Twin Spark a good idea?

[Publio]

TS really a good idea in a spider? The 2.0 stock can put out 130hp and the TS is 148hp right? Is this really worth all the effort and money? I see there are threads of people doing this but not much on the performance afterwards and whether or not it was worth the cost and effort. Can anyone chime in? The V6 alternative seems to be out of the realm of my mechanicial skills as far as conversion goes and I would like to entertain the idea of my spider having more bite.

cheers!

[Geezer]

I don't think that it's worth the bother. However, some folks like the challenge. Some do it to impress their buddies. I did at one time, just not now. It's too much work to do an engine conversion.

For more power you might try NOS. Easier and cleaner than a turbo.

[Peter]

I personally think there are better ways to get some bite, but it has a certain coolness factor. And there are probably many who disagree....Check out this thread with a lot of opinions from folks having done the conversion

Twin Spark Swap Owner's Satisfaction Survey

[slam105]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Publio TS really a good idea in a spider? The 2.0 stock can put out 130hp and the TS is 148hp right? Is this really worth all the effort and money? I see there are threads of people doing this but not much on the performance afterwards and whether or not it was worth the cost and effort. Can anyone chime in? The V6 alternative seems to be out of the realm of my mechanicial skills as far as conversion goes and I would like to entertain the idea of my spider having more bite. cheers!

[Publio]

Can you chip an 86 spider?

P

[Gubi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Publio Can you chip an 86 spider?

[JoeCab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slam105 I'm no authority & by no means a tech, but I do have opinions---lots of 'em! Based on your posting, & the "18hp increase" I'd seriously consider a performance-chip.....a bigger 'HP' gain, cheaper, & whole lot easier.

[Publio]

I am leaning towards getting a TS. I reviewed the thread Peter suggested and I feel pretty positive about the TS. The reliability, HP, mileage, and the rev range has really got me interested. I assume the TS has the classic Alfa sound so it is even more exciting.

[Alfajay]

Publio:

Sorry it took me a week to reply - had some computer difficulties - by now, you probably have the TS installed, and have a few thousand miles on it - after all, it's a simple bolt-in installation, right? (there may have been a bit of sarcasm there).

Actually, putting a TS into a spider may have a hitch that hasn't been mentioned in this thread: does the front of the TS cam cover fit under a stock spider hood? Seems that I have seen hood bulges on TS-equipped spiders that are necessary to accommodate the taller TS head (the narrower valve angle - the magic that makes the TS more powerful - results in a taller head).

Not trying to talk you out of doing the conversion - just be prepared for some bodywork, as well as mechanical/electrical. Seems that I remember reading a thread by someone who proposed to remove the oil filler from the front of his TS camcover, and relocate toward the rear in order to reduce the height. Dunno if that modification alone would allow the engine to fit under an unmodified hood.

[crashmctavish]

the twin spark is a no brainer, reliable fuel injected smooth performance with great gas mileage. modern under the bonnet and classic outside. The decision is yours, my conversion was less than £1000 and 575 of that was for the exhaust.

[Publio]

Thanks Alfajay and fellas.

I think when I get back I'll start on this project. IT sounds like it will be fun and rewarding.

Any advice ina advance would be appreciated!

Cheers,
Publio