Rio 2300 overhaul + higher compression 102

[DPeterson3]

Anyone got hard info on the Rio engine overhaul specs? I don't mind proceeding using the 102/2000 or a "best practices" approach, but would rather have whatever numbers were developed for the Rio. At the least, there are different pistons and valves. Sources for spares?

Also - anyone have real info on raising the compression of the 102/2000, plus cam improvements? It's a toy, so why not? I figure I can have Venolia make me a set of pistons, but as always, would rather work from real experience. I live at 4,600 ASL, and the car's only mission will be to drive us up to Tahoe (7,000 ft ASL) for lunch, so would like to get a few more HP's for the job.

Thx.

Don

[Andrew]

Dirk Stoehr in LA has/had a 1900 sedan with I believe a Rio engine in it, which he brought to AROSC time trials. I don't know if Santo's shop in LA worked on it, but I can check with Anthony there to see if he has any ideas.

Andrew

[Il Vecchio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Dirk Stoehr in LA has/had a 1900 sedan with I believe a Rio engine in it, which he brought to AROSC time trials. I don't know if Santo's shop in LA worked on it, but I can check with Anthony there to see if he has any ideas. Andrew

[Alleggerita]

Facetti in Italy built Rio engines bored out to 2400cc w/ more than 200hp, Sidedraft carbs rather than downdrafts are mandatory.

[DPeterson3]

Hello everyone.

I haven't heard a peep from anyone with specs for the insides of a Rio2300. I've built several 102 2000's so am familiar with the family, it's just that I wonder if the Brazilians changed all the dimensions a bit. We might assume the bore is bigger, but what about stroke, journal diameters, valve stems, guides, etc? It would be wonderful to have a reference.

So - I'm leaving tomorrow for Sao Paulo. It's a business trip, but if anyone has contacts down there for Rio parts or information, I might have time to do some leg work. I'd like to pick up the power steering parts, among other things. I know Jay Nuxoll has a kit, but I have unsuccessful in getting a reply from him lately. I hope he's well.

Meanwhile, I'm hoping the standard Rio manifold that uses two Solex 40 ADDH's will accommodate a couple of Weber 40's. I don't care to do all the work Jay did to modify a standard manifold, if the Rio will provide a bolt-on straight-show, individual runner set up. Meanwhile, to do some research on what I can do with the compression ratio and cams. Might be fun.

Don P.

[Seattle Dan]

Hi Don,

As the owner of a complete, very original, very frozen engine 59 Spider I would certainly appreciate any info you can pick up on the Rio engine. I was really hoping that more folks would chime in on the rebuild issue on your original post as I'm faced with having to do a complete rebuild on the engine to get the car back on the road and the idea of a bit more power is appealing.

Current choices are either sourcing bearings, h20 pump, etc from Europe or going the RIO Brasil route. I gotta believe that the RIO route offers more power at a (hopefully) lower price point. I thought that I read somewhere that the early years of the RIO used a copy of the Alfa engine (same displacement) and over time the design and displacement changed, so I was thinking that there should be some crossover of parts.

I have a friend who travels to Brazil for a couple of weeks every year to visit family, so he may be able to help with follow up on things you find down there.

So please keep on posting as you find more on the subject & I will too. Hopefully between us and others who find themselves in the rebuild situation we can all benefit from this.

Cheers....Dan

ps - I also echo your sentiments on Jay. I hope he's doing well.

[tubut]

You may want to try contacting Tony Stevens at Alfastop in the UK ("Collivanfan" on AlfaBB). He had a few RIO engines for sale a few years ago -- maybe he still has some documentation and/or specs he can share. Other than that, I'd also say Jay Nuxoll (twoliterlover) is probably the best source.

[aenlle]

AlfaRomeoBR@yahoogrupos.com.br

I have been subscribing to posts from the Alfa Romeo Group in Brazil; I recall a mention of a 2300 specialist in Sao Paolo. In Brazil, the 2300 engine was installed in what we call the Alfetta Sports Sedan.

[Andrew]

I'm not sure that's right. From the pics I've seen of them, the body was styled to look like an Alfetta sedan, but was in fact a whole different car, built on the remains of the 1900/2000 sedan chassis, with creased and folded-style bodywork to look modern. But it was a completely different, and larger, car, with the old suspension, trans, running gear, and no transaxle or dedion rear end.

Andrew

[DPeterson3]

I've seen several Rio's for sale in both Brazil and Argentina. I'd love to pick one up and bring it back. Probably a POS as a car, but I seem to be attracted to oddities. The general infrastructure in Brazil is such that I doubt I'll find anything without a lead, but I'm going to try. The cars were built into the 70's and I think I've seen some listed as being made in the 80's(!), so there ought to be some bits around somewhere. I've overhauled 60 year old French aircraft engines, so don't mind making some parts, but would rather get NOS if I can.
Thanks to all who contribute to this.

Don

[Alleggerita]

Some cars for sale on this website:
:: Mcar Alfa Romeo ::
You might wan to google FNM 2300 or 2300ti in various combinations with Alfa Romeo looking for Portugese results only - that should bring some stuff up.

[Alleggerita]

Came across another model designation:

[dretceterini]

This old thread might be of some help..

Look what I found here in Brazil!

[tubut]

The power steering thread may be useful too.

[franco-veloce]

Hi all,

I am interested in the 2300 engine which runs on alcohol ( ethanol )

Can someone give me info ?

rgds Franco