Giocattolo Update

[ian evans <iann@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Breaking story:

    What do you get if you transplant a GTV6 2.5 into a Maserati
Bi-turbo?  Today's initial test drive of the "AlfaRati" indicates you
get a well performing luxury sports coupe.  Mated to the stock Maserati
ZF 5-speed, it was found to have a very nice gear ratio and power to
weight aspect with the car still pulling strongly in 5th.  As the
Maserati engine is configured in 90 degree versus the 60 degree "V" of
the Alfa there is lots of accessability on either side of the engine
bay. (Note: the oil filter can be removed without any teardown for
access)  With the additional space in the engine bay, Nick and Willie
say thoughts are already turning to adapting the twin turbos off the
original engine to the Alfa powerplant.  A 3.0 liter is already in the
works.  While the car is still in the developmental stage, with cooling
system mods still to be worked out, the basic engineering is completed
and work is progressing.  Due to the internal aspect differences of the
engines, the Alfa plenum is resultingly slightly taller than the stock
engine, however planned modifications will lower this, keeping the
vehicle's outward appearance stock.  It is anticipated that the
Maserati's original twin-cat system will be adequate to maintain the
emissions to acceptable state levels.  With the Alfa transplant,
maintanance and repair costs are expected to plummet, while acheiving a
substantial increase in reliability.  Todays test was done with just
basic hook-ups needed to road test.  Instrumentation  and A/C
connections remain to be worked out.  The next projects include a 425
(4door) installation and possibly a Spider.

The builders wish to remain anonymous for the time being.  This is a
Southern California project.


More as it develops

Ian

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