[alfa] EFI and Spica

[Stefano.Iachella@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

>In regards to retro fitting cars with newer EFI, the computers at the 
>smog check stations in California list the induction system, carbs or 
>FI, but I don't believe that they identify to actual type of system. To 
>the computer EFI is the same as Spica. I do not believe that it even 
>lists the number of carb on carb equipted cars. If you made your 
>aftermarket EFI system look like it was factory installed most smog 
>testers would not notice the difference, at least for Alfas

I've realized this too, and I'm counting on this to put a twin spark in my
Alfetta. With two
blown head gaskets in three years, I'm not in the mood to do it again when I
can put the
much talked about engine in - especially since it should be easier in an
Alfetta than
a GTV. The twin spark exhaust manifold could be used with no problems.

There is one hurdle I think about often and have come up with a possible
solution. It's
the smog pump and air rail. This item is on the list of things to check, so
it must be in place.
This is a 79 California Alfetta. No way around this until 2009.

I've been thinking to weld a mock up air rail, remove the vanes from the
pump, and mount
the pump. There are other makes that used a pump and have a more straight
forward pulley 
than the toothed pulley of the Spica cars. Some of the cars have it mounted
with a bracket
like the alternator, so I don't think it will be too much of a headache to
mount it. I don't think 
actually tapping the manifolds is necessary since the engine is much cleaner
than the 
Spica ones.

The catalytic converter and stove pipe are easy to install, so I'm not
worried about them. In
fact the stove pipe is often overlooked anyway. I plan on thinking this
through some more and
looking for an engine later this fall. Comments on this are, of course,
welcome.

Stefano
Oakland, CA
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