[alfa] Timing belts, FWD etc

[alexj@xxxxxxxxxx]

Timing belts.... I follow some mailing lists and bulletin
boards for boxer engined Alfa Romeo cars such as Alfasud,
Sprint, 33 etc. Some of you might find this hard to believe,
but timing belt breakage is rarely discussed. If
occasionally mentioned it's generally because, either
someone didn't change it in the prescribed interval, or
someone asking for advise for an upcoming belt change...
many recommend changing the pulley wheels at the same time
as the belts.

The Alfa V6 is a wonderful engine in many ways, but it's
timing belt and tensioning system is a flawed design. Not
because it uses a belt, but because the belt drive was
poorly implemented.

Plenty of other engines use a timing belt without these sort
of problems - yes, unserviced enigines do break belts, but
with how many other cars have you heard this "NEVER let the
engine turn backwards" warning?

That is not character, that is a design flaw.

I suspect the popularity of timing belts can be traced back
to the 1970's, where emissions regulations were killing
performance, while at the same time the oil crisis was
putting greater emphasis on fuel ecomomy. The idea of
replacing chains with belts, reducing friction (and fuel
useage) and releasing a few extra bhp, seemed like a very
good idea... and it was a good idea when implement properly
and when those belts were changed at the prescribed
interval.

FWD... go to any alfa race meeting where both FWD (e.g.
Alfasud, 33...) and RWD alfas are raced... lets be fair and
only compare production based cars with steel body panels, 4
cylinder engines with 2 valve/cylinder, single
plug/cylinder.... so no alloy body, twin spark GTA's or 16v
33's. While the more powerful V6 and 2.0L rear drive cars
might win outright, it's not often you see 1600cc RWD beat
1500/1600cc FWD cars.

Easier to build, lighter, efficient and successful on the
race track..... as long as you don't try to put too much
power through the front wheels.... for that you would be
better off with RWD or 4WD/AWD.... and if you don't care
about practical considerations like passaengers, make it mid
engined too.

But for practical small cars, FWD has a lot going for it.

Lex Jenner
Auckland/New Zealand
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