1990 Alfa Romeo Spider

The 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic Italian roadster, loved for its stylish design, engaging driving experience, and open-top fun. The 1990 Spider was equipped with a 2.0L inline-four engine producing approximately 115 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. While these cars are aesthetically pleasing and fun to drive, they are known to have electrical issues, rust problems, and can be expensive to maintain compared to other cars.

Engine

2.0L Inline-Four Engine

• Spica Fuel Injection Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The Spica fuel injection system, while advanced for its time, is known for being complex and difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include hard starting, rough idling, poor performance, and stalling.
  • Solution: Many owners convert to a more modern fuel injection system such as aftermarket EFI systems. Alternatively, you can have the SPICA system rebuilt and calibrated by a specialist.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on the chosen solution).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Adjustment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Alfa Romeo engines require regular valve adjustments. If neglected, can lead to noisy operation, reduced performance, and potentially engine damage.
  • Solution: Perform valve adjustments according to the service manual.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain and its tensioners can wear out over time, leading to timing inaccuracies, and possible engine damage. Symptoms can include rattling noises from the engine, particularly on startup.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: The 5-speed manual transmission can experience synchro wear, especially in 2nd gear. This leads to grinding during shifting.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Bushings Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: The suspension bushings, especially in the front, tend to wear out causing vague handling, clunking noises, and poor alignment.
  • Solution: Replace the worn bushings with either OEM or aftermarket polyurethane bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The wheel bearings can fail, leading to noise and vibration when driving.
  • Solution: Replace the wheel bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per wheel.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The wiring harness is prone to cracking and deteriorating due to age, causing various electrical problems such as intermittent lights, non-functioning gauges, and starting issues.
  • Solution: Repair damaged sections of the wiring harness or replace the entire harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ (depending on the extent of the damage).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Grounding Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor grounding can cause a variety of electrical problems, including dim lights, unreliable starting, and malfunctioning accessories.
  • Solution: Clean and tighten all ground connections. Add additional ground wires if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, leading to a dead battery and electrical system malfunction.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Alfa Romeo Spiders are known for rust, especially in the rocker panels, floorboards, and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Cut out and weld in new metal to repair rusted areas. Prevention with rust inhibitors is key.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ (depending on the severity of the rust).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Convertible Top Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top mechanism can become stiff and difficult to operate. The fabric can also tear and leak.
  • Solution: Lubricate the mechanism and repair or replace the fabric top.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard is prone to cracking due to exposure to the sun and heat.
  • Solution: Repair the cracks or replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Gauge Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The gauges can become unreliable and inaccurate.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the gauges. Check grounding and wiring connections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 per gauge.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider, while a beautiful and enjoyable car, requires careful maintenance to address common issues. Electrical problems, rust, and the finicky SPICA fuel injection system are the most significant concerns. Addressing these issues can range from relatively inexpensive fixes like cleaning grounds to costly repairs such as transmission rebuilds or rust remediation. Potential buyers should be prepared for ongoing maintenance and repairs, making it essential to have a qualified mechanic familiar with vintage Alfa Romeos to keep it in good condition.