First drive impressions

[V12StealthHunter]

Today was the first day that I actually drove the car more than a mile. I drove to the DMV to get plates. I've been wrenching on it steadily for the last 2 months. I only have the clutch and pinion seal left to do. I'm sure the clutch and flywheel are properly knackered, its like a rodeo trying to take off.

This was my first real experience driving a 124 Spider. And what a strange driving experience. I've never driven anything quite like it. Its so incredibly light but the lack of power steering and sound/vibration deadening make it feel like you're driving an old tractor. So unrefined. Its hilariously underpowered. I mean this is ridiculous. It made my 166hp 2.3L 4cylinder Ford Ranger feel like it suddenly had a V8 swapped in. The Fiat shifter is so delicate and smooth, it makes the Jaguar 4 speed box in my E feel agricultural in comparison. But you can't really rush the gears. Even then I managed to break traction between 1st and 2nd. Look down at the speedo and I'm only doing 20mph.

I think my gearbox doesn't have too many miles on it. It feels really smooth. It gently clicks into each gear too, which feels really nice. I could probably shift gears with my pinky finger.

I don't have the patience to do the clutch job on my back so I'm looking into getting a Bendpak XPR9 installed in my garage. Given the amount of work I do, it should pay for itself pretty quickly.

[vandor]

If it's that slow the secondary in the carb may not be opening, or ignition timing may be off.
If you lack insulation in the shifter area the car will be very noisy. You need to make sure there are no air leaks there. The factory had some pretty thick insulation there for a reason. Getting rid of the noise will make for a lot more civilized driving experience.
Glad you got to drive it!