Mark at Allison Automotive gave me two new Spiders

[Schnauzer]

We finally have a hint of spring in North Idaho so my son and I took our Spiders out of mothballs. We both purchased 32/36 DFEV's and a centrifigal distributor for my son's 79. Installation of the DFEV's is a piece of cake on the 79 but the 76 requires a little engineering for the cable operated throttle. Mark supplied everything we needed fast and at a very fair price. We both used two spaces again at Mark's suggestion. Throttle response and drivability are amazing. We both had trouble with reliable idling prior to the swap. My 76 will idle at 600 rpm if I wish. Both set to 850 rpm. Rock solid. Smooth through all ranges. Noticable increase in torque with the double spacers. This is a tremendous upgrade particularly for my son's 79 smogger carb. Like having two brand new Spiders. We took a shake down cruise yesterday with some "spirited" driving. What a blast. On a side by side straight pedal to the metal run the 79 pulled away at the top end but until that time the little 1800cc held her own. We are both happy happy guys. My son can't stop smiling. Thanks Mark!

[spiderrey]

Congrats,

[Weelan]

That's great! Congrats! Get out and enjoy them!

[4uall]

Love reading these posts. Actually puts a smile on your face.

[maytag]

sweeet!
your excitement at the drive makes me want to get out in mine finally!

but probably like where you're at; here in SLC, we're expecting 90d today, back to 50d and rain by Wednesday.

[parsok]

What is the total height of your spacers?

[DocGraphics]

Damn Jim, I've had my carb for a few months now & still havn't installed it...good job.

Good to hear you've both got them up to snuff for the new driving season.
I think I will at least get my carb swapped this weekend...you've talked me into it.
I've been kinda waiting to put a few miles on it first & also till after Alvon comes thru on his bike trip to start.

We'll all have to get together for a run some weekend soon.

[124ADDHE]

If the engine is the "soul" of a car, what does that make the carb?

the testicles?


Great story!

[Schnauzer]

To Parsok. Each spacer is about an inch and an eigth so doubled up we're talking about 2 1/4". They are made by Redline. Give Mark a call. If you need exact measurement I can check mine when I get home tonite.

Jim

[Schnauzer]

To Don: This whole deal is your fault. Nick's smog carb has been a real challenge. You just happened to have that "jewelry" out on your bench when we stopped to visit. Ever since that is all Nick could talk about. I couldn't get left behind so we bought two. Sandpoint for breakfast?

[Weelan]

Wow 2 1/4" spacers and there's not hood clearance issues? There was another thread thinking that would be too high. That's cool.

[DocGraphics]

Jim, the spacers I got from Mark are 20mm so stacked mine will only be 1 1/2" tall (look like maybe even less), I should be able to use stock studs.
Were you able to use the stock studs?

Yea a Sandpoint breakfast sounds good again, we'll see how things go this weekend with the carb swap, if I feel it's ready for a road trip or if I want to wait till after the rest of the engine upgrades.

[spiderbob79]

you sound happy with the 32/36 DFEV CARB. just curious about the distributor you put in your sons 79.was the original
faulty or was this an upgrade? If so,what type was it and are nthey available at Allison automotive?
thank's , I would appreciate any info you have.

[Schnauzer]

To "Parsok". My memory was faulty. I took a look when I got home last night. The total of two spacers with 3 gaskets is about 1 1/2". Was able to use the stock manifold studs. Mark sent me some trick brass nuts which take an 11mm wrench instead of the stock which takes a 13mm. Much easier to get a wrench on. I have 12 point box ends. Piece of cake. Sorry for the mis-que.

Jim

[Schnauzer]

To "Spiderbob79". My son's stock 79 had a vacuum style distributor. The plate the trigger mounted on flopped around like a beached whale. Timing bounced around all over the place. I bought a non-vacuum centrifugal distributor that Mark at Allison Automotive had in stock used. Works like a charm. Very reasonable price. This along with the carb upgrade has made a huge difference in the performance of the 79. We were also able to eliminate a few miles of vacuum lines. I can't imagine what a manifold and head swap might do. Right now it is a fun driver.

Jim