[alfa] Berlina springs

["Watry, Andrew (LNG-SFR)" <Andrew.Watry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The question I most get asked on the Berlina Register that I can't answer is
what to do about replacement springs, whether new, Shankle, Centerline, IAP,
or whatever.  I've never used other than stock springs on my Giulias and
Berlinas, but by now many of them are sagged out, and they're not available
new.

In going through the first Alfa Ricambi catalog (from 1991 after they took
over Shankle) last night, I notice a chart I'd never read, the gives info on
what each AR/Shankle spring of the time will do to each car's ride height
and stiffness.  For those who have the catalog (white cover, with drawing of
GTA and tach), turn to the big chart on p. 33.  For those who don't have the
chart, here's what I culled out for Berlinas:

Spring descriptions:
Front
	AL0467 Shankle Street GTV/Spider/Berlina 105/115
	AL0468 Shankle Sport  750/101 
	AL4733 Shankle Super Sport GTV/Spider/Berlina 105/115
Rear
	AL0491 Shankle Sport 105/115 Spider GTV
	AL0492 Shankle Sport 105/115 Berlina
	AL0493 Shankle Street 105/115 Berlina
	AL4732 Shankle Super Sport 105/115 Spider/GTV/Berlina

(there are some inconsistencies in the numbers; one place shows AL0492 as
GTV/Spider spring, another shows it as Berlina; also will a 750/101 spring
really work?)

Effect of springs
Front
	AL0467 19% stiffer; no ride height change
	AL0468 19% stiffer; 1.5" lower
	AL4733 48% stiffer; 1.3" lower

Rear
	AL0491 18% stiffer; 2.5" lower
	AL0492 18% stiffer; 1.5" lower
	AL0493 18% stiffer; .5" lower
	AL4732 40% stiffer; 2" lower

I hope this helps.  I don't know what to say about the use of Centerline/IAP
GTV/Spider springs.  I'd guess they'd be fine for the front, being
moderately stronger and a bit shorter, but I bet the rear springs wouldn't
be long or stronger enough for a Berlina.  Anyone have firsthand experience?

Andrew Watry
Berlina Register
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