Maybe it's time for a few modifications?

"BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion" (pbs) 09/19/2014 at 23:12 • Filed to: None

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I've been thinking about it for a while, installing some aftermarket upgrades on the Tipo. Since OEM parts are so hard to come by, and the local aftermarket is... well, shit, going for performance parts could solve both those issues and add a bit more oomph to a car that's already pretty quick in stock form. According to Guy Croft's tuning manual, the 1995 cm³ unit used in the Tipo can be safely built up to 200 bhp without a turbo. Cooling system, injectors, ignition module, distributor, water pump, belts, all that stuff would be swapped for uprated versions from Guy Croft's inventory, eliminating any eventual issues with the old parts. Suspension parts would come straight from the Alfa 156, while the stock brakes are probably more than adequate to deal with the extra power, since they feel over engineered for the car anyways. I'd also look for the original 15 inch BBS alloys used in the european models (Brazilian units came with 14 inch wheels). That would virtually eliminate the few issues I'm having right now and prevent any new faults from developing for at least a couple years, since all the most vulnerable parts would be replaced for new ones. The car wouldn't be bone stock anymore, but at least it would keep running strong for another two or so decades.

Too bad I don't have money for any of that, but a man can dream, right?

CRider > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/19/2014 at 23:18

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PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/19/2014 at 23:19

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I have the exact same reasoning with the GLI. it's quick, but needs a bit more oomph. a Tune will provide a good base. a sportier exhaust will make it sound better, and make it breathe easier. a Carbon fiber CAI would wrap it up power wise, getting the car up to about 265-275hp. the clutch/gearbox can easily handle this. next up, I'd get a set of cross-drilled rotors, and grabby ceramic pads. suspension is good enough, and so are the wheels.

I have the money to do it as well, I just can't justify spending $2500 on the car a month after I spent $23K buying it...

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/19/2014 at 23:36

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Extra power isn't even my main reasoning, I'd do it to keep my car running... I mean, finding spare parts has been a major pain in the ass because the Tipo most people are used to is the 1.6, and nobody seems to know what parts are interchangeable between the 1.6 and the 2.0 versions. For example, I've no idea if the distributor used in the Tipo 1.6 is the same as in the 2.0 and if swapping them both will make my injection module start firing error codes all around. If I were to modify the engine, I wouldn't have that problem, I know where to find performance parts for this specific engine, and I have the know how to install them...

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/19/2014 at 23:46

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well then, do the power mods for reliability! if that car ever makes it up here to the states, it'll thrash my GLI's ass with 200hp on tap!

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/19/2014 at 23:57

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Haha, I'm not sure an old Tipo could be good for a lot of thrashing, even with 200 bhp. It is pretty quick for a mid 90's car, but simlarly sized cars are coming out of the factory with at least a hundred extra horses these days.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/20/2014 at 00:27

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we'll see. the GLI's got a solid 600lbs on your tipo at least!

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/20/2014 at 00:42

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Well, I guess that's definitely a factor :p The Tipo is relatively light at 1092 kg, so there's that.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/20/2014 at 00:52

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oh yeah. jetta tips the scales at 3300 lbs.
that's about 450kgs more! still, I have a turbo! that means I can pull away!

What's your "official" 0-60? I'm at 5.8. top speed of 155mph

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 09/20/2014 at 00:57

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Mine's a bit more than that, slightly over 7 seconds last time I "measured", with a top speed of 221 kph, but that's in the 148 hp stock trim.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/20/2014 at 01:04

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fair enough. It seems my young sports sedan will have quite the struggle fending off your little pocket rocket! ;)