Automatic transmission

[larrybarone]

is an automatic transmission typical of the 84 spider

[124JOE]

im not sure but
fiat went to chevy for an automatic
they are the same as a chevette and an izuzu

[spidernut]

The automatic transmission was an option. Most people opted for the 5 speed manual.

The automatics are very solid transmissions mated to a differential with a different gear ratio than the manual transmission. If I recall correctly, Fiat contracted with Opel (owned by GM) who supplied the transmissions. It is the GM T180 transmission.

[RedWolf]

I thin the automatic transmission is solid as well. A prior owner converted my '77 to an automatic and it's been fine through the 13 years I've had the car.

[vandor]

is an automatic transmission typical of the 84 spider

Not typical. About 5% of the Spiders sold after 1979 had an automatic.
Interestingly, about 5% of Spider owners want an automatic. So it's worth neither less or more than a 5-speed.

[Ky2000]

I think they are not very common, but I had an 81 and the car was in bad shape but the auto trans worked well.

[2ndwind]

Years ago, I accidentally threw a Chevette automatic into reverse at 65mph going down the highway (trying to "coast" down a big hill). Whipped it back to neutral, then drive. No ill effects. Ramzi told me he did the same thing with the same result!

[TX82FIAT]

IMHO most people prefer the manual when looking to own and drive a classic italian sports car. With that said, I would give some serious consideration putting the automatic differential on the back end. This would make highway driving more pleasant. Therefore, an argument could be made that for a car driven in the city exclusively or on the highway exclusively the automatic may be preferable.

[seabeelt]

Anyone know where to get a replacement for the little brush looking things that fill the shifter slot on both sides to keep cdud out of the shifter? Kind of looks like a door sweep.... or any thing that can be used a s substitute??