---

Take One Milano, Add a Little Zagato

by Larry Dickman, Jr.

This is a little upgrade for those of you with De Dion equipped cars. A few factory supplied parts used only on the 3.0 SZ (see Figure 1). The factory was looking to maximize the cornering ability of the SZ. Along with the powerful 3.0 liter engine and larger Pirellis, it paid off. The 3.0 SZ can pull 1.3 G’s.

So, here’s another modification for you. When they built the SZ, they didn’t want to sacrifice ride quality, yet steel spherical joints are not nearly as smooth and forgiving over bumps as standard issue rubber (see Figure 2). If you race, time trial, or autocross, you were probably ready to change over last week. If you are ready to try it, the parts are inexpensive, but the labor is the sore point. It’s no half hour presto chango. It’s a three hour, creative press work type of job.

If you too would like to firm up the motion of your De Dion suspension, you should make this upgrade. These parts will take care of that spongy old rubber bushing. They are very reasonably priced but are a special order. Jon or Ruth Ann at Alfa Parts in Berkeley can get them for you. Call and give them the following part numbers:

• 605-52102
• 605-52378
• 608-00730

Figure 2

It will take a few weeks to get them because they are coming from Europe. (Yes, I know, most Alfa parts come from Europe. But these are different -- they aren’t regular U.S. distribution parts.)

Next, we’ll take a look at the modifications we can do to the front suspension.