🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Alfa Romeo Model: Sprint Year: 1985 Codes Chassis Code: 902.08 Engine Code Prefix: 1.3 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Compact, sporty hatchback aimed at enthusiasts valuing driving dynamics and Italian styling, a more affordable entry into Alfa Romeo ownership compared to larger models. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, Ford Escort XR3i, Fiat Strada/Ritmo Abarth. Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for sharp handling, responsive steering, and a spirited engine character, typical of Alfa Romeo's performance heritage. Design: Distinctive Bertone styling, characterized by its aerodynamic wedge shape and classic Alfa Romeo grille. Target Audience Audience: Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their vintage Italian hatchback. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Complete mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Page Count Pages: Estimated 500+ pages (based on typical workshop manuals of this era and detail level) Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual / Service and Repair Manual Language Language: German Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: 1.3L (1300cc) Alfetta derived Boxer engine (AR00537) – disassembly, assembly, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions. Transmission: 5-speed manual transaxle – removal, overhaul, clutch, driveshafts, differential. Suspension: Front independent MacPherson struts, rear semi-trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment. Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on specific sub-model), brake system hydraulics, parking brake. Steering: Rack and pinion steering system, steering column, universal joints. Electrical: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, ignition system, dashboard instruments, accessories, fuses and relays. Bodywork: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumpers. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, brake adjustments, lubrication points. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common faults in engine, transmission, electrical systems, and fuel system. Repair: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component overhaul and replacement, including engine rebuilds, gearbox repairs, and suspension work. Installation: Procedures for installing new or reconditioned parts and components. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers complete tear-down and rebuild, detailed diagnostics, and specific repair procedures with torque specifications and critical measurements. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: Windows / Mac Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on OCR quality of the original scans) Print Quality Printability: Printable pages Binding Type Binding: Digital (PDF download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline Boxer-4 (derived from Alfetta/Giulietta series) Displacement: 1.3 Liters (1351 cc) Bore X Stroke: 80.0 mm x 67.5 mm (typical) Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 (typical for 1.3) Performance Horsepower Ps: 75 PS (DIN) at 6000 rpm (typical for 1.3) Torque Nm: 106 Nm (DIN) at 3500 rpm (typical for 1.3) Fuel System Carburetion: Twin downdraft Weber 34 DFC or Solex 32 DDH carburetors (typical for 1.3) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 RON) Ignition Ignition System: Distributor-based ignition system with contact breaker points (or electronic ignition on later models). Lubrication Oil Capacity Liters: 4.0 Liters (with filter change) Cooling Cooling System: Water-cooled, front-mounted radiator. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed manual transaxle (integrated gearbox and differential) Features Layout: Rear-wheel drive, transaxle design places gearbox behind the engine for better weight distribution. Fluid Type Gearbox Oil: GL-4 Hypoid gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: 3970 mm Width Mm: 1620 mm Height Mm: 1350 mm Wheelbase Mm: 2450 mm Weights Curb Weight Kg: 900 - 950 kg (depending on equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts; optional rear seatbelts. Body Construction: Unitary construction with crumple zones. Active Features Brakes: Front ventilated discs, rear drums. Dual-circuit hydraulic system. Steering: Rack and pinion, offering direct feedback. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio: Basic factory-fitted radio/cassette player (optional or standard depending on trim). Dashboard: Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and temperature gauge. Driver Assistance ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not standard or commonly available on this model year and variant. Connectivity Connectivity: None (no provisions for Bluetooth, USB, or modern digital connectivity). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 10,000 km or annually (whichever comes first), with filter replacement. Spark Plugs: Inspect every 20,000 km, replace as needed. Timing Belt: Replace every 60,000 km or 4 years (critical component for Boxer engines; failure can cause valve damage). Coolant Flush: Every 2 years. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SF or SG, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (depending on climate and manufacturer recommendation). Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixture (50% coolant, 50% distilled water). Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Known Issues Rust: Significant susceptibility to rust, particularly in the sills, wheel arches, floor pans, and suspension mounting points due to the Alfasud platform's original galvanizing issues. Carburetor Tuning: Carburetors (Weber/Solex) require regular tuning for optimal performance and fuel economy. Vacuum leaks are common. Electrical Gremlins: Older wiring harnesses can become brittle, leading to...
Compact, sporty hatchback aimed at enthusiasts valuing driving dynamics and Italian styling, a more affordable entry into Alfa Romeo ownership compared to larger models.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, Ford Escort XR3i, Fiat Strada/Ritmo Abarth.
Key Features
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for sharp handling, responsive steering, and a spirited engine character, typical of Alfa Romeo's performance heritage.
Design:
Distinctive Bertone styling, characterized by its aerodynamic wedge shape and classic Alfa Romeo grille.
Target Audience
Audience:
Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration specialists, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their vintage Italian hatchback.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
Complete mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Page Count
Pages:
Estimated 500+ pages (based on typical workshop manuals of this era and detail level)
Diagnostic procedures for common faults in engine, transmission, electrical systems, and fuel system.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component overhaul and replacement, including engine rebuilds, gearbox repairs, and suspension work.
Installation:
Procedures for installing new or reconditioned parts and components.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers complete tear-down and rebuild, detailed diagnostics, and specific repair procedures with torque specifications and critical measurements.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Compatibility:
Windows / Mac
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on OCR quality of the original scans)
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (PDF download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline Boxer-4 (derived from Alfetta/Giulietta series)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (1351 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 67.5 mm (typical)
Compression Ratio:
9.0:1 (typical for 1.3)
Performance
Horsepower Ps:
75 PS (DIN) at 6000 rpm (typical for 1.3)
Torque Nm:
106 Nm (DIN) at 3500 rpm (typical for 1.3)
Fuel System
Carburetion:
Twin downdraft Weber 34 DFC or Solex 32 DDH carburetors (typical for 1.3)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 RON)
Ignition
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system with contact breaker points (or electronic ignition on later models).
Lubrication
Oil Capacity Liters:
4.0 Liters (with filter change)
Cooling
Cooling System:
Water-cooled, front-mounted radiator.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed manual transaxle (integrated gearbox and differential)
Features
Layout:
Rear-wheel drive, transaxle design places gearbox behind the engine for better weight distribution.
Fluid Type
Gearbox Oil:
GL-4 Hypoid gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
3970 mm
Width Mm:
1620 mm
Height Mm:
1350 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
2450 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
900 - 950 kg (depending on equipment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts; optional rear seatbelts.
Body Construction:
Unitary construction with crumple zones.
Active Features
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums. Dual-circuit hydraulic system.
Steering:
Rack and pinion, offering direct feedback.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio:
Basic factory-fitted radio/cassette player (optional or standard depending on trim).
Dashboard:
Analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and temperature gauge.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not standard or commonly available on this model year and variant.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
None (no provisions for Bluetooth, USB, or modern digital connectivity).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or annually (whichever comes first), with filter replacement.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 20,000 km, replace as needed.
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 km or 4 years (critical component for Boxer engines; failure can cause valve damage).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (depending on climate and manufacturer recommendation).
Significant susceptibility to rust, particularly in the sills, wheel arches, floor pans, and suspension mounting points due to the Alfasud platform's original galvanizing issues.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors (Weber/Solex) require regular tuning for optimal performance and fuel economy. Vacuum leaks are common.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses can become brittle, leading to intermittent electrical faults. Grounding points can corrode.
Engine Mounts:
Engine mounts can degrade over time, leading to increased vibration.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Alfa Romeo has a long history dating back to 1910, renowned for its sporting pedigree, beautiful designs (often by Pininfarina, Bertone, Zagato), and technologically advanced engineering, particularly its boxer engines.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint.
Relation To Alfa 6:
The Sprint shares its platform and many mechanical components with the Alfa 33 (which succeeded the Alfasud), and the 1985 model is essentially a facelifted Alfasud Sprint with some updates.
Production
Production Period:
1976-1989 (Alfasud Sprint and its successor, the Sprint)
Manufacturing Location:
Pomigliano d'Arco, Naples, Italy.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards:
While specific awards for the 1985 Sprint are not prominently documented, the Alfasud/Sprint platform was praised by contemporary automotive journalists for its exceptional handling and sporting character, often earning it high marks in group tests against competitors.
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