U.S. shores anytime soon it is fun to be able to present a possibility for the classic Spider. Many Spiders are now reaching an unneccesary end of their road-life and as a result are being retired. Many, are worn out, while others are simply unable to pass the difficult emissions testing. Many owners who have invested money and time into engine modifications to make the little Spider more “vispa,” now find that they have a beautiful Italian classic that is unable to pass the ever-more-stringent emissions tests. This has left many loyal owners with a dilemma; Re-install all of the original equipment and put the car back to its original stock engine specifications or retire the vehicle. Many, who have remained loyal, love this car, simply don’t want to part with it. We want to somehow maintain that little added sport feel and still be able to drive this car.

What’s Old is New…
This is the same roadster who’s styling was criticized so thoroughly during the 1980’s, but who’s elements are now being copied by every wanna-be sports car on the market. An observation of some of the "distinctive" design features of the new breed of sports cars seem to lead back to the Alfa Romeo Spider/Duetto. Clear headlight covers, which were one of the original features of the Duetto and were available on many years of Spiders, are suddenly the rage. The aggressively sloping hood is being emulated almost across the board. Distinctive speedometer and tachometer cowls once called “60’s tackiness” are inspiring new dash board designs in the vehicles that were once called “more sophisticated than the Spider.” The fact is, that the Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce was and is a classic. There are few cars that can turn heads like it – even after 30 years of production.

Rebirth -- Rinascita…
The V6 retrofit has breathed new life and added vitality into my polite classic – I always enjoyed my Spider before, but with the Alfa Romeo V6, mated to a smooth Maserati Bi-Turbo transmission, it is an Italian roadster that can keep up with the times.