Performance SPICA pump

**smestas** · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2005, 07:26 PM

What exactly makes some of the hi-output SPICA pumps the way they are. Is it internals and externals being dialed in, or are there physical items modified to achive the higer output?

genericwood · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2005, 07:38 PM

I have always assumed that the main difference was a custom 3D cam to control mixture. But why not just call Wes Ingram to find out?

Erik

**Roadtrip** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2005, 10:35 PM

It's in the fuel delivery curve. Wes modifies the 3D cam to feed an engine with performance enhancements. The stock pump will do fine for an engine with hi-compression pistons and Euro cams. Past that you need to tell Wes exactly what your engine configuration is so he can provide you the best pump. Putting a hi-performance pump on a stock engine will necessarily improve performance.

**jarrington** · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2005, 10:46 PM

When I was having my pump rebuilt I mentioned to Wes I idly mentioned that I was considering installing Euro cams. He insisted I decide before he did the rebuild so he could set the pump up accordingly. So, apparently he can tune it pretty precisely to whatever fuel delivery curve you need.

FWIW, I did go with the Euro cams, and man does the thing scoot. That's with an otherwise bone stock motor. The only issue I have is a low warm idle, as even after modifying the idle air screw per Wes' book I barely get 600 RPM, if that. I think it may just be a side effect of the hotter cams / cam timing.

-Jason

**Roadtrip** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2005, 11:20 PM

Don't feel bad. The SPICA idle air system is a POS that is not easily adjusted. I think the original 0-rings in the distributor tower were a lot spongier than the bench-stock O-rings the vendors will sell you now. I haven't tried experimenting with drilled-out restrictors like a washer, in place of the O-rings, but I might this winter. My car idles slow also . . . about 650 rpm.

**papajam** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2005, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadtrip

I haven't tried experimenting with drilled-out restrictors...

**silverspider** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-14-2005, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarrington

When I was having my pump rebuilt I mentioned to Wes I idly mentioned that I was considering installing Euro cams. He insisted I decide before he did the rebuild so he could set the pump up accordingly. So, apparently he can tune it pretty precisely to whatever fuel delivery curve you need.

FWIW, I did go with the Euro cams, and man does the thing scoot. That's with an otherwise bone stock motor. The only issue I have is a low warm idle, as even after modifying the idle air screw per Wes' book I barely get 600 RPM, if that. I think it may just be a side effect of the hotter cams / cam timing.

-Jason

**jarrington** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-14-2005, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverspider

Jason: Concerning your hotter cam choice; did you experience an appreciable loss in low end/torque? I am thinking doing the same to my 74. Thanks.

**conedriver** · #9 (**permalink**) 10-14-2005, 09:01 AM

Jason,

I fought the low idle also; after replacing a failed thermostatic actuator for an old "Performance" SPICA that had originally been set up specifically for someone else's turbo GTV (Jim Steck). My problem was amplified by use of an Aluminum flywheel, that reduced the idle smoothing effects of a heavier flywheel. I also drilled out the holes that held the tubular fittings for the individual cylinder hoses, and just stuck the hoses directly into the larger holes in the air manifold. This modification further increased the idle over just drilling the port that contains the rubber washer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarrington

No loss in low end torque that I can tell, if anything it seems stronger. The Euro cams work great in a Spica injected car. Not only does it now pull hard all the way to 6k, but if I'm really pushing it I can chirp the tires a bit on a 1-2 shift. Like I said, the only think I don't much like is the low idle, which I didn't have with the old cams. Wes' book mentions that low idle can be a problem with a performance cam and recommends drilling out the idle air port. I did that and it went from barely running (500 rpm, maybe a bit less) to maybe 600. If I remove the idle air hoses completely I can get it up to about 700 rpm. We'll see if I can still pass emissions or not. No 30 year exemption in Utah...

-Jason

**drews** · #10 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 11:49 AM

Yes, Jim I'd be interested in the high CO info you mentioned. I just got a '76 Iniezione. It's been sitting for about a year in a garage. It had passed then. This time, the CO readings were twice as high (2.11%.) Otherwise, it runs pretty good. I'm trying to get it registered here in AZ so I can "shake it down" to see what all it needs to get it back to the sweet little Alfa it is. Thanks for any info from you or anyone else willing to help an Alfa rookie.
Tom

**papajam** · #11 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 12:17 PM

Welcome to the BB, Tom.

Please send me your email address in a private message and I'll send you the Alfa TSB on the restrictor.

slyalfa · #12 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 10:23 PM

As a rule do not mind the RPM number. And use a new 'O' any time you change it. A week or so after it will be to hard to change again. with a new 'O' just adjust the air bypass untill the CO is good and be done with it.
back in the day my idle was somthing like 600 when every thing was right. with all stock parts. but anything other then that the thing would fail. and never let anyone mess with the stops to try to bring the speed up. The smog guys like to do that as they think it will make things better. but it will not work on a alfa and once that is messed up you need to go do the whole setup to get things right.
my numbers were good at the low RPM and passing was not a problem. but the smog guys will try to rase the idle to 990 or so just under the limit to lower the HC. but at idle the injected fuel is set on a spica and you have to change the air mix to set the fule to air mix.