GTA Turbo

Hi all,

I'm looking into the prospect of buying a GTA turbo, and having had extensive experience of turbocharged Renaults I feel in a good position to undertake a lot of work myself.

My main concerns are parts availability and information on stripping and rebuilding the cars. I am really not interested in paying a specialist if armed with a trusty workshop manual I can undertake jobs myself.

To this end, what is parts availabilty like and are there workshop manuals available?

I also have a few more questions...

How do the Turbos handle? Do you find the rear engine layout a hindrance or a godsend? What is the on limit handling characteristic of the car, snap oversteer(a la 911), or progressive manageable break away?
Is power oversteer on the menu and is the car's natural handling characteristic understeer when pressing on?

Thanks chaps, look forward to your responses

I'm a fairly new owner myself, but the parts availability hasnt been a problem so far....most parts can still be bought new from either your local Renault dealer or via various European websites that are very competetive (the Germans seem to have a love of Alpines). As for DIY, the Renault workshop manual is widely available, and if you dont get a copy with your car as I did then someone will beable to find one/copy one for you. Not the easiest car to work on in some respects as the turbo was an afterthoughtthat gets in the way of some components in the engine bay, but then its not as bad as a lot of cars from the era. If you are a competent mechanic you shouldnt have too much trouble but it can be time consuming.
Handling is superb....in the dry with the right tyres it is very difficult to unstick the rear, and if you do its not as harsh as 911s of similar era....bit more tricky in the wet!! The chassis is capable of coping with far more power than the standard set up. As for the driving experience, I defy anyone to find a more responsive car that isnt a purpose built light weight (Caterham 7, Lotus Elise) and its fairly comfortable and quiet. They do understeer a bit, but not tragically so.....theyre bound to with the weight distribution. Filling the petrol tank makes a difference!!!!