Years of the Fiat - Compatible?

[NitroDemon]

Apparently, so my father says, He found a what he beleives to be a '84 Spider 2000 FI (year not exactly sure of) being sold in Oregon for around $850 In considerable better shape than my '79 i bought for $1,250 and i was wondering, Aside from the motor being Fuel Injected is the body and main parts of the car interchangeable between the two years? Im thinking I may want to grab it as a Parts car to help finish my '79.. Would the newer motor be able to be put into the '79 if it proves to be better or will that bring more problems than solve? I'd very much like as much input on the subject as possible. Thanks guys!

[azygoustoyou]

Yes most things are interchangeable. I think the only difference is the engine and the front cross member.

[NitroDemon]

Would it be a simple matter to relocate the crossmember on the 79 and be able to install the newer motor if it proves to be better?

[azygoustoyou]

If I'm right, the only difference is there is a shim on the later models which could be cut off.

[Ken]

I had to replace my cross member on my 80 carb model and could only get one for a 76, I did have to cut the shims off the old cross member and put on the 76 but when I pulled the motor out this winter I could see where the pan was just touching the cross member and had rubbed the paint off both. When I put it back in I am adding a ¼ shim under the motor mount

[narfire]

I believe most parts are interchangable including the engine. Both are 2L blocks and heads . You'll have to swap the intake manifolds if you want the 84 engine in the 79 and keep the carb. I and a number here would recomend finding a 1800 head to put on the 2L while swapping engines.Nice simple compression boost. Single plane manifold as well? Get hold of Mike Bouse, I think he has that setup on a carb'd 80.
I'm not sure but the cross member from my 79 parts car looks the same as my 81 parts car and my 80 driver. All are 2L engines.
Kinda wonder though if the perhaps 84 is in better shape and FI, why strip it to finish a 79?

[NitroDemon]

From what I was told from my father is that it looked to be in better condition than my '79 but he only just saw it while looking at a boat he was going to possibly buy. The Fiat in question was bought at auction really cheap and the guys just looking for a resale. Its unknown if it even runs, is full of junk and has a couple flat tires and a torn soft top. He said the interior looks better than mine was and the body looked to be in rather decent shape. I'm just after random parts and If i get the car, i'll probly be throwing parts up here if anyones interested in them. I've got the '79 down to bare metal but I guess its possible I could end up rebuilding the '84 but that seems to be a waste of a lot of time on the '79..

[spiderrey]

The 79 should have the same x member as the 84? You dont really need the later x member to install a 2 liter, Ive done it twice.

[So Cal Mark]

the only possible difference in the crossmembers would be if the 84 had rack and pinion steering

[mbouse]

a $850 parts car? wowzers! that's a lotta cash-0-la for a parts car. But, having a parts car around while you are doing a restoration is a great thing to have.

swapping engines for the F.I. into your '79 body will require some wiring changes, but the fit should prove zero issues, and would be a wash when compared to my recommendations for beefing up a carb'd two litre. i'm using a two litre block, an 1800 head and intake manifold and a 32/36 DFEV.

a stock F.I. will outperform a stock 2L carb'd vehicle every day when both are tuned to stock specs. i'd question stripping a decent '84 to complete a stock '79 as well. sounds backwards to me, unless you want poor performance. a stock '79 or early '80 were the worst performing Spiders i can think of.

[NitroDemon]

I could probly get it for cheaper, but I dont know if i'll even get it at this point. I've put alot of work into the '79 stripping it down to bare metal to straighten out shotty body work and rust areas. It would seem a real shame to abandon it. I hadn't known much about the cars when I found my 79 on craigslist and only just down the road to boot! Fell inlove with the cars looks and bought it, Had no idea at the time I had just bought one of the considered worst years for the car. I just dont see how I could abandon a $1,250 investment in the '79 to rebuild a '84 that I got for around $800.. The guy with the 84' hasn't even tried to see if it will start.. so the engine's condition is unknown anyways.

[mbouse]

non runners should not sell for over $500.... takes too long to recoup your investment

[spiderrey]

Bouse a 500 doller limit dosent really work all the time. You can find non running cars with the right parts to justify spending more easily. Not often but they are out there. Most of the time the people are asking way to much though.

[NitroDemon]

Theres another one down in that area, a 1980 thats being listed on craigslist for $600. I may swing by there and take a look at that one aswell while im in that area.

[mbouse]

just a rule of thumb i use around here. i think it applies most places. used to be you could expect a 3x return on your investment too. i am not seeing that any more either.