[alfa] spider S 4 valve questions

["C.M. Bereznoff" <cmbereznoff@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Alfisti,
    My 93 Spider recently developed a loud sharp metallic
click click.  Stared rather suddenly  ( after a teenager
likely drove the living H-ll out of it. ) It occurs only
when starting from a standstill and initating forward
motion.  It lasts 4-5 ticks, a few mph and quits. Seems to
occur more often whne the engin is warm and the oil
viscosity is lower. It runs well otherwise.  67K miles on
engine.  Last valve adjustment at 51K ( previous owner let
it go to 66 K without the 60 K adjustment ).  Now the
questions!

1. does this sound like it may be a broken or cracked valve
spring?

2. I am sending it to the shop next week for analysis and
valve adjustment.  If the spring is cracked and the head has
to come off, what opinions are out there regarding having
oversized valves put in?

    advantages?,
    disadvantages?
    performance improvement worth it?
    who has the best oversized valves out there?

3. What about changing out the cam shafts for a different
lift and angle for increased performance?

I want to thank everyone who has so generously replied to my
queries in the past.  What a great group that always helps
out!

Dr. Craig M. Bereznoff
Longmont, Colorado
1993 Spider
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