Change to Webers?

[Keven]

Hello,
Wanted to see what people think of replacing
the Spica FI in my 71 1750 to the european
Weber set up.

Was it difficult, how much to do this? Where
did you buy your kit. Any technical advice?
Is it worth it?

Any comments/feedback welcome

[JoeCab]

Is the Spica pump worn out on your car?

[rcess]

Centerline sells the complete Weber conversion kit for $1290, but it would be a lot cheaper to have Wes Ingram (http://www.wesingram.com/) rebuild your Spica pump. Plus it would keep your US-spec car original.

[Sniady]

From what I've heard, is you can get more power out of the Spica then Webers, if tuned right.

I personally prefer Webers over the Spica. Others prefer the Spica and ask why the heck would you want Webers, because this FI works great.

I'm on the Weber side, I like the idea or Carbruetors.

[JoeCab]

I think both Webers and Spica injection have their good points and can make good power! And there is no denying the sexiness of the intake honk you get from carbs and open filter elements.

I just don't think someone should make a decision to go to Webers without making sure their Spica is well tuned and healthy first. And if you need more power, Wes Ingram can build some killer modified Spica pumps, custom matched to your headwork and cams. My pump is built to 155 hp specs to go with the porting and Euro 2 liter cams and I'm pretty happy with it.

As far as absolute power - the factory GTAM 2-liter cars got 240 hp using a modified Spica pump and Lucas sliding throttle set-up.

[Keven]

The Spica pump is working. In the cars restoration
I would have it rebuilt by Wes, and I do need
a new thermostatic actuator. The one in there
has had the hose cut(bye bye core )

I think the pump rebuild will be $675, and
a new thermostatic actuator $200, new fuel
pump about $250 so total about $1125
I saw the Centerline kit for about $1300 for Webers.
So cost is about the same for both.

Here are some things I dont like about Spica:
I am afraid of not being able to get
parts for the Spica in the years to come.

I dont like the fact that I cannot work
on the Spica myself especially considering
the special tools you need.

I would like feedback from people that have
done the conversion. Especially related to
Weber drivability, maitanance, set up, etc.

Thanks

[Roadtrip]

I don't think parts for the SPICA will be a super big deal. I've bought a couple of old pumps very cheap off ebay, including one that was modified by Wes Ingram to 150hp standard. So as far as spare parts go, I've got spare microswitches (non-essential anyway), spare cold start solenoids, spare fuel cutoff solenoids, plus associated springs, etc. About the only thing that would really screw-the-pooch is to have the pistons start leaking into the oil. Then it's time for Wes Ingram's expertise.

If you can get a complete used Weber setup, get it as a standby, but wouldn't junk the SPICA system yet.

As far as the thermostatic actuator goes, here's a link for a home repair procedure that you might try before sinking $180 or so for a rebuilt one.

As for the fuel supply pump, use the one for the later Bosch injected Alfas. About $160 from Centerline. I bought a used one from a frequent seller (company) on ebay and got burned. Bad pump (output low of spec) and all they offered to do is sell me another one for $25. I told them they were "dream"(ing) "cars".


http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homep...ary/ta_diy.htm

[Keven]

Roadtrip,
Thanks for the reply. The repair link for the
TA is really good. My problem is that the previous
moron, I mean owner, snipped the tube of the TA
right at both connections
So I dont have any length of tube to solder to.

Your link would be a great item to archive here
on the site for other members to use.


Thanks again for the feedback.

[rcess]

An alternative to a TA is a Shankle Sure Start which is/was available from Alfa Ricambi. This is basically a SPICA equivalent to a manual choke. I've had one on my 1750 Spider for over a dozen years.

[Azzurri GTV]

Does anyone know of any good places that have the carburator conversion kit for a good price?

[JoeCab]

Centerline has a very good kit. It may not be the cheapest but this is a operation that is worth doing right the first time, IMHO.

[morganx9]

Hello,
I got the Weber set up from the guy on ebay in Italy (alfa1750). It was complete except for it needs the euro throttle pedal to make it right for the direct linkage. I have seen a few of the pedal assemblies on ebay but I made a bracket with a wheel for a cable so I could use the SPICA pedal assembly. Also with the euro intake manifold, it uses a very different bypass hose which I was able to get from AlfaRicambi in a day. I had to rebuild the carbs and play around with the jets but now the car runs good and have not had to adjust it since. I put a lower pressure electric fuel pump on it and a Holley fuel pressure regulator.

This is my first post on this list. Hope I helped a little.
Derek
Long Beach

[67GTV]

Hey Derek! Welcome aboard! It's good to see another GTV owner in the LBC! I've been wanting you to post about your carb purchase. You've gotta post some pics in the gallery too. Your '73 GTV's looking good with the hood serpent. Is she lowered too?

Btw, are you going to the AROSC rallye? (why the hell do they spell rally that way? are we in 'ol england?)

[djone101]

Hey Kai,

I think you'll find the spelling of rally with an e on the end is a French peculiarity - doesn't shed any light on why a US event would use that spelling - but I didn't want you confusing the English with the French.........

[67GTV]

Yeah well you Britons have a funny way of spelling things, so I placed the blame accordingly. Ye Olde Smoke Shoppe, indeed. You may have invented the language, but we sure improved upon it.

<snicker, snicker>