456 Gt clutch??

Mine has 43k klm on the original clutch, but it does need replacement now; starting to get a bit heavy.

First expense for the new year!

 

Hi 964, cost of a clutch is kinda dependent on how you want to do it (not very helpful, right?)

I can only cite Aussie costs here..... However, minimum cost would be doing it myself(my arthritic thumbs will hate me), reco clutch from the UK at about $1k Aussie + about $300 for slave cylinder seals, taking a punt on the throw out bearing. Other extreme would be taking it to the local friendly(not) F-car official agent and negotiating a second mortage...I'm sure that they would change the handbook as well...

I've been quoted 2k Aussie for labour from someone I trust (IanB knows them), of which half is dismantling & reassembly of the exhaust - includes resetting the gearchange, which is a bit clunky.. Probably OEM or AP clutch parts from Ricambi (thank you Daniel, the spoiler now works! - Fabulous service & great prices) - maybe a Hill bearing.

Another option is a guy in Brisbane who has built my racing clutches for 25 years who could do a great rebuild, including balance of the flywheel etc.

So, I'm gunna think about it for a while - but, I reckon a budget of 4-5k Aussie would be reasonable, If I dont want to get my hands dirty and want a really good result.

There's never a simple answer is there?

As an Edit I'd add that a new clutch (the works) on my wifes Pug 206GTi cost $2500 AUD.

 

30 K here on the original clutch and still very strong.

 

Not surprised, Alfredo - I don't think that 456 clutches are a problem, so long as the driver doesn't treat the clutch as a torque converter! I'd be interested in hearing Brians/Rifledrivers view on the subject..

 

Hello,
I just had my 30 K service done on my 456 and besides replacing the belts I had several other things done to get some peace of mind and hopefully avoid the need to take care of them afterwards.
The total came at under 6 k and that is pretty much the cost of the maintenance over the 3 year span since the last service.
There may have been a couple of $ 200 items in between, but that is pretty much it.
I use the car on a weekly basis, rain or shine and the biggest complaint I have to date is how brittle the paint is.
The car seems to be a magnet for debris of any kind that invariably chip the paint, but other than that it has proven to be very reliable and a hoot to drive.

 

Hi Dave, how do you like your lancia Fulvia HF and your Alfa?
Their are both cars very dear to my heart.

 

Well, all Lancia and Alfas are wonderful cars! The Fulvia HF I've owned for 29 years and raced in historic racing for 12 years. I've not raced for many years, but the Hf will be taken out of storage for some rather gentler motorsport next year - it is still in very good shape.

The Alfa is my DD and has the wonderful Busso V6 - the last Alfa to have it. It has been very good, reliable and a pleasure to drive on open roads, but a little like hard work in the city - it has a worse turning circle than the 456! Unfortunately, it broke a cambelt 1000klm out of warranty and the local importers refused to help in the slightest. I was not impressed and cancelled my Mito order.

So, I will replace the GT with something a little more convenient to drive around one of the worlds most congested cities - with lunatic drivers. Maybe a Golf, or a Citroen C4, or a Mini.

Thanks for the interest.

 

Sorry to hear about the Alfa mishap.
I have not driven a gasoline powered Alfa in years, but on my frequent trips to Europe I often rent diesel powered Alfas, 147, 159 and lately also the Mito.
I am happy to report they are still Alfas, even with the diesel under the bonnet and a hoot to drive fast.

 

Alfredo, I could not agree more - Last year I rented a 159 diesel in Italy from Milan - Modena- Maranello(of course!) - La Spezia- Genova. The turbo Diesel torque on the autostrada - just great, but good on the mountain roads too. My Alfa problem is no reflection on the cars, just the cynical dealers who have no appreciation of cars with soul - they are also Toyota dealers...and short term profit counts more than client loyalty. This is probably the reason I have bought 4 new citroens in 12 years from the same family owned business, who are fierce Citroen fanatics - the cars are not Alfas, but very useful and modern, well made and above all, the service people are very reliable - it is all I ask of a DD!

What did you think of the Diesel Mito?

 

I was not happy with it at first, because I was promised a 147, however, after a few kms I began to appreciate the car and its engine.
It is clearly a car designed to be a DD in Europe's crowded cities and it does the job well.
On the autostrada it is also a better performer than other similar sized cars, as it is well planted and it moves.