Maximum Horsepower

[wroblews]

I am seeking your opinion:
What is the maximum horsepower a 1980 124 Sports Spider motor can be modified without having to upgrade braking and suspension systems? What is the best way to increase the hp?

[divace73]

that is a 'How long is a piece of string?' question. The turbo model didn't upgrade brakes or suspension, however if you put in a turbo now you may want to do that for safety.
you may want to start with a budget, chasing horsepower usually ends up costing dollars.

My 2c is get you car well sorted, change all fluids, timing belt if it needs doing, proper tune, sort out suspension if bushings are worn and enjoy driving it.

[RRoller123]

Check out Guy Croft and his web site, FB page and workshop manual. There is a wealth of info in there. He seems that he can typically get about 200hp out of a 2L racing engine.

[TimpanogosSlim]

Check out Guy Croft and his web site, FB page and workshop manual. There is a wealth of info in there. He seems that he can typically get about 200hp out of a 2L racing engine.

With money, much is possible.

A friend of mine has a 1984 volvo 242 turbo he's been working on for a couple years. Megasquirt, bigger turbo, manifolds, bigger intercooler, etc. He's at a bit over 300whp right now. His target is 400whp, and he believes he can get there with bigger injectors and e85, and additional tuning.

He's a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering who's particular field of research is causes of cavitation in turbine pumps, so, I don't doubt that he'll get there.

But he's spent a lot of money.

And then there are the outfits like Boba Tuning who are getting a thousand horse out of a late 80's VW 1.8L 16v. For only the price of a pretty decent supercar you can get an amazingly fast Golf.

[fiatfactory]

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[Shadoobie]

I am seeking your opinion:
What is the maximum horsepower a 1980 124 Sports Spider motor can be modified without having to upgrade braking and suspension systems? What is the best way to increase the hp?

The stock factory European model of the 2litre engine makes about 122hp in EFI trim, if the standard brakes and suspension are in a good state of repair and fully functional, then at this level there are absolutely no issues with longevity and safety.

The best and most cost effective way to increase HP is to use the factory available parts from a European model.

SteveC

Why are the European cars so much more powerful? What's different about them?

[Shadoobie]

I am seeking your opinion:
What is the maximum horsepower a 1980 124 Sports Spider motor can be modified without having to upgrade braking and suspension systems? What is the best way to increase the hp?

The stock factory European model of the 2litre engine makes about 122hp in EFI trim, if the standard brakes and suspension are in a good state of repair and fully functional, then at this level there are absolutely no issues with longevity and safety.

The best and most cost effective way to increase HP is to use the factory available parts from a European model.

SteveC

Why are the European cars so much more powerful? What's different about them?

[RRoller123]

Higher compression ratio, I believe. Only pathetic 8.1:1 here in the states. Fine if you are going to add a turbo, otherwise, not so much.

[TimpanogosSlim]

Did the european 2.0 have more valve lift in addition to higher compression?

[RRoller123]

I have no idea, someone else chime in?

[v6spider]

Or you can do an engine swap if you feel adventurous...here's the engine in my Spider..


Cheers!
Rob

[djape1977]

Did the european 2.0 have more valve lift in addition to higher compression?

no

[seabeelt]

Less emission hp robbing motor additions

[fiatfactory]

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[TimpanogosSlim]

Properly managed EGR can actually help your horsepower goals by preventing pinging. I know hotrodders who have installed EGR systems on smallblock V8 engines that were built with too high compression for specifically this purpose.

A 35 year old catalytic converter, in most jurisdictions, can and should be replaced with a modern equivalent that will flow better, both because it's not got 35 years of particulates in it and because it's just better.

Manifold air injection does cost basically nothing in terms of power. And on our spider engines where it injects right into the exhaust port where the exhaust gasses are still incandescent hot, it probably even works. Other systems that inject air later in the exhaust system are just diluting the exhaust.

I admit the smog pump hardware can be a hassle.