Power of the twin cam Beta

[betasulo]

Dear All,

After a lengthy absence I am back with some interesting news on the beta engine.
Since I bought the car many moons back and after restoring I have run it on a few hill climb events. It has done very well beating quite a few powerful 1600cc Alfas as well. As I was having an oil burning problem with a smoking exhaust we pulled the engine  apart and found one of the Pistons needed replacing. My car being a 1600 l naturally started hunting for Pistons for a 1600cc. As I was having trouble with the size of piston I gave Mr GC a call. When I gave him the size of my 1600 piston he confirmed my car could not have a 1600 as the registration book states and has been running a very early 1270cc. I was amazed to say the least and it is quite apparent a former owner would have swapped the bigger engine for the 1270. I am still amazed how well the car performed. So to make a long story short I managed to get a 2.0L engine but am not sure which gear box I have. It has amazing mid range power and can pull like a freight train on any gear but lacks top end on the expressway. Is there any way of finding out which gear box I have ?

Also to up the power of the2L could I go for fast road cams?

Last week end she let me down badly at the start line of the Mahagastota hill climb which was due to a blocked jet. I want to be ready for next year so want to get electronic ignition and cams. May have to fit twin carbs as well.

Any advice is highly appreciated.

Best regards

Sulo

[Neil-yaj396]

Your car probably has the low ratio early 1300 gearbox by the sound of it. Great for racing but hopeless on long fast runs. 5th isn't high enough.

[betasulo]

Hi Neil,

Yes it just howls on the highway. With the exception of one race track all the others are short sprints. I enjoy driving into the hills!

[peteracs]

Hi

Suggest you read this thread which also refs a thread on lancisti which has a bunch of useful info.

http://www.lanciabeta.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3366.0

Peter

[HFStuart]

Did you miss the link out Peter?

As to the power of the 2l, with fast road cams and the standard carb you should see 120-125 add a bit of head work and that'll be 130-135 though you'd need to rejet the carb for that. Replace the carb with a pair of Webbers and 145-150 is within easy reach. 

[rossocorsa]

If it has a flat bonnet 2 litre engine may be too tall

[peteracs]

Hi Stuart

Hmmmm, yes, amended, but here it is to keep in the flow....

http://www.lanciabeta.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3366.0

Peter

[betasulo]

Thanks Gents,

2.0L engine fitted perfectly with the standard carb and K&N filter. I have two very nice DCOE 40s which I would like to fit. Will need to get electronic ignition, intake manifold and the fast road cams.

I would love to hear if anyone has any of the above (cams,intake,and ignition) for sale.

Best regards

Sulo.