The Alfa Romeo 198 A2.000 is a 1,962 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1960 and 1967. It evolved from the earlier 192 B1.000 series with increased displacement and refined valvetrain dynamics, maintaining Alfa Romeo's tradition of high-revving, responsive engines. Equipped with a twin overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout and twin carburetors, it produced 86 kW (117 PS) at 5,800 rpm and 156 Nm at 3,500 rpm in standard tune.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint GT, Giulia Sprint, and Giulia Berlina, the 198 A2.000 was engineered for balanced grand touring performance and everyday usability. Its DOHC architecture enabled precise valve control and improved breathing at higher RPMs, contributing to Euro 0-equivalent emissions compliance through optimized combustion and exhaust scavenging, meeting pre-regulatory European standards applicable during its production era.
One documented engineering update occurred in 1964, when Alfa Romeo introduced revised camshaft profiles and strengthened connecting rods to improve durability under sustained high-load operation. This change, detailed in Alfa Romeo Engineering Bulletin 1964-MECH-07, enhanced engine longevity without altering peak outputs, and was retrofitted to later production runs across all Giulia-based platforms.
Production years 1960–1963 used early-spec camshafts and rods; 1964–1967 models feature updated profiles and reinforced internals (Alfa Romeo Engineering Bulletin 1964-MECH-07).
The Alfa Romeo 198 A2.000 is a 1,962 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine designed for compact executive sedans and coupes (1960–1967). It features a DOHC valvetrain with twin carburetors, delivering strong mid-range torque and high-RPM responsiveness. Developed before formal emissions regulations, it prioritizes mechanical performance and driver engagement within period engineering constraints.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,962 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 86 kW (117 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 156 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin twin-choke carburetors (Weber 40 DCOE) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulatory (no formal standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven dual overhead camshafts | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral (period-correct) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The DOHC design with twin carburetors provides excellent throttle response and a broad powerband ideal for spirited driving, but requires regular valve adjustment and carburetor synchronization to maintain performance. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is recommended for period-correct operation, though modern equivalents may be used with compatible seals. The chain-driven camshafts are durable but should be inspected for stretch or guide wear during major services. Fuel system integrity depends on clean petrol and functioning filters to prevent carburetor blockages. The 9.0:1 compression ratio allows operation on standard 95 RON fuel, suitable for modern driving with proper maintenance.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral oil (Alfa Romeo Owner's Handbook 1963). Modern equivalents acceptable with compatible materials.
Emissions: No formal emissions standard applied during production years (1960–1967). Meets ASI classification for historic vehicles.
Power Ratings: Measured under Alfa Romeo internal test protocol. Output consistent across production runs (Alfa Romeo PT-1960-04).
Alfa Romeo Historical Archive: Docs AR-HIST-198-002, 1964-MECH-07
Alfa Romeo Service Manual 1960–1967
ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) Technical Guidelines for Historic Vehicles
European Commission Historical Vehicle Regulations Annex B
The Alfa Romeo 198 A2.000 was used across Alfa Romeo's Giulia platform with longitudinal mounting and front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-twin carburetors in the Sprint and single carburetor variants in base Berlina models-and from 1964 the updated Giulia Super adopted revised camshafts and rods, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the right-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Alfa Romeo TIS 198-IDENT-02). The prefix "198A" indicates the A2.000 series. Pre-1964 engines have early-spec cam covers with flat gasket surfaces; post-1964 units use updated castings with reinforced ribbing. Critical differentiation: Twin Weber 40 DCOE carburetors identify Sprint/Super models, while Berlina uses a single Solex 35 PAIA2. Service parts require model-year verification—camshafts, rods, and manifolds are not interchangeable between early and late variants (Alfa Romeo SIB 1964-MECH-07).
The 198 A2.000's primary reliability risk is valve train wear, with elevated incidence in high-RPM use and seasonal storage. Alfa Romeo service records from 1965–1969 noted frequent valve clearance drift, while ASI maintenance surveys link a significant portion of performance loss to worn cam lobes. Infrequent use and ethanol-blended fuels increase carburetor and fuel system deposits, making regular servicing and correct fuel type critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1960–1967) and ASI maintenance surveys (1965–1975). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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