My Beta - update

[vancouver]

I thought some of you might be interested in the work I have been doing on my 77 Beta. I purchased her 2 years ago with about 60k. She had been well looked after but not mechanically maintained.

I did some basic work - timing belt, carb rebuild, etc. and enjoyed her for the summer.

This spring I decided I really liked her and wanted to make some changes. I purchased Euro bumpers and then decided I liked the look better with out any. This meant I needed to fill the bolt holes. I then noticed the front cross member needed fixing/strengthening. This meant removing the engine and front axle etc.

Well if I was going to remove the engine lets get really serious.

All brakes, struts, arms, etc were removed and blasted for painting. The springs were shortened, I purchased spax adjustable struts, steel brake lines, and had the rotors cross drilled and new ball joints.

I have purchased a 421 header and new transmission linkage.

The radiator shroud has been removed and blasted so it can be modified to tilt forward so I can install side draft webers.

The engine is about to be rebuilt with hi compression pistons. I'm sure there is more but I just don't seem to be able to stop.

The goal is to have it ready for driver training next March. (to get a racing licence)

All and any advise will be well received.

Jonathan

[vancouver]

more Pix

[vancouver]

and more

[Hawk]

Very nice

I agree with you, it does look better with no front bumper

[VXdeMayo]

Dear Johnathan,
Great work so far and lovely looking vehicle, but my only slight worry is....... there is so few decent cars about anymore it's a risk taking part in competitive events for fear of smashing it up!
If it's just sprints and hill climbs that is less risky than some other "less experienced person" stoving into you on a mass start event. I suppose I would look at it like "if the worst happens can and will I be able to get the replacement parts again?"
Best of luck and have fun.
NB, I am interested in your red timing cover, it seems to have a removable plate for timing adjustment. It is a lot better looking than the standard yellow moulding. Is it standard over there?
Cheers,
Chas and Anne.

[rossocorsa]

looking good love the alloy cam belt cover! it's a real shame they don't fit the 1995 engines :-(

[vancouver]

The cam cover came with the car so I have no idea if it was stock for NA cars. It is a one piece and it's just the paint that makes it look like a cut out. As for the racing part, at this point I am only looking at track day stuff or our local vintage club. I always want it to be street usable. I had a giggle about it being hurt by a "less experienced driver "  as that would probably be me!

Thanks for the feed back

[rossocorsa]

The cam cover was fitted to early cars , it can't be retro fitted to 2 litre models as the engine block is taller

[75coupe]

The cam cover is alloy on the 1800 engines and very nice too!

If you are serious about the motor I would recommend fitting a 2 litre engine with HC pistons, twin carbs and some performance cams. The 1800 can be tuned as well but you will always get more from the 2 litre for the same outlay...

Whatever you do if you are going to do track events fit a Canton Accusump or Moroso oil accumulator, the beta sump is dreadful for oil surge around right hand corners on track, even when modified.

Good luck!