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Saabdude is pretty much right on, I'll just say about the same thing in my own version.
Intake: Weber 32/36 is a fairly easy conversion, but you do require a 2bbl manifold. I understand that these were never imported to the US and may be more easily found in Europe, try ebay or the Swedish club. It is possible to convert the easily found 1bbl manifold for the 2bbl carb, I have a project underway to do this, but don't hold your breath, I have a lot of projects. Ashcraft and maybe Lawrence have made converted manifolds available. I do not know how to compare the 32/36 with the 1bbl Weber (ICDH or something like) that can be with an easy manifold modification, but my impression is that serious racers like the 1bbl and people satisfied with modest improvements are happy with the 2bbl. I have a 2bbl 32/36DGAV. It uses a K&N air filter which you should not overoil.
The basic engine: Mine is very stock and unless you are looking for maximum power, leave it alone. Revising the attachments as I am describing will yield very satisfying results for reasonable money, that is what I think you are looking for. Going for higher compression, bigger valves, snazzy cams can all be done but gets into bigger money.
Exhaust, the other end of breathing: The first easiest is 1-3/4" or 2" exhaust from as close as you can get it to the manifolds, with the pipes joining 51" downstream. I believe Jack Lawrence can supply this or you can have it done locally. The second is to enlarge the exhaust ports on the heads to 1-3/4" from the stock 1-1/4". I have not done this without removing cylinder heads but believe it could be done on-car if you are clever with a die grinder. The third is to install larger valves, this obviously requires head removal and serious machining.
Other: Ignition. I don't think there is a lot of virtue in a "more powerful" ignition but probably no harm, it's just that the million volt ignition won't really light off the mixture any better than the twenty thousand volt ignition unless you go to severe engine modifications. However I am a great fan of solid-state ignition systems meaning no points. Ignition timing is maintained and will not change as it will when points wear. However, I am not a fan of Pertronix, I have had too many failures of their units. They are very clever as to size and fitment but don't last well. If you choose Pertronix, carry a spare. Platinum spark plugs will last a long time.
More other: Electric water pump, electric cooling fan, electric fuel pump.
I think the combination of these external improvements to the stock engine will make a very nice difference in performance, they have for me. I have done each of them separately and perceived a difference from each stage.
If you can find a copy of Chilton's Foreign Car Repair Manual Volume I, German, Swedish, Italian Cars, Chilton 5632, it has a very good section on V4 modifications that is more extensive than what I have given. I believe it is a direct copy of factory information. When I last looked my local store had a copy of this.
posted by 208.53.93...
, Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:19:08
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