Beta Coupe GCRE upgrade

[betabuoy]

WOW!  What a difference!

The kit fitted well and was relatively easy to set up. The App goes on your phone, and once the pass key is coded in all the settings are available to tweak on the PDA display.  There's even a tab to 'immobilise your device' which is a further useful anti-theft function.  But let's not get away from how transformative this has been.  A sensible drive through town is easy; accelerate from 1500rpm now possible; and whilst the engine was designed to pull from 2500rpm (it goes like a rocket above 3500rpm) it's now so smooth to get there.  Of course there haven't really been many other changes, apart from having a nice 36 degrees of advance from 5000rpm.

The progression holes in the carbs are interesting.  Never really a problem on the original Italian (pre '72, I think) Webers, but more tricky on the later Spanish versions.  On the rolling road, Mark had earlier enlarged one of the four holes in each of my 45 DCOEs.  He was still very happy with this, but added a slight 60 degree chamfer to the openings to help flow.  We've talked a lot about airflows in carbs, and there might be some other experiments to come, but for now it was just a couple of tiny jet changes.  

When I dig out the paperwork and emails, I will add the details of how to source a bespoke 123 system made for a Beta with block mounted distributor.  This set up is REALLY good; if you have a Beta in a configuration anything other than standard - map your ignition as soon as you can!

Ignore the MAP curve in the image from my phone below; although we could have taken a feed from the manifold, we decided it really doesn't need it.

[Neil-yaj396]

Did you keep the ignition module Chris? Or does the new distributor do that as well?

[WestonE]

Hi Chris

When I hear that the guy on the Rolling Road actually understands how to tune progression on Weber 45s you are in the right place and I am glad you are getting a strong return for effort and money.

This remains 2D mapping because there is no load sensor or throttle position sensor and just the improvement from the worn clockwork dizzy is worth it. Remember Fiat went early 3D mapping for the ignition on the 130TC. 3D just gives the engine the ignition advance it needs to give its best at granular speed and load sites. There are many good options for this now, but they all need extra sensors wiring and rolling road set up. Even the basic options delete the distributor.

I mention this here because other options should be considered.

Enjoy the work!

Eric   

[betabuoy]

Thanks Eric.  And the sky is the limit for engine control options but I'm very happy with where I am now.  We talked of shaving a tiny amount from the throttle valves (not effecting their seating) to give just a little earlier exposure to the progression holes.  Interesting.  This 123 solution was the set-up GC wanted me to use but at that stage we couldn't solve the block-mounted requirement without relocating the distributor and changing cam-boxes.  

[betabuoy]

Hi Neil,
The whole system was replaced; so the more modern ignition module that I used with a reconditioned Bosch distributor is no longer needed. 

Chris

[peteracs]

Hi Chris

Great result and for a carb setup I think a nice ‘simple’ solution.

For injection it would be a different case.

Peter

[betabuoy]

For anyone interested in acquiring similar 123 mappable bluetooth equipment, the components are from 123 Ignition in Holland, but they do not list a Beta block mounted option (just cam driven).  When I spoke to them on the phone, they recommended Classic Auto Elec in France who were extremely helpful over the phone and via email.

You will find them at: Classic Auto Elec, 4 avenue de la Loire, ZI les Poujeaux. 37530 NAZELLES NEGRON.

Or via email:  info@classicautoelec.com; www.classicautoelec.com.

These guys use the components from the Dutch factory and will assemble them to suit a wider variety of car models.

[WestonE]

Hi Chris,

I have seen the 123 distributor in use on Fiat 131/132 block mounted so I wonder if they are not understanding that the block mount is basically the same?

I saw this on Facebook So I would have to track back and ask where the owner got his unit from.

Eric

[betabuoy]

Took the Coupe to a friend locally today who will shortly embark on coach trimming my Recaros.  I'm now the owner of three rather large hides from some beautiful Scottish cows! 

A couple of photos below showing the 'before' seat condition and the hides ready for the magical cutting and stitching.  I'll add the 'after' pictures when complete.

I'm also taking the opportunity to shave a bit off the top of the Recaro seat foams to allow me to sit a little lower; it might be that they've been little used, but I'm currently sitting too high to fit comfortably when [occasionally] wearing a helmet.