Bang for your buck???

[baltobernie]

I used a Flowmaster #952060 at the back of the car; no other items in the stream. It is too thick to be used anywhere but the back (where it is the loudest).

It is quite loud ... too loud for extended highway driving, and I'm probably going to replace it this winter.

[So Cal Mark]

put on a pair of dual carbs-the sound from the engine will overpower any exhaust tone

[BEEK]

about to build a motor for my spider, I have a pair of 40idf's and a waffle manifold. set of borgo 9.8-1 pistons, 8 ferrea big valves, still need a header and make the cam choice, i have all of the ones offered from most every supplier. alquatti, iap, isky, reed, granted the last 2 are regrinds, but have performed well. an aluminum flywheel and some other neat things from jason miller.

[TulsaSpider]

Beek, what block/head are you using? I am about to begin putting together parts for first Fiat motor rebuild. 2L block 1800 head. Maybe HC pistons. I was checking out Miller's they have good stuff and at good prices!I want the aluminum pullys and a lightened flywheel. I'll have to start out with the EMPI carb, who has a review on it ?

[BEEK]

2.0 block and a 1608 head, im having the water port on the front welded up so i can use it, the factory port job is very good. opened the seats up and installing bigger valves

[manoa matt]

You guys should email John Logan (trained by Guy Croft) at midwest 124 for his thoughts on a 2L block with non 2L head combinations. He might change your mind.

[MIGHTY 8]

Im not quite ready to make the jump just yet....

But when discussing a spider motor's rebuild (performance oriented), would you guys recommend using tried-true sages like say Midwest 124, Paeco, or Allison automotive (and other's i'm sure i'm omitting) to do it for you, or do people usually source this work in their backyard garages?

I've never underwent an engine rebuild before, and knowing i'm unable to do it myself, I am interested in knowing how one goes about finally picking the person/shop to do it for you.

I live in NYC, so I'm also curious to know of any Fiat/Italian car specialists particularly in this area.

Thank you all,

G.

[BEEK]

depends on your mechanical ability. if you can compently rebuild a standard engine, then a performance engine wont be a problem, especially with mostly bolt on parts, i wouldnt recomend porting your own head, or installing big valves, that operation is best left for the experianced machinist. the hardest part will be learning how to degree cams.

[So Cal Mark]

if it were me, I'd first try a local source that is familiar with your engine. Shipping across country can add bucks to the bottom line, but just in case you have any issues with the motor having a local source will be easier. If you can't find someone local that is well-versed in what you want, then start looking for someone out of the area. Most of us have shipped heads and motors around the country for customers so it's not a real problem but I'm just thinking of worst case situations

[Zmatt]

if it were me, I'd first try a local source that is familiar with your engine. Shipping across country can add bucks to the bottom line, but just in case you have any issues with the motor having a local source will be easier. If you can't find someone local that is well-versed in what you want, then start looking for someone out of the area. Most of us have shipped heads and motors around the country for customers so it's not a real problem but I'm just thinking of worst case situations

How much familiarity is required with the fiat engine in particular? There is a very good engine shop in town that works with American V8s and they do a great job. Their rates for 4cyl engine rebuilds aren't bad either. Is there anything that weird in the Fiat engine that would goof them up?

[fiatfactory]

.

[ital]

One of the simplest performance upgrades - and still using all factory parts - is to install a cylinder head from a 105TC/Regata 100s. These cylinder heads come standard with 43.5mm inlet valves and a have very good valve bowl and a larger valve seat throat size than most other Fiat heads. They have a slightly smaller combustion chamber than a 2 litre too, so it will also boost the static CR.

That's one non 2l head on a 2l that definitely works very well....

It's a pity you guys don't see them as standard equipment on any US models... but freight from Australia / NZ / UK cant be that bad.

SteveC

Excellent advise as always Steve!