Jacked up Spider

[Torxx]

My '79 Fiat Spider (and most spiders that I have seen) appear to be jacked up in the rear a bit. Can the rear suspension be lowered without compromising performance? If so how is it done? Ideally looking for a more level look to the car.

Thanks

[So Cal Mark]

replace the springs

[HOLLYWOODSPIDER]

If I switch to the springs that lower my car, does the panhard rod need to be shortened to re-center the differential?

Will a 2-inch difference in body height withought changing the panhard length affect the placement of the differential enough to cause a problem?

[bandit]

It should be fine Hollywood


Daniel

[Torxx]

I feel trigger happy with my new spider, ready to dump some money that is.

I am seriously considering the whole suspension enchilada from IAP, i.e., performance springs, kona shocks, sway bars.

The car runs well but sluggish (stock with cat and ansa pipe) sounds cool

cosmetically better than decent (less than perfect).

To me handling is the key to driving enjoyment and I thinking of starting the hemorrhaging there.

[bandit]

Tox

The KYB GR2 shocks feel great on the spiders and i drove a
coupe that had them as well . I think the feel of both shocks
are great but when you look at the price differnce wow KYB's
are a much better bang for the buck Vicks carries them .


Daniel

[So Cal Mark]

KYB GR2 shocks are excellent for street use. Wouldn't curing the sluggish perf be a good investment?

[TVST*R]

Luv my Koni Yellows!
T

[Torxx]

KYB GR2 shocks are excellent for street use. Wouldn't curing the sluggish perf be a good investment?

Oh yeah... I think the sluginess is just the stock setup plus 60k miles. I am trying to figure out some good, reasonable changes to do, but do plan on some mods, nothing crazy though.

I like the suggestion of a better single carb and intake, and maybe ditch the cat conv.

[bandit]

You can keep the 79 Manifold and replace the carb with and ADF
off a 78 thru 75 that will be a step up with out all the hassle I did
that to my 1979 Spider and now has some power b4 it was a total
Dog .


Daniel

[Torxx]

hey bandit, i kike the sound of that... can you give me a little more specifics on the carb so i can see about buying one, i.e., i'm not very knowledgeable on these thing, but learning

Thanks

[azygoustoyou]

Hi all,
Are you saying KYB GR2 shocks are what I want to buy for my Fiat? How much are they? Im figuring I have the original shocks on my car. They seem pretty stiff. I haven't really had the chance to drive it since I bought it. I don't want to insure it until I get it rust free and up to par. Im only going to use it for the street. Who and where is Vicks? I've noticed other people using that name before. Is he a vendor? Is there any other vendors out there besides IAP, Bruce's , funimport, and bayless?
Thx

[pope]

Thats a lot of questions for 5 lines!

Could be, about $25, Fiat parts vendor,http://www.vickauto.com/,yes,yes

[pope]

Hey Torxx,
I have a brother that has a home in Norfolk on the Chesapeake Bay next to Little Creek, I get up there about twice a year and love the area. Thats me going 75 on the Sea-Doo on the Bay. Got a pic of your spider?

[mdrburchette]

If you guys are planning on beefing up the front suspension with the 1" sway bar, be wary of the original mounting studs breaking. It happened to mine and resulted in Alvon and I spending a few quality hours laying under the Fiat!