Argenta Volumex for Fiat Spider engine swap
Posted: October 15th, 2015, 6:14 pm
Hello all knowledgeable people!
I would like to get some help with my upcoming engine swap for my 1969 Fiat Sport Spider. I have acquired a complete and functioning engine from a Fiat Argenta VX that I will try to squeeze in. I would like some help with mainly three topics. But because they are related I hope it’s wise to keep it all in one build thread. Perhaps it’s even a good idea to gather all knowledge in one thread in case someone else would attempt the same operation:
1. Modifications to fit the engine in the Spider
a. Sump. Should I keep the flat Argenta sump? Will it obstruct cross members or so?
b. Distributor. I have done some measuring and come up with that the Argenta distributor will be around 550mm higher up than the top mounted on my current 1438 engine. This will clearly not work even though I have the hood with the bumps.
c. Volumex SC mounting points. I have removed the power steering pump that includes the lower mounting points for the SC. Do I need to manufacture a new mounting for the oil filter that includes SC mountings or is it ok to leave the SC hanging without lower mountings? I guess not..
d. Pulleys. The drive belts for the power steering pump and SC share the same pulley. Is it possible to separate the power steering part?
e. General space requirements. How much space will there be in the engine compartment if I install a Guy Croft intake with a 45 DCOE? Will I get problems with space?
2. General maintenance to keep this old engine running. Currently I have not yet taken the engine apart so I don’t really know the general condition of the internals. It’s probably the best to swap out as much as possible while I’m at it. However, there is also the time/money/lack of experience aspect. But, are there things that I absolutely must change and need to include in my planning from the start?
3. Tuning. I would like to get some more power while I’m at it. I found this in another thread: “Even very mildly tuned VX units running OE cams of various types on 45 DCOE that I've done have exceeded 200bhp at the wheels.” Guy Croft intake manifold and 45 DCOE seems to be a wise upgrade. Is there something else that needs to be addressed to get a “reasonable” amount of power? I will still just be for road use so I don’t have to maximize the power output, but would like to know how it can be tuned cost efficiently.
Many questions… but thanks in advance!
I would like to get some help with my upcoming engine swap for my 1969 Fiat Sport Spider. I have acquired a complete and functioning engine from a Fiat Argenta VX that I will try to squeeze in. I would like some help with mainly three topics. But because they are related I hope it’s wise to keep it all in one build thread. Perhaps it’s even a good idea to gather all knowledge in one thread in case someone else would attempt the same operation:
1. Modifications to fit the engine in the Spider
a. Sump. Should I keep the flat Argenta sump? Will it obstruct cross members or so?
b. Distributor. I have done some measuring and come up with that the Argenta distributor will be around 550mm higher up than the top mounted on my current 1438 engine. This will clearly not work even though I have the hood with the bumps.
c. Volumex SC mounting points. I have removed the power steering pump that includes the lower mounting points for the SC. Do I need to manufacture a new mounting for the oil filter that includes SC mountings or is it ok to leave the SC hanging without lower mountings? I guess not..
d. Pulleys. The drive belts for the power steering pump and SC share the same pulley. Is it possible to separate the power steering part?
e. General space requirements. How much space will there be in the engine compartment if I install a Guy Croft intake with a 45 DCOE? Will I get problems with space?
2. General maintenance to keep this old engine running. Currently I have not yet taken the engine apart so I don’t really know the general condition of the internals. It’s probably the best to swap out as much as possible while I’m at it. However, there is also the time/money/lack of experience aspect. But, are there things that I absolutely must change and need to include in my planning from the start?
3. Tuning. I would like to get some more power while I’m at it. I found this in another thread: “Even very mildly tuned VX units running OE cams of various types on 45 DCOE that I've done have exceeded 200bhp at the wheels.” Guy Croft intake manifold and 45 DCOE seems to be a wise upgrade. Is there something else that needs to be addressed to get a “reasonable” amount of power? I will still just be for road use so I don’t have to maximize the power output, but would like to know how it can be tuned cost efficiently.
Many questions… but thanks in advance!