Newbie questions

[DrieStone]

I, like many before me, have started down a path that will hopefully end with a Stratos replica sitting in the garage. Obviously there is a lot that happens before I get there though. The first thing is some information, which seems a little hard to come by when it comes to the Stratos.

First (and I'm sure this has been covered many times in the past), living in the US means that finding a donor vehicle is difficult. At best I think I'll be able to find an early 80's 2.0L Beta. I have seen reference to a Honda motor and drive-train being used, and I am leaning towards that (I'm thinking something a 2.2L VTEC). My considerations are mostly based on the fact that finding parts for the engine will be considerably easier, and there is an ample after-market for Hondas in the states. Any thoughts on this choice?

Second, I've been trying to reconcile the differences (mostly visual from photos) between the variations of the car. There are 3 variations (I think), stradale, group 4, and group 4 square arches correct?

I'm still a few years away from even starting on my project. Mostly because I have to convince the wife to spend the money, and that won't happen until my other project car is running again (1983 Lotus Esprit). I am not in a rush, but I need to plant the seeds now to reach my goal.

Thanks!

[chris.richard]

Your most useful tool at the moment is the "search" function Up at the top. It'll lead you to threads where these have been discussed before. For instance, this'll answer your question about the body type: http://www.stratossupersite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145&highlight=stradale+bodywork+type

Judging from this website, there are a few Alfas in the States too http://www.digest.net/alfa/FAQ/164/bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi although more modern Alfas also have the V6 motor

[mogul_x]

I'll concede that the Honda powerplant will probably be much more readily available, but I had no problem whatsoever finding an alfa 164 for a donor vehicle. They turn up somewhat frequently on E-bay and other used car websites, usually on the cheap because very few people want to deal with keeping a 12-16 year old Italian sedan running. Parts are still fairly easy to get through IAP and a few other Italian car specialists in the States, but there's a price premium.

Naturally, it'll be more expensive to maintain than the Honda, but I know guys who still use 164's as daily drivers. I don't think an Alfa engine would be all that difficult to track down - it might just take a little patience. For what it's worth, I like the sound of the Alfa engine, and the Italian heritage suits the car. 12v engines ('91-'93), are much easier to find over here than 24v engines ('94-'95), so if you're willing to give up 20 or so horsepower compared to a top-of the line 164 Q (210 HP vs. 230 or so), you'll have more to chose from.

I can't really speak to downsides about the Honda, apart from the fact that there just aren't that many of them - I think I've only seen one or two. That is to say, I don't know how well sorted Gerry's Honda engine option is. The Alfa parts seem to go together with relatively little fuss - not sure if the Honda goes together as well, or if it requires a little more custom fitting. Hopefully one of the guys who has a Honda can supply more details.

I'm reasonably close to CT if you ever want to take a look at a kit in person. It's not running - in fact, it's hardly started, but you're welcome to come by if you're interested.

[Chris J]

Jon

I have a Hawk (Transformer) with a Honda V6 fitted, but the Alfa V6 is the most appropriate engine that can be sourced at a reasonable price.

The reason that Honda engines were used at first as an alternative to 4 cylinder Beta engines, was that they were the first transverse V6 engines that you get your hands on (in the UK). It was only a few years later that Alfa V6 engines reached UK breakers yards in the early to mid 1990s, and that's when the Alfa became the popular option. There's nothing wrong with a Honda, it's just not Italian. Because of the availability of Alfa powerplants, for the last 15 years, there have probably been none of the more modern Honda VTEC type engines fitted to Stratos Replicas.

The Honda engine is a 24 valve single cam per bank 2.7 from a Rover 827 or Honda Legend (late 1980s). It was fitted to probably no more than four or five Stratos replicas.

Hope that helps?