Re: To SPICA or not

["Paul Irvine" <pi@xxxxxxx>]

The question was posed in V7#348 by George Loeb weather he should convert
his '71 GTV to Webers or install a modified Ingram pump.

Later, in V7#349 Biba states his case against SPICA:

>George, it's ugly, expensive (okay it does idle better than Webers) but
>god is it an ugly, ungainly, monstrosity.

Normally I would stay out of a discussion like this. We're talking fuel
delivery systems here, not religion, but I have to respectfully disagree
with  just about all of what Biba has to say about SPICA.

Back in the old days there was a shroud of secrecy over the system and a
lack of understanding that led to suspicion, distrust and some unjust
criticism. But now, 30 years later, there is no longer any mystery. Owners,
over the years have completely dissected and analyzed every part and learned
how it works. AROC offers an excellent manual that contains all of this
collective wisdom for about $20. Wes Ingram can build you a custom high
performance pump tailored specifically to the modifications you have done to
your engine for significantly less than a Weber conversion. The only special
tool you really need is a dummy thermostatic actuator which you can easily
make from a junk t/a. Once you get it properly setup and tuned it'll go
forever, idles and runs smoother, has baro compensation and way better fuel
economy.

I recently weighed the same decision on my '72 Spider. With the new
California smog law exempting pre '74 vehicles I was free to go to Webers if
I chose and I decided against it. Over the years I have come to know, admire
and respect the SPICA system. Many owners will continue to be fearful of it
and they have some valid points in that you cannot expect to take it down to
the local garage and get it worked on.

But please, it is NOT an ugly, ungainly monstrosity - it's an elegant piece
of machinery that does it's job very well.

Paul Irvine  - Antioch CA
72 Spider - 79 Sprint Veloce - 82 GTV6
- ---------------------------------------------
Project Alfa - http://www.crl.com/~pi/project
E-Mail - mailto:pi@domain.elided

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End of alfa-digest V7 #351
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