New member from Orlando, FL

[wachuko]

Hello!

Doing all my homework to learn about this car and what ownership would be like before I take the plunge.

So far I have order the workshop manual and the Haynes manual to read on the mechanical aspects of it. Started a folder with all the bookmarks to Fiat sites, forums, parts suppliers, etc.

Now going over the threads and for sale posts (in the forums, craiglist, autotrader, etc.) to find the right one for me. Very exited to get into my first Italian car.

In advanced, thank you all for the wealth of information in this site and the time some of the folks put into documenting the changes or maintenance of their cars.

Cheers!

[wachuko]

Until I buy my Fiat Spider and post photos I will just share some photos of the cars I have today:

1991 C4 Cab with widebody



and my project car, an 1983 SC that I am turning into a replica of a 1974 RSR 3.0



I will be looking at a 1982 Fiat Spider 2000 this weekend. Will post back how that goes.

[kuhndg]

Welcome Wachuko,

I too have a Porsche in my collection. 1985 911 cabriolet. I think you will find that you'll have way more fun with your Fiat when you buy one. Don't know what it is, but people are really intrigued with our Fiats.

By the way, nice looking cars.

[Mathew26]

Welcome to the Fiat world. I'm sure you'll love everything about your future car. I don't think I know anyone that can truly give up on a Fiat once they've started. Good luck with your search for that perfect car.

[rlux4]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. Looking at an 82 right away shows how astute you are! I'm sure all Fiat Spider owners love thier cars, but we 82 owners LOVE ours!
Ron

[wachuko]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. Looking at an 82 right away shows how astute you are! I'm sure all Fiat Spider owners love thier cars, but we 82 owners LOVE ours!
Ron

Oh man! I hope I did not open a can of worms with that.

Remember that I am still learting about this car... I was told that the 80-on cars had fuel injection and a longer stroke motor, so they're more torquey, but feel heavy compared to the earlier years. And to not buy a 79, as they had the worst carb/head/block combination. Very poor HP due to the smog regs.

That if I wanted the best experience to consider one of the pre-74 cars, as the 1800 motor had the best head/intake combination, and you can do dual Dell'Orto carbs or Webers for that great sound.

So any words of wisdom you guys can share is welcomed!

[Europa]

Jaime, I know how you can get your questions answered. Go to the car show in Safety Harbor, FL. What's it, about a 1.5 hour drive for you. There will be a few FIAT's and you can learn a lot about our cars. Here's a link to information on the car show.

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=8143

[wachuko]

Jaime, I know how you can get your questions answered. Go to the car show in Safety Harbor, FL. What's it, about a 1.5 hour drive for you. There will be a few FIAT's and you can learn a lot about our cars. Here's a link to information on the car show.

http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=8143

Count me in, will make it a family trip. Thank you!

[Mathew26]

The skinny on the motors is very much on point with what you listed above.
2000 FI are great and full of torque add an 1800 head for extra compression
2000 Carb are bogged down something aweful add an 1800 head for extra compression
1800 75-78 pretty cool
1800 '74 best carb you can get stock with the single 34
1592 engine is just kinda blah, but you can put this head on a 1800 for a boost in compression
1608 best engine made, also the last engine with combustion chambers straight inline with your cylinders
1438 engine is cool because its the first, but really not all that special (hp wise)

Also your rear end ratios make some difference
the earliest rear is a 4.10:1
from 1970-1978 4.30:1
1979-85.5 has the 3.90:1
and the rare automatic 3.58:1

[NebraskaSpider]

Why build a replica RSR when you can just buy the real thing...theres one on ebay now for $725.00.....wait, no...thats a comma...nevermind

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-Time-S ... 689wt_1167

[kilrwail]

Jaime - Welcome to the group and good luck with your shopping. There's a growing number of us here who also enjoy Porsches. But the Spider is the best on a sunny day with great scenery.

[wachuko]

Excellent, thank you!

The skinny on the motors is very much on point with what you listed above.
2000 FI are great and full of torque add an 1800 head for extra compression
2000 Carb are bogged down something aweful add an 1800 head for extra compression
1800 75-78 pretty cool
1800 '74 best carb you can get stock with the single 34
1592 engine is just kinda blah, but you can put this head on a 1800 for a boost in compression
1608 best engine made, also the last engine with combustion chambers straight inline with your cylinders
1438 engine is cool because its the first, but really not all that special (hp wise)

Also your rear end ratios make some difference
the earliest rear is a 4.10:1
from 1970-1978 4.30:1
1979-85.5 has the 3.90:1
and the rare automatic 3.58:1

[wachuko]

Why build a replica RSR when you can just buy the real thing...theres one on ebay now for $725.00.....wait, no...thats a comma...nevermind

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-Time-S ... 689wt_1167

Now you know... I got the '83 for a very good price... still, a few folks are on my case for cutting it for this project. So I better finish it or I will be kicking myself for a long time. I am doing the work myself, at least as much as I can. The painting will be done by a shop, I can't paint squat... I go as much as wheels refinishing and small stuff...

[wachuko]

Welcome Wachuko,

I too have a Porsche in my collection. 1985 911 cabriolet. I think you will find that you'll have way more fun with your Fiat when you buy one. Don't know what it is, but people are really intrigued with our Fiats.

By the way, nice looking cars.

That is good/reassuring to read. I have never driven one and wondered how it would compare to my cabriolet...

Now, if I can only find one in my budget before that meeting on the 13...

[NebraskaSpider]

Sounds like a fun project. btw...welcome to the forum!