New Prospect - 1981 FI

[dozy]

Hey,

I have yet to see this car. Just found it on Dallas CL today. Because it is a 3 hour drive, I am trying to ask questions before I take the drive up.

The basics are: mechanically restored, $3000, was told it would drive to Austin just fine.

LINK to ad:
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/cto/1401187645.html

PICTURES:

[launieg]

It looks like it has seen a lot of miles. If it truly has had all that done to it, then it probably was worn out in most respects, and the price would be too high IMO. Why has he not stated the mileson the car (not the engine)? In our region, it might sell for half that price in that condition. From what I see on the forum, that price should get you a car that didn't need floor pans replaced, etc.

[htchevyii]

From the pics, (which can hide alot), it looks pretty solid, (I like when I see old paint, but no rust better than new paint that could be hiding a bunch of cruddy rust repair). It seems a bit steep, (Spiders just don't sell for what they deserve), but it it's a straight rust free car with a solid powertrain it could be a good car. I really like the f.i. 2.0, especially for my wife, (she tends to lug a bit), but they make for easy cruising.

[dozy]

From maintenance DYI fixing for a novice - are the FI engines fixable? Carbs seem very old tech and simple to fix. Part of the appeal of the Spider is that it can be fixed with a screwdriver (overstatement of course)

Are the FI still fixable in the back yard, or do the electronics require more experienced mechanics with specialized equipment?

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I have emailed him a bunch of questions and will be posting his answers.

Dozy

[htchevyii]

I've had my f.i. Spider for 2 years and haven't had any issues with the f.i. system. The early carbed models are prefered for performance mods, but for trouble free cruising you can't beat a fuelie 2.0. The Bosch system is very similar to other Euro models and is relatively simple, but crude compared to modern systems. I went on a run with a bunch of British cars a few weeks ago and could just cruise up hills that they were struggeling to go up. The fuelie cars are much more powerful than the carbed 78-79 cars in stock form. They can be upgraded if you don't have emissions testing, but if you have emissions testing , I'd go for an early model or a fuelie, (mine passed CA emissions with no trouble).

[launieg]

Ditto what Trey said I had never worked on a FI car until I got my '81 Spider, and it simply took some patience and good reading to find my way around it. I love the performance and it is certainly as easy to work on as a carbureted model, unless you refuse to learn. When I think of the carburetors I've worked on over the decades...

[dozy]

Thanks y'all

Texas only requires emission tests on cars younger than 25 years - so I am good - all I have to pass is basic safety inspection (lights, horn, tires, etc).

Thanks for the feedback. I am looking to have the Spider as my primary car - I do not commute by car (I live walking distance to my office), but I do require a car from time to time and will depend on this one - reliability is important - even if it requires attention and maintenance - I am willing to provide that in exchange for a reliable service.

I will keep investigating this Spider. Dallas and Houston have a decent amount of Spiders, but they are still rate in Texas - which means owners look at NADA and have high hopes. Just look at my other "prospect" for $3500 ... I had a guy try to sell me a parts car for $2000 .. ugh .. I Wil have to find a way around this local phenomenon.

Dozy

[Snoopy]

There is something wrong with the cooling...

[kristoj]

The thing that would concern me the most is the poor panel fit. Look at the door gaps, particularly on the passenger side. Also, look at how the hood does not line up with the passenger front fender. Even the deck lid does not fit properly. Those are all very ominous signs, IMO. I think this one may have seen the wrong side of a hedge as our UK friends would put it.

[dozy]

Oh wow .. now I see it .. good point .. thanks SO MUCH!

I paid attention to that in the car I drove, but this one being gar away ..

NEXT (Which I already have and will be posting soon.

Dozy

[mdrburchette]

I'm glad you pointed the poor panel fit out. The body on that car is not in good condition. I would suspect hidden damage with the way the hood and doors line up.

[pope]

Snoopy is right about the cooling, they eliminate the thermostat and just ran the lower rad hose to the lower engine inlet. They blocked off the T-valve on the left side.

[lanciahf]

They could be running an in-head thermostat.