A few questions from a potential owner - carbs and bearings

[jazzguitarboy]

Hey all,

There are a couple of '79 Spiders in the Raleigh-Durham area that I'm going to take a look at if they're still available when I get back in early January. I have a few questions while I start putting together a budget:

- I've read the recommendations for carbs for a '79 - replacing the head and intake manifold with ones from an 1800 Spider and installing a different carb. Apparently the Holley-Weber 5200 carbs are the same thing as the 32/36 DFEV and DFAV carbs that everyone around here seems to like, and would work with the existing throttle linkage from a Spider 2000. I've read that the jets are also interchangeable. You can get a rebuilt H-W from Langdon's Stovebolt at http://www.stoveboltengineco.com/acartp ... ductid=149 for $65, compared to $270 from Weber for an equivalent carb. Has anyone tried running one of these on a Fiat? If so, how did it work?

- I've priced the bearings for the transmission and the differential from International Auto and Bruce's Parts Bin. They all seem overly expensive. I've replaced bearings in motorcycle transmissions in the past, and I've been able to measure the dimensions and substitute bearings from another bearing manufacturer. Are Fiat transmission and differential bearings a standard size that would be available from another manufacturer, or are they an unusual size that isn't available anywhere else?

Thanks,
Ben

[racydave]

Ben, you sound like you are rarin to go! Denise has run the Holley,and had sucess. The head really is not necessary, but do-able. Ive had good luck with my trannie. Im sure that alot of things will need attention to make one streetworthy.Especially anything rubber! Plus fixin all the known problems.We could put together a list thatll keep you plenty busy. Good luck with the hunt.

[So Cal Mark]

the carb will work, back when PIntos were plentiful in the junk yards that was a cheap upgrade. But you're comparing a new carb at 270 to a rebuilt at 65. Rebuilt carbs are not the same as new carbs.
Tranny and diff bearings are unique, I've never been able to find interchangeable bearings

[mbouse]

i respectfully disagree with you dave. the head swap we just did on my '80 was from the stock carb'd two litre head to a reworked & polished 1800 head... and I cannot overemphasize the difference it made in performance. and, the rework included stocker cams.


I had already, the previous season replaced the stocker 2 litre carb and intake for the 32/36 Weber and 1800 intake. those, by themselves made huge gains in engine throttle response. this next season will see a gasket matched and polished 1800 intake swapped in, with a series of carb spacers tested.

for under $300 there is nothing better than grabbin' a new carb off the shelf. you'll not regret it.

[baltobernie]

Hello Ben, and welcome.

I've not personally rebuilt a Fiat 5-speed, but others on this forum have, and their posts seem to indicate that the common wear items are synchro's and forks. Some even go so far as to say that 40-year-old Italian bearings are better than new aftermarket ones, so I'd replace with care, and only if necessary. Good luck with your project, and let us know how you make out.