Gina Back From Alfa Romeo Hospital

Picked up Gina last night.  Brian from Carriage and Body Works in KC changed out the air filter to replace the aftermarket K&N's to go back to the OEM filter, changed a seal or 2, replaced the throttle stop on the SPICA fuel pump, adjusted the timing and fuel pump settings, fine tuned the fuel pump, replaced the fuel cutoff micro switch, and changed the oil.  Now she starts right up and purrs at idle right at 900 like she was new.  Also - the engine sound is a bit smoother with the original air filter and no more backfires at deceleration thanks to the fuel cutoff micro switch.  Just a nice throaty growl at acceleration.  Like they say, with an Alfa Romeo you buy an engine primarily with a car attached to it.

Spent about 1 1/2 hours talking about Alfas with Brian as he's been an Alfa mechanic and racer since the mid-70's.  Great photos and stories.

Next up are a few more minor parts needed and ordered  for the used air filter and the reinstall of the OEM coolant expansion tank.

Gina's New Look

  Here's the old setup - K&N aftermarket filters

Look nice but don't work as well as the OEM that Alfa engineers designed

Gina goes to the Alfa Romeo hospital

I found a long time Alfa Romeo mechanic at Carriage and Motor Works in Kansas City, KS.  Brian has been working on Alfas since the mid 1970s and was the Shop Manager for the local Alfa Romeo dealer until they left the market.  Looked in the shop and there were several Alfas inside including a 67 Duetto!  I want that.

Took Gina in for a physical (general inspection) and for a bit of work that I do not want to attempt including a SPICA pump tune and adjusting the hand brake.  Brian is going to also install an OEM air filter unit to replace the aftermarket K&N filters. 

Here's a picture of Gina in the hospital waiting area.  Note the Alfa 164 off of the passenger side.  Updates to follow!

Rico Lighter Installed

Replacement OEM Lighter installed.  It took awhile but I finally found an original Rico lighter for Gina to replace the aftermarket lighter the PO had installed.  These lighters are no longer made and I could not find one anywhere until one of the local KC AROC (Strada Fantasma) members was generous enough to give me one of his spares.  Slowly but surely finishing the last 1% of the restoration.

Ciao!