1980 ALFA ROMEO ALFETTA GT

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Heavy knocking from lower end at idle and acceleration, Low oil pressure warning, Metallic rattling that worsens with RPM, Oil contaminated with bearing material

Fix: The SPICA fuel injection system runs lean if neglected, and owners who skip 3,000-mile oil changes often spin bearings. Full teardown, crank inspection/machining, new main and rod bearings, piston rings, timing components, and gaskets. Expect 24-30 labor hours for a proper rebuild with machine shop work.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunking on throttle lift and engagement, Vibration through chassis at highway speed, Shifter buzz and imprecise gear selection, Visible sagging of transaxle housing

Fix: The rear-mounted transaxle uses rubber mounts that deteriorate from heat and age. Replacement requires removing exhaust, driveshaft, and supporting the transaxle. Aftermarket polyurethane upgrades last longer but transmit more NVH. 4-6 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot, Lean stumble and hesitation above 4,000 RPM, Backfiring through intake, Engine runs but won't accelerate cleanly, Fuel odor from pump area

Fix: The mechanical SPICA pump has internal seals and plungers that wear, and nobody manufactures new ones. Requires specialist rebuild (few shops have expertise) or rare NOS pump. Filter clogging accelerates wear. Rebuilds take 8-12 hours including removal, bench work, and tuning.

Estimated cost: $2,000-3,500

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Rear end feels vague and wallowing in corners, Clunking over bumps from rear, Uneven rear tire wear, Visible cracking in rubber bushings at de Dion tube mounts

Fix: The de Dion rear axle uses large rubber bushings that rot out, especially if the car sat. Must drop the entire rear cradle to replace bushings properly. Poly upgrades available but harsh. 6-8 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Symptoms: Bubbling paint along rocker panels and rear quarter lower edges, Soft or crusty metal in battery tray area, Rust perforation in front subframe mounting points, Trunk floor rot around spare tire well

Fix: Thin Italian steel and poor factory rust protection mean 40+ year survival depends on climate and prior rust prevention. Subframe rust is structural and dangerous; rockers and quarters are cosmetic nightmares requiring metalwork. Expect 20-40 hours for proper panel replacement and welding.

Estimated cost: $3,000-8,000

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clutch pedal sinks to floor, Difficulty getting into gear, Fluid leak visible at firewall or bellhousing, Spongy pedal feel

Fix: Aging rubber seals in both cylinders fail, leaving you stranded. Slave cylinder requires transaxle removal (rear-mounted unit). Replace both at once. 5-7 labor hours if doing slave.

Estimated cost: $700-1,100