Re: alfa-digest V7 #1294 - pre-purchase of 1990 Spider

[AlfaNeely@domain.elided]

In a message dated 01/23/2000 1:32:35 AM Central Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

<< 
 Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2000 13:32:06 -0800
 From: Hal Taylor <taylor@domain.elided>
 Subject: Re: Need help with pre-purchase of 1990 Spider
 
 <snip>
 1991 saw a few revisions for the spiders, the most significant of which
 (cosmetically) is a revamped body kit, with cleaned-up front and rear
 clips.
 The interior got some minor sprucing up, but is pretty similar.  Also,
 compression was increased slightly, injection went to Motronic, and the
 cooling fan changed from engine-driven to electric.
 Hal Taylor
 '86 spider veloce "Strega"
  >>
Hal,
    The Motronic engine came along mid 1989, as near as I can determine 
(Opinion?).  Knowing Alfa, 1989 spiders probably came with both engines 
mixed.  During every prior transition, Alfa seems to have build what ever 
they had parts for on any given day.  1959 to 1960 seems to have been the 
worse for that with tunnel case transmissions, 750 vs 101 engines, chrome and 
stainless trim all mixed together in either the short or long wheel base 
Giulietta chassis.
    By the way, I was just looking at some dealer literature for the last 
spider, the 1994 CE.  The literature says the compression was 9:1.  That 
should be 10:1 and the dealers should have known that by 1994.  If nothing 
else, they should have noted the increase in octane requirements.  Or maybe 
Alfa had some old engines to get rid of in 1994!
Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City
Caution, the above is full of personal opinions!

------------------------------