Re: Alfas and mods

[Godfrey DiGiorgi <ramarren@domain.elided>]

I am not a wholesale modifier. I do like to do subtle work in keeping 
with the spirit of the car or motorcycle manufacturer to improve or 
enhance what they've provided. So my Moto Guzzis have a lot of little 
detail changes which make the suit me better, my MR2 has the (actually 
too stiff) rally sport road race springing in it because I really wanted 
to go autocrossing with it. My '79 Spider has IAP springs, Koni shocks, 
adjustable upper control arms, and higher compression pistons in the 
fitted '82 powertrain. I'd love to get the engine up to the performance 
of the '72-73 Spider 2000 Veloce, which I seem to recall was about 130 hp 
or so; I don't know for sure what it is now. And that's it ... I like to 
drive the car too much to go radical. The '82 powertrain was a nod to the 
EFI's easier serviceability and the ease of meeting California emissions, 
plus the notion of a somewhat more relaxed highway cruise with the taller 
rear end ratio.

Can't wait for FrankenSpider to come home, but then I can't really drive 
much right now anyway (shoulder surgery yesterday). Everything's done but 
the final tune-up and emissions pre-test. My buddy at the shop tells me 
it's sounding quite nice now, can't wait to hear it. :)

Godfrey

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