About to Jump Into Fiat Ownership

[ishtvan47]

Hey guys, after nearly a year of serious looking, I'm about to jump into Fiat ownership.

Originally I thought I wanted to buy a FI Spider, but have come across a beautiful carb'd 1980. I've read all the posts about FI vs. carb'd, and still haven't decided one way or the other. I love the car, which has been carefully restored with a couple of mods, but I am more of a weekend driver, not a tinkerer.

Does anyone have any advice on the 1980 carb'd model vs. a FI Spider? I know that 1980 was the year they switched mid stream to FI. Should I be concerned about buying the last carb'd model? Could I convert the car to FI with little difficulty?

[racydave]

The original carbs on the 80"s were pretty anemic due to the pollution control specs. Maybe it has been changed over? Do you have state inspections to deal with? It would be alot easier to switch the carb than to do a fuellie system. Mine is a carbd 79 with alterations, its all good! Lookie here http://www.fiatspider.nl/ ( intake, combustion and carbs)

[ishtvan47]

Thanks for the info RacyDave. I'll ask the guy if he knows what carb is in the car. I know the engine was rebuilt three yeasr ago and it doesn't have stock exhaust, so maybe the carb was replaced. I'm in Los Angeles, where we have crazy emissions standards, but I know the car passed smog this year (after the rebuild). At least that's what the guy says.
So you think converting to FI would be too difficult/costly?

[narfire]

There was someone not long ago I thought changed to FI and has a post. I have a 80 FI and love it for ease of driving,decent power,and I can wrench the car without too much difficulty. Our moderator Marc,has a shop in Uplands and is very well versed in the pros and cons,especially the emission standards in CA.
Welcome to the world of Fiats,great little cars.

[ishtvan47]

I'll take a look for the post on carb/FI conversion. I'll also be moving to Claremont, CA this fall, which isn't far from Upland, so maybe I'll see him driving around. Thanks

[rlux4]

Right nest to Upland!
No problem then, that's where the ace mechanic for Fiats is: Mark Allison, our moderator.
He knows all when it comes to smog issues.
As far as carb'd VS FI, I'm prejudiced, I had a 79 (a slug in California) my present 82. I like the FI.
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

I live in Claremont, so definitely look me up. Converting to FI takes some perserverence but there are benefits. To do it legally, the car needs to go through the referee verification process after the conversion. They will afix a tag to the door jamb with the new modifications and approvals. Besides the improved driveability and fuel mileage. much of the emission equipment can be removed since the FI versions didn't need it or use it. It's a little pricey to buy all of the parts individually though. If you can find an FI parts car the process is much simpler.

There is a current thread started by another so cal member doing a carb swap on an 80 model right now, so you might check out the topics for that story.

Are you moving to Claremont for the colleges?

[ishtvan47]

Thanks everyone for the posts. Mark and I have already exchanged a couple of emails. Hoping to introduce myself in person soon. I'm looking at the car tomorrow. Wish me luck.