The later Alfasuds had a twin-carburetor 95hp 1490cc engine which gave the Alfasud rocket-fast speeds unmatched by other cars at that time. Together with an aerodynamic low bonnet line (thanks to the flat-four) and low center of gravity, the Alfasud became one of the best small car at the time. As for the power, you can definitely feel the power when driving the Alfasud.
Alfasuds in Malaysia were modified from the original design since a heater is not required (removed) but air-conditioning is absolutely necessary. A compressor was added in the already-tight engine compartment and the evaporator was installed under the booth. The engine drives the compressor directly with a belt.
Alfasuds in Malaysia were modified from the original design since a heater is not required (removed) but air-conditioning is absolutely necessary. A compressor was added in the already-tight engine compartment and the evaporator was installed under the booth. The engine drives the compressor directly with a belt.
Increase Horsepower
One fine day, just like all other automotive belts, the belt driving the compressor gave way after sufficient wear and tear. After unlatching the belt and went on driving without the air-con, I felt immediate increase in power of the Alfasud.
Of course I enjoyed the additional power that I obtained from this discovery for as long as possible but it is just impossible to drive around in Kuala Lumpur without air-conditioning.
Therefore, it is fair to conclude that the modified versions of the Alfasud found in Malaysia is severely underpowered compared to the original version due to the need of adding air-conditioning system to accommodate the Malaysian tropical weather.
Of course I enjoyed the additional power that I obtained from this discovery for as long as possible but it is just impossible to drive around in Kuala Lumpur without air-conditioning.
Therefore, it is fair to conclude that the modified versions of the Alfasud found in Malaysia is severely underpowered compared to the original version due to the need of adding air-conditioning system to accommodate the Malaysian tropical weather.
Suggestion on how to get the horsepower increase for your classic car
If the culprit is the belt that drives the air-con compressor, then removing this belt is the obvious thing to do. But how do we manage the hot weather? Again, the answer lies in technology. With the proliferation of hybrid cars, it also means that there are more 12-volt DC compressors in the market. If we replace the older AC compressor (driven by the notorious belt) with a DC compressor driven by your 12-volt battery, then you will get an immediate increase in horsepower for your Alfasud.
Apart from horsepower increase, there are other benefits of converting to a DC compressor.
1) Using a DC compressor means you can locate the compressor almost anywhere in the car (close to the evaporator will be nice).
2) Freeing the space where the AC compressor was allows you to add an additional fan to cool the Alfasud. See blog on why this is important.
True, this a radical way of improving horsepower of a classic car. There are other ways such as tuning the carburetor or changing to alloy rims. But none gives such immediate and large increase as this.
Try it - remove the compressor belt and feel the difference in performance. Next, you can try to source for a car 12-volt DC compressor for automotive air-conditioning, then get it fixed up to your existing evaporator and see if you can keep the increase in power while enjoying the air-conditioning at the same time.
Let me know, I am eager to find out. Thank you for taking time to read my blog.
Apart from horsepower increase, there are other benefits of converting to a DC compressor.
1) Using a DC compressor means you can locate the compressor almost anywhere in the car (close to the evaporator will be nice).
2) Freeing the space where the AC compressor was allows you to add an additional fan to cool the Alfasud. See blog on why this is important.
True, this a radical way of improving horsepower of a classic car. There are other ways such as tuning the carburetor or changing to alloy rims. But none gives such immediate and large increase as this.
Try it - remove the compressor belt and feel the difference in performance. Next, you can try to source for a car 12-volt DC compressor for automotive air-conditioning, then get it fixed up to your existing evaporator and see if you can keep the increase in power while enjoying the air-conditioning at the same time.
Let me know, I am eager to find out. Thank you for taking time to read my blog.