Handling/performance kit?

[Erol]

Hi all

Looking to replace the suspension and wheels/tires on my 79 Spider. Does anyone know of a handling kit I might consider?

If not, I’ve researched a bit on this forum and see the Koni yellow shocks seem to be the way to go? I live in New York City and our roads are chock full of the worst potholes. My current suspension is rather splashy so hoping for something a little stiffer.

As for wheels, would like something slight bigger than the stock size and a little wider. Have read about 15X7? Im kind of a novice here and unsure about spacers/rubbing, etc so would appreciate any advice!

As for exhaust, was going to go with the header to muffler set up from Vick’s. Anyone have any experience with that?

Thanks!
Erol

[MattVAS]

There aren't exactly any "kits".

Just springs and shocks really. Everybody has them, heck we even carry 2 different types of springs.

Shocks are hit or miss depending on who you ask.
- Konis: Nice but expensive. Firm and still firmer than stock even on softest setting.
- KYB/Monroe: Decent and cheap. About as firm as stock but more bouncy due to the positive gas charge.
- Hydrasports: (incoming shameless self promotion) Freaking awesome!!! Totally the best. These things are the bacon of the Fiat shock world. Okay in all seriousness. We made these to be virtually the same as OE shocks. And they are hydraulic like OE (and konis) so no extra gas causing any bounce.

Wheels
15x7 are a great size to roll with.
1. Tires are easier to get
2. good quality tires for better prices than smaller sizes
3. fit like a glove and look fantastic
4. they don't rub (tires rub)

Rubbing Tires
1. When you pick the tire go to the manufacturers website so you can see the dimensions of the tire. These will also include a cross section of the tire displaying the sidewall profile. The more round the side wall the more likely the tire will rub.
2. Rubbing really only occurs at full wheel lock like when you park.

I hope this all helped!

[Erol]

Thank you! I see you guys are sold out of the Konis. Any idea when you'll be getting more?

As for wheels, was considering these

https://autoricambi.us/products/monza-w ... 5-set-of-4

Anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks
Erol

There aren't exactly any "kits".

Just springs and shocks really. Everybody has them, heck we even carry 2 different types of springs.

Shocks are hit or miss depending on who you ask.
- Konis: Nice but expensive. Firm and still firmer than stock even on softest setting.
- KYB/Monroe: Decent and cheap. About as firm as stock but more bouncy due to the positive gas charge.
- Hydrasports: (incoming shameless self promotion) Freaking awesome!!! Totally the best. These things are the bacon of the Fiat shock world. Okay in all seriousness. We made these to be virtually the same as OE shocks. And they are hydraulic like OE (and konis) so no extra gas causing any bounce.

Wheels
15x7 are a great size to roll with.
1. Tires are easier to get
2. good quality tires for better prices than smaller sizes
3. fit like a glove and look fantastic
4. they don't rub (tires rub)

Rubbing Tires
1. When you pick the tire go to the manufacturers website so you can see the dimensions of the tire. These will also include a cross section of the tire displaying the sidewall profile. The more round the side wall the more likely the tire will rub.
2. Rubbing really only occurs at full wheel lock like when you park.

I hope this all helped!

[ORFORD2004]

Any idea when you'll be getting more?

Don't tell anybody: https://www.lmperformance.com/shop.asp?make=fiat

[MIGHTY 8]

Hi all

Looking to replace the suspension and wheels/tires on my 79 Spider. Does anyone know of a handling kit I might consider?

If not, I’ve researched a bit on this forum and see the Koni yellow shocks seem to be the way to go? I live in New York City and our roads are chock full of the worst potholes. My current suspension is rather splashy so hoping for something a little stiffer.

As for wheels, would like something slight bigger than the stock size and a little wider. Have read about 15X7? Im kind of a novice here and unsure about spacers/rubbing, etc so would appreciate any advice!

As for exhaust, was going to go with the header to muffler set up from Vick’s. Anyone have any experience with that?

Thanks!
Erol

Hi Erol,

I’m also in nyc. Maybe our cars have crossed paths...not that many around for sure!
I have yellow Koni’s On all 4 corners. They are firm, but I wouldn’t really know what to compare them to, apart from driving another spider set up differently. Overall, I’m happy with them. I used to run 185/55-15’s and swapped to 175/60’s to try and get more sidewall and hopefully softened ride. But with how little we drive these cars, it’s hard to justify getting a new set so again, I’m happy there too

Just some musings here, but hopefully that helps

[geospider]

Progressive springs from AR, Koni yellows (decent price in one of the posts)

these wheels.
https://allisonsautomotive.com/collecti ... hyperblack

205/55-15 Hankook (these are now discontinued as I have learned) LOTS of options in this size.; love all of it.

geo

[ORFORD2004]

205/55-15 Hankook

.8 inches taller from 205/50-15, no rubbing?
Do you still use your spacer?

[Erol]

No kidding! I’m in bklyn, boerum hill. Will keep an eye out for you!

Can I ask what springs you are using?

Was looking at these but it says they lower the car an inch and I’m not sure that’s a good idea given the lovely state of our NYC roads

https://www.vickauto.com/newstore/index ... r91v35epq5

Also can I ask if you have a mechanic you like in the city? I went to Alfa Import on LI for a few small things but it’s a bit of haul to get out there.

Thanks for the response!

Hi all

Looking to replace the suspension and wheels/tires on my 79 Spider. Does anyone know of a handling kit I might consider?

If not, I’ve researched a bit on this forum and see the Koni yellow shocks seem to be the way to go? I live in New York City and our roads are chock full of the worst potholes. My current suspension is rather splashy so hoping for something a little stiffer.

As for wheels, would like something slight bigger than the stock size and a little wider. Have read about 15X7? Im kind of a novice here and unsure about spacers/rubbing, etc so would appreciate any advice!

As for exhaust, was going to go with the header to muffler set up from Vick’s. Anyone have any experience with that?

Thanks!
Erol

Hi Erol,

I’m also in nyc. Maybe our cars have crossed paths...not that many around for sure!
I have yellow Koni’s On all 4 corners. They are firm, but I wouldn’t really know what to compare them to, apart from driving another spider set up differently. Overall, I’m happy with them. I used to run 185/55-15’s and swapped to 175/60’s to try and get more sidewall and hopefully softened ride. But with how little we drive these cars, it’s hard to justify getting a new set so again, I’m happy there too

Just some musings here, but hopefully that helps

[grrrdot]

Hi,
Another NYC person here, I'm in Red Hook Brooklyn.
Ground clearance is important with NYC streets! If your looking to stiffen things up a little you might just want to upgrade your sway bars. Adding sway bars does have a stiffening effect. You can find a thicker front sway bar ( I picked up a 22mm front ) and add a rear bar.
Plenty of posts about the sway bars on site from people who know more about what mix you might want.

-G

[geospider]

I lied, ok, miss spoke sounds better.

205/50-15 Hankook Ventus V2 Concept 2, I believe the overall diam is very close. handles great and very smooth on highway
have never rubbed.

geo

grrrdot; how's that little coupe? love all your work. we met in SF (header)

[Erol]

Hey there

Yes, for sure! The FDR makes me wince everytime I take it!

Can I ask what you're using suspension-wise? Just trying to make sure I don't bottom out! Already ordered an oil pan guard from Vick's...

I was considering the konis and these

https://autoricambi.us/collections/susp ... erformance

Any thoughts?

Hi,
Another NYC person here, I'm in Red Hook Brooklyn.
Ground clearance is important with NYC streets! If your looking to stiffen things up a little you might just want to upgrade your sway bars. Adding sway bars does have a stiffening effect. You can find a thicker front sway bar ( I picked up a 22mm front ) and add a rear bar.
Plenty of posts about the sway bars on site from people who know more about what mix you might want.

-G

[grrrdot]

It all depends on your tastes. I'm not racing or anything. I have stock early springs with front and rear sway bars and cheap gas shocks.
I've never used aftermarket springs, from what I read those give you early spider ride height ( which should be plenty clearance ) but with a little bit stiffer ride.

-G

[samakijoe]

You indicate that you live in Brooklyn. If you are going to use the car in the city (pot hole country) the wider tires will make parking difficult but will built up your arms over the next few years. Going to stiffer springs will make for a much stiffer ride. I know this "the thing to do" but after a while you will get tired of the uncomfortable jolts to you body. And I suspect that young lady in the other seat will say "what the he$l did you do to our car"? If this car is the one you use in club races/auto cross then go for it.

Just saying

Been there, done that.
.

[MIGHTY 8]

No kidding! I’m in bklyn, boerum hill. Will keep an eye out for you!

Can I ask what springs you are using?

Was looking at these but it says they lower the car an inch and I’m not sure that’s a good idea given the lovely state of our NYC roads

https://www.vickauto.com/newstore/index ... r91v35epq5

Also can I ask if you have a mechanic you like in the city? I went to Alfa Import on LI for a few small things but it’s a bit of haul to get out there.

Alfa Import is quite good, although it is a hike out there. Try Mitchell’s Auto near Prospect Park. Great person to deal with, and he has owned/owns quite a few Spiders of his own.

I recently discovered Driving Impressions in Dover NJ. Another hike out there, but Robert Zecca (Fiat Lancia Unlmtd boardmember) TRANSFERRED how my car was running. A genious!

Thanks for the response!

Hi all

Looking to replace the suspension and wheels/tires on my 79 Spider. Does anyone know of a handling kit I might consider?

If not, I’ve researched a bit on this forum and see the Koni yellow shocks seem to be the way to go? I live in New York City and our roads are chock full of the worst potholes. My current suspension is rather splashy so hoping for something a little stiffer.

As for wheels, would like something slight bigger than the stock size and a little wider. Have read about 15X7? Im kind of a novice here and unsure about spacers/rubbing, etc so would appreciate any advice!

As for exhaust, was going to go with the header to muffler set up from Vick’s. Anyone have any experience with that?

Thanks!
Erol

Hi Erol,

I’m also in nyc. Maybe our cars have crossed paths...not that many around for sure!
I have yellow Koni’s On all 4 corners. They are firm, but I wouldn’t really know what to compare them to, apart from driving another spider set up differently. Overall, I’m happy with them. I used to run 185/55-15’s and swapped to 175/60’s to try and get more sidewall and hopefully softened ride. But with how little we drive these cars, it’s hard to justify getting a new set so again, I’m happy there too

Just some musings here, but hopefully that helps

[73CS1592]

Hydrasports: (incoming shameless self promotion) Freaking awesome!!! Totally the best. These things are the bacon of the Fiat shock world. Okay in all seriousness. We made these to be virtually the same as OE shocks. And they are hydraulic like OE (and konis) so no extra gas causing any bounce.

Hi,
Are you referring to these?
https://www.vickauto.com/newstore/index ... qlpmjj0041

Cheers