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Author Topic: Driving at altitude?  (Read 3748 times)
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holmesgr001
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« on: November 20, 2014, 05:43:51 PM »

I am eagerly awaiting the delivery of my series 2 pre face lift Beta 2000. I have bought this car unseen (only seen photos). This is what I know about the car.
The last owner had the car for 17 years and sadly passed away 3 years ago. So I am dealing with his daughter. What she knows is that the engine is out and is missing the head so I am expecting a complete engine rebuild.
I have read many posts on this forum that mention changing pistons for higher compression.
I am in johannesburg which is at 1500 meters above sea level. Our cars loose about 15% power. Would I want a higher or lower compression? I am sure I can find pistons from a 1600.
Would gas flowing the head help at altitude.

I appreciate any info on this topic.

P.S. Are there any beta owners on this forum in Joburg. If so is there an active lancia or beta club.

Greg


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GerardJPC
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« Reply #1 on: November 21, 2014, 06:26:00 AM »

Try leaning the mixture until the engine just starts to run rough and then enrich it slightly. The higher the leaner.
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1979 Beta 1600 Coupe

1962 Lancia Appia Series 3 Berlina
1973 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe 1800
1973 Lancia 2000 HF Coupe
1981 Lotus Eclat Series 2
1981 Yamaha YB 100
1982 Moto Guzzi V50 Monza
1983 Land Rover Series 3 88
2005 Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon Q4
2009 Jaguar XK Coupe 5.0
holmesgr001
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« Reply #2 on: November 21, 2014, 10:47:44 AM »

That's Gerard, would I want a higher compression?


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WestonE
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« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2014, 12:59:34 PM »

Greg

The common answer to power loss at Altitude is to fit a turbo or supercharger forcing a higher volume of air in. However yes you can increase the CR of the pistons with new ones available from Vicks Autosport in the US. use a K&N filter element and ensure the carb gets cold air at all times and expect to re-jet the carb and adjust the ignition timing.

Eric   
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holmesgr001
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« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2014, 01:07:11 PM »

Thanks Eric. I had a 1600 Beta 20 years ago. It had plenty power. I don't think I want to go the route of a turbo but was thinking if the engine was out and work to be done on it then i may as well try get the most out of it. I haven't seen any posts from anyone that has fitted a turbo? Before I bought the car I had an idea of what I wanted in a Beta. After hours of reading this forum I have realized I want to keep it close to standard. But we all want that little extra power;)


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HFStuart
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« Reply #5 on: November 21, 2014, 01:40:57 PM »

1.6 Pistons and a gasflowed head on standard cams. Ad a 4-2-1 exhaust + decent filter and I'd expect that to give 125-130bhp, a little less at altitude. Set up on a rolling road for best results!
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holmesgr001
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« Reply #6 on: November 21, 2014, 02:33:59 PM »

That's what I am thinking HFstuart. Maybe twin carbs. I have a set of solex carbs from a fulvia not sure if they compatable?


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HFStuart
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« Reply #7 on: November 21, 2014, 03:36:15 PM »

Solex sidedrafts ( ADDHE type ) can be used but they're not simple to set up. I'd suggest sticking with the standard carb to start with so you're not changing too much at once.  The standard carb is good for 130bhp but check it's thr right one  - sometimes they get replaced with similar carbs with smaller chokes (they are cast in) it should be a 34 DATR 2/250 (I'll double check that later!)
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