Header Related Question

[MNspiderman]

Once in a while I see a header for sale but it says its for the fiat spider 2000. Sometimes I see them say not for the 1800. Sometimes I see one for the 1800 and not the 2000, sometimes I see one for both sizes. Is there really a difference between a 1600, 1800 and 2000 engine when it comes to a header Fuel injected or carbonated? My only guess is that there is a bung hole (what a silly word) for an O2 sensor or something. My only other educated guess is maybe the 2.0 liter header is a bit taller so it don't hit the bottom of the car.... Hmmm

[manoa matt]

The stud spacing and exhaust port spacing is the same for all years of spiders. Yes it is true that the 2000 block is taller than the 1800 block. It is unknown if the suppliers accomidate for this, however since most are slip fit connections it might not be a problem. When I got a header for my 1800 I actually had to cut off about 3/4" from the down pipes so the lower portion would fit up closer to the underbody of the car. Considering that, the headders would also fit the taller 2000 block.

Yes, the 2000 headers have an O2 sensor bung, but its usually on the #2 cylinder. Ideally it would be where all the pipes meet up so you can get a reading on all cylinders and not just one.

The only other difference, (which may only apply to one or two vendors), is the catylitic converter flange. The 1800 series headers may have a 3 bolt flange. Mine did not, it was just a straight pipe. The 2000 series headers may have a 4 bolt flange.

If your car is carbonated then chances are it has a bung hole that needs a plug to keep all the excess gas in.

[zachmac]

If your car is carbonated then chances are it has a bung hole that needs a plug to keep all the excess gas in.

Dude, you are killing me!!!! LOL On the other hand, I find to much carbonation tends to come out the attic versus the basement, maybe a gag valve versus a bung hole plug!

[mbouse]

not an expert on headers...yet. however, i feel i must make some clarifications to Matts' reply. i am currently running a 1800 4-2-1 manifold on my carb'd two litre engine with a reworked 1800 head.

there are several differences between the carb'd and f.i. two litre engines, including the exhaust side. and, i am betting unless you are:
a. looking at a specifically stated f.i. intended header
or
b. reading that the header is not intended for road use and may not be legal in some states

then... there will be applications where the header does not work (legally) for the carb'd spiders.

carb'd vehicles have no need for the 02 sensor, correct.. but in addition, a properly functioning, 50 state legal carb'd vehicle would also have exhaust gases fed from the header or manifold thru the head to the intake side. seeing the header, and understanding where that port is on the carb'd head would make an easy determination if the header would activate the EGR system.

carb'd two litres had a pipe about 12-15" long between the down pipe and the catalytic converter. that pipe was flanged on one side with a three bolt flange. i believe that f.i. cars swapped that pipe for a similar size pipe with a four bolt flange. proper fitment of a header should not disturb this pipe or its application.

[MNspiderman]

All right, let me get this straight. So any same engine style header will fit on any engine weather its fuel injection or carbonated. Of course except the little do-dad things that might plug into your exhaust as some point. This is Good to know. Thanks Guys

PS: I also had to cut about 3/4 inch off my header bottom so it would be closer to the bottom of the car.