81 Fiat Spider 2000 Timing Belt

[tcrooks]

Car has been sitting 5-years, runs, should I preemptively change the timing belt before returning to the road?

[RRoller123]

Sure, considering everything else that needs to be done to bring it up to current state, that makes a lot of sense. Especially if you don't know how many miles are on the belt. We usually suggest that all new owners change the belt regardless of what they are told. Cheap insurance. That being said, I believe that the '81, with the original 2L engine, is NOT an interference engine, unless it has been modified with a large valve head.

[GeorgeT]

While you're at it a new water pump, thermostat and idler pully for the timing belt would be a good idea.

[bobplyler]

That being said, I believe that the '81, with the original 2L engine, is NOT an interference engine, unless it has been modified with a large valve head.

I don't think the valves will hit, but the crankshaft can hit the fuel pump lobe on the aux shaft (unless the shaft has been modified to remove it).