Re: Spica History

[AKress1948@domain.elided]

At the time, Alfa was determined to stay in the States.  The company very 
afraid of the repercussions of the emission laws, was confident that w/ the 
power & performance  levels they were looking to meet, carburetion could 
never be made to pass and so they worked to get ahead of the regulatory 
curve.  SPICA was a division that had a great deal of experience w/ fuel 
injection, and they were elected to develop the injection system.
Ferrari on the other hand, always super conservative and reluctant to change 
(possible due to their size and lack of engineering depth?), elected to stay 
w/ carbs until way after the party was over.  the carb'd 308 went from an 
engine that allegedly made 255hp @ 7,700 to one that allegedly made 205 @ 
6,600 (after the switch to K Jetronic) and i don't think the experience was a 
pleasant one (i.e. driveablility issues).
In hindsight, Alfa was right.  
andy
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