SPICA v WEBER


Why is this decision so difficult to make?

Actual grime under the fingernails progress has occurred on the GTV. The SPICA pump must come out, so out it has come.
I even bench tested the Thermostatic Actuator. It failed the test.
So. What next?
Two obvious choices.
1. Get the SPICA unit rebuilt by the one outfit in the world that can rebuild it, and along with it a rebuilt thermostatic actuator and FI belt (it came apart in my hands, honest.) Total cost, about $1100 plus tons of labor and entering into the shadowy world of installing it. I probably can add on another couple hundred dollars for miscellany - cold start solenoid, barometric sensor, hoses, etc. that will no doubt fail once the FI pump is working as it ought.


2. Weberization - Despite the Teutonic feel to the name, Webers are as Italian as tiramisu. Developed by a gent named Edoardo and manufactured by Magneti Morelli. Weber carburetors are what Alfa put into my model vehicle everywhere but the US, so it's not like dropping a small block Chevy into a Jaguar. There's a reliable source for a complete soup to nuts kit, complete with low pressure fuel pump, intake, and blanking off plate. Total cost - $1800.

So, pros and cons:
SPICA
Maintains originality.
Fuel efficiency.
Less emissions.
Cheaper.

WEBER
Simpler.
More common.
Easier to change for tuning (if I get obscene with an exhaust, pistons, etc.)
Sound cool.

From my research, performance is pretty much a wash. Webers offer a little more off idle response, but the SPICA, when performing as designed, offer equivalent horsepower and torque, and are more efficient.

I guess my primary beef with SPICA is its history. Despite its racing heritage (SPICA delivered power to some Alfa racers), SPICA was essentially an engineering dead end. It's the 8 Track Tape of fuel delivery systems, as electronic fuel injection systems eventually replaced the complex mechanical workings inside the SPICA. Alfa forbid owners and mechanics from opening and messing with the SPICA pump, so it's like an 8 Track Tape with Digital Rights Management and Copy Protection.

I don't know why I'm having such a hard time making this decision. My brain pretty much shuts down between July 4 and Labor Day, which may have something to do with it.
Any suggestions welcome.

Posted: Mon - August 7, 2006 at 08:19 PM           |

©