who's got a fast fiat?

[Leesfer]

My fiat is still stock at the moment and quite frankly I'm pretty tired of being laughed at when I get shown up by a mini van. So I'm wondering who here has some fast spiders and what mods do you have and what's your rough 0-60 estimate?

[So Cal Mark]

spiderrey has a pretty fast car

[rlux4]

Check out the posts from the So Cal run Feb. 9th. Take a look at Hal Gaylord's car. You want fast? This car is fast. Not much Fiat under the Spider body though. But then, no way the original drive after the flywheel would hold up to that much engine.

[Curly]

Lots of fast Fiats Down Under. The various clubs actively promote and are involved in motorsport activities such as hillclimbs, circuit racing and to a lesser extent tarmac rallying. There are dedicated race cars as well as road registered rockets that are used on the track at weekends. Basic modifications include some headwork, hot cams, twin carbs and a free flow exhaust. Our engines, being Euro-spec already have high comp pistons. Those whose need extends further, often opt to hang a turbo off the side or go with a 16-valve Integrale head. They'll never be a successful drag racer, but our Fiats can usually give a Mini van a good run for it's money.
Leesfer, if your car is a tube-bumper job, just shedding those monstrosities will noticeably improve your acceleration times.

[mdrburchette]

I think we can all attest to the fact that speed = money. So, how much do you have to spend? I wanted a little more pep out of my 1608 so it sports custom rods, pistons and racing clutch and flywheel, 42/82 cams, dual Weber carbs, MSD ignition upgrade, GC valve springs, ported and polished head, port matched 4-2-1 header and intake. All this for 25 hp.

[mbouse]

Agreed, Denise. Leesfer has CA emmisions to concern himself with as well. Make sure the advice you consider includes adhering to those emission laws.

Leesfer, move to michigan, be bone frozen cold for four months, salt infested roads an additional two months, and not worry about emissions. that opens up a plethora (my new favorite word) of options on potential equipment that can be discarded, ignored, or replaced. GAWD, I just read an ad for a Spider hard top....for the days you wanna ride in A/C comfort! har-har-har A/C in a 'vert in Michigan is a waste of space and a combersome amount of added weight.

Build a budget, Leesfer, like Denise suggests. you can go as fast as you want/afford.

[pope]

I like my women how I like my Fiats....fast!!!!!!!!!!!


Hey Curley, what kind of HP are we talking here with you guys down under?

[mdrburchette]

Didn't notice where he lived, Mike. His first expense, then, would be to move out of SoCal or buy a 74 or earlier Fiat. It's pretty much open game then, right?

Pope, I don't know if there's hope for you.

[pope]

Pope, I don't know if there's hope for you.

Sorry Denise...just a little spring fever hitting me.

[mbouse]

right you are pope. two days in a row 50+ degrees F. now, for a little rain to wash away all the salt.

[spiderrey]

ive got a 2 liter block, reworked. an 1800 head that i shipped to croft, he reworked it . i installed Crofts cams, the engine was basically built to Crofts fast road specs. the car has Marks famous headers and exhaust, one of the first sets made. later sets look different. his site actually features my uncompleted as yet engine modeling his headers. the car also has a crank fired ignition, and runs a automatics rear end for a higher gear ratio and still easily breaks the rear tires loose. Mark once told me he figured it put out over 150 ponies. its so much fun to drive, but rarely driveable since its far from done, and im always changing things. many thanx to Mark nd Croft.

[Curly]

Hey Curly, what kind of HP are we talking here with you guys down under?

The Integrale headed 2L engines are probably developing around 200bhp. Some say the potential is there for up to 240bhp. The turbos - who knows, just keep winding on the boost until your wallet cries enough

[racydave]

Rey, If you ever go on a long ride, I live on the east side of Indy... Its to pretty for a hood! Did you mention the carb set-up?? And, what else could you possibly do, sounds close to perfection to me!

[Leesfer]

Any here use turbo chargers?

[racydave]

Ask the fellas down under at Turbo 124