tuning tips for a 1.8ts Alfa Romeo 156 Sport Wagon 2002

[davesmithh]

i might just start with a k&n filter.. then try a piggy back chip see wot difference that makes...

need to save for the performance exhaust i think !

[davesmithh]

at the moment the car is completely standard.... and it seems quite sluggish.... it gets to 80 - 90 no probs but struggle to hit 100. Once it get to 100 it will creep to 120.

the book sez it shud be hitting 60 in about 9 and topping 130mph. Are they lying lol.... i had the car serviced, a new exhaust has been fitted, do you think new plugs would improve performance? bearing in mind that this is a twin spark engine will i need to fit 8 spark plugs ?

[waynne]

Aerodynamic forces come into play and make progress above 100mph really slow. The engine is under a lot of stress too. I've seen engines blow when pushed flat out for too long. I'm presuming you'd dropped to 4th gear for this off road speed test

Twin spark engines will need 8 plugs. It is a clever system, they fire one after the other on the power stroke increasing compression as the flame front travels across the combustion chamber. The second spark fires slightly later right in the extra compressed mix. This ensures a much cleaner burn as there is less unburnt fuel in the exhaust.

[davesmithh]

yes i understand aerodynamics etc... but my car seems a little sluggish...!

I am wondering if i should fit new plugs and a performance filter. Do these piggy back chips work... i feel that even a increase of 10hp will make a differnce at the lights.

[HDi fun]

You're only going to feel the difference as drive towards peak power rpm under full throttle.

Since the car is in such good condition why not take advantage of that and sell it for a good price then go and buy a diesel, which will give you all the tunability you're after.