The 1.8-liter Alfa Romeo AR32201 or 1.8 Twin Spark engine was assembled from 1997 to 2001 and installed on such well-known concern models as 145, 146, 156, GTV and the similar Spider. After updating to more modern Euro 3 environmental standards, the motor changed its index to AR32205.
The Twin Spark line includes: AR32104, AR32201, AR32301, AR32310.
Specifications
| Production years | 1997-2001 |
| Displacement, cc | 1747 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 144 |
| Torque output, Nm | 169 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 82 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 82.7 |
| Compression ratio | 10.3 |
| Features | DOHC, VLIM |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | VVT at the intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.4 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Alfa Romeo 146 1999) — city — highway — combined |
11.7 6.5 8.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~270 000 |
| Weight, kg | 160 |
The engine was installed on:
- Alfa Romeo 145 (Type 930) in 1998 – 2001;
- Alfa Romeo 146 (Type 930) in 1998 – 2001;
- Alfa Romeo 156 (Type 932) in 1997 – 2000;
- Alfa Romeo GTV II (Type 916) in 1998 – 2000;
- Alfa Romeo Spider V (Type 916) in 1998 – 2000.
Disadvantages of the Alfa Romeo AR32201 engine
- This unit needs a specific oil or its oil pump will not last long;
- Due to a decrease in the performance of the oil pump, the resource of hydraulic lifters decreases;
- And from the wedging of the hydraulic lifters, the camshaft cams quickly wear out;
- On long runs, an oil burner often appears due to the fault of stuck piston rings;
- The weak points of the motor include an electronic throttle, a phase regulator and a crankcase ventilation valve.
