If you had $2K . . .

[Kevin1]

Here is something that doesn't come along often, a chance to decide how best to spend someone else's money!
A very short version of the background story: Medical problems dictate giving up riding motorcycles (cause in itself for serious adrenaline withdrawals...) So motorcycle is sold, leaving the Spider as the solo "fun" ride. The spider is a 1980 FI, stock drivetrain, 82,000 miles. Upgrades are rear sway bar, 95 amp alternator, 2" stainless exhaust, gutted catalyst, KYB shocks and BSA wheels. Body and interior are in very nice shape, so not really looking for cosmetic ideas beyond possibly ditching the tube bumpers. As it sits aside from an occasional starter problem it runs great.
If you could take $2k from the sale of the bike to throw at making the spider more fun to drive, ie. go faster, handle better, what would you do if it were yours?
I am guessing that you all will come up with plenty of things that I never would have considered so have at it!

[TulsaSpider]

Easy for me. It would be the dual carb setup!

[narfire]

I have Marks cams and adjustable cam wheels on a massaged 2L fi head.(debating to change everything to a 1800 head I have) The fun quota went up alot.Perhaps look into a head from midwest and Marks cams and Jasons cam wheels $$$ likely around 2 G's. When another 2K pops up then perhaps the block can get a set of oversize HC pistons and headers , shaved flywheel and balanced. I tell you, you WILL notice a big difference.
Chris

[manoa matt]

2K will get eaten up pretty quick doing an engine rebuild. And no sense building up the engine if all the other systems are lacking. I would take the 2K and "invest" it back into the car with prudent upgrades that make it more reliable and safe before adding more power.

1. Upgrade or maximize and rebuild the brake system (the entire system) Replace the rear compensator, master cylinder, hard lines, and rubber lines, rebuild the calipers, new pads and rotors. Or get a big brake kit for the front calipers.

2. Cooling system(the most neglected system) All new hoses, thermostat, pump, rad fan switch. Take the rad out and have it re-cored, or buy a performance aluminum one.

3. Suspension. Replace the upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends, center link, upper and lower control arm bushings, wheel bearings, sway bar bushings, front and rear shocks, all new rear trailing arms and pan hard bar, or new bushings for them. (This will make it drive, handle, and stop like it should, and will totally transform the feel of the car.)

4. Engine gaskets, oil seals, and every rubber hose and belt. Stop the oil puddle in the garage and be proud to open the hood with a clean engine. Replace ALL rubber hose sections on the fuel lines and think about changing the fuel hard lines, they rust from the inside out.

These mods should totally transform the feel of the car especially the brake and suspension upgrades. There won't be more power but you will be able to go faster safely and actually stop and control the car. It will ride and feel like a new car.

[Kevin1]

Chris,
I have an 1800 head sitting on the bench that can be put to use. Maybe that with cams and wheels, plus possibly replacing the stock cast iron exhaust header would be the way to go.

Matt,
All the basics you mentioned are already done. I forgot to mention the upgrade to Whoa brakes and larger rotors in my original post. You are right about how those items all help a lot, especially the brakes and suspension. Brakes, suspension, cooling, and gasketing are all good. Engine is tight, good compression, good oil pressure, and no leaks. Other things added along the way are more comfort/convenience items, like new upholstery, dashboard, a wind blocker and seat heaters.

Would dual carbs and a header offer more benefit than cams with the FI? Or am I better off keeping the top end stock and pursuing higher static compression by changing pistons, etc? Machine work on the block (boring, decking) would have to be sent out - too big for my equipment. Head work can be done at home, as would assembly, fitting, and installing.

The question is now "where would you go from here?".

[narfire]

Whish the Star trek teleporter worked and could Zoot around the country and check out a few cars with various upgrades.I think you could then tell for yourself what would work. The gearheads around here have for the most part said the breathing of the head/combustion chambers is a critical part in power. Last year I ran a worked 1800 head but with stock cams and wheels. I had the 2L FI head done the same way but with the cams and getting dialed in properly and I really noticed a HUGE difference over last year. My lower end does have the oversize pistons and all has been balanced but I think the new head has really made the engine wake up. I'm still running the stock FI and the car really pulls well and drives just fine in stop and go traffic in town, a perfect mix in my opinion.
Chris

Mind you if I had 2 g's right now...a scuba diving trip to Cozumel would be nice

[maytag]

dood.... I've been where you're at. The Spider will never fill the hole left in your soul. Especially if you were accustomed to motorcycles of (i've tried to find a nice, political way of saying this:) "a certain ride-quality not found in the popular American brand".

Do yourself a favor: save your $2k for the medication it'll take to wean you away from bikes.

[leftfield6]

dood.... I've been where you're at. The Spider will never fill the hole left in your soul. Especially if you were accustomed to motorcycles of (i've tried to find a nice, political way of saying this:) "a certain ride-quality not found in the popular American brand".

Do yourself a favor: save your $2k for the medication it'll take to wean you away from bikes.

I'll agree with this. I was able to purchase my project Pininfarina with funds from selling my motorcycle. I miss it already. Even a drop top sports car doesn't provide the same level of adrenaline that a sport ( or sporty) bike provides. I had a 700cc inline-4 Honda Nighthawks S, one of the first "standard" bikes with some serious sport abilities. Dang, I miss that bike!!

I'm already plotting how to sneak a bike into the garage without the wife seeing it. I sold my bike, not because of medical issues, but because of the wife's stress level. Now I regret selling it.

[bobplyler]

I'm already plotting how to sneak a bike into the garage without the wife seeing it.

Do what I did when I explained to my wife:

I'm getting one of the following, in order of cheapness. Take your choice.

• Motorcycle.
  Airplane.
  Mistress.

[DUCeditor]

Interesting reading here. I been a motorcyclist for over 40 years and presently own a couple of Ducatis. But not to far from my 65th BD I've been wondering at what point I should say to myself "You've had your high-speed fun" and willingly move on to other things.

Right now I can't ride because of recently having shoulder surgery. Amazingly I am not missing it at all because I am having so much back-road fun in my Spider.

Not "hot" fun, mind you. One thing about having years on fast motorcycles, including a fair amount of track time, is that anything sanely done on the street is no longer an adrenalin rush. But mellow too is good. And the Fiat's "sprightly" performance, coupled with a great road feel and a wonderful sound, makes me smile.

Will that POV change? I suppose if I was forced to sell my bikes it would, and in a hurry. (I am not partial to forced anythings!) But reason and choice drives me more than my gonads. As it is I could see making a voluntary change without any major trauma.

-don