Carb or Fuel Injection? Pros/cons

[MykeNytemare]

Not looking to start a debate, but need honest feedback after lurking on this board for the last few weeks and seeing lots of posts. Essentially, should I get a carbed or fuel injected 124? What are the pros and cons? I also hope to add AC in the future...maybe even send the car to RoadsterSalon in a year or two for a complete rebuild to be a daily driver instead of purchasing a new car.

I have worked on cars and motorcycles for a while, but never a European sports car, let alone a Fiat (and all the “issues” and “quirks” that may go with that). Currently, somewhat nearby, I have seen a 76, 79, and an 82.

It seems a lot of the posts here demonstrate that the Bosch Fuel Injection is pretty great and once the injectors/system are clean and running right, the reliability and power is truly amazing. However, as more of an old school guy, I see the carbed cars as likely easier to get parts for and work on, especially since the smog stuff can be removed and the 1800 intake manifold swapped. I also wonder if getting parts for the FI cars is more difficult and if the issues of having to deal with VERY old electronics (ECU) for the FI and having a catalytic convertor (and an O2 sensor) add the to minuses of a FI car?

[samakijoe]

You never indicated what "vintage" 124 you are looking to buy. But seeing as how you are looking to send it to a body shop for rework it does not seem to be one of the current show room models. I've been involved with carbed cars for a long time. ( 57 years, Alfas) I recently bought an Alfa with a Spica system. After looking in to the maintenance and the complexity of the system I decided to sell the Alfa and Update a 1975 124. There is nothing like a simple carborated engine. Go with the (single something or other) older intake manifold and a genuine Weber Carb. (Don't go with the Chinese Knockoff) Luckily I came across a really clean, no rust, great paint, 1975 Spider that I am really happy with, so they are out there to find. You need to wait until one comes along. I know I paid top dollar for it but in the long run it is really worth it. Body work (rust repair) can kill you in time and ($$$$$) money. And after you get the car back from the body shop you really don't know how good (and how correctly) the repairs are.
This site is really a great for info on these cars.

Hint: Take a look at https://bringatrailer.com/

Happy Hunting

[MykeNytemare]

I'm looking at Spiders between 75 and 82...forgot to say that explicitly. So I'm between the 1800/2000cc variety and the ones with the Bosch injection.

[JohnMc]

It also depends on whether you live in a state like mine, California, that has smog requirements. You probably know your State's requirements, if any.
In CA a gasoline powered car 1975 and earlier does not ever need smog checks. With that I only look at 1975 and younger and also the fuel injection 124's (1980/81) and over. The ones in between have power draining smog equipment that cannot be removed - at least here in CA.
But comes to preference in style and I like not having humps on the hood - so I like early ones.
Again, just preference.