alfa 145 quad performance tuning?

[devonHIBBERD]

i interested in knowing how to increase the power of my 2.0 145 and especially increasing the rev range?

what type of performance mods are available and where do you begin?

thanks...

[Erik]

Not knowing how far you want to go and how much money you'll spend, there basically 3 ways to go. 1, Turbo- or supercharging, 2, hotter cams and exhaust or 3, optimizing the ECU program.
1. Novitec and maybe others did kits for this, but they are not listed anymore, check Alfa Tuning, Fiat Tuning, Lancia Tuning, Novitec Tuning für italienische Fahrzeuge
2. Cams, sports air filters and exhaust can still be found, if this is fitted a remapping of the ECU has to be done to get all potential out the engine and it running right.
3. Optimizing the ECU program is the same as above but without modifying the engine. Squada Tuning and Super Chip do preprogrammed chips which go some way improving power output.
You mention the rev range. I used to own a 155 2,0 16v (same engine as yours) and found that it was lacking power in the lower end of the rev range. I had it fitted with a UniChip which is remap able. The engine gained 13% more power (HP) and from 8-13% more torque (most in the 1500-3000 range) which was very satisfying.
But before doing anything, have the condition and tune of the engine checked, no use spending money on tuning a worn engine.
Erik

[devonHIBBERD]

the engine is in pretty good nick! i had it open a week ago when i did the cambelts. the lack of power is made worse by the high altitude of johannesburg which cats power by nearlky 25%! so at the moment i onlt experiance 80 odd kw of a possible 114! which totally sucks!

i think the ECU think is probably the place to start, then many cams and induction/exhaust. i already have no cat cause it never had one in south africa and i've taken out another box so the exhaust breathes alright.

another thing is my airbox has broken off its mounts, not sure if i should replace it with a standard one if a better one is availible?

[Erik]

The remap able UniChip is a South African product, so it will not be difficult to find in J-burg - DASTEK - your local dealer is www.nitrousandturbo.co.za
My UniChipping was very good, gave a useful boost at the lower rev range. I never tested the top speed before or after, but acceleration in all the gears was much improved. Engine had 125000 km on it, and belts all new. The early versions of the Alfa 2.0 16V (CF1) engines was known for poor low end power, my present 156 2,0, with the CF2 version engine, is standard much improved in that field, no chipping is needed IMO.
You may find a less obstructive air filter to fit the air box, but original Alfa filters are not known for being obstructive. I wouldn't go for one of the wire mesh filters as they have to be oiled to catch dust - the air mass meter gets dirty to soon.
Erik

[devonHIBBERD]

i've got them priced before and there're pretty resonable. i hope to do get one fitted in the next three months...

once ive done that though, will it revv higher? what should i do to enable that?

[Erik]

It will rev a little higher, the limitter can be ajusted somewhat/a little.
I have some graphs from my 155 I'll send you Monday when I'm at work.
Erik