Edit... Resto mod FIRST DRIVE

[MIGHTY 8]

Congratulations Alan!!! Keep us posted with what it's like to drive after all those mods. I'm very keen to know what your feelings are having upgraded to the 44s' after having run them for a while (you did go with the 36 mm main venturi's right?).
-Gabriel

[Kta124]

wow! looks great!

what is the gauge near the weber carb sign?

Looks like a fuel pressure gauge to me…

Great work on the car, and great post to read!! Continue the good work...

[SoFlaFiat]

Thanks gang!!
I'm feeling good about it!!
The gauge in the fuel line is a pressure gauge, as the IDF carbs are very particular about fuel pressure.
In an effort to get the thing on the ground I started getting the front suspension together.









Not sure if it is the springs or the shocks but I'm having issues with little to no up/down movement. Obviously I don't want it to be excessive but I want a little. I'll have to play with the Koni settings and see what I can figure out.

Oh, and Steve, this is a race? Awesome!! I had no idea!!! I'll put money that mine is on the road first and yours looks better doing it!!

[vandor]

Check that the brake hoses do not run on the tires when turning left/right. It looks like they might.

[SoFlaFiat]

Check that the brake hoses do not run on the tires when turning left/right. It looks like they might.

Will do! They are still lose while I figure out what is limiting my suspension travel. I'm fairly sure that my spring is not seated properly. I ran out of time yesterday but will take it back apart tonight...

[aj81spider]

Looking good!

Your anti-sway bar attaches differently than mine. Is that custom or just the way later Spiders attached them?

[toplessexpat]

Would look nicer with a Blue Block

Ok - it looks awesome as it is!

Btw - worth pinging jeff (sptcoupe) on the jetting for his 44s. It's definitely odder than you may think - but runs perfect. We'd put a regulator, new pump, new tank, moved idle and main jets around .. And it all came down to the chokes.

A

[SoFlaFiat]

Oh but I am so regretting not painting the block BLUE!!!

Yep, my sway bar end links are a bit custom. They are still untried but if they work out well, I'll let all know! If they don't... I'll let all know that too!!
I think I have the suspension travel sorted and I started playing with brake line placement. Still have to button up the brake line connections but I do have it to a point where it doesn't rub the tire.



As I assemble the front suspension I am installing new bearings etc. and testing as I go. Wheel spins... Makes for a cool picture!



Andy,
I will reach out to Jeff for any and all input when I get this thing on the ground and ready to start. Jeff, if you are checking in on this thread, my initial set up is minimally different from your suggested "built 2 liter" set up. I have gone ahead and ordered the jets and correctors you have had luck with so that I have some options to play with.
My initial set-up is:
Emulsion tubes F-9
Venturi 36
Aux Venturi 4.5
Main jets 145 (150s ordered)
Idle jets 60
Air Correctors 190 (200s ordered)
Needle Valves 1.75 (2.00 ordered)
Pump Jets 40 (55 ordered)

And just to have it readily in context, the intake is ported, the cams are 42/82-82/42, valves are 43 in and 37.5 out, 4-2-1 header into 2 1/2" pipe, 4.5mm domed pistons.

Hopefully this gives me something to work with while I learn about dual weber set ups!
Thanks Jeff!! For all the useful info you have posted and shared!

[njoconnor]

+1 on the blue block. I have some extra Rustoleum Marine Blue (close to the Azura of the early 70s). When Jim comes through WI on his way to Beek's, he can pick it up for you: spray or brush on, your choice. Heck.....I just might grab a ride with Jim and apply the paint for ya . No, no trouble at alll......

Seriously, Alan, looks really nice. Even without tne blue.

Neil

[fiat218]

+1 on the blue block. I have some extra Rustoleum Marine Blue (close to the Azura of the early 70s). When Jim comes through WI on his way to Beek's, he can pick it up for you: spray or brush on, your choice. Heck.....I just might grab a ride with Jim and apply the paint for ya . No, no trouble at alll......

Seriously, Alan, looks really nice. Even without tne blue.

Neil

Lol. Ride is free

[toplessexpat]

... Or maybe a nice sea green....

[SoFlaFiat]

I love blue! Especially on Neil's car!!
Sea green? Maybe for the drapes?

[njoconnor]

Damn. Your car's gonna have drapes, too? I''m really falling behind fast......

Neil

[toplessexpat]

I'm assuming the final machine will have leopard skin pattern seat covers. The hydraulic suspension setup does seem to be missing though.

I did manage to find a picture of Alan last week in Miami that'll give us some idea of the finished article.....

[btoran]

if you photoshop a miata below the seat, i think we have a viable replacement for miata-man.