Thanks for the reality check. At least I didn't ask about putting a V8 in it!
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Jan. 18, 2010 9:03 p.m. porschenut New Reader
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Jan. 19, 2010 1:32 a.m. BoxheadTim HalfDork
You're not giving us that much to work with, but the duff synchro on second is not unusual on an Alfa box. They need very sympathetic handling when new to avoid that and somewhere down the line, people just rip through the gears with the above results.
I assume it's a 2l as at least the smaller European Alfa twin cams do rev higher than 5500 (and I think the 2l does as well, but it's been a while). The engine should have a lot more torque than a Miata; over here they make roughly the same power as a 1.8l Miata but I don't know how the US spec engines compare.
If you like the car but you feel it's down on power, I'd have a good look over the engine and potentially consider rebuilding it. It's not that hard to get 170+ bhp out of one of those if properly built.
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Jan. 19, 2010 1:34 a.m. BoxheadTim HalfDork
erohslc wrote:
Engineless GTV + LSx = constant gearbox rebuilds
Fixed that for ya. Unless you're daft or clued up enough to be able to fit the transaxle from a C5 Corvette, I have my doubts that the Alfa transaxle would put up with an LSx for very long.
Might be quite a spectacular explosion, mind!
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Jan. 19, 2010 7:35 a.m. erohslc Reader
Gee, ya think so? ;) Is there a 'rimshot' emoticon I can add next time? (Ba-dump, Tshhhh!) Since most of the 'LSx into a ...' swaps involve drivetrains that can't put up with the torque, it's almost redundant to say so. Plus, I think it hinders the flow and balance of the wisecrack.
I guess if there's room for a transaxle and a DeDion and Watts link, there's room for a 9" or somesuch.
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Jan. 19, 2010 7:38 a.m. BoxheadTim HalfDork
There's just not enough room for a gearbox at the front, hence the C5 transaxle comment...
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Jan. 19, 2010 7:45 a.m. spitfirebill Dork
Keith wrote:
I asked here.
It would seem I'm not much of a purist.
My mistake. I was confusing your post with the OP.
Heck, we would put a motorcycle engine on a skate board if the opportuntiy arose.
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Jan. 19, 2010 8:53 a.m. SkinnyG Reader
porschenut wrote:
Thanks for the reality check. At least I didn't ask about putting a V8 in it!
No? My first thought for any swap is always "small block Chevy."
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Jan. 19, 2010 9:10 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork
What's a Miata weigh?
What's the lightest Alfa weigh?
How much do you gain with a Miata engine? Personally I would a) sell it and start over, or b) V-8 it.
Dan
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Jan. 19, 2010 9:20 a.m. joey48442 SuperDork
How about an s2000 engine?
Joey
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Jan. 19, 2010 10:53 a.m. NOHOME Reader
Total cost of the swap is going to exceed the cost of a used Miata. Engine swaps are always much more expensive than you think and take WAY longer even before you get to the point where you have to admit that Auto Engineers earn their money!
On principle alone, I do like this swap.
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Jan. 19, 2010 11:03 a.m. Keith SuperDork
Sometimes you want the look and character of the older car. Heck, by the time I'm done my MG swap, you'll probably be able to buy a Z06 for what I have in it, even if you don't count my time as valuable. But I like the idea of an older car with a modern drivetrain. I think an Alfa with a Miata or S2000 engine sounds like a nice update, and it's not really comparable to a Miata with a Miata engine.
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Jan. 19, 2010 6:43 p.m. erohslc Reader
BoxheadTim wrote:
There's just not enough room for a gearbox at the front, hence the C5 transaxle comment...
Yah, good point. OK I give up. (I wonder if you could hang onto the DeDion then? Hmmm...)
