The Alfa Romeo 955 A2.000 – Petrol is a 1,970 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1992 and 1998. It was developed as a refined, mid-range powerplant for Alfa Romeo's executive sedan lineup, featuring a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout and Marelli IAW 59 electronic fuel injection. In standard tune it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) at 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm, balancing performance with improved emissions compliance.
Fitted to the Alfa Romeo 164 and the Lancia Thema (as part of the Type Four platform), the 955 A2.000 – Petrol was engineered for smooth daily driving and enhanced drivability. Its design emphasized linear power delivery and responsive throttle characteristics, making it well-suited for both urban and highway conditions. Emissions control was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda feedback, enabling Euro 2 compliance for post-1993 models.
One documented reliability concern involves premature wear of the auxiliary drive belt tensioner, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips and delayed maintenance. This issue, referenced in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 93.04.03, is attributed to inadequate damping in the spring-loaded arm, leading to belt flutter and accelerated wear. In 1994, an updated tensioner design with improved damping and material hardness was introduced across the production run to enhance durability.
Production years 1992–1993 meet Euro 1 standards; 1994–1998 models comply with Euro 2 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Alfa Romeo 955 A2.000 – Petrol is a 1,970 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for executive sedans (1992–1998). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with Marelli IAW 59 electronic fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and improved emissions performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards in later production, it balances refinement with Alfa Romeo’s signature driving character.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,970 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 84.6 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 180 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Marelli IAW 59 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1992–1993); Euro 2 (1994–1998) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, tensioner-equipped) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SH/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The DOHC design enables smooth mid-range performance ideal for daily driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using SAE 10W-40 meeting API SH/CD standards to ensure valvetrain longevity. The Marelli IAW 59 system depends on stable sensor inputs—particularly from the airflow meter and oxygen sensor—to maintain idle stability and throttle response. Auxiliary belt tensioner failures are more common in engines with frequent cold starts; pre-1994 units should verify tensioner condition during major service. Post-1994 models benefit from updated tensioner design per Alfa Romeo SIB 93.04.03. Catalytic converter lifespan is sensitive to misfires and prolonged rich running, which can be traced to faulty injectors or sensor drift.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SH/CD specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 93.04.03). Supersedes ACEA B3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1994–1998 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681). Pre-1994 models meet Euro 1.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified at 6,200 rpm with stock exhaust and intake (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A19340).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18800, A19340, SIB 93.04.03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption and range
The Alfa Romeo 955 A2.000 – Petrol was used across Alfa Romeo's Type Four platform with transverse mounting and shared with Lancia for executive sedan applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—tuned intake manifolds for improved low-end torque in 164 2.0i models—and from 1994 the updated auxiliary belt tensioner addressed premature wear issues, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Alfa Romeo TIS A18850). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for 2.0L DOHC petrol). Pre-1994 models use the original spring-loaded tensioner with thin metal arm; post-1994 units feature a revised design with ribbed housing and improved damping. Critical differentiation: US-spec 164 2.0i includes EGR and catalytic converter, while some European Thema 2.0i models in early production lack a catalytic converter. Service parts require model-year verification—auxiliary tensioner kits for pre-1994 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions (Alfa Romeo SIB 93.04.03).
The 955 A2.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is auxiliary belt tensioner wear on pre-1994 builds, with increased failure rates observed in vehicles used for frequent short trips. Internal Alfa Romeo service reports from 1995 indicated a notable share of engines required tensioner replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show a significant portion of emissions failures linked to belt-related misfire codes in high-mileage units. Cold-start cycles and delayed maintenance increase wear risk, making component inspection and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (1992–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1993–2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO 955A2000.
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