Re:[alfa] 1990 Spider performance

["David Jarman" <jarmanhome@xxxxxxx>]

Gwynne Spencer asks--

"Does anyone have performance numbers for a stock 1990 or later Spider?
What in the way of ECU enhancements can be made to the 1990 and later
Spiders with the Motronic ECU? and what can b expected in the way of
performance numbers, IE: 0 - 60 time and 1/4 mile times?"

The series 4 Spiders, in a good state of tune, are actually entertaining to
drive.  I recall 0-60 times in the magazines in the range of 10-10.8 seconds,
and yes, I know a 132 bhp USA market 1750 from 1969 would outrun them, being
significantly lighter.  Nevertheless, my '91 was always a good running car,
even before I chipped it.

On the topic of chips, I have a Ricambi performance chip in mine.  I've also
driven a friend's S4 Spider with the Squadra chip.  Both chips yield
performance improvements that are without a doubt detectable from the seat of
the pants.  For my wife's '94 Spider, I plan to go Squadra though, because
with the Ricambi the "check engine" light occasionally illuminates for no
reason, and the Motronic codes seem affected.  However, the Ricambi has been
in there since 1998, and I have never had an issue with it.  In addition, I
have a performance exhaust (FAZA), I have always run Castrol Syntec, and a
slightly modified airbox.  Otherwise, a stock motor.

As a comparison of sheer speed, my '91 has run door handle to door handle with
a tuned, late model Dodge Neon, 240SX Nissans, and early 1800cc Miatas.  Some
years back, I had a nice, educational run on the expressway (aka freeway,
motorway) with a fine fellow in an SVT Contour, topping out at an indicated
125 or so, and he could not quite catch up to me.  So there you are.

Before performance add-ons, the best thing you can do to improve performance
is to ensure the overall good condition of the car.  Fresh and correct plugs,
a good battery and ignition coil with clean grounds, clean air filter, correct
valve clearances, a tensioned chain and adequate compression, a tight intake
system, clean fuel, all these contribute to the motor achieving baseline brake
horsepower before add-ons.  An old fashioned Italian tune-up once in a while
keeps the carbon minimized, too!

Dave Jarman
Lexington, KY
USA
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