1.8l vs. 2l

[pokesmont]

So I am still in the hunt for fiat and I am going to look at 1978 fiat with a 1.8 and a 1980 with a 2.0l that is carbed. I have tried searching and looking at trying to make out some differences between the two and haven't had much luck. I know the fi version of the 2.0l is much more potent than the other two. I was just wondering which is a better platform to make good power and which would be cheaper to build up. Any info would be helpful on the differences and available performance options

[SLOSpider]

The larger engine is the choice when it come to making power. If you can find a nice FI one it will add to the smoothness of the engine and probably a bit better mileage. I don't really see the need to increase power really in the Fiat as they have plenty for me even stock. If I want to be put back in my seat Ill hop in the GXP or the Mustang.

[pokesmont]

I did have a nice fi lined up but it got sold before my funds were freed up. So I have been waiting for another one to pop up just trying to get as much info as possible to make a decision whether to get a carb'd one or wait for fi in my price range to show up.

[narfire]

Take a look at CL Spokane
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3569327647.html
The 79/80 carb'd cars were about the worst for power, however bolting on a 1800 head,single plane intake and an upgraded carb will give you a different car compared to the stock 79/80.
Have fun, hope you find a car that works for you.
Chris

[pokesmont]

Take a look at CL Spokane
http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/3569327647.html
The 79/80 carb'd cars were about the worst for power, however bolting on a 1800 head,single plane intake and an upgraded carb will give you a different car compared to the stock 79/80.
Have fun, hope you find a car that works for you.
Chris

I am looking to get over the 100 hp mark will those mods achieve this?

[narfire]

Actuall numbers wise, I could not say, however a fellow I helped several years ago with installing a 34 DMSA carb on his 79 with the single plane intake but still had the 79 head, had a big difference in power. He really enjoyed the car and the power increase.
I believe the 1800 head will really help as well.
I might be reaching here but a head that can bolt on.... -$150.00? intake $75.00 and a 32/36 carb...$350.00 or so?
Something you can do your self as well.. The cam towers bolt on the head no issues, might have to check clearances and re-shim though.

[pokesmont]

Ya reading up on the threads regarding some these mods, I built a late 70's kawasaki inline 4 engine so it should be something I can handle.

[bobplyler]

I can say from personal experience that changing the carb alone on a 2L will make a very noticable difference.

[vandor]

I am looking to get over the 100 hp mark will those mods achieve this?[/quote]

Yes, it should be close to 100 Hp with those mods.

FWIW on the carbed 2000s, the 49-state 1979 is a little better, as it has a 2 outlet exhaust manifold. The 1980s had a single outlet. If you will change to a header it does not matter.

Bolting on a 1800 head will take the compressio ratio from 8:1 to ~8.6:1, so it's not a huge difference, but if you need to take the head off for any reason then might as well put a 1800 on.
If you will rebuild the engine with high compression pistons then you do not need the 1800 head, as those will take the compression close to 10:1.

[spidernut]

Still in the market?

1980 Fiat Spider
Electronic Fuel Injection
5 speed
Luggage Rack (no rust)
New convertible top (Germanex vinyl)
New front and rear seat upholstery (by an upholstery shop)
Newer carpet kit (low quality in my opinion, but looks decent)
New door panels
New chrome armrest trim
New dash cap
New solid walnut dash kit
New U Joints
New drive shaft support
Overhauled differential
New rear trailing arms - upper and lower
New panhard rod
New rear brake calipers and brake pads
Rebuilt front brakes
PVC undercoating removed - no rust! Recoated with 3m rubberized undercoating
New paint (flame red)
New Toyo 65,000 mile tires
New heater control valve
New heater fan switch
Original Fiat alloy wheels
New oil pan gasket
New oil pump
Fiat AM/FM stereo (AM does not work) with Blaupunkt speakers
1981 upholstered-style console (no cracks)
New tie-rod ends
New center link
New alignment
New rear gas-charged shocks
No rust anywhere (it has lived in California its entire life)
Tail lights, side markers, etc., all in great shape
New hood and trunk emblems
New "F" emblems
New fan belt
New radiator hoses
New thermostat
New fuel filter

Emissions tested last year and runs extremely clean - well below strict California standards
Everything works well - dash lights are bright, wipers work very well, heater fan is strong, gauges all work, etc.
89,000 miles (or something like that since I haven't really looked lately)

I currently drive the car daily 46 miles round trip to work and back. It looks very nice and runs really well. The fuel injection engine is rated from the factory at 101 hp stock. I've driven it from Lincoln, CA, to Monterey and back via San Francisco and it ran like a champ. It really is a fun car.

Depending upon your budget, this might be a good fit for you. There's well over $6K in parts alone in the restoration (not counting labor). I bought this car about 1 1/2 years ago with the intention of finishing the prior owner's restoration and getting it back on the road. I have two Spiders (a 79 carb'd with 43,000 miles) and this 1980. I don't need five cars (two of them are Spiders) so this one is for sale. We can talk price to see if it is something that might work within your budget.

Private message me if you're interested in the car.

[SLOSpider]

^ useless without pictures

[pokesmont]

Honestly I am looking for one that I can build up myself, since I can do most of that type of stuff myself. There is also little to no emission control here so I would prefer to get a non Cali car, since I don't have all that smog stuff to mess with.