Decision? 78Carb vs. 82FI

[eddy314]

I'm trying to decide which one to buy. I've come across an 82 2000 with fuel inj and a 78 2000 with carb. Now first I thought the 2000 engine didn't come out till 79 but this definately has a 2000 tag and it was built in 78 so I guess its legit.

Th 82 has 125K miles and a lot of rust in the rocker panel section and bumpers, it is drivable but will need brakework and has a problem with 2cd or 3rd gear. The interior is bad, will need seat covers, center console, brake handle, carpet , you name it. The rocker panel rust may be severe, the jack points underneath show signs of crushing in a bit.

The 78 has been sitting for 17 years in a garage and has 65K miles. with the exception of a few holes in the floorpan, it seems incredibly solid. Even the body doesn't have any rust around the wheels and I've never seen rocker panels this solid. The interior will need seat covers but is in generally better shape than the 82. It will need major brakework but it does run and shifts through all the gears. However, the shift lever is really loose, and has a lot of play. Does it just need tightening up somehow? or is it major? It does have an oil leak after running the engine coming from behind the timing cover up high, maybe cam seal? Are these easy to replace? Since its been sitting for 17 years I'm concerned that it has actually been bad for it to just be sitting. Will all the gaskets and seals need attention? Will I have to battle a leaky engine all the time?


Each one is for aprox $1000 so which one would be the better buy. I've heard that the 82 is a more desirable model but the 78 is more solid to start with.

[So Cal Mark]

sounds like either car will need a complete restoration. I'd buy the one with less rust, but be aware a car sitting for 17 years will need every system gone through. Unless you're looking for a long term, expensive restoration I'd look for another car. Heck, I've got a nice 78 that only needs a top and it's only $2800. You won't get either of those cars on the road for anywhere near that amount

[htchevyii]

Mark is right. I always fall for the, too good of a deal to pass up cars, but by the time I'm on the road I could of just bought one that's road ready. I think I've got over 3 grand in my $300.00 '72 and it's still not done. On the other hand, I like working on cars and I know what I've got when I'm done, it all depends on what you're after. Even if I bought a runner, I'd probabily end up redoing it anyway.

[mbouse]

for a grand a piece, why not take both?

the first thing, a build date of late 1978 should be a 1979 model year. if it is a stock '79, then you are looking at the second worst performing Spider that Fiat built...only surpassed by the early 1980 models. emissions controls are murder on this engine. but then, if you aren't covered by emission laws, you also have the most available options list available for D.I.Y. performance enhancements.

but, if you aren't wrench handy, or don't wanna be.... the f.i. cars (when running properly) will smoke the stock 2 litre carb'd vehicles in every way. i've driven both, and own an '80. i enjoy bolting on performance enhancements, some people don't.

if you haven't the room or the time or the cash for both vehicles, go with the one with the least apparent rust. it MAY turn out to be the less work in the long run... but you'll never know for sure unless you grab them both.

[mdrburchette]

I'm with the others on this. Stay away from the one with rust. Even if you're a bodyman, it will be a major undertaking to repair a car with a lot of rust. Mechanicals can be repiared a lot easier....and as far as most desirable, I believe you mean 72 instead of 82?

[Kevin1]

Ditto the responses above. Having gone the route of replacing inner rockers, wheel arches, outer rockers, etc. I would find the most rust-free example that I could and start there. Trey mentioned having 3 grand into a $300 car - believe me, it can get worse than that pretty fast when rust is involved. By comparison mechanical repairs seem both more affordable and more DIY friendly than body work. Before buying either have a look at ebay and craigslist to see what road worthy examples are selling for. The spiders are terribly under valued for what they are. Just the way I like them! It could be well worth buying a little more expensive but far, far better car - unless you are specifically focused on having a project, which is sometimes the case.
Happy hunting!

[eddy314]

Thanks for the replies! For the record, the 78 actually states that it's a 1978 on the title but has a 2000 tag and engine. Is this a rare one?
The other one is indeed a 1982 2000 fuel-Inj. She was originally asking $3000 but I scared her as I uncovered the rusty rockers. The boss won't let me get both, I'll be in the doghouse just for getting one.
Right now I'm leaning toward the 78 which is more solid. I don't mind working on the 78 at all but I would be a bit disappointed if after I do all the work and it is still not quite as fast as an 82FI. I will take one last look at the 82 before I make my decision, at least it is drivable right now.

[spiderrey]

Denise, i think u mean 70

[mdrburchette]

Anything older than a 75 at least....right Rey?

[spiderrey]

i can live with that, i really prefer the flat hood, and im not to hot about the one year only 74 bumpers. but i do have a set for sale.

[mbouse]

Thanks for the replies! For the record, the 78 actually states that it's a 1978 on the title but has a 2000 tag and engine. Is this a rare one?

nope. not rare. nothing personal, but the use of the word "rare" is extremely over used...to the point of nausea at Evil Bay.

i'd be willing to bet that the title is wrong, and that the state it is titled in currently was not the original state of title. Fiat did not make '78s with two litre engines. some came with two different door styles, but all came with 1800 engines. betting an honest mistake was made by an unknowing DMV clerk based on the build date.

Michigan DMV for example could easily be swayed to believe that a car that old was a '78 or a '79...depending on who was doing the persuading. their handbooks for stuff that old are not very reliable, and NO DMV clerk is stepping around that counter!

either that, or someone switched the tag in the engine bay.

[spiderrey]

its common knowledge that fiat didnt have sharp cut offs from year to year. there are 72,s with the one year only 71 tail lights. there are also very late 78,s with 79 2000 outside door handles. so i dont see it as impossible for a late 78 to have a 2 liter.

[pope]

Fiat owners would never switch engines or tags, so you can be assured that this car is original.



Oh boy!

[kristoj]

Lol. No kidding!

[ga.spyder]

My 2 cents worth,always buy the absolute best car you can afford unless you are a master mechanic or a sadist.Unless you fall into one of these catergories...keep looking.There are plenty of driveable solid Fiats around in the 2500-3000 price range that you can drive and enjoy while you work on them.My car is a nice Fiat,not a show car.I have a friend who has put more money into a car than I have in mine,and he hasnt driven it yet!!! It still needs a top,paint ,rust repair .etc...Why get upside down in any car?He will have 6000 in a 1500 car ...maybe more!! He doesnt do any mechanical work ,which is one reason for his dilemna. Good luck in your quest!
Craig
example http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1980-FIA ... 240%3A1318