Most performance per $

[MrJD]

this is mainly just for conversation. But what is that ONE part you put on that just made a world of difference in the performance of your car? We're talkin, you felt it in the seat of your pants.

[SoFlaFiat]

Carb

[SoFlaFiat]

ok, that was one word...
I think yours in a 79,
so you need a few words...
single plane intake and a better carb.

[DanD]

And ditch the cat.

[SoFlaFiat]

yea, that's even cheaper

[Exit98]

4-2-1
4.10 to 3.90 rear
34ADFA
Lightened Flywheel
Original Mag CD3's and Bridgestone Tires (#1 improvement - now handles like it is supposed to)
New front-end

[MrJD]

i've read a lot of people that said the light flywheel was the biggest seat of the pants change.

[BEEK]

on a 79, intake and carb. you should already have the 4-2-1 exhaust, get rid of the cat (poor cat). that will be the biggest bang/improvement for the $$, after that the power will cost more per hp gained.

make a big picture assessment. decide what the finished product will be, then take baby steps to get to that point. some improvements are not that much gain by themselves, but when the whole package is put together it really shows

[fiatfactory]

.

[Redline]

If I'm honest, my biggest bang-for-the-buck came from a session of high performance driver training. It made all my cars quicker for only a few hundred bucks.

I am actually serious.

But beyond that, it really depends on the driving environment. Stoplight grand prix seemed more important back home in Canada, so my friends were always hp-obsessed (and I was to some degree), but I've found over here that quick progress on twisty roads requires dependable grip, good brakes and only then more power.

If I had a few hundred bucks, I would put it first into a decent set of brake pads, new discs and making sure the master cylinder and fluid are in top shape. I would also put some decent tires on.

The next thing I would do in the 124 is take a proper look at the steering (or get someone to do it). Get the freeplay to where it should be (but not to tight) and replace any tired looking components, plus suspension bushings and ball joints.

Then I might start to worry about slightly tired dampers (shocks) and I've been really happy with the adjustable Spax I bought for about 100 a corner.

I think all of those will get you down the road quicker than any engine work.

Once you tear into the engine, then the advice above is all good.

[carl]

If you just want your butt dyno (seat of the pants) to think the car is faster, install a louder muffler....your seat will think the car is faster even though it won't be. Seriously, if the spider is a 79, a carb and intake manifold from an 1800 will actually make the car more powerful and is the first step on improving this year spider.

[azruss]

Biggest bang for the buck. Cut weight. Cutting 30% of the weight will make you faster than adding 30% power.

[bradartigue]

One part - carburetor

Two parts - carburetor and (on some models) intake manifold

Three parts - carburetor, intake manifold, distributor (points to electronic)

[tonyfromjersey]

De-smogging my car I think was the biggest bang for the buck. Probably 10 bucks or so in various bolts and studs to fill the holes and now my car can breathe.

Tony

[Daniel]

Biggest bang for the buck. Cut weight. Cutting 30% of the weight will make you faster than adding 30% power.

but how do you do this without ending up with just a shell, engine and milk crates to sit on?