The Alfa Romeo 350 A1.000 is a 3,498 cc, 60° V6 petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1993. It features a DOHC, 24-valve configuration with sequential electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 1.3), delivering 136 kW (185 PS) at 5,600 rpm. This naturally aspirated engine was engineered for smooth power delivery and high-end responsiveness, characteristic of Alfa Romeo's grand touring philosophy.
Fitted to flagship models such as the Alfa Romeo 164 and 75 Evoluzione, the 350 A1.000 was designed to offer refined cruising capability and strong mid-range torque. Emissions compliance was achieved via closed-loop lambda control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 1 certification in post-1990 builds depending on market. The engine's longitudinal mounting supported balanced weight distribution in front-wheel-drive platforms.
One documented concern is premature camshaft phaser wear, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 87-06-02, is linked to inadequate oil flow to the variable timing actuator. In 1989, revised oil gallery machining and updated phaser design were introduced to improve reliability and reduce timing drift.
Production years 1985–1989 meet Euro 0 standards; 1990–1993 models comply with Euro 1 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Alfa Romeo 350 A1.000 is a 3,498 cc 60° V6 petrol engine engineered for executive sedans and performance coupes (1985–1993). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch Motronic 1.3 sequential fuel injection to deliver refined power delivery and high-RPM responsiveness. Designed to meet early European emissions standards, it balances driver engagement with evolving regulatory requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 136 kW (185 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 294 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 1.3 sequential electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (pre-1990); Euro 1 (1990–1993) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row timing chain, duplex roller chain with hydraulic tensioner | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SG/CD | |
| Dry weight | 182 kg |
The DOHC V6 design provides smooth, linear power delivery ideal for highway cruising but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft phaser wear and chain stretch. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting API SG/CD spec is critical due to its film strength protecting high-load cam lobes. Extended idling should be avoided to maintain oil pressure in the upper end. The Bosch Motronic 1.3 system requires periodic airflow meter calibration and injector cleaning to prevent mixture imbalances. Post-1989 models feature improved oilway machining; pre-1989 units should verify phaser condition per Alfa Romeo SIB 87-06-02. EGR and catalytic converter systems require inspection to maintain emissions compliance and prevent backpressure issues.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, API SG/CD specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 87-06-02). Compatible with modern SG-grade oils.
Emissions: Euro 0 certification applies to pre-1990 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 1 applies to 1990–1993 models depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies slightly with altitude and fuel octane (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A21600).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A21055, A21400, SIB 87-06-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO 1585:1992 Road vehicles — Test procedure for the measurement of net power of internal combustion engines
The Alfa Romeo 350 A1.000 was used across Alfa Romeo's 164/75 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the 75 and revised exhaust headers in the 164-and from 1989 the updated 164 Series adopted improved oil gallery machining, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Alfa Romeo TIS A21055). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('A' for 350 series). Pre-1989 models have ribbed cam covers with side-mounted breather; post-1989 units use flat-profile covers. Critical differentiation from non-A1 variants: Original 350 A1.000 has Bosch Motronic 1.3 with dual airflow meters, while later 350 B1.000 uses updated engine management. Service parts require production date verification - camshaft phasers before 08/1989 are incompatible with post-upgrade blocks due to oilway redesign (Alfa Romeo SIB 87-06-02).
The 350 A1.000's primary reliability risk is premature camshaft phaser wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Alfa Romeo internal service reports from 1988 indicated a significant share of pre-1989 engines required phaser replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA field data links oil system failures to improper maintenance in urban-driven vehicles. Extended idling and delayed oil changes increase bearing load, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1985-1989) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990-1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO 350A1000.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with ALFA-ROMEO or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
ALFA-ROMEO Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialALFA-ROMEO documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
