Carb vs. Fuel Injection

davidwhitt · Post by **davidwhitt** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:57 pm

Hi all
I am new to the forums and plan on purchasing a fiat spider soon. I had one in the 80s that I loved. I don't know what the pros and cons are regarding the fuel injected models vs carburetor. Fuel injectedseem to fetch more money. My car had a carburetor. Is the fiat fuel injection system more reliable? Better performance? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
David

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 4:44 pm

The fuel injected is probably not as fickle but I prefer the ease of diagnosing and repairing a carbed car. Not to say it's easy...I can make a 10 minute job last for hours.

As for performance, with the fuel injected you automatically get the 2.0L and they're pretty peppy, but if you don't mind modifications a carbed car can be great performance wise. I guess it depends on your level of mechanical ability and what you want the car for.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 5:32 pm

as a daily driver, the FI cars are much nicer. Great driveability both hot and cold. The FI system is limited for perf mods, but still can give xlnt perf on a mild engine. The big problem with the carbed models is 79-80. They were perf challenged due to emission mods. It's nearly mandatory if you get one of those that you change the intake manifold and carb, unless you like cruising in the right lanes with the old ladies in their Gremlins

ga.spyder · Post by **ga.spyder** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 5:36 pm

I have an 82 w/ fuel injection. I really like the reliability and lack of maint. Turn the key and go. I think if you are looking to modify the car ,you probably would want a carb model.Welcome to the forum. Craig

davidwhitt · Post by **davidwhitt** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 5:48 pm

Thanks for all the feedback.

I plan on using the car as a daily driver, except in the winter. I am mechanically inclined and plan on doing a lot with the car. But adding performance mods is not what I had in mind. The spider I had before was a 75 (I think). I did a lot of work on it, mostly to keep it running. It sure was a pleasure to drive when it was healthy. I am leaning towards a fuel injected model, but am open to anything. The info on the less desirable carburated models was especially helpful.

David

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Tue Dec 04, 2007 7:19 pm

http://www.artigue.com/fiat Its possible that a 79-80 Fiat could already be modified, this link will help sort it all out!

bandit · Post by **bandit** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 5:28 am

David

My 131 has FI ( same engine and FI as Spider )with mods to the engine 9.8 Pistons, Bigger Cams, Header and K&N Air Cleaner the cars pulls good up to about 6300 RPM and haven't had any problem keeping up with other guys with mods on IDFs on the most part . The thing i like about the FI is after sitting for a couple months i'll turn the key to start the car and it fires right up first try . I don't drive it much but feel i could use it as a daily driver .

The FI system is Bosch this is the same system they used on BMWs around that era but with that said if the car has been around for 25 years or more
like anything you may need to replace parts here and there . From what i can tell most of the people seem to have a good experience with there FI spiders
some have issues from time to time .

Daniel

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 10:37 am

well, today's "mechanics" can't work on a carburetor. they dunno how to diagnose them....all they know is Fuel Injection. So, if you are not gonna work on your own fuel delivery system, and have not found an old-school mechanic, you better go with the fuelie.

myself, i believe there are too many parts that i do not understand, and do not wanna take the opportunty to learn with a fuelie. so i stick with the carb'd vehicles. i have had too many learning experiences, thank you very much.

then again, i hear this X 1/9 calling my name.....

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 10:39 am

dont' fear technology!

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 10:51 am

I don't fear it....i am just tired of it.

i spend the entire day at the keyboard. I've worked in too many small shops where i, as the accountant, was in charge of the computer network.

in charge = if it breaks, i gotta stay after work until it is fixed

software is upgraded so we buy new hardware. hardware is upgraded so we buy new software. i am sick and tired of all the upgrades just so i don't lose technical support.

and, if it worked yesterday, why doesn't it today?

Fuel injection involves a computer.....i am sick and tired of working with computers.

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:06 am

Mike, it sounds like the winter blahs have hit you hard this year! Try to calm down and think of your predicament as job security!
I, too, like simple things so why did I just buy a fuel injected X?

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 11:10 am

spent two hours in the garage last night working on NON technical Fiat projects.

Har Har Har.

davidwhitt · Post by **davidwhitt** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:10 pm

Thanks for all that info. After all that I am definitely leaning towards the FI. But we will see what ends up in my garage. I just realized I haven't had a car with a carburator since I sold my old fiat and that was in 1990. And I don't mind technology when it works.

If anyone sees a good rust free running FI spider for around $3k, let me know. I don't mind traveling to get it. And I will post pics when I get it.

Thanks again for the insight.

david
david@whittingham.info