I need help from the experts!!

General chat about the car goes in here.
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ga.spyder
Posts: 3478
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:19 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000
Location: Blairsville ,Ga.

I need help from the experts!!

Post by ga.spyder »

I have a line on a 78 Spider,that I can get cheap.Good interior ,no visible rust,runs good,faded paint,etc... I have heard a lot of not so good things re. the performance of the 78's.Is this easily and cheaply cured? There is no emission issues here,so I can remove power robbers.I would love a little input on these cars.I am going to give it the close up inspection on Sat.If the car runs as good as he says,and really doesnt have rust it would be a great deal!So...pipe in with some info so I can be an informed buyer. Thanks,
Craig
Craig Nelson

1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car
Fling It Around Turns !
racydave

Re: I need help from the experts!!

Post by racydave »

Craig, I was really impressed with the 1800 engine. I do not think it would take that much to have a good performer. It'll never be a fuellie, but carbs are OK. Bet you have gone thru a few anyway... Heather needs a car anyway!!!
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manoa matt
Posts: 3442
Joined: Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:28 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Spider 1800
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Re: I need help from the experts!!

Post by manoa matt »

I guess everyone is partial to the model and year that they drive. I've had two 78's and love them. I've worked on and driven earlier and later model years and still prefer the 78.

Unlike the 2000's the 1800's are very rev happy which I think improves the driving experience, if not for the sound alone.
Just by removing and blocking off the emissions equipment, getting a 4-2-1 exhaust with straight pipe to replace the cat, and a free flow air cleaner will realy wake the car up without braking the bank.

If its a late 78 even better cause it might have the later style door handles and a 3.90:1 rear end.

I know that vendors list the front fenders as the same for all models, but I think the 78 and earlier cars have a softer line along the top of the fenders. It seams the 79 and later fenders have a sharp crease along the top. However It may just be an optimal dilusion from the large bump hood. I think the small bump hoods look better too.

As with any fiat spider inspection, check the crossmember mounting points and frame rails, shock towers, and the fender beam above the shock tower for signs of distress, fatigue, rust, bulging or collapsing.
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kilrwail
Posts: 1100
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 6:49 am
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Sport Spider
Location: Perth, Ontario

Re: I need help from the experts!!

Post by kilrwail »

Craig - I've only ever had a '78, although I drove a '68 or '69 coupe before I got mine. But I have always loved the car and never wished for more power. I didn't want a hot rod - I wanted a sports car and found one in the Spider. If the car you're looking at has lived its life away from salted roads, you shouldn't expect to find much deterioration underneath. Mine saw a fair amount of rain in its first six years and I can still undo any bolt underneath without chemicals. Mine was made in May '78 and has the newer door handles and no cat - just an air pump and EGR. I have left everything stock although I don't have to pass e-tests anymore - we do still have roadside inspections for missing emissions equipment. The only carburator tweeking I've ever done was to replace the accelerator valve. Anything else was just maintenance. Good luck with it - I don't think you'd be disappointed.
_____________________________________________________________
Peter Brownhill

1978 Fiat 124 Sport Spider - original owner
1977 Porsche 911S - track car
2022 Ram 4 x 4 - hauler
PCA National Instructor and Motorsport Safety Foundation Level 2 Instructor
So Cal Mark

Re: I need help from the experts!!

Post by So Cal Mark »

78s rock! add another to your stable.
One big plus is that the 78s will freewheel if you lose the t-belt; no valve interference and no aux shaft interference either
User avatar
ga.spyder
Posts: 3478
Joined: Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:19 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000
Location: Blairsville ,Ga.

Re: I need help from the experts!!

Post by ga.spyder »

Thanks for all the replies.I am going to look at the car tomorrow.You hear this stuff about anemic carbs,etc... and think there are problems with a certain model.Apparently that isnt the case.I hope the car is all he says it is,because it would be hard to pass on it if it is.He has told me that it starts easily and runs great.It does have cosmetic issues,but that would be ok with me.I will let you know.
Craig
Last edited by ga.spyder on Fri Aug 07, 2009 2:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Craig Nelson

1982 Spider 2000...pride and joy
1981 Fiat X1/9..gone but not forgotten
1976 124 Spider..the self-healer
2001 BMW 328ci daily driver and track car
Fling It Around Turns !
mbouse

Re: I need help from the experts!!

Post by mbouse »

i think you heard enough to make up your mind, however, i cannot resist adding my $.02

not everyone is a speed demon. i drive my car like i stole it... however, my wife has the '78, and she loves it! absolutely loves it. it is a hoot to drive, even if it cannot keep up with my Spider. i kid her about driving like a grandma sometimes, but that is her style. she still flings it around the curves, smiling all the way.

it suits her perfectly. they are a great car to have, especially if you "need" two (like we do).
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