We stand here in mourning for our dear departed

[Kingme2]

Hamster 3 of 4 from Toby's overdriven '80 Spider. With his departure, it leaves a loud banging under the hood with the engine engaged, bringing tears of pain to Toby's eyes...

Ok, engine broken, mechanic says "ugg, you buy new one". I bought used one in mystery condition $500, and mechanic says "umm, nope, buy new one".

Logged online and checked the IAP website on their customer appreciation day, hoping for any sort of discount... appearently they'll only appreciate you if you are there in person.

Pretty much resolved to buying their short block, since it meets the required criteria ('ugg, new?"), and thinking a new, enhanced top 1/2 to match the shiney new bottom half.

Their rebuilt heads are stock, and I was thinking sprucing it up a bit (bigger valves, hi-pro cam)... Is there a supplier that sells this set up, ready to go, or do I have to order parts, take it to local shop, find out which parts I missed, then...

All wisdom is appreciated.
Ps. don't go TOO techy on me... I'm the guy with rad fluid in the windshield washer thingy.

[So Cal Mark]

anytime you contemplate buikding an engine, you should have some operating perameters. Before you buy big valves, cams etc you should know what you want from the engine as far as rpm range, expected power, length of service, reliability and cost.
No reason for big valves if you're not looking to extend the rpm range. Don't choose big lumpy cams without boosting compression, using better valve springs, installing free flow exhaust header and system, etc

[Kingme2]

(sigh)... I was more hoping for "buy this, you be happy".

Perhaps I'll just get the stock rebuilt heads... (and a Hi-Pro cam??!?!?), easier. Might even be able to drive it again this year!!

[digitech]

Take it from one who has traveled this road (twice), you may want to talk to Jon Logan at Midwest124 (checkout his website!) before you part with any money. It may or maynot be cheaper, but you'll get what YOU need and not what a vendor wants to sell. I really regret not going that route, spent a lot more money and still not sure what I've got!

[narfire]

Not sure what engine you have, but I have a head sitting downstairs from a 2L that has had 5 thou shaved and new valve seals,stock valves,media blasted ect.If in dire straights I could let it go as I was going to save it for another project down the pipe next year.
PM if interested. Ital did not have anything that would work for you eh?
If fuel injected,stick with stock cams,perhaps if you can, source1800 head and headers make a great upgrade and still remains very drivable for a person that currently is getting aquainted with the mechanics of a fiat.
Chris

[Kingme2]

Chris, thx for the great offer, but I didn't want to take your redone head from your future project... sounds like it will be a rip-snorting monster... perhaps might see it someday, Coast isn't THAT far away!!

I called Ital Motors back... they have a COMPLETE rebuilt 2.0 for $2500... no monster shipping, Duty, customs brokerage, nor trading in my Can-Pesos for USD. Sounds like that will be the best deal for me... Not sporty, spunky, but is new, reasonable enough I can still do the interior redo I had planned... and be ready SOON!

Digitech: I did check out Midwest 124... very interesting. Like that he seems to actually have passion for these cars. I am ending up with a "spare" engine out of the process (my burnt out one will go as core, and had ordered a used "unknown condtion" one from Ebay). Perhaps, if I can hammer any smarts into my head, might call them up, see what's involved in making shiney AND sporty with the spare engine...

Thx all for the wisdom (some I took, some I will wish I did later!)

Toby