Twin Spark Swap Owner's Satisfaction Survey

[Insoc]

What is wrong? People put alot of effort into making their Posts. Dino who has given you one picture, has his own thread making many details and points of his personal installation. Why should he go through all the trouble to do it a second time for this thread when the search function is easy to use and works so well? I guess if this was made a sticky, then people who cared enough could post links to their personal posts...

Sorry, if I come off a grump, but one major purpose of any BBS is to share information, and there is a WEALTH of knowledge in archived posts just waiting to be searched through! NEW questions like your question about the air cleaner really adds to the mix!

Also, (this is catty of me) when a poster asks a question that has been answered many times over in older threads and it is obvious that they have not searched do not get as much help from the readers. What helps:

1. Do a search for all your questions and read. There are many things here relating to EFI and Carbs. I won't say you will find your answers, but you will be armed with knowledge that will allow you to ask specific questions that ignite the readers and elicit answers from them. People get tired of answering the same question.

2. You won't sound clueless.

Listing things in one thread eventually makes it so large that newer people don't read the whole thing and ask questions that have already been asked and answered before, or require searching (see the connection?) to get to a specific point anyway... Sorry, but once again, searching it easy and it works great.

There is a supercharged TS out there... You just have to search for it...

[Rossoverde]

I had never driven a 75 Twin Spark before I did my conversion into my 2000 Spider, but all the press reports at the time reported good performance / economy with the Alfa "noise" still there. I did my twin spark conversion on a small budget so I kept to the stock fuel injection and wasn't sure what to expect.

Having driven a few thousand miles on this engine, I'm totally addicted to it. Lots of low down torque matches the gearing of the 2000 Spider (4.1:1 diff) very well, so you can row it along through the gears listening to the lovely twin cam burble, covering the ground briskly without really trying. However, if you want to go harder then this engine will also oblige and pulls hard in the upper rev range. The power range seems to be broad and the number of modern cars it can live with amazes me. I also get much better fuel economy than I did with my 2.0 on carbs. I would do it again!

I think a Twin Spark in a chrome bumpered Alfetta GTV would make a great car!

[Biba69]

James/Insoc, if someone said nothing more than, "I installed mine in a '70 GTV keeping the Motronic. Later I switched to a Haltech system and like it a lot better. Especially with the Haltech, I'd do it again in a heartbeat." Then maybe, or not including one photo of the engine bay, that would be fine.

I'm sure not upset if someone wants to share more information, but that's all the information I'm specifically asking. Who really cares if the same info is on another thread - except yourself?

Rossoverde just commented on a chrome bumpered Alfetta GTV. Does that bother you also since info on Alfettas and chrome bumpers exist elsewhere on the BB?

By-the-by Rossoverde, thanks for replying. Right now I'm planning on installing mine, also keeping the Motronic, in a bumperless Alfetta GT. My daily driver is a '75 Alfetta GT with dual 40 DCOE's and I also get terrible gas mileage (and little low end torque).

Biba

IF you check thru the search engine or even jog your memory you will find several threads about some experiences owners have had with twinspark conversions, particularly that the plans they had to aquire certain necessary custom built parts has been such a dissapointment. They can not get a response from the vendor (2 years in my case), or they have paid for parts that they don't receive, and they are well aware that others have gotten parts and answers in far less time. This forum has been very clear about these posts being inappropriate. These owners have had to find alternate sources, or pay the exchange rate for parts, they may be no more interested in discussing the positive aspects of this alternate society, (not secert) than you are in discussing the dissapointments they have experienced within your TS society. You want info on the before and after performance gains, well these conversions are not new, and neither are the well stated opinons of core members that claims that 4cyl Alfa's can keep up with WRX's or entry level BMW's and Porsche's are pure BS. Perhaps these owners prefer not to revisit that subject. When I started planing my SC project the post got not one response, a later post as the project proceded resulted in a response that the supercharger model that is the base of this system doesn't exsist and that I should follow the lead of another members work, We are using different approaches and they are not quite compatable. not a matter of right or wrong, just different, shouldn't be odd that the system and info your community receives would come from the source that you support.

[Biba69]

alfa of-corse, I guess we can pencil you in as it's not worth the effort? Sorry if my bringing up the word (supercharger) in relation to the TS engine brought back unpleasant memories for you.

Unfortunately everything you said made me feel all the more convinced that a "one-stop-shopping" site Solely for the TS engine would be a great idea. My very basic questions merely touch the surface. Yes, the BB's "Engine Conversion" forum is extremely helpful, but one has to wade through the, "I want to install a 3.7 liter V6 in a '56 Spider," threads (slight exaggeration).

As far as the parts problem is concerned it is my feeling if someone gives a supplier every chance to comply (deliver), and if they don't, then go on the appropriate forum and detail your complaints and name names.

Several years back I exchanged a number of emails with Jim Steck. Yes, Jim might be one of those you're talking about. I gather he is swamped, but I do agree if someone offers a product, they should a give a reasonably realistic time frame it will be delivered in - and carry through. I bring up his name in that he loves superchargers, and I'd sure be surprised if one couldn't install one on a TS and after some (perhaps a great deal) R&D, make it work like a champ.

Apparently I'm making people unhappy with this thread, but obviously it will die quickly if no one is interested. Meaning, no one Has to read it, yet alone reply.

Biba

not worth the effort, in regards to what? You buy a part from me, inquire as to more TS parts. and then make the absurd blunder of sending to me an email also sent to your freinds that Yes you bought from me, BUT , its on charge card, and you can't lose money, and you will, What was the phrase? oh yea make sure I burn in hell if I try to rip you off, over 1000 alfa sales and what less than 6 charges of fraud, none of which can be proven, and less than the number of buyers making claims that delivery confirmation disproves, and here you are perpetuating this myth that I can not be trusted, which is why I no longer sell to the public, and as long as people like you continue to do so, well yes, trying to rebuild trust with the larger community is not worth the effort, and thank you for your assistance. Like I said, it's less than 1% of Alfa owners I consider crooks. the problem is how willing people like you are to beleive and assist them, You where very close to the info on Haltech Supercharged TS you wanted, if you are now limping around it is not because I slammed the door on your foot, that a self inflicted gunshot wound and you know it. and here you are looking for info on some Secret Society, Haltech systems, and Supercharged TS, there is no secret society, yes I use Haltech, Yes I build Supercharged TS 105 ready motors, and no I don't talk to people who don't trust me and lead others to believe I can not be trusted. SO, your fishing expedition, was it worth it? I can't help but laugh, after sending that e mail to me in error, you expect me to assist you. I won't and you go fishing here, maybe I am mistaken, and I'm sure you will claim I am, but Haltech, Supercharged?

[Insoc]

:smack:

Last try.

Reading the posts of others here builds community. I have read all about Bruce Colby's TS installations. He has spent much time explaining things, answering questions, spending much effort so other's times are easier. He is not the only one to do this.

You have not done anything wrong specifically, but you ask questions that have already been answered, or you show laziness... Which is a ugly trait to show. A EASY Google search with the terms: Supercharged Twinspark reveals two interesting links:

http://www.autocomponenti.com/tech.htm

http://www.alfagtv6.com/bb/viewtopic...9ec8afea7cbe20

I feel like I am trying to do you a favor, because you look ridiculous, as in picking your nose in public. You should not do it. It amazes me you have so many posts, and come off so newbish... But I see now it was mostly a rouse...

QUOTE: "Who really cares if the same info is on another thread - except yourself?" END QUOTE

Many people care, for all the reasons I have already pointed out. In the begining there was nothing wrong with what you were asking, but as your questions became more specific, and you expect people to answer you without you putting out any effort? Supercharged TS engines? At first I could not believe you were that daft, but after reading Alfa of Course, I see it was a small white lie... Jim Steck has been supercharging TS engines for some time. Bonneville Spider? Front Cover of International Auto Parts awhile back? Earlier then that in his own GTV?

Why bother to help you when it is obvious you don't want to help yourself.

The SIMPLEST answer to your original question based on the effort you are willing to put forth is to pay someone to install a TS engine for you. You already know they are better then the Nord...

One stop shopping for a TS swap... Ummm... They more or less exsist... I guess you don't search?

QUOTE: "Yes, the BB's "Engine Conversion" forum is extremely helpful, but one has to wade through the, "I want to install a 3.7 liter V6 in a '56 Spider," threads (slight exaggeration). " END QUOTE.

Nope. If you search for Twinspark related info, you would not be reading crap about a V6 installation in a spider... Guess what though, if you had a specific question, and searched for it, and came up with a zero, or you need more specific info related to the topic, I bet you would have a good question that:

1. Someone would enjoy answering.
2. You struck Virgin Territory.

And no, I do agree with you, your original question was harmless and a good one. But your intent, and later questions are what I was trying to be helpful with.

[jpv]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Banks it will pull cleanly through to 7,200rpm...

[mbrann]

I routinely run mine up to 7000rpm and perhaps a bit more. It seems to like it and it sure sounds nice too.

[Lou Scognamigli]

TS in my 78 Spyder. Don't know if I should be putting my 2 cents in, it sounds hostile here. Anyway mine has stock Motronic. My mechanic did a great job, did not lower mounts, cut air box and repositioned oil cap to back of engine. Hood closes now. I use it as a fun street car, and enjoy keeping up with many of the new cars while still having the classic Alfa look. Car starts always, runs cool, idles perfectly. As far as I'm concerned, I love it.

[Insoc]

No hostile intentions here.

You are providing valuable information that the original question asked, I am sorry if I created an atmosphere that feels hostile to other posters.

[Craig_m67]

I've sat on this for two nights now- and quite frankly it really interests me - one day i will do a TS or other conversion. So frankly, Sorry doesns't cut it Insoc, your rant is completely out order. In my books your simply a d ick. i suggest you make a hughe donation to the board a f uck off for a while.

The thread is completely relevant, very interesting and totally usefull.. a community is based on conversation and dialogue - not just the search function. Take yourself outside for a walk and slap yourself, you've contributed nothing but a pause in this (fantastic) boards dialoge and feeling

Obvioulsy, you pissed me off - how's that make you feel - constructive?
<i'll edit this later for grammer and sentace stucture>

[Insoc]

My first two posts were polite and helpful.

Yes, I agree with a community based on Dialogue, but not one that requires endless re-typing of technical related information. It is like having a Library in your house, and not using it, and to make it worse asking all the authors who wrote the books what is it exactly they wrote in them?

If the books were read over, and specific intelligent questions formed after reading were asked of the authors, that is contributing to the community.

Yes I can be a dick, but this is not one of those times, I assure you. I started out helpful, went out of my way to include examples of what I am talking about, ran into a wall, and went straight to brutal honesty.

A post like this adds to community:

Twinspark Conversion Questions

The original intent of this post added to community, but now I am repeating myself and kicking a dead animal.

P.S. People who don't help themselves in a Community do not get free help from others. It is called paying for a service if you want everything without contributing.

Part of the problem, a large part, is that it is not a community issue, it's business! I have a shopping list and a set of A-Z instructions, to the shopping list add the flat rebuild fee = motor price, WRONG, add the difference between the A-Z motor and the mule, divided and added too sold complete motors, this info was not acquired thru a Megasquirt like shareware community of owner/builders. This is a resonable business practice, and I have a right to recover expenses and nonbillable hrs over the "out the door" cost of the mule. Should another businessman expect this community to fill in all the blanks in his shopping list and A-Z instructions for a specific combo, if his intent is profit? That's for you too decide. Should he expect another businessman to give him this info? That's for me too decide and the answer is NO! I have no intention of "taking it with me" but I don't advertise or in any way suggest that anything is for sale, take orders or deposits, or do any business beyond a very small group. No exceptions. The sale to biba was an exception, and there won't be anymore. But I still feel that businessmen have no place in a open code or shareware community system other than as contributors.

[Biba69]

I do want to point out I didn't begin this thread as a "How to Install a Twin Spark Engine" forum. My original questions, and nothing has changed, are what I'd call surface type questions. Not unlike someone asking, "How ya doin'?" Although a bit more specific than that.

I fully feel anyone who has R&D'd a project such as TS installation and trouble shooting, ad if they go enough detail along with 'do this' - 'don't do that' type information/observations - certainly deserves to be compensated. True, it has to be documented and in my case, would like a hard copy.

Incidentally, I really appreciate it when someone goes out of their way to help me such as alfa of-course did. Had exactly what I needed and at a fair price. I couldn't ask for any more than that.

Now I'm the one really getting off topic - but when I first bought my '75 Alfetta in '78, I asked around as to who was the best and most knowledgeable Alfa mechanic around. The name Dave Vegher came up repeatedly. I called Dave up and said, "I'd like to buy two hours of your shop rate/time," then told him why. I really picked his brain and he in turn pointed out things on my car I had no idea about such as it might have been one of the Alfetta's from the first group delivered to the LA area - and that there'd been a fire in the boat's hold. It sure explained why all of the misc. rubber parts were falling apart.

Knowledge is everything and anyone wanting it should be willing to pay for it. There is a lot of information out there as James has pointed out (several times and in a couple of places). I don't feel I'm so much lazy as much as I like things very organized. If a how to book on installing a TS engine (especially in an Alfetta GT) existed, I'd pay fairly serious money for it. I know engines but I know virtually nothing about electronics.

Biba