I am interested in the Lamborghini Jalpa and was looking for some help other than what's been posted on the http://www.jalpa.ch/index.html website. I have owned several Italian cars over the years but never a Lambo. At any rate, some of my questions, in no specific order, include:

1) What maintenance is req'd other than the typical engine oil change, gearbox oil change, coolant flush, chain tension, plugs, etc.?

2) What are the most common problems that plaque owners?

3) Are most of the electric comps Bosch sourced units or other... starter, alternator, ign system, etc.? Other electrical gremlins to be concerned with... fuse boxes, poor grounds, etc.

4) Is there any advantage to buying a late MY year car over an earlier MY. More specifically, were there any significant non-cosmetic changes that were made over the series run?

5) What are the best sources for lambo parts... NOT talking about routine items that can be easily found through alternate means such as rotor/cap, spark plugs, oil /air filters.

At any rate, I am a Detroit automotive engineer who spent 5 years working on safety restraints for MOMO S.p.A. in Italy... any help that can be supplied would be most appreciated. I should probably mention that I am aware that these cars can be expensive to maintain... to always buy the best example out there w/service history... interior, cosmetic work can be expensive etc., etc. I suppose I am really looking for some more "nuts and bolts" answers to a car I find inherently interesting. Sorry that this post is written with much haste... my wife is yelling that we have a "honeydo" list to get working on. Thanks for your help, John

1) What maintenance is req'd other than the typical engine oil change, gearbox oil change, coolant flush, chain tension, plugs, etc.?
That is about it. They are pretty reliable. They have timing chains instead of belts which is a big plus.

2) What are the most common problems that plaque owners?
must common problem is probably that same with any older Italian car...oil leaks. Another is the clutch slave cylinder which is a very easy fix. I would also suggest putting in an MDS ignition. Change the motor mounts. Jalpa.ch lists things they should be changed to make the car more reliable.

3) Are most of the electric comps Bosch sourced units or other... starter, alternator, ign system, etc.? Other electrical gremlins to be concerned with... fuse boxes, poor grounds, etc.
Your best bet is to take the one out of the car and have it rebuilt by a local shop. I had my alternator rebuilt and output increased for $150. As stated above I would get the MSD ignition. Only problem with that is the tach is hit or miss if it is going to work afterwards. I am having my starter rebuilt this winter. The fuse boxes are the usual pain but as long as you keep it clean it will be good. I suggest taking out the fuses and sanding down or cleaning all the contacts. The ground straps are pretty good but, like any car you never know what you are getting until you start going through it.

4) Is there any advantage to buying a late MY year car over an earlier MY. More specifically, were there any significant non-cosmetic changes that were made over the series run?
I would usually say the newest is better because they improve things as they progress. But remember Lamborghini wasn't in the best financial situation while these cars where being built. With that said I would still buy a newer model with the 3.5L. Engine displacement was the biggest change mechanically.

5) What are the best sources for lambo parts... NOT talking about routine items that can be easily found through alternate means such as rotor/cap, spark plugs, oil /air filters.
This depends on what you are planning. You can still get some parts from the dealer. However, I would suggest having the parts custom made at a shop or using cross reference parts. In my experience you get a better part having a machine shop fabricate the part and the price is usually the same if not cheaper.

I hope this somewhat answers your questions. I will never regret buying the car. They are great cars as long as you keep them up a little bit and don't beat the crap out of them.

4) Is there any advantage to buying a late MY year car over an earlier MY. More specifically, were there any significant non-cosmetic changes that were made over the series run?
I would usually say the newest is better because they improve things as they progress. But remember Lamborghini wasn't in the best financial situation while these cars where being built. With that said I would still buy a newer model with the 3.5L. Engine displacement was the biggest change mechanically.


There was no change in displacement on the Jalpa. They were all 3.5L. They did change the location of the sideview mirrors, the color of the engine cover, and the rear tailights on the cars around 84 I believe. Those would be the most notable differences between them. Some cars had different smog setups with carb boxes, depending on their sale location.

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Had Enzo been a gentleman...The greatest cars on the planet would have never existed.

Jalpa FLA12194
Countach ELA12667

The permatue ignition is plug and play.........no tach problems or adapter necessary.

2) What are the most common problems that plaque owners?
I have compiled a preliminary list of design flaws and weaknesses (MS Word), but was unable to upload it here.

4) Is there any advantage to buying a late MY year car over an earlier MY. More specifically, were there any significant non-cosmetic changes that were made over the series run?
The 1983 models had the oil cooler in front, but was later removed the engine compartment under the right "ear".

5) What are the best sources for lambo parts... NOT talking about routine items that can be easily found through alternate means such as rotor/cap, spark plugs, oil /air filters.
One good sources is CT car Parts in AZ, (623) 780-2200

The Jalpa is generally a very well engineered car with few running problems. The biggest problems usually occur if the car has been in the hands of an unqualified mechanic.

Laust

100% correct, the MSD 6AL brings a little bit more power but the tacho and the airpump are issues which depend on the specific car.

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RaymondQV
Countach QV Ex-Mimran #GLA12997, Urraco P300 #20530, Jalpa #FLA12203 sold in May 2006
www.countach.ch
www.jalpa.ch

When Frank Sinatra got his Miura S in 1970, he said: “If you wanna be someone, buy Ferrari - If you are someone, you own a Lamborghini”.

Which year(s) car does it cause a problem with the tach on?

I dont' know, some run with the tach adapter, some even not with the adapter, all seem to have the problem with the airpump unit...
Therefore, if you want to be on the save side, buy the permatune.

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RaymondQV
Countach QV Ex-Mimran #GLA12997, Urraco P300 #20530, Jalpa #FLA12203 sold in May 2006
www.countach.ch
www.jalpa.ch

When Frank Sinatra got his Miura S in 1970, he said: “If you wanna be someone, buy Ferrari - If you are someone, you own a Lamborghini”.

Where can I buy a Permatune system ? Thanks

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Lambotsavy
Jalpa #ELA12100

www.permatune.com

Using the contact will lead you to Lonnie Lenarduzzi, the chief of the company, send him some regards from me and the Lambo Talk-Forum.

That's the one you need, but he knows immediately...
http://www.perma-tune.com/T-ignition...-930-8pin.html

__________________
RaymondQV
Countach QV Ex-Mimran #GLA12997, Urraco P300 #20530, Jalpa #FLA12203 sold in May 2006
www.countach.ch
www.jalpa.ch

When Frank Sinatra got his Miura S in 1970, he said: “If you wanna be someone, buy Ferrari - If you are someone, you own a Lamborghini”.