[Shubhendra]

Originally Posted by nc1bad

Hi guys, need some advice regarding conversion of points ignition into an electronic one, basically a multipoint one in my 1.8 carb engine. is it possible with parts available locally? Currently my distributor has single magnetic type sensor with two wires going to the coil.

Please contact Mr Kiran Bhide from Kolhapur (Auto Escorts). Few of my friends have converted their point based petrol jeeps into electronic based.

USHA SMRUTI, 2340, NAGAON (PHAATA), GHEVARI PLOTS, OPP. KOLHAPUR STEEL LIMITED, OFF PUNE-BANGLORE ROAD, Kolhapur - 416122, Maharashtra, India

Regards,
Shubhendra Singh

[flclicks]

Originally Posted by badboyscad

Wheels with new rubber fitted . The bmw sticker on the hub caps will be replaced with HM sticker.
Attachment 1283678

Sir, I own a Contessa myself. It's undergoing restoration right now. So I was looking for some good wheels and came across this. Could you please tell me what wheels these are and also if and where i can get a set? Also is it the same pcd as the oem wheels on the Contessa? Thank you.

[badboyscad]

Originally Posted by flclicks

Could you please tell me what wheels these are and also if and where i can get a set? Also is it the same pcd as the oem wheels on the Contessa? Thank you.

The wheels are original BMW 15" 6.5J alloys. PCD is perfect for contessa.

[KkVaidya]

I am experiencing starting issues since some time. The car takes a lot of cranks if not driven for 2-3 days. Once the engine is waken up, it starts at the first crank but what could be the reason for cranking 10-12 times when unused? I suspect some electrical issue instead of anything related to Fuel.

[Miyer]

Originally Posted by KkVaidya

I am experiencing starting issues since some time. The car takes a lot of cranks if not driven for 2-3 days. Once the engine is waken up, it starts at the first crank but what could be the reason for cranking 10-12 times when unused? I suspect some electrical issue instead of anything related to Fuel.

1. Check the fuel line at the carb with the ignition On. Fuel should be pouring out. If not, the pump is kaput.
2. Check the discharge voltage of the Battery. If it less than 10 volts, starting will be delayed.
3. Open the Delco and with a 1500 emery clean the connections.
4. Check the Ignition coil. A weak coil is a classic non starter. Check the small capacitor in the delco.Check the ECU on the Ignition Coil and the wiring for shorts.

As we isolate the above one by one we can reach the correct problem and fix it.

[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by Miyer

As we isolate the above one by one we can reach the correct problem and fix it.

Hello Miyer

The fuel supply has no issues with the level setting in exactly at the center-line visible through the glass window once the pump kicks in.

On opening the distributor, I found out that the cap has cracked from where the supply cable from the coil goes in. So there is the culprit. I am yet to source an original Nippon Denso cap but till then I have used Insulation tape to get a snug fit.

Let's see once the cap is changed.

[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by Miyer

1. Check the Ignition coil. A weak coil is a classic non starter. Check the small capacitor in the delco.Check the ECU on the Ignition Coil and the wiring for shorts.

As we isolate the above one by one we can reach the correct problem and fix it.

After changing the Distributor cap (was lucky to find a new ND cap), the problem still persists.
Checked the battery voltage and found it at 12.26
Next checked the Primary resistance of the coil and found it showing 2.0 Ohm
The Secondary resistance showed 13.09 Ohms.
I find the above figures to be within tolerance. What next?

[Miyer]

Originally Posted by KkVaidya

After changing the Distributor cap (was lucky to find a new ND cap), the problem still persists.
Checked the battery voltage and found it at 12.26
Next checked the Primary resistance of the coil and found it showing 2.0 Ohm
The Secondary resistance showed 13.09 Ohms.
I find the above figures to be within tolerance. What next?

Replace Ignition Coil.
Check primary jet
Check vacuum advance to delco from Manifold

If nothing works, before you start, pump the accelerator pedal 3 times before a cold start. This should work. This is the sign of her age...

[dpuneet]

Hello all bhpians, this is my first post regarding the planned makeover of my 1997 1.8GL Contessa Classic. I owned this beauty back in 2011 and since then it has very well fulfilled my desires, except one or two sour moments when I was forced to think why am I doing this. But as soon as those small issues are sorted out and it starts rolling back on road again, all my doubts wash away and i fall for it all over again. Sometimes I feel its the Contessa who owns me

Now after around six years of wonderful memories, I started feeling like it requires a total makeover. It is still running on 1.8L Isuzu 4ZB1 stock petrol engine. Although it has served well but now I started craving for more power out of it. For that I started searching on forum about engine performance enhancement techniques and ended up with a list of modifications I am planning soon.

1. K&N air filter
2. CAI setup
3. Carburetor change
4. Free flow exhaust setup with muffler change.
5. Spark plugs and wires change.
6. Low profile tyres.

After achieving all this, plans are to change outlook too. For this I am confused between complete body paint or car full car wrap. Anyways here is my list of plans after engine modifications.

1. Colour change.
2. Interiors makeover with inner roof change
3. Fit both side good matching ORVMs.
4. Both bumpers rechromed.
5. Apply dampening sheets in all four doors.
And so on...

Here are few pics of my ride

Suggestions are welcome.

P.S. I do not want to touch the shape of this beauty, please do not advice to cut or alter in any way. TIA

[Mr.Boss]

Contessa is still a dream machine for many here, including me. Congrats on the beauty. She looks far better than many other contessa I came across. Please do share the interior snaps.

Originally Posted by dpuneet

1. K&N air filter
2. CAI setup
3. Carburetor change
4. Free flow exhaust setup with muffler change.
5. Spark plugs and wires change.
6. Low profile tyres.

I'm not an expert here. All these changes will improve the performance, but marginally. IMO for the stock looks of the car, free flow exhaust will spoil the classic characteristics of the car.
How does low profile tyres help in improving the engine performance?

Originally Posted by dpuneet

After achieving all this, plans are to change outlook too. For this I am confused between complete body paint or car full car wrap.

I suggest to go for painting as we are unsure about the corrosion / rust in body. Get them treated properly during painting.

PS: I could see a couple of dents, any how you should be getting them corrected & painted if you wish to go for wrap, instead a complete painting seem to be practical.

All the best.

EDIT:
Huuuuge siren inside the hood? Is it a siren for security alarm or the horn itself?

[dpuneet]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Contessa is still a dream machine for many here, including me. Congrats on the beauty. She looks far better than many other contessa I came across. Please do share the interior snaps.


I'm not an expert here. All these changes will improve the performance, but marginally. IMO for the stock looks of the car, free flow exhaust will spoil the classic characteristics of the car.
How does low profile tyres help in improving the engine performance?


I suggest to go for painting as we are unsure about the corrosion / rust in body. Get them treated properly during painting.

PS: I could see a couple of dents, any how you should be getting them corrected & painted if you wish to go for wrap, instead a complete painting seem to be practical.

All the best.

EDIT:
Huuuuge siren inside the hood? Is it a siren for security alarm or the horn itself?

Hello Mr.Boss, thank you for appreciating this beauty. I will post the interior pics soon.

Yes, you are absolutely right, the free flow exhaust will spoil the classic characteristics of the car for sure. But to gain some more bhp out of its stock engine I thought it would be a good option (correct me if I am wrong).

Afaik low profile tyres will help in decreasing the total outer circumference resulting in marginal gain in acceleration.

The body is corroded in one or two places, for that i surely will go for denting painting. Personally I also prefer a nice paintjob, but the problem is it is white in papers and I do not want a fresh white paint on it again.

That huuuuge thing is siren only with mic.

[deehunk]

I see traces of rust in the photo, as suggested by Mr.Boss, get a thorough check done for rust and get the painting done.

[dpuneet]

Experts please help:

1. Is weber 32/36 DGEV or 38/38 DGES carburetor a direct fit on contessa's 4ZB1 petrol engine or do I need some more modifications/equipments to fit it on?

2. Can k&n air filter be fitted on them with CAI setup or they come with their own air filter as shown in the pics below?

3. Where can I source them in Delhi/NCR?

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by dpuneet

Afaik low profile tyres will help in decreasing the total outer circumference resulting in marginal gain in acceleration.

Yes, by reducing the aspect ratio (only) the overall diameter and circumference reduces with improved acceleration, along with drop in ground clearance and top end. Decide if you really want to go with this choice.

[dpuneet]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Yes, by reducing the aspect ratio (only) the overall diameter and circumference reduces with improved acceleration, along with drop in ground clearance and top end. Decide if you really want to go with this choice.

My contessa now is running on 205/65r15, and I am planning to opt for 205/50r15. Do you think it will help somehow?