Is the Lancia Beta lump worth any effort

[mr2by4]

I have a brilliant Hawk/transformer coming into my life and it was built with a Lancia Beta 2 liter in it. I am torn about keeping and driving it for a bit on this motor, or heading for the high country (Alfa or Ferrari 3 liter). Since it has been sitting, I will need to give the engine some attention if I intend to put any miles on it. Is it worth bumping compression and doing cams and carbs or will I find it unsatisfying and have wasted my money?
Any thoughts on whether the Ferrari v8 is worth an extra $8k? Both motors sound great and make similar power.
thanks!

[Guy Mayers]

If it's running with the current motor I'd suggest getting to know the car and it's build quality before you start spending serious money on it. A 2 litre Beta ought to produce 120bhp in standard (European) trim but might be as low as 85 if it's a low compression US/emissions motor. You'll end up spending a fortune building this motor up to a reasonable power level (higher compression pistons/inlet manifold with twin 40's and cams) but 180bhp is achievable. Guy Crofts book on the Twin Cam is recommended if you want to go this route.

Conversion to the V6 Alfa in 12 or 24 valve form should see these levels of power (and better torque) for similar money but with an unstressed motor. The downside is that there are some modifications needed to the chassis to fit the Alfa (or Ferrari) motor. New mounts, driveshaft spacers and relocated steady brackets plus upper gear linkage mount, the gear linkage also needs revision plus a new exhaust.

Long term the V6 is the route to go and it's something that I'm really glad I did to my Transformer/Hawk.

Guy

[Fingers]

Guy Croft's books are very handy if you do modify the Beta unit. It lists which standard Fiat/Lancia pistons you can fit to raise your compression, plus just about anything else you can think of. There is also a lot of good info on his forum if it's still up and running, haven't checked for a while.

[Allora#2]

i am agree with Guy,
when i bought my car (ALLORA) it was with an Lancia Beta Volumex (140HP) and the car runs well,
but the engine sound and torque is not like a Stratos.
So i have decided to rebuild it with an V6 12V Alfa i remember it was a lot of work!
but when i drive it now i know it was the right decision.
saluti Enzo

[Bernard]

For my Ten Pence worth...........

Eric started life with a 2000 Twink.... It was very "busy" through the gears... ie constantly changing gear for peak performance..... also the handling was quite "twitchy"..... light on the backend which exagerated liftoff oversteer

Once the V6 was installed the car seemed to "settle down" and with the extra torque the Eric was transformed into a "proper car"

Good luck with whatever you decide to do as we all have differing views.... it wouldn't do for us all to be the same !

Cheers

Phil

ERIC

[Fingers]

A Volumex engine should be a straight swap, and they're not hard to get another few horsepower out of either. It's quite a torquey engine.