Tuning a car is often a matter of balance. In a car as legendary as the Lancia Delta Integrale Evo: Boosting performance without compromising reliability is almost an art form. This is precisely the approach taken by the Italian tuning firm SCARA73, already known for its work on Alfa Romeo 4C with 335 ch and 600 ch Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, through a project carried out on his friend Marco’s Delta Integrale Evo. The goal was clear from the start: to perform a complete engine upgrade while avoiding compromising one of the model’s most well-known weak points—namely, its stock transmission.
An engine treatment designed to last
Unlike some builds that focus primarily on achieving spectacular power figures, SCARA73 has taken a more measured approach. The mechanical foundation has been significantly optimized with the installation of a modified turbocharger based on the original unit, paired with a tubular exhaust manifold.
Significant work was also done on the intake system. The Lancia Delta is equipped with a custom air filter and a 7.5-liter air-to-air intercooler, compared to the 5-liter stock unit. According to the tuner, this is simply the largest intercooler that can be installed on this platform.
The cooling system has also been completely redesigned. Abarth-style water and oil radiators have been installed to address a problem well known to Delta Integrale owners: excessive temperature rises during heavy use.
Cooling: The Key to Performance
For SCARA73, improving the cooling system is probably one of the most significant modifications made to this car. The tuner explains that the larger radiator reduces the coolant temperature by 13 to 14 °C during hard driving. This drop in temperature not only improves reliability but also allows the engine to maintain its full power output. On the Lancia Delta Integrale, when the coolant temperature exceeds 100 °C, the ECU reduces the ignition timing to protect the engine, resulting in a noticeable loss of performance.
The tuner even cites his own experience in competition: thanks to upgraded radiators, he managed to shave 13 seconds off a two-minute lap time compared to a setup equipped with the stock radiators. In this specific case, the coolant temperature remained around 93 °C instead of exceeding 107 °C.
285 chevaux, but not too much
To protect the transmission and differentials, SCARA73 deliberately limited the turbo pressure to just 1.3 bar at peak and approximately 1.1 bar at steady-state operating conditions. This decision may seem conservative at a time when many tuned cars far exceed 300 ch, but it aligns perfectly with the project’s philosophy.
Ultimately, this Delta Integrale Evo produces 285 chevaux. The tuner particularly highlights the quality of the torque curve, which remains constant between approximately 3,500 and 6,000 tr/min. The performance of the dual-bearing turbocharger also improves responsiveness at low RPMs compared to the stock turbocharger. SCARA73 even estimates that, under more favorable outside temperatures, the car could approach 300 chevaux.
A driving experience true to the Delta spirit
The exhaust system plays a major role in defining the character of this build. The complete 70-mm stainless steel system is virtually unrestricted all the way to the single rear muffler, thus preserving the Delta Integrale’s signature look.
The interior has also received a few targeted upgrades, including a sensor to precisely monitor the air-fuel mixture, a more accurate turbo pressure gauge, and a stainless-steel gearshift lever inspired by the famous Martini 6, featuring a shorter travel. For the Italian tuner, this Lancia Delta represents much more than just a car. He points out that it is the model that fueled his passion for cars and contributed to the very creation of SCARA73.
The end result is therefore true to the spirit of the legendary Italian sports car: increased power, more responsive handling, and greater reliability—all without resorting to excesses that could jeopardize a powertrain that has become a prized asset. This philosophy seems perfectly suited to a car whose value and appeal continue to grow more than thirty years after its rallying triumphs.
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