Do you prefer to modify your Fiat, or keep it original?

frencjas · Post by **frencjas** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:55 am

I really want to get a Spider again, but I have an internal drive that makes me want to make my cars faster than they came from the factory. I think this is somewhat pointless with a Fiat, as there is ample fun to be had with these cars in stock form, and really not cost effective to do these modifications compared to how fast you could go for the same money. The 1980 Spider I did own, I had stripped the bumpers, made custom light weight door panels, had a custom exhaust built, lowered it, etc... and it was decent, but definately not original any more, and only slightly faster than original (cornered way better though) I am leaning towards originality this time around, except maybe lowering springs. Your thoughts?

Also, what do you think about FI Spiders versus Carb'd. I can't recall the HP difference, and difference in fuel consumption. Anyone?

Thanks,

Jason

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 2:27 am

unless you have an original low mileage, pristine version, I'd modify it to fit your taste. These cars can be made very fast with pretty simple mods and relatively low cost. As for FI, driveability is much better than the carb models. But the carb models can make good hp for less money than the FI version

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 8:18 am

When I bought my 72, my intentions were to restore it to original condition, but....I didn't like the tan color of the interior and changed it to beige, then added velour seat inserts. I didn't like the factory steel wheels, so I replaced them with aluminum. When we disassembled a donor engine, we decided to go with more hp, which led to a different carb, which led to electronic ignition, which led to a custom aluminum timing cover...Now my car isn't original anymore, but I love it!

Mad-Machine · Post by **Mad-Machine** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:31 pm

Do not look at me.. I am the one stripping my 77 down to the bare shell so I can modify it with a Lancia Delta Integrale unit (Delta head and accessories on the Fiat block) a Six speed Tremec Transmission, and a BMW based Independant rear suspension.

frencjas · Post by **frencjas** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:50 pm

If I find a nice original one, I won't bastardize it (except reversible mods like springs, stereo, etc...), however if I end up with one that needs a bit of this and that, I am much more likely to turn it into my own, and take it a step further... I'll let you know on which route I end up going.

Jason

frencjas · Post by **frencjas** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 1:55 pm

Mad-Machine wrote:Do not look at me.. I am the one stripping my 77 down to the bare shell so I can modify it with a Lancia Delta Integrale unit (Delta head and accessories on the Fiat block) a Six speed Tremec Transmission, and a BMW based Independant rear suspension.

Are you doing anything to strenghten the chassis?

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 4:58 pm

whats a six speed tremec trans. where does it come from

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 5:22 pm

i bought an all original 70 from the original owener, i figured i would keep it all stock, but the didnt work out. i havent seen another spider thats further from stock then mine.

Danno · Post by **Danno** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:05 pm

IMO there isn't much reason to "restore" a fiat like mine (1980) I mean if I was talking about a car that was a good 10 years older it might be a different story. It's kinda like people who claim to be book collectors just because they have 100 year old books. anything that was published after like the mid 1800's isn't worth crap because there were so many of them. uniqueness is what makes a book (or car) valuable IMO. Sooo, with that said, since there are somewhere near a bajillion Fiat Spider 2000s I'll just try to make mine fun and stand out from the crowd. that means NOT maintaining originality.

My favorite kind of modification is one that makes people say one of two things. First: "Did it come that way?, that's cool" or Second: "That's awesome! how did you do/make that?!?!?!" so that's what I'm aiming for!

frencjas · Post by **frencjas** » Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:00 pm

If I could find a pristine Spider Turbo, that might be worth keeping original due to its relative rarity.

Mad-Machine · Post by **Mad-Machine** » Sun Feb 19, 2006 10:48 am

My spider is getting seam welded and a welded in roll bar. I am also looking into replacing the support that runs above your knees under the dash.

As for the transmission. The Tremec T56 is mostly a Mustang and Firebird replacement transmission. However, it fits the space almost perfectly (the shifter will be less than half an inch closer than stock) and can handle the 250 or so hp I am wanting to throw at it. The stock 124 transmission can barely handle minor increases in power, so while the tremec is overkill.. it is overkill I will never have to worry about again.

pastaroni · Post by **pastaroni** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 1:51 am

haha.. nothing mechanical stays original on my cars. im not even satisfied what what the vendors offer. best part is that it looks stock (except its stance) from outside. as far as performance goes, as long as I can blow away my friend's M3, i'll be happy. Considering i'll have slightly more power and 300 less pounds it shouldnt be a problem. =)

Hjulen · Post by **Hjulen** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:44 am

Fuel injection all the way baby. Especially when you can build yourself a kit like megasquirt for around 400$. Fully tunable, more reliable, more efficient for fuel and emissions...

Sorry old guys, but you cant beat technology.

Natalgia aside of course. but what are IDF throttle bodies for?

spiderrey · Post by **spiderrey** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:35 pm

are u making an adaptor for the tremec trans? and mine also looks stock or ol skool x cept for the ol hole in the hood.

Mad-Machine · Post by **Mad-Machine** » Mon Feb 20, 2006 11:20 pm

Once I get around to starting to reassebling my spider (still stripping her down) I will purchase the trans and see about finding a competant machinest to either make up a new bellhousing or an adaptor. I would prefer to run a bellhousing, but it sounds too expensive.