[alfa] Re: SPICA Fuel System

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi George:

First, I find it very difficult to imagine that your mechanic has any way 
of measuring fuel distribution among the 4 intake runners.  It can't be 
done, other than on a test bench with the proper equipment.  Maybe he's 
guessing at the problem, but he doesn't know.  I might check the fuel 
filters first, and work my way out from there.  Does your low fuel pressure 
light operate?  Then I'd check timing, throttle synchronization, mixture, 
etc. (see the 2 AROO links below).  Check out Wes Ingram's site.  He's the 
only guy in the world for Spica pump repair, and his reputation is peerless:

http://www.wesingram.com/

If you'd like to attempt adjustments on the system yourself, this is a 
great step-by-step guide.  Skip no steps, do them in the proper order, take 
your time, and you may see a nice improvement:

http://alfaclub.org/techstff/tuneign.htm

http://alfaclub.org/techstff/tunespca.htm

A correctly set-up Spica system will work trouble-free for a good many 
years.  Your '74 pump might very well be original.

Second, as with most things IAP, their Weber kit is junk.  Wrong manifold 
(no manifold, actually, just adapter plates), wrong air cleaner(s), no 
center carb support, and on and on.  A proper Weber system requires 
everything from the head out (plus the throttle pedal with linkage, and 
fuel pump), and like the Spica system, can be trouble-free, once properly 
adjusted and left alone by the uninitiated.  Complete used carb systems can 
be had from perhaps $400 - $600, and that's the only way to do the 
conversion properly.  If you want new carbs, a complete "proper" system can 
be had from Centerline, and others, for the same price as IAP.

Removing the Spica pump for repair is fairly simple, but replacing it with 
a Weber (or Dellorto) system is much more work, and might require a set-up 
expert to get it right.  If you get a rebuilt Spica pump from Wes, it's 
almost a bolt-on and drive situation.  Plan on a new thermostatic actuator, 
too.

If you're new to the Digest, you're about to find that the Spica v. Weber 
debate is still alive and well, and sometimes gets heated.  I wouldn't 
trade the Spica on my '74 Spider for carbs, ever.  I think Spica offers 
great performance, reliability, and driveability, and is one of the most 
unique and desirable features of the car.  The '74 cars with the T255/1 
pump also have the best performance of any of the Spica years.  If you've 
got the cash for IAP's crappy carb setup, you've got more than enough to 
make the Spica right, and you'll also be preserving the value of your car.

Almost forgot, Buona Fortuna with the new Spider.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's

At 01:24 AM 9/26/2003, you wrote:

> Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 23:08:48 -0400
> From: "George Perolli" <george@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] SPICA Fuel System
>
> I have recently purchased an Alfa Spider 1974 2000.  It has the SPICA
> fuel injection system.  I have a hesitation problem.  I brought it to an
> Alfa mechanic who told me that the SPICA pump is not delivering equal
> gas across the four ports.  He says the problem is only going to get
> worse.  I accept that the car is 30 years old and that the pump probably
> needs work.  International Auto Parts sells rebuilt SPICA pumps and also
> sells a Weber Carb conversion kit.  As much as I want to keep the car as
> original as possible, I want to enjoy the car and not have to be working
> on it myself or have someone else work on it all the time.
>
> My question is: If I install a rebuilt SPICA pump, am I going to
> continue to have problems or will the car run well for the next few
> years with little problems.  Or should I convert the car to carbs and
> have all my problems (as far as the fuel systems is concerned) go away.
> I also would like to know if changing the SPICA pump or converting to
> Weber carbs is something that I can do myself.  I am good with a wrench
> and have been told that I follow directions well.  IAP says the carb
> conversion is something that can be done by someone like me, but they
> are selling the kit.  I would like to hear it from someone else.
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