[Tej Khokhar]

Originally Posted by Psycho

Would suggest that you replace the cracked pipe. Also check if the pipe on the intake manifold from the filter is well seated as in the picture shows the clamp to be loose if so any air leaking in after the reference pipe to the MAP sensor would only lean out the mixture causing the lag. (have run into this trouble mostly on MAF equipped cars)

@psycho: Intake hose replaced. There seems a little improvement, however, the lag still persists.

I think the next step will be get the entire fuel system checked (injectors, fuel pump -pressure) opened and cleaned. What do you advise?

@ miyer: kindly advise on the procedure for checking the evap valves- it seems that my car loses fuel just standing in the sun !!! The lock on the filler cap works so no thieving kids in the picture.

I parked the car with the fuel needle at the half mark on Friday. Didn't use it till yesterday and on starting the fuel level shows about 2-3mm less than the half mark !!

Is this related to the evap control?? Or can the vapours just pass out from the filler cap (small gaps) when parked in the sun ?

Thanks for the replies on the numerous queries

[pirate]

Thanks shekaran for that info. would be contacting Mr. Naik soon. Just to give an update. My contessa is in Delhi right now and is goin to be transported to me in Vizag next month. I had got the engine work done in delhi. After the engine overhauling, my mechanic had tuned it to a little high revv saying that the engine will take some time to set. Is it right?

I was in touch with mike as well and have interacted with him a lot over e-mails wherein he has been really kind and enthusiastic to answer all my queries.
@miyer. BTW, wat news on the front windshield and the shock absorbers that you were trying to get manufactured. have they arrived yet?

@sekharan. after getting the tdi kit, where do you advice to get it installed. will my local mechanic be able to do it?

[shekaran]

after getting the eureka tdi kit, any mechanic with a little electronic knowledge can install it.
1. you need to fit the base plate in the distributor, just removing, refitting job.
2. fit the main unit in the firewall and all connectors being marked, push pin type, this also is just do as per the instruction sheet.
3. fit the plugs, the coils above them, using the steel plates provided.
4. connect plug wires with the main unit.
5. connect the mains, ground and start up the engine.
its just a simple job, only fitting the base plate in the distributor needs some expertise and tools as plug no.1 position should be marked before opening and refitted with correct aligning as before.
better get hold of mr.kiran bhide on the phone, and let him guide you step by step, if in doubt.
you can see a smooth engine, starting at half crank, crisp idle and lastly a better mileage...
best regards.

[devarshi84]

What are the other cosmetic changes in the

NIkki Carb

The other carb

The new MPFI version of contessa

apart from the engine?

Did all contessa haev A/C Power steering, power windows and central locking options as standard?

What about the Front quad-lights and metal bumpers?

[Viraat13]

@devarshi84

I think it goes like this,

Nikki Carb - Chrome bumpers.
Hitachi or Mikuni Carb - Black metal bumpers.
MPFI - Fiberglass bumpers.

No. The older contessas did not come with a power steering. My contessa came with an AC as standard but no PS.

The square shape headlamps were the original ones, they were there till 1995 I think. Those were paired with the chrome bumpers.

[devarshi84]

Thanks Viraat.

So IF I get this correctly.

Nikki Carbs had 87ps while the rest had 77ps.

And If I am buying one, it is best to buy pre 1995 with square lamps and ac and then go for the quad lights? I intend to keep the chrome bumpers.

Where to find a contessa in good condition in AHmedabad? any ideas anybody?

[ilangop]

Originally Posted by shekaran

hi,
the eureka kit is still available but with NGK Iridium spark plugs instead of bosch plugs. costs 5500/- now inclusive of shipping.
autoescorts run by mr.kiran bhide can be contacted in 9820914008, still.

i can vouch for the kit, as mr.kiran bhide is a nice gentleman, who does all/any help/info/assist in making the kit work flawlessly in your conti. also i had the same kit in my gypsy, from 1998 till 2007 without a single fault.

best regards.

Shekaran,
Could you please post a few pictures of the TDI setup. How is the timing advanced managed in the kit? Since the trigger signal is received from the already existing rotor plate, can we assume that the centrifugal advance mechanism inside the distributor takes care of it. Or else is the TDI unit programmed for timing advance.
Need this info as I am interested to try the same in my 118NE.

[shekaran]

yes the timing advance is taken care by the centrifugal advance mechanism only, so no worries on that aspect.
the Tdi unit eleminates the distrubutor wires to the plug - advantage is there is now 4 individual HT coil for each of the plugs. (not 1 HT for 4 plugs).
the eureka kit is not an advanced technological marvel, but an advanced version of the electronic ignition unit - contessa being the 1st generation of electronic ignition.
call mr.kiran bhide to know about a tdi kit for the 118ne, he will surely assist you.
best regards.

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by devarshi84

Thanks Viraat.

So IF I get this correctly.

Nikki Carbs had 87ps while the rest had 77ps.

And If I am buying one, it is best to buy pre 1995 with square lamps and ac and then go for the quad lights? I intend to keep the chrome bumpers.

Where to find a contessa in good condition in AHmedabad? any ideas anybody?

Yes. 87 PS or 88 HP. I think the output was/is 75 HP.

True. But you will have to get a power steering installed. No need to change over to the quad headlamps. It is a false notion that the square ones are not good enough. One must know how to focus them properly. But you might have a problem in sourcing the square ones. Along with the large grille which you will need to keep if you use the chrome bumpers.

It is best to buy whichever one you find in best condition. The nikki carb can be fitted later. If you find a model from 99 or 00 then go for that. An ECU can be modified/chipped. The later models will have a fresher body, engine, interiors & better paint. Along with factory fitted PS, PW & AC.

Check out the T-BHP classifieds. Along with other online websites like gaadi.com & carwale etc. Also scan the classifieds every Sunday if you are dedicated enough.

Good luck!

[devarshi84]

But I've heard that finding spares is tough. Isn't it?

I am already checking wherever possible. But finding a contessa in a sedate and sleepy city like Ahmedabad is a pain.

Let's see how it goes.

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by devarshi84

But I've heard that finding spares is tough. Isn't it?

I am already checking wherever possible. But finding a contessa in a sedate and sleepy city like Ahmedabad is a pain.

Let's see how it goes.

I suppose so. I have not owned a Contessa since 2006. So I cannot comment on the spares situation.

You must be open to buying from another city or state. If it is not possible for you to personally go and check out a car, then ask someone to check it out on your behalf with a specific set of requirements.

[devarshi84]

A guy is willing to show me some models in the 40K range. But what are the things I need to keep a lookout for?

[Viraat13]

I think if you do a search for Contessa on the forums and go through all the threads you shall find sufficient information. Also have a look at the Facebook page.

[abhijosh]

Originally Posted by devarshi84

But I've heard that finding spares is tough. Isn't it?

I am already checking wherever possible. But finding a contessa in a sedate and sleepy city like Ahmedabad is a pain.

Let's see how it goes.

Hi Devarshi,

This is Abhijeet from Pune. Just a few minutes ago I came to know of a contessa for sale in Pune which is totally done up with all the goodies that can be expected from a new sedan. (Read goodies - Power Windows, Central Locking and what not). This is a Doctor owned car, and am going to have a look at it in the afternoon. Let me know if you are interested. One thing - donot expect it to be cheap. If you are looking for contessas because they are cheap, please look for some other car. Pardon me if I have understood you incorrectly. I shall send you the no. of seller if you are interested, and you can directly speak to him. I just hope this contessa gets a good home.
Let me know - My cell no. is 9822253800.

With Best Regards,
Abhijeet.

[devarshi84]

@Abhijosh: I appreciate the efforts.

I am looking at A cheap Contessa not because I need a cheap car but because I want a project car. In which case I am not looking to haggle for 10 grands here and there.

Hope I am clear. PM me if our needs match.