Paging SteveH: Alfa info request

The 1.7 16v was an absolute scream - 137bhp from 1.7 litres is _still_ a good figure even now. However, they're a little fragile, so I wouldn't bother with one of those....

The best compromise is the 1.7 8v. Torquey, 110bhp (enough to see off stuff like XR3is and Astra SRis at the time), reasonably economy, and much less hassle to maintain. (Cambelt changes on the 16v are a nightmare - 2 belts and 4 cams to sort out - the 8v makes do with 2 belts and 2 cams).

Try and find a known good lump from a Series II Alfa 33 - these came with the wonderful Dell'Orto carbs rather than Bosch K-Jetronic injection. Twin-choke twin carbs on a flat-4 sound _fabulous_.

Avoid the engine / gearbox combination from the Alfa Sud and early Sprints as they had inboard discs - depending on which bits you're using, this could well be a right PITA.

This link should help with the oily stuff:

Many thanks Steve.

JB

JB ( snipped-for-privacy@blueyonder.co.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

What's "need" got to do with it?

OK, you sold me on the 3.0L. (didn't take much convincing did I?) I just *love* the sound of those engines. It will sound even nicer when I design my own 6:2 'free-flowing' exhaust system for it! JB

I'm building another trike designed to appear like a 'bike-trike': engine forward of rider, not like most car-based trikes with engine/transmission at the rear under the passengers seats. I prefer the look of the bike-based trikes and the weight distribution is much better too. I wanted an Alfa boxer engine as it is very similar in shape to the BMW boxer twin cyl engines. I'm not going to use the Alfa gearbox, only the engine/flywheel/clutch assembly, mated to either a bike gearbox or another rearwheel drive car gearbox. I already have a 4-seater Moto Guzzi trike I designed and built, but I will soon need a 5-seater and would like a reverse gear also. The other alternative is a Subaru 2L lump....

JB

Why not try and find a Pinin deesigned engine from a coop??? Would the 2.0

16v or 20v units not be as good for you?? :)

Got the ideal combo for you, then.....

Alfa 1.7 Boxer mated to 75 transaxle - that'll help the weight distribution.

I happen to have a couple of 75 transaxles in the garage, too ;-)

engine/transmission at

I always wondered about doing that *very* thing! Where are you located? Will trade beer/wine/Curry etc for in-depth knowledge of Alfas and which bit fits what. Cheers. JB

I'm in Caerphilly.

Can't say I can give in-depth knowledge, but I know a fair bit about s**te old Alfas...... and I don't want much for the 'boxes either.

£50 for the pair. Both unknown condition, apart from one has a shagged diff as I took it out to recon mine. (Well, the gearbox specialists did, anyway).

emailed

JB

Tried to email you but it bounced. Drop me a line with a valid addy. cheers, JB