Portland Oregon....

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BUMP
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Sep 20, 2017 4:27 pm
Your car is a: 2015 Ford f-150

Portland Oregon....

Postby BUMP » Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:30 pm

Hello.... Just registered but I've been sifting through the site for a couple weeks. I don't own a spider but I'm contemplating the idea of owning one.
I've read the buyer's guides (Hemmings and Mirafiori) and now feel somewhat overwhelmed.
Initial thoughts on what I think I want:
Post 1980 for a 2000 spider with EFI. EFI seems simpler and less complicated?
No Rust:.. but finding one in the Pacific Northwest without rust could be tough? I've read a few posts about rust being a deal breaker for cross member behind the oil pan and the front shock mounts.
I don't want a complete rebuild/restore project. I have minimal car mechanic experience but I've owned a lot of motorized toys.
Any insight on what to look for and what to stay away from would be greatly appreciated.

To open pandoras box and dive in? that is the question.
Thanks
Mark

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azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: Portland Oregon....

Postby azruss » Fri Sep 22, 2017 2:26 pm

The late model carb cars had lots of weird plumbing associated with the carb in order to meet emissions. When I transplanted a 79 carbed motor, my fiat guru told me to deep 6 the carb and put on a re-jetted earlier carb, which i did and it worked great. At that point, i lived in Eugene and did not require an emissions test. The 2L FI cars are great if you can find one that is running well. If you still want a carbed car, look for a 71 to 75. I currently have an 80 FI car and it's very reliable.

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Nanonevol
Patron 2018
Patron 2018
Posts: 828
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2014 9:17 am
Your car is a: 1977 Fiat 124 Spider
Location: Medway, Massachusetts

Re: Portland Oregon....

Postby Nanonevol » Fri Sep 22, 2017 4:05 pm

I would say that carbs and fuel injection are equally complicated, it just depends on what you want to work on- an older "analog" type car that is more mechanically operated or a more modern "electronic" system. Personally, i'm fascinated with carbs but then you can't argue with the performance of EFI.
1977 Fiat Spider
1985 Jaguar XJ6
1967 Triumph Bonneville (hard-tail chopper)
1966 BSA Lightning

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RRoller123
Patron 2020
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Posts: 8179
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 2:04 pm
Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA

Re: Portland Oregon....

Postby RRoller123 » Fri Sep 22, 2017 5:01 pm

The FI system is pretty easy once it gets sorted, but there are a lot of bits and they are not inexpensive. But there are distinct advantages to the FI over the carb, at altitude, temperature, cold start, etc. Mine is very reliable so far, but it took quite awhile to figure it out and get comfortable with it. Fortunately there are excellent FI manuals for this system available free online.
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
2003 Jaguar XK8
2003 Jaguar XKR
2021 Jayco 22RB
2019 Bianchi Torino Bicycle

Sweetvinny66
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2017 11:29 am
Your car is a: 2003 accord honda

Re: Portland Oregon....

Postby Sweetvinny66 » Sat Sep 23, 2017 1:04 am

Do it!!! So far my 78 1800 with a 32/36 webber had been pretty easy to handle. All my dad tells me is that this is one of the more sophisticated and simple cars to work on in his experience with automobiles. They have thier querks but in the end they are sweet rides.
1978 Spider 1800


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