Driving at altitude?

[holmesgr001]

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]

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

[holmesgr001]

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


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[WestonE]

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   

[holmesgr001]

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]

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!

[holmesgr001]

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]

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!)