Best Engine Management for Carbs?

[urquattroGus]

I have a 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint with a 1980's twin spark engine in it from the 75.

Currently run the original Bosch Motronic 4.1 EFI. A good system, but not as sexy or original looking, not to mention the noise of carbs!

Thinking of going for twin 45's and mapped ignition. Nothing too fancy.

Alcoholics do this kit (prices are EX VAT) http://www.alfaholics.com/2010/07/full-3-dimension...

However, I think I could get something more widely used/up to date for the same or less money.

Its a twin plug engine and also has basic VVT believe it or not. Most units don't seem to be able to control VVT?

What can people recommend?

I have been looking at the websites of Omex, DTA, MSD and Motec.

Really I don't need the features of the more expensive units as I won't be using EFI (unless I go the throttle body route instead)

What I do want is a reliable, easy to set up and well backed up unit, one that lots of people know how to map, or I can have a go with.

[Krikkit]

I would be tempted to go for the Alfaholics kit - it's a pretty well-rounded looking solution, complete with management, coils, sub-loom ready for splicing etc.

Otherwise the Omex 200 is quite well rated, but to be honest I'd go with whatever your choice of mapper recommends.

[stevesingo]

The Alfaholics kit is £795, add in another £1000 for cards and manifold and probably another £300 for sundries; £2000.

You will struggle to find and aftermarket ECU that will handle VVT for £700 and will also be struggling for an EMS with TBs for £2000.

The E30 M3 folks use a piggyback unit that allows the removal of the Vane MAF, this would allow the use of TBs.

http://www.maxx-automotive.com/ftp/alpha-n+/us/ai0...

The guy who rund MAXX is called Martin, give him a call to dicuss,he is very helpful.

Steve

[urquattroGus]

http://www.ahmotorsports.co.uk/RaceParts.htm

Just left a message with these guys, could be a one stop shop....!

The Alpha N system looks interesting, was't aware of that one, thanks for sharing.

Have also emailed a guy who mapped the Motronic on my quattro to see whether he can work any magic, just as another option....

[thescamper]

megasquirt and throttle bodies.

[Captain Cadillac]

Can megasquirt run VVT? I thought you needed something a bit flashier for that, like a Tec3

[Lawbags]

I ran Webcon Alpha on my Citroen. Not sure if it'll run vvt however.

[Sensibleboy]

I'm using an Omex 600 but that's with throttle bodies. I imagine you'd need either one of those or a higher model to work the VVT. I think the Omex 710 has better control of VVT rather than just on or off. It's more expensive though.
I don't think carbs would be any cheaper than throttle bodies. There are more mapping specialists than carb experts these days.

I must say Omex after sales and technical support is very good.

Edited by Sensibleboy on Tuesday 19th November 19:44

[Mr2Mike]

Captain Cadillac said:

Can megasquirt run VVT? I thought you needed something a bit flashier for that, like a Tec3

It can run basic on/off VVT with ease, all it has to do is energise a solenoid under appropriate load and RPM conditions.

Even with the rose tinted glasses turned all the way to 11, I think retrofitting carbs is a big step backwards in almost all respects. If you want the noise, then go for individual throttle bodies and maintain some semblance of fuel economy and tractability to go with the potential improvement in performance.

[arguti]

urquattroGus said:

http://www.ahmotorsports.co.uk/RaceParts.htm

Just left a message with these guys, could be a one stop shop....!

The Alpha N system looks interesting, was't aware of that one, thanks for sharing.

Have also emailed a guy who mapped the Motronic on my quattro to see whether he can work any magic, just as another option....

Adie Hawkins did the original Alfaholics twinspark set up as far as I have been told but I am sure Jim will be along to correct me shortly.....one thing to consider - all "new" weber carbs are made in Spain and I have heard horror stories about the quality contro issues leading to problems on rolling roads, etc so if you wre going down that route I would pay Alfaholics or Adie Hawkins to buy everything and set it up themselves.

Mine is on jenvey ITBs with the Alfaholics omex set up and basic map but will be going to Adie Hawkins when it is set up (the car is at Alex Jupe and AHM are relatively nearby)

Ps not sure I would bother changing if I were you