Modifications Already Done : 

Aluminium Pedals, Stainless Steel Door Sills, Aluminium Doorpin Set, Clear Side repeaters, Chrome Grille, Rear and center stainless steel exhaust. Kit BMC CDA 85-150.

Incoming Modifications :

Squadra-Tuning Chip, FERODO DS 2500 Racing Braking Pads, Bilstein Dampers + PROKIT Eibach.
Powerflex bushes (rear and front).

 12/23/2006 : Step 4 (Kit BMC CDA 85-150)

I bought this CDA KIT in order to replace my former K&N filter which took all the warm air. Installation was pretty difficult because 3.0 V6 motor is huge in the engine bay... This kit is said to be the best improvment for V6 sound and it would give additionnal horse power increases in high revs. After my first road test, i have to admit i didn't feel so much a difference... Maybe because of the nice current sound of my stainless steel sports exhaust  ;o) To be continued...

09/01/2006 : Step 3 (Stainless Steel Exhaust)

The V6 3.0 liters engine is well known to be quiet and makes no noise at low revs. It is so quiet that my friends from clubGTV916 compares it with an electric engine... I wanted to have a beautiful sound and have no problem with rust after several years. My choice was clear : nothing but Ragazzon! I finally bought a rear oval silencer produced by Biscione Racing (a Ragazzon firm) and a central pipe from Ragazzon. Both of exhaust are stainless steel made.

Pictures from my GTV :

 

 

Go to the MULTIMEDIA GALLERY for more pictures!

Sounds!!!

http://nuvola916.free.fr/Videos/Echap1.avi
http://nuvola916.free.fr/Videos/Echap2.avi

My Feedback : 7/10
What a sound! It's ab-fab in high revs (from 4.000 rpm) , its sounds like a V8 when engine idles, stainless steel allows to loss weight and gain performance (only in high revs). But i'm really disappointed about the deep noise in the Gtv about 3.000 rpm, this is like a roar or a growl that gives me headache after a long trip (specially highway travel)... But i know how to solve this problem : Full throttle guys ;-)
The oval rear silencer's look is close to original (my purpose) but it's a little bit too big.

                                                                             

08/20/2006 : Step 2 (Exterior Customisation)

My Gtv is a phase I from 1997. So i wanted to improve the body styling in order to make it 10 years younger. I decided to apply phase II modifications e.g. the chrome grille (I have already Teledial wheels) and i must admit that it's very nice! The clear side repeaters give also a great and smashing look.

Clear Reps link        Chrome Grille link

My Feedback : 10/10
Very unexpansive and so easy to install even for me!!! Don't hesitate any longer if you have a phase I Gtv. GO FOR IT! You won't be disappointed!

2006/04/03 : Step 1 (Interior Customisation)

Start of the customisation project with the interior design and the end of the first step : Aluminium Doorpin Set + Stainless Steel Door from ZENDER and a set of NOVITEC Pedals + Foot Rest. Those elements perfectly fit the Red fitted carpet and Red MOMO leather.

Doorpin Set link      Zender Stainless Steel Door Sills link       Novitec Pedals link

My Feedback : 9/10
Very sophisticated and distinguished design. That's what i wanted even for the aluminium pedals. However, when it's rainy, it can be very slippery so be extra-cautious and sure to have dry shoes... 

2006/03/12 : GTV is mine!

This is it! I'm a proud and a lucky new owner of a Nuvola GTV 3.0 V6 24v from 1997with 49.000 (verified) miles and a gorgeous full MOMO red leather! This is obviously the one i looked for and it's more than i wanted! FULL Service book from mile 0 and all major services made by Alfa Romeo dealers. Nuvola colour has been added but the job has been perfectly done! The last service includes four new tyres, cambelt , filters and oil replacement. Red leather looks like new and the exterior body only have a small crak under front spoiler - almost invisible - (i'm thinking about Novitec or Zender replacement). And what about the price? 12600 dollars including automobile agent services to import the car from Germany . I'm by far the happiest GTV driver and  i do not regret this choice!

What an engine! What a design! I can feel "cuore sportivo" in this great GTV. Now, i can mainly focus on my tuning ideas and the driving pleasure.

High Resolution pictures and much more photos in The Multimedia Gallery

2006/02/11 : Turbo Modified GTV Test and Purchasing ideas

The tested GTV (unfortunatly not driven) is a little bit particular because hugely prepared by its nice and kind owner called Diego. This car reaches about 330 HP (Garett turbo modification on a 2.0 TS engine with a double Dynamic airbox + several modifications that i advise you to see to Mariani Tuning.it - Test GTV Rosso web site). For more Diego's Diabolic Car photos, go to my web site Gallery (here)

The only thing to say is : ab fab! Maximum power at any revs and a fantastic throttle (Subaru's owners nightmare...) with no comfort compromise! But the common mods (Eibach springs, drilled discs, dynamic airbox and Zender design) have really convinced me to buy my own GTV! I need one!

About purchasing, german market have to be considered because i've found a beautiful Nuvola 1997 GTV 3.0 v6 24v with Momo Red leather from  Alfa Romeo dealer and i think about hiring an automobile agent to import it in France. Coming soon... ?

2006/01/01 : Step 0 (Objectives, Informations, Financial plan)

Before project launching i must admit i hesitated quite a lot on car's choice before definitly ruling on GTV. It's the best price/performances/pleasure offer of the automobile market. However, some german cars were on my sight... what an idiot! So I visited different alfa forums to get all the useful informations and make my own point of view. Here is the result : To enjoy going for a walk with the GTV all week-ends and have sometimes a lot of fun on tracks. I want to increase the performances in all of those domains  :

- Engine Performances  : BMC Carbon Dynamic Airbox + Ragazzon Sport Exhausts + ECU Remapping

- Suspension Upgrade : Eibach Springs PROKIT/KONI  or Bilstein Dampers

- Braking Mods : Zimmermann or Brembo drilled discs + Racing Braking pads

- Body Design : Zender Cup Kit or Novitec Front Spoiler + Aluminium Pedals

I have to look for a GTV with no major problems to reach my goal, i.e. a well maintained GTV (with full service book) and verified mileage (< 50.000 miles if possible). My wishlist is : a GTV 3.0 V6 24v 220hp from 1997 with tan or Momo® red leather and Vela blue / Nuvola -cloud- blue exterior colour. My budget is about 10.000 - 12.000 dollars depending on car's conditions and state. I think it's a reasonable good price and project's dealine ends at june 2006 to find the perfect one.

I've designed a web site in order to collect all informations about my modifications and to update all customisations steps. I would like to benefit all those who have a similar philosophy to mine (to enjoy and have fun with an upgraded GTV).

Gentlemen, Start your engine!