[ArjanB]

Would like to introduce myself here, as my 4C spider has just arrived.
Originally a German Jahreswagen (dealerstock) built in 2017, sold to previous owner in Germany in 2018 who had to sell it last year.
Deman autogarage in Brussels bought and took it to Belgium, sales guy drove it for a while to increase mileage (only when car has driven more than 6000km it can be imported as a used car from one country to another) and in December 2022 I bought it, so I am effectively the second owner.
Had it transported to Netherlands last week, so it is now in my garage.

It has all the nice goodies: leather dashboard (quite rare option in Europe but was a must-have for me), race pack incl race suspension, full-leather seats (black w red stitching), 18/19" rims, rear parking sensors, carbon mirrors, the original carbon keyring, and the beautiful rosso competizione paint.
And the "spider" eyes headlights as on the introduction coupe version (bi-led in carbon, €3500 option!) really cool as most spider versions have the more mainstream Ferrari-alike headlights. I like these "spider" lights now more than the normal ones, but frankly it did take a while to get used to (since 2015)...

(note the Jaguar E-type on the back)

On the picture you also see my Giulietta QV in grigio magnesio opaco, which has same aluminum TBi engine and TCT gearbox, and is my 'daily driver' (albeit that I go to work by bicycle).
It has improved air intake BMC DIA airbox, 3" downpipe, race-kat and Ragazzon exhaust, Eibach suspension and remap done to engine ECU and TCU to reduce shifttimes, power is up to slightly over 300pk currently.

loading for transport (and when driving home, just as easy to also put the Giulietta on the truck):

My other 'hobby' car is a Alfa 156 GTA, with the famous Busso V6 engine in its strongest form as 3.2.
Also has adapted intake, exhaust, suspension, etc etc delivering almost 270pk.

Rationally I should be selling the GTA now I have the 4C, but can't get myself doing so - this car is so nice, good, and different: naturally aspirated, enormously eager to throttle, super direct steering, and the sound!!

plans with the 4C
After technical check for import I am planning some mods (as I did with my other cars):

• install spacers (delivered with the car)
• install Novitec exhaust (idem)
• ECU and TCU remap
• GMS alignment blocks, and a proper alignment
• GMS rear uniballs arms (probably later, so i can feel the difference)
• red seat belts (had those installed on my Giulietta as well, really nice looking upgrade)
• have the brake calipers painted yellow (currently black)
• [adapt seat tilt / elevation adjustment done
• adapt steering wheel angle (for visibility of dashboard)
• apply coating on bodywork (or ppf, but quite expensive so maybe later...)
• PU lower engine mount (probably later)
• TCU water protection shield

Car also came with Novitec coilover set, not sure what I'll do with those - want to first experience the 4C as-is, and then decide whether to install, or sell.

I'll post progress on upgrades here, luckily most info on these upgrades I found here on the forum - big thanks!!

 

[4Canada]

I'd say "welcome", but I see you're an old timer on this forum.
So congratulations on getting your car. It looks beautiful, and you're obviously an Alfa fanatic. So it's landed in good hands.
Looking forward to reading more about your experiences with the car, and your build.

Enjoy!

 

[ArjanB]

I'd say "welcome", but I see you're an old timer on this forum.

Just checked and apparently I joined forum on July 27, 2018.
I paid and transported my 4C on January 27, 2023 - so it took me exactly 4,5 years to transfer from reader to owner. On the day precise!
What a coincidence, should be a good sign I hope.

 

[IncanMagic]

Welcome! Love that red. Was originally my dream color but more than happy with my pearl white, or as I've learned recently metallic white haha if you ever do think about selling the GTA let us know. That busso engine has haunted my dreams since first hearing it 😂

 

[John4C]

Beautiful Spider! Congrats on finally taking the plunge. I love when people who have been here a bit get cars.

 

[smc4C]

Congratulations and a belated welcome! Nice stable of Alfas. What year is the GTA?

 

[ArjanB]

The GTA is from 2003, second year they were on the market. All in all quite a rare car, only 1174 SW (sportwagon) w manual transmission built:

156 GTA 3.2: 2625
156 GTA 3.2 SELESPEED: 348
156 SW GTA 3.2: 1174
156 SW GTA 3.2 SELESPEED: 504

147 3P. GTA 3.2: 4025
147 3P 3.2 SELESPEED GTA: 1004

 

[Ronny Luypaers]

Welkom, en geniet van je Spider.
Ga je ook nog naar events in NL of Belgie?

 

[ArjanB]

Welkom, en geniet van je Spider.
Ga je ook nog naar events in NL of Belgie?

Bedankt!
Ja, wil zeker naar events gaan, sowieso 10 April - Viva Italia Zandvoort 2023 - Club Alfa Romeo, en een tour door Italia met Club Alfa Romeo NL Giro d'Italia 13-18 juni 2023 - Club Alfa Romeo (hebben al drie deelnemende 4C's, mocht je interesse hebben dan volg de link en inschrijven!)
Daarnaast heb ik mij aangesloten bij Alfa Romeo 4C 'Owners Club - Belgium (ar4c-oc.be) en ben van plan hun eerste rit 23 april mee te rijden.

 

[Ronny Luypaers]

Bedankt!
Ja, wil zeker naar events gaan, sowieso 10 April - Viva Italia Zandvoort 2023 - Club Alfa Romeo, en een tour door Italia met Club Alfa Romeo NL Giro d'Italia 13-18 juni 2023 - Club Alfa Romeo (hebben al drie deelnemende 4C's, mocht je interesse hebben dan volg de link en inschrijven!)
Daarnaast heb ik mij aangesloten bij Alfa Romeo 4C 'Owners Club - Belgium (ar4c-oc.be) en ben van plan hun eerste rit 23 april mee te rijden.

Waarschijnlijk ga ik ook naar Viva italia.
Voor de tourrit ga ik nog ff checken.
Vroeger was ik ook bij de Alfa Romeo 4C 'Owners Club - Belgium, maar Johan (de group eigenaar) heeft mij samen met nog vele uit de club gegooid.
Ik had me aangemeld voor een rit maar had de dag voorheen mijn remblokken opgereden en kon zodoende niet mee.
Mijn vriend werd eruit gegooid omdat hij niet kon gaan. Zijn vrouw was net bevallen.
Ook heeft hij niet graag dat je hard rijd en als hij weet dat je trackdays doet lig je er ook direct uit

 

[ArjanB]

Oeps, goed om te weten, stomme redenen om iemand er uit te zetten.
Ja, met een 4C (en ook met mijn andere Alfa's) wil ik natuurlijk wel goed gas geven tijdens dit soort ritten, voort sukkelen in het verkeer kan dagelijks al... We'll see

 

[ArjanB]

some nice goodies on its way from @GMS : uniball rear suspension arms, and front camber/caster blocks.
Although I have hardly driven my 4C (only short test drive), the tramlining was very noticeable. And one thing I learned over the years upgrading and improving my cars: you shouldn't wait too long, and waste time enjoying the car, by thinking about upgrades, especially when they are advised so heavily by others who experienced the car for a longer time already (like here on forum): have them done and enjoy the better car.

Appointment for installing the rear arms is made for mid-April, together with ECU remap, PU insert in lower gearbox mount and BMC filter install
Planning to do the front camber/caster plates myself.

So before mid-April, I will have some time driving the OEM rear setup, and expect to be able to feel difference between original and uniballs.
But first: wait for the appointment to officially import the car, (pay the required taxes...) and get license plates, planned to be all arranged mid-March.

 

[Ronny Luypaers]

some nice goodies on its way from @GMS : uniball rear suspension arms, and front camber/caster blocks.
Although I have hardly driven my 4C (only short test drive), the tramlining was very noticeable. And one thing I learned over the years upgrading and improving my cars: you shouldn't wait too long, and waste time enjoying the car, by thinking about upgrades, especially when they are advised so heavily by others who experienced the car for a longer time already (like here on forum): have them done and enjoy the better car.

Appointment for installing the rear arms is made for mid-April, together with ECU remap, PU insert in lower gearbox mount and BMC filter install
Planning to do the front camber/caster plates myself.

So before mid-April, I will have some time driving the OEM rear setup, and expect to be able to feel difference between original and uniballs.
But first: wait for the appointment to officially import the car, (pay the required taxes...) and get license plates, planned to be all arranged mid-March.

I got my upgrades to. Installing them next week.

 

[Carlo]

Would like to introduce myself here, as my 4C spider has just arrived.
Originally a German Jahreswagen (dealerstock) built in 2017, sold to previous owner in Germany in 2018 who had to sell it last year.
Deman autogarage in Brussels bought and took it to Belgium, sales guy drove it for a while to increase mileage (only when car has driven more than 6000km it can be imported as a used car from one country to another) and in December 2022 I bought it, so I am effectively the second owner.
Had it transported to Netherlands last week, so it is now in my garage.

It has all the nice goodies: leather dashboard (option in Europe but was a must-have for me), sport suspension, leather seats (black w red stitching), 18/19" rims, rear parking sensors, carbon lights, carbon mirrors, in rosso competizione.
And it has the original 4C "spider" eyes, really cool as most spider versions have the 'regular' lights. Like these "spider" lights now more than the regular ones, but took a while to get used to (since 2015)...

(note the Jaguar E-type on the back)

On the picture you also see my Giulietta QV in grigio magnesio opaco, which has same aluminum TBi engine and TCT gearbox, and is my 'daily driver' (albeit that I go to work by bicycle).
It has improved air intake BMC DIA airbox, 3" downpipe, race-kat and Ragazzon exhaust, Eibach suspension and remap done to engine ECU and TCU to reduce shifttimes, power is up to slightly over 300pk currently.

loading for transport (and when driving home, just as easy to also put the Giulietta on the truck):

My other 'hobby' car is a Alfa 156 GTA, with the famous Busso V6 engine in its strongest form as 3.2.
Also has adapted intake, exhaust, suspension, etc etc delivering almost 270pk.

Rationally I should be selling the GTA now I have the 4C, but can't get myself doing so - this car is so nice, good, and different: naturally aspirated, enormously eager to throttle, super direct steering, and the sound!!

plans with the 4C
After technical check for import I am planning some mods (as I did with my other cars):

• install spacers (delivered with the car)
• install Novitec exhaust (idem)
• ECU and TCU remap
• GMS alignment blocks, and a proper alignment
• GMS rear uniballs arms (probably later, so i can feel the difference)
• red seat belts (had those installed on my Giulietta as well, really nice looking upgrade)
• have the brake calipers painted yellow (currently black)
• adapt seat tilt / elevation adjustment (I am 1,96m tall which is 6'5 feet, can't really see well through the frontscreen nor top of dash...)
• adapt steering wheel angle (for visibility of dashboard)
• apply coating on bodywork (or ppf, but quite expensive so maybe later...)
• PU lower engine mount (probably later)

Car also came with Novitec coilover set, not sure what I'll do with those - want to first experience the 4C as-is, and then decide whether to install, or sell.

I'll post progress on upgrades here, luckily most info on these upgrades I found here on the forum - big thanks!!

Would like to introduce myself here, as my 4C spider has just arrived.
Originally a German Jahreswagen (dealerstock) built in 2017, sold to previous owner in Germany in 2018 who had to sell it last year.
Deman autogarage in Brussels bought and took it to Belgium, sales guy drove it for a while to increase mileage (only when car has driven more than 6000km it can be imported as a used car from one country to another) and in December 2022 I bought it, so I am effectively the second owner.
Had it transported to Netherlands last week, so it is now in my garage.

It has all the nice goodies: leather dashboard (option in Europe but was a must-have for me), sport suspension, leather seats (black w red stitching), 18/19" rims, rear parking sensors, carbon lights, carbon mirrors, in rosso competizione.
And it has the original 4C "spider" eyes, really cool as most spider versions have the 'regular' lights. Like these "spider" lights now more than the regular ones, but took a while to get used to (since 2015)...

(note the Jaguar E-type on the back)

On the picture you also see my Giulietta QV in grigio magnesio opaco, which has same aluminum TBi engine and TCT gearbox, and is my 'daily driver' (albeit that I go to work by bicycle).
It has improved air intake BMC DIA airbox, 3" downpipe, race-kat and Ragazzon exhaust, Eibach suspension and remap done to engine ECU and TCU to reduce shifttimes, power is up to slightly over 300pk currently.

loading for transport (and when driving home, just as easy to also put the Giulietta on the truck):

My other 'hobby' car is a Alfa 156 GTA, with the famous Busso V6 engine in its strongest form as 3.2.
Also has adapted intake, exhaust, suspension, etc etc delivering almost 270pk.

Rationally I should be selling the GTA now I have the 4C, but can't get myself doing so - this car is so nice, good, and different: naturally aspirated, enormously eager to throttle, super direct steering, and the sound!!

plans with the 4C
After technical check for import I am planning some mods (as I did with my other cars):

• install spacers (delivered with the car)
• install Novitec exhaust (idem)
• ECU and TCU remap
• GMS alignment blocks, and a proper alignment
• GMS rear uniballs arms (probably later, so i can feel the difference)
• red seat belts (had those installed on my Giulietta as well, really nice looking upgrade)
• have the brake calipers painted yellow (currently black)
• adapt seat tilt / elevation adjustment (I am 1,96m tall which is 6'5 feet, can't really see well through the frontscreen nor top of dash...)
• adapt steering wheel angle (for visibility of dashboard)
• apply coating on bodywork (or ppf, but quite expensive so maybe later...)
• PU lower engine mount (probably later)

Car also came with Novitec coilover set, not sure what I'll do with those - want to first experience the 4C as-is, and then decide whether to install, or sell.

I'll post progress on upgrades here, luckily most info on these upgrades I found here on the forum - big thanks!!

thanks for sharing your passion!

 

[ArjanB]

Today technical inspection for importing my 4C into Netherlands. Piece of cake, as all the papers were complete.
Just also paid the required taxes to get it registered, so license plate can be requested which will take a few days. Then again pay taxes (to drive it on the road) and start enjoying it!

I had a one-day license plate which allows you to only drive the car from and to the inspection. However as the sun was out, I decided to take a small but nice detour and for the first time drive my 4C on roads I am so familiar with. What a blast, what a car, what a feeling. Wow!!!

close to the airport - and as it happens, a plane came flying over it. Nice

The GMS camber/caster plates are not yet installed so I am driving OEM setup, and I found the car to drive and behave very well, hardly any tramlining even on uneven roads. Much better than during initial test drive in Belgium where it jumped from left to right, so the alignment the garage did, had effect (despite being out of factory specs, let alone on advised specs like 0 toe). So things will get even better!
I did notice that, when giving it a nice amount of throttle when exiting a curve, the 4C pushed itself into understeer so more camber and caster at front is welcome. But the understeer (and consequent oversteer haha) may also be caused by low temperatures, it's around freezing here, so tyres have difficult times reaching good operating temperatures.

So happy with it!!

 

[peterA116]

More throttle…later…with warm tires…and in a lower gear so the turbo lag doesn’t catch you out. 🙂

 

[Alfanut]

Warm tyres and a bit extra negative front camber work a treat, especially while she’s wearing Pirellis.
Glad you’re happy with her. Enjoy. 👍👍

 

[Ronny Luypaers]

Today technical inspection for importing my 4C into Netherlands. Piece of cake, as all the papers were complete.
Just also paid the required taxes to get it registered, so license plate can be requested which will take a few days. Then again pay taxes (to drive it on the road) and start enjoying it!

I had a one-day license plate which allows you to only drive the car from and to the inspection. However as the sun was out, I decided to take a small but nice detour and for the first time drive my 4C on roads I am so familiar with. What a blast, what a car, what a feeling. Wow!!!

close to the airport - and as it happens, a plane came flying over it. Nice

The GMS camber/caster plates are not yet installed so I am driving OEM setup, and I found the car to drive and behave very well, hardly any tramlining even on uneven roads. Much better than during initial test drive in Belgium where it jumped from left to right, so the alignment the garage did, had effect (despite being out of factory specs, let alone on advised specs like 0 toe). So things will get even better!
I did notice that, when giving it a nice amount of throttle when exiting a curve, the 4C pushed itself into understeer so more camber and caster at front is welcome. But the understeer (and consequent oversteer haha) may also be caused by low temperatures, it's around freezing here, so tyres have difficult times reaching good operating temperatures.

So happy with it!!

Very nice Spider.

 

[ArjanB]

Did some work on my Spider today: adapted the drivers seat elevation (front high - middle middle - rear lowest position) which makes great improvement.

Also I found that my car, despite being sold in 2017, doesn't have the TMC / TCU shield to protect it from water. Probably built in 2016 then, before those became standard.
Added to my to do list.

Is there an easy way to find exact production date, is it somewhere mentioned on the car?

 

[Porker2004]

Welcome. Nice colour and love the rest of your fleet. Smiled when I read the post as I sit in the Marriott Grand Place Brussels enjoining a Leffe Blonde. (For our global family it’s a Belgian beer not a …..well anyway 😂)