Reliability upgrades for my 71 spider

[Charles101]

First post here guys, looking for some feedback on the upgrades I'm considering. First I have already upgraded carb to the Empi 32/36 DFEV, Rebuilt or replaced entire brake system & added EBC performance brake rotors, IAP headlight wiring upgrade kit.
Now I'm thinking of upgrading the distributor, starter, & alternator. Currently looking at Mark's Distributorless Ignition System, Gear Reduction Starter & 95 Amp Alternator Conversion. I'm not locked into these specific parts, just wanting to make this a reliable driver or as close as possible. I have $1100.00 to work with. Thanks for you input in advance.

[WYSpider]

If it isn't broke why fix it? For reliability sake you could just change out the starter silenoid and voltage regulator on the alt.

[Charles101]

The parts mentioned have been on the car since at least 1995 when original owner stopped tagging it. The metal brake line to the left front was crushed and broken. The car appears to have 8514 original miles there is a oil change tag from '89 that puts mileage at 6490. There are no missing items from this car the sales paperwork showing check number used to pay for car was in glove compartment. I'm just concerned these may be 40 year old parts and how long they will last.

[wizard124]

If you are willing to remove the starter, go here: http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=25986
Pretty simple to clean and lube your current starter (once you have it removed from the car)

I would dump the points and condenser and go with an electronic ignition kit. I had a 71 Coupe years ago and I recall doing this.

My '80 car came with a bad alternator/regulator. I couldn't figure out how to completely dis-assemble the alternator; so no tips from me on this. Easy to replace when the time comes, I would leave it alone.

For simple reliability, I would do all the deferred maintenance (if you haven't done so?). Cam and alternator belts, flush cooling and replace hoses, drain and fill engine, tranny, and rear end. New shocks. I would use the $1100 to chase down annoying drips and leaks and other fix-its; fix rattles and minor electrical issues.

[WYSpider]

If you haven't replaced the timing belt I would make that a priority. Don't be intimidated, if I can do it anyone can do it. I would also replace the fuel hoses if you haven't done so. If they're from 71 they are probably cracked. It's not that expensive and easy to do yourself.
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... hilit=hose

Here are a couple of part links.
http://www.autoricambi.us/product/EL8-4 ... -Solenoid/
http://www.autoricambi.us/product/EL4-0 ... -External/

I'm not familiar with 71s so I would double check the voltage regulator is the correct one. I think some alternators had internal volt regulators and some had external volt regulators. You should be able to tell by looking at the back of the alternator.

[Charles101]

Have changed out all belts including timing,fresh oils & fluids before I started it, fuel tank and radiator boiled out and checked, plan on upgrading suspension next year with bonus from work. I currently have the intake manifold off the car to have easier access to all the fuel pump, hoses & fuel lines they are all dry rotted. This would seem to be perfect time to replace starter with the easy access. Points are ok if you like to adjust them all the time to keep your car running at peak performance. The 850 coupe & Dino I owned in Naples back in the '70's both had points and were fine but i don't really want to work that hard. Plans call for a roll bar with bars across doors, gotta keep those SUV's out of my lap.

[djape1977]

95amp aletrnator would be a massive overkill.
original 45 amp unit is perfectly sufficent and it should have external voltage regulator, unlike modern units that have internal one. depending on local availability of parts/decent electricians it can be maintained and kept running indefinately.
if you decide to swap it for a modern unit, 55 is as far as i would go, unless 95 amp one costs the same

[azruss]

when I did my resto, i had a selection of parts from several different years. I found myself selecting the oldest parts of the bunch as they seem to require the least amount of work to get them up to speed. Many of the new replacement parts dont have a very good reputation for durability. I do recommend Mark's dizzyless ignition.

[toplessexpat]

+1 on the dizzyless ignition - it mounts on the driver side of the engine bay in the block position so you get to move the plug up to the cam position (once suitably shortened). Very, very nice upgrade though.

The distributor is a nice one too.... lights and wipers instantly improve

A

[majicwrench]

I love points. Super simple. Super easy to fix if something goes wrong. I have run the same set that came in my 72 for 4 years now.
Upgrades?? I would think more about maintaniance. Pack brgs, make sure fluids are up. I see vehicles constantly with engine/trans/rear end etc failed and a LOT of them are simply very low on fluid.
And for the most part, the vehicles I see in my shop that are not dependable are the ones with all the "upgrades" people stick all sorts of things on em to "upgrade" diff alternators, diff air fitlers diff distributors etc and you generally end up with a cobled mess. The factory did a dang nice job of building a nice car.
Keith

[toplessexpat]

So the basic tenet here is that there is no right answer - but a personal preference and needs basis. I like the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage - my dizzy I replaced when it failed, the distributor when I wanted some more oomph.

Agree that cobbled messes aren't pretty!

A

[RoyBatty]

If you must keep the distributor, at least put a pertronix module in it.
I did this within the first year of owning my 75 and I have not had to replace a set of points or condensor for the last 4 years.
Worth every penny.
When you can afford it, or when its made necessary change out for the 95 amp internally regulated alternator and the new lightweight starter available at Allisons or Auto RIcambi.
Also, when making your parts purchases, deal with good people and go with the above mentioned suppliers. There is something to be said for quality customer service and fair prices.

[Exit98]

Hey Charles,

71's are nice. Let's see some pictures.

Just chiming in. Original starters weigh a ton but are pretty robust. Mark's is nice but its pricey. Your money, your choice, but the one you got might last forever.

Same with the alternator. The one you have can be rebuilt or replaced with a used one if it fails. Unless you are running auxilary lighting and need more juice.

I always pay attention to Keith's advice but not this time. I'd dump the points.

Front end rebuild and shocks, always a good idea.

If you are looking for something to do consider stripping out the interior cleaning up the floors and adding insulation to get rid of the engine/transmission heat in the cabin. Plenty of links around on the subject.

[majicwrench]

Points, certainly you can disagree. But just look thru posts to see how many electronic ignition failures/issues there are! Constantly! And if you change to some aftermarket ignition, are you gonna be able to get parts for it on the road? A few years from now??
Most issues w points are the same issues that crop up with everything, they are not well installed or not quality parts. I have my old fiat that like I said above has been running the set of points it came with for years. And a 64 chev pu that has been running the same set of point for at least 15 years.
But obviously this is your choice.
Keith

Edit: there is a new post in "electornics" about a electronic system that won't cooperate, and a post a few down from this one here in "engine" about another elelctronic system that won't work right. Scroll down, there's more.
No one seems to understand them, your typical post starts with " I changed the module and the pickup and the coil and it still wont'--------.
Reliability??

[Charles101]

Thanks for all the input! I will probably go with the Mark's electronic ignition system, the 95 amp alt. is off the table for now but may make a comeback later with a good sound system, waffling on the starter I've got access to it right now and if it goes out later it's going to be a major pain to replace.