Which spider should I look to purchase?

[scrapironchef]

Mirafiori.com has a FAQ doc on this subject, that said, avoid the Californis 79's.

[So Cal Mark]

with minimal effort the Calif 79s can be made to run really well, and since they usually bring a lower price it's not a bad way to start

[JEEPER]

Hi everyone. I have always wanted to purchase a spider and I am finally going to try and find a nice solid project car (people around me think I am insane and are telling me I am buying a money pit ). I am debating on whether to go with a 71-73 model with the 1608cc carbureted engine or a early 80's model with FI. Any recommendations? Pros and cons? Reliability issues or more rust prone issues with certain years? I do like the look of the early 70's model but I could always modify the early 80's model with a different bumper. I do hear that the 71-73 years are lower to the ground and handle better but I also hear that the FI is pretty peppy and is easier to maintain. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

I have a 79 with 24,000 original miles on it. If your interested PM me.

[81SPIDERMATT]

it is my belief that a great running rust bucket will cost far more and more headaches than a great body that runs like crap .... every time

[scrapironchef]

with minimal effort the Calif 79s can be made to run really well, and since they usually bring a lower price it's not a bad way to start

As long as you live somewhere it doesn't have to be smogged every year.

[kenncarp]

I would defiantly go with a 2000 cc carbuerated. From my experiences they are more reliable than the FI's but have the bigger motor after the early 70's. Let me know what car you pick!

[kenncarp]

with minimal effort the Calif 79s can be made to run really well, and since they usually bring a lower price it's not a bad way to start

Would you happen to know the model number differences between the 2? I have a 79. What are the differences?