I remember reading an article somewhere about the Maserati BiTurbo. It was mentioned that the factory just wanted to get the cars out and let the dealers deal with the quallity issues that came back to them (or something to that effect).
Standing on both sides of the fence (Japanese and Italian), I'd have to say that most standard performance orientated Japanese engines are better built (strength) and have more potential (cylinder head flow) than a standard Alfa V6.
I'll admit that this is based mainly on reading, but after taking my inlet manifold and runners off my 3ltr, I was dissapointed to say the least.
I have not seen this level of poor quality control/design on similar age Japanese performance engines.
1 thing I learned when I was an apprentice (fitter/machinist) "If you can't do the simple things well, who is going to trust you with doing the complicated things well?"
Greg Gordon makes good mention of the limit of the factory conrods on his website. These limits (conrods are the limit of most factory performance engines) are low in comparison to most of the Japanese performance orientated factory engine rods.
Just for the record, despite my apparent Alfa bashing, I realy enjoy my Alfa. It's individuality and challenge of improvement (I refuse to use the term 'character' to describe an Alfa) make it a joy to own.
My 2 cents worth
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