More power for an 84 alfa spider

[Archangel]

Hi,

Hey guys I live in the wonderful state of California ( I say that as a joke) and you know with all the emissions stuff we have. I have an 84 alfa spider. How can i tweek it to give it more power?
Can I put an intake cam from IAP to give it more power?
Can I tweek the L-Jet fuel injection (program different etc)
Or how can i get more horse power period
and still stay smog legal in California.

[Tifosi]

Nawz ....

[Archangel]

Thanks Tifosi
so are you saying there is nothing that can be done to give it more power? It runs fine and perfect or are you saying if i get a high performance cam that It will not hinder smog check.

[andy303]

There are a few tweaks but they may effect emissions. One of the best is to install headers in place of the stock manifold. This shouldn't really effect emissions unless you end up with an exhaust leak ahead of the O2 sensor, which is all too easy with the aftermarket headers, which require a lot of fiddling to fit right. The factory two piece cast iron manifolds fit better and are reputed to flow just as well. Combine these with fabricated/modified downpipes, an aftermarket cat, and a weld-on O2 bung and you are golden.

In Darren's signature there is a link to this: L-Jetronic Spider

If you scroll down to Step 11 there are some more tweaks to the AFM, but again if not done carefully they could effect emissions.

Another "easy" mod would be to replace the stock distributor and switch to an electronic distributor with a more aggressive advance. I have a mechanical advance distributor in my 85 with a header, but otherwise stock. It passed Ohio emissions with no problems. YMMV.

[Denny]

A very simple upgrade would be to switch to K&N High-Flow air filters. They're supposed to boost HP for every engine that they make them for.

More advanced stuff could be things like flowing the cylinder head, valve work, performance camshaft, etc. That's if you want to start opening up the engine...

[Tifosi]

Spoken by someone who's got and used both stock and K&N in his car:

The difference a K&N makes in a L-jet car is so small (less than 2-3hp, 'mabe' as much as 5 at the very top of the rev range on a certain day, if you're lucky) that it's not worth doing unless you're intent isn't performance but to not need to buy a new filter in the future by just cleaning the K&N periodically instead.

There's opinion about that they don't filter as well as stock either, so there's that whole 'what's it letting through to help destroy my engine prematurely?' thing to consider and balance against the insignificant hp gains.

Honestly you're better off replacing old hoses and doing a spec to the #'s tune-up. Or at least it'll make a more noticable improvement in performance.

Taking the stock mechanical drive fan off would net you about what a K&N will get you, and the cost of an electric aftermarket fan is about what the filter costs.

[Andrew]

Beyond all that, check and set the cam timing and clearances and make sure your VVT solenoid is working. There's a lot to be said for correct stock settings. Cam timing on my now-sold 85 Grad was way off, and getting it right made if feel like a different car.

My guess is CA emissions standards for an 85 Spider are tighter than in OH. CA got special, tighter regs than other states under the CAA. Some states are playing catch-up, but I don't think OH is one of them.

For better acceleration, go one size smaller on tire diameter.

Andrew

[Tifosi]

Changing from a 185/70R14 with a 4.10:1 differential to 195/60R14 will change the final drive to roughly 4.28:1

[Denny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tifosi Spoken by someone who's got and used both stock and K&N in his car: The difference a K&N makes in a L-jet car is so small (less than 2-3hp, 'mabe' as much as 5 at the very top of the rev range on a certain day, if you're lucky) that it's not worth doing unless you're intent isn't performance but to not need to buy a new filter in the future by just cleaning the K&N periodically instead. There's opinion about that they don't filter as well as stock either, so there's that whole 'what's it letting through to help destroy my engine prematurely?' thing to consider and balance against the insignificant hp gains. Honestly you're better off replacing old hoses and doing a spec to the #'s tune-up. Or at least it'll make a more noticable improvement in performance. Taking the stock mechanical drive fan off would net you about what a K&N will get you, and the cost of an electric aftermarket fan is about what the filter costs.

[Gubi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denny I can't claim to be an authority, but I have NEVER heard anyone complain that K&N filters caused any damage to an engine. But even a 2-3 HP increase is to the better.

[silverspider]

There's always the other part of the equation, weight. Ditching the full size spare, using a super-light weight gel battery (expensive tho), ditching the radio, speakers and amp and power antennae (you's be surprised how much it all weighs, and the engine is the music at any rate) and if you don't have them already, using the lightweight oe wheels that are on many (most?) 84s. Every little bit helps. As Chapman said, add lightness.

[Andrew]

I guess I'd wonder why go to all that trouble on a Bosch Spider. Keep the Bosch Spider as is, and if you want a fast, powerful, light car, get another one, pre-smog, so you can do what you want to the engine. 74s and earlier are inherently lighter anyway.

Historically not a convertible lover, I have really come to appreciate Bosch Spiders for what they are in stock form through the two 85 Grads I've had this year. I think Alfa was making a great car for the market at the time, given that they were working a 20-year-old chassis and 30-year-old engine.

Andrew

[andy303]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew My guess is CA emissions standards for an 85 Spider are tighter than in OH. CA got special, tighter regs than other states under the CAA. Some states are playing catch-up, but I don't think OH is one of them. Andrew

[andy303]

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverspider Every little bit helps. As Chapman said, add lightness.

[silverspider]

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy303 Indeed, that applies to the nut behind the wheel. Many of us could probably stand to lose a few pounds as well.