Max RPM in a Veloce

[Gordon Raymond]

Cylinder head design and the relatively long stroke on all Alfa 4's are the limiting factor. Now, there are exceptions. The GTA jr . 1300 runs to 9,000. I have built engines that will run to that and more (for a short while, NOT as a constant speed). The GTAm engines raised the intake runners for better cylinder fill at high RPM.
The design engineering to make an Alfa 4 run fast and long requires (not in any particular order) a lightened valve train (think titanium valves with special seats), cams designed to operate as far a breathing properly at speed, modified intake runners and manifold, auxiliary head cooling, lightened internal components, pistons, rods, crank, A dry sump system (Alfa pumps do not deliver oil VOLUME, long term, past 7500 RPM), a cradle to support the mains and crank, and add rigidity to the block, additional water passages to cool liners, oil squirters to cool the pistons, variable speed electric water pump with a program chip to read from sensors in the head and block, a thermostatically controlled oil cooler, and on and on. This is much like the engine re-engineering that was necessary for the Bonneville Alfa. The complete engine will have very little in common with anything Alfa made.
While this is an interesting theoretical discussion, it is cost limiting. Again, ask Mike Besic or any of those involved in the Bonneville project. They have blown up enough engines to have strong opinions. As Enzo Ferrari stated, (sic) What can be conceived, can be created. This is not to suggest it is either practical, or necessarily, even workable.
A NICE 105 1300, with a few tricks will live long as a boat motor at 7,500 RPM. The drive MUST be taken from the rear of the crank though. The front snout will not stand the bite and loading of a lifted prop at speed. It was designed for driving auxiliary devices with no shock loading. Where Alfa engines have been used in aircraft, the back of the block attaches to the reduction drive for the propeller.
Just some fun thoughts to ponder Eric / Chris. My opinions here.

[velocealfa]

Recently i went to gratten raceway in Grand Rapids, a gentleman there had a 1972 1300 GTA Junior there. That car was the real deal man, it was beautiful. White with green, id post an image but i have misplaced my cord to upload pictures. anyway, that car was revving up to 9,000rpm. Boy did that sound nice


Phillip