Hi All,

Yesterday I finally got my Dellorto's set up.
I've had doubts about the mixture settings, jets etc as I didn't remove the engine from the car that they were originally fitted to.
The last thing I want to do is damage valves or pistons just because of a bad set up.


The chap I went to came highly recommended (cheers Mel) and replaced both the slow running and main jets as well as much
twiddling of adjustment screws. He seemed to know exactly what he was doing, which makes a change nowadays.


The net result was a diagnosis that the fuel pump I have fitted is not man enough for continuous full power, in fact 4 or 5 seconds
is enough at full throttle to drop the float levels. He recommended a Facet Gold Flo and a pressure reducing valve.
There was also a 35 bhp increase between 1.30pm and 4.30pm when we finally un-shackled the car from the rollers.


The thing is though, I can't help but wonder at the calibration of these machines, as the engine now gives out 20bhp more
than it did when Lotus stamped the head back in 1976. Mmmm.


Your thoughts,

Paul G


p.s.
Now looking for an arm & leg transplant.

Sounds a great result. ANd yes, I know what you mean about finding somebody who understands what they are doing, especially as so many are clueless about dellortos (which are better than webers for a few reasons)

As to figures, don't fret. The actual numbers are easy to fudge (higher pressure in the tyres has a big effect) and the engine hp is back-calculated from power at the wheels. Again, easy t fudge and I suspect many places do that so they look good to the punters. However, the rollers are a brilliant way of setting the car up and getting the most from it. I have had a car go in with the heady heights of 72bhp and come out with 92. The difference was staggering, and it was more economical. (that was a Triumph 1500 engine in my Toledo)

Now go and enjoy the car, Well, maybe not today, looks a bit damp out there.....

Quote

easy t fudge and I suspect many places do that so they look good to the punters.

end quote


This is exactly what I am thinking.

From my perspective. not having used one before but will do in the near future, I would be looking for the Delta between driving in and driving out and then the subjective difference it has made driving it after.

So, I would be making sure that they did a power run at the start to see what it was and then at the end to see what they had improved, not forgetting to check torque curve as well as headline power figures.

The other benefit is, as you have found, is to check the AFR across the rev/load range to ensure you are not over rich or over lean so causing bore washing or detonation which both will damage the engine in the long term.

But a 35hp increase (on an assumed 130hp ish) is a 25% increase which IMO is a good result in anyone's eyes so long as it is produced in a progressive manner and the torque curve is well behaved.

BHP is very hard to calibrate, so most Dynos with give different results. The key is to use the sameone everytime.

Glad to hear he made a good job Paul, as others have said its not the quoted figures but how much better it drives.

[Edited on 5/11/15 by rusty nuts]

quote:

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Originally posted by rusty nuts
Glad to hear he made a good job Paul, as others have said its not the quoted figures but how much better it drives.

[Edited on 5/11/15 by rusty nuts]

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But does it feel like 180? He only managed to find about 15 BHP when he did mine but it was so much better o drive.

quote:

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Originally posted by rusty nuts
But does it feel like 180? He only managed to find about 15 BHP when he did mine but it was so much better o drive.

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Just out of interest where did you go? I've just put new carbs on my Alfa and need to get them set up. I'm on the Essex/London border.

quote:

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Originally posted by zetec
Just out of interest where did you go? I've just put new carbs on my Alfa and need to get them set up. I'm on the Essex/London border.

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For anyone else looking to get carbs and ignition set up by someone who really knows what he's doing try Peter Baldwin at Wilshers Garage ., Wimpole , near Cambridge . 01223 207217

Suggested mods now fitted.

Just need a dry road now.

Paul G

cold air intake

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facet pump near tank

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regulator near carbs

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i like those engines....fully alloy....leight....not too high.....nice for a sevenish car...

even i must say: i was never happy with the power of those engines in my eclat /elite/excel which i owned a fw years ago.

they all felt the same: no torque, power only came with revīs...but even this power felt more like 100HP than 150

quote:

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Originally posted by alfas
i like those engines....fully alloy....leight....not too high.....nice for a sevenish car...

even i must say: i was never happy with the power of those engines in my eclat /elite/excel which i owned a fw years ago.

they all felt the same: no torque, power only came with revīs...but even this power felt more like 100HP than 150

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Just been for a 20 mile round the block run and the verdict is;



car transformed



best Ģ450 I've ever spent. Woooooo Hoooooo

Result!