First Big upgrade

[NWAspider]

I've been keeping Fiona (my 75 spider) running for just about 8 months now, with the occasional hickup. I'm Thinking about starting the first major upgrade, having only done maintenance and repairs thus far.

I suppose I'll preface this with what I want.
I want my car to be a daily driver, I want her to sparkle and turn heads.
I want to be able to open up the throttle and get a little thrill, and to keep pace on the freeway.

What I don't expect. I don't expect to take my car to the track, I don't expect to race a Honda Civic or other modern car. I'm not looking for a race car just want her engine to be a little more sexy, to match the body.

I just want my baby to run well, and have a little extra kick. I live in Arkansas so fuel emissions is not a concern. I'm looking to put a few grand in at the end of summer. $2500 give or take

I've read some about the E.F.I kits at Megasquirt, I've also looked at going dual carbs. I went over to Marks website and took a look at the Lancia Scorpion Dual Carburetors and Intake Manifold. Are there kits like this for my spider? If so is this the way to go?

I was thinking to first upgrade the fuel system
then go braking and suspension

I'm a low to mid level mechanic, but know a local mechanic who may be willing to help with some of the installation.

Any thoughts from the more experience fiat community?

[Danno]

Upgraded single or dual carb could be a great way to go.

If I had my way I'd be replacing the dizzy with one of them fancy points-less deals, then doing something with a different header, then finally, dual carbs.

Order is sometimes very important depending on how far you are taking it. If you do carbs first you need to make sure they are jetted and adjusted for the engine you have. If you later go and jack with ignition and exhaust, then you might need to be rejecting, etc.

If you just want to do one mod and see a big bang, then I'd go straight to the carb...

[NWAspider]

I don't mind being patient, I plan to have this car for a long time. So go with the distributor that Mark has at his website.

"Distributorless Ignition System for the 124, 131 and X 1/9
The trigger unit replaces the stock distributor and fits into the block mount position. It is compact enough to fit under an FI intake or dual carburetor intake. The system includes a coil pack and mount, spark plug wires and trigger unit. It produces 60000 volts and will work up to 12000 rpm. The trigger unit is billet aluminum and contains all of the electronics within the unit. If features a fully sealed unit with ball bearings. Advance is adjustable and is set at 18 degrees at 3000rpm from the factory.
This system is the equal of a crank-fired setup without the difficulty and expense of fabricating trigger wheels and mounts.
The system is very simple to install and comes with complete instructions for installation, adjustment and troubleshooting. Anyone can easily install this system with a couple of basic tools."

and maybe something like this http://www.international-auto.com/manif ... eaders.cfm

[Danno]

Sounds like a great plan. You might not see a ton in performance, but it'll make the future mods even more substantial when you get there. Just my opinion.

[baltobernie]

First thing I'd do would be to determine the condition of the engine. Don't put "lipstick on a pig". Compression test, Plasticgage bearings, then a trip to the dyno. Only then can you estimate $/HP for various upgrades.

[NWAspider]

Awesome. I think I'll have a little cash left over after I do those two things. I was thinking about upgrading the braking system (so when I do get the HP I can stop). I found some performance rotors at international auto parts, as well as http://www.allisonsautomotive.com/. Would those and some pads do it? Or would other parts be required like new calipers or brake lines.

[So Cal Mark]

I offer a dual carb kit for the Spider. The Scorpion kit is just the latest kit we've developed

[NWAspider]

I offer a dual carb kit for the Spider. The Scorpion kit is just the latest kit we've developed

Awesome is there a link? I can't seem to find it.

[Daniel]

You could also get the next larger carb size i believe mark sales them that would be a good up grade
without spending a ton of cash .

[124ADDHE]

I vote you up the compression, way more useable power, is the baseline for any engine build and your fuel economy will also happily benefit. Its about 400-600 for pistons or about 1200 to rebuild the whole motor if you do it yourself with these high-compression pistons and get all the gaskets and stuff (ring compressor, dynamic balance, cylinder head,bearings....). The best of the stock pistons are the ones for the 1.6 beta, mine were made by MAHLE. Then just a bigger carb, exhaust and adjustable cam pulleys and you have a great base motor and maybe $500 left for your brakes and electronic ignition

[Jimb]

My vote is lowering springs

And by the way baltobernie...there really is nothing wrong with putting lipstick on a pig...is there

[Danno]

My vote is lowering springs

And by the way baltobernie...there really is nothing wrong with putting lipstick on a pig...is there

Not if you plan on kissing it.