new member

[smaybery]

Just wanted to say hi to fellow spider enthusiasts. I just bought my first two fiats and was looking for a place for info. Seems I have definately found it. My spider is a 73 and I also have an x1/9. I gave $100 for the both of them so you know I didn't get much. I have gotten the spider running and changed out that stupid carb with an upgrade. I need to do something about the double plane/single plane manifold problem. It is still is a lot faster even without the fix. Just have some flat spot issues. I also have a transmission leak at the rear and am having some issues getting the nut behind the spacer off to change the seal. I also have not found anyone to give me a definate answer as to whether to use the gl1 or gl3 lube in the tranny.

Any helpful tips appreciated.

Thanks,

Howard

[rlux4]

Welcome Smaybery, sounds like you have no problem finding a hobby for a while. I have posted the same question regarding the tranny fluid. Fiat definately calls for GL1 in the tranny. I've done a lot of research into this and I have found several very infomative sources. It boils down to what the GL rating is. GL1 is pure mineral oil. Any number above 1 will be a relative ratio of additives. 1 being none and 5,6 being the most. The problem becomes which additives are going to be harmful to the synchros in our trannys. GL1 has no additives, so I think Fiat feels safe recommending it. However, GL1 is a 60 year old rating. It's not even a rating any more as far as the API (American Petroleum Institute) is concerned. This is not to say it's no longer available, just not on any shelves in your local stores. I finally decided I wanted something that probably does a better job than pure mineral oil. I decided on a synthetic. I found out Amsoil synthetic motorcycle 20W50 is GL1 rated, and the motor oil 20W50 is the equivelant viscocity of 90W gear lube. I'm not an Amsoil dealer, so I found one in my vicinity and am using it now. Too soon to see if it is as good as I think it will be. Check out Amsoil's website, they have the test results done by unaffiliated labs and the results are impressive. Good luck, Ron

[So Cal Mark]

Welcome! Wow, jumping into two cars at once is impressive. Nothing like immersing oneself in a hobby! I'm curious about the 73, it should have had a good carb/manifold from the factory. Did someone install a 2L in it?

As for Amsoil, I have a couple of customers that use it and I'm impressed with it.

[mdrburchette]

Welcome aboard! Pics of your two Fiats would be nice when you have a chance.
Mark, I believe the 73 had the 1592 with the dual plane intake and 28/36 DHSA carb.

[mbouse]

Welcome howard.... and it looks like your post has created some education for some of the rest of us.

I was unaware of the '73 having a dual plane intake as well. of course, i've NEVER seen a '77 Spider, and haven't sat in an X 1/9 in all my years of Fiating...so I gotta long way to go in my personal Fiat learning.

[So Cal Mark]

I don't remember the 73 having the little carb either.

[baltobernie]

Hello Smayberry from another new member with a 1973 Spider.

As Mark explained to me earlier, many of these cars have mechanical parts from multiple sources, as POs have tried to enjoy rather than restore them. There aren't too many affordable classic roadsters out there from any manufacturer; we're lucky that these beauties are still within reach of the average Joe and Denise.

Enthusiasts on this forum can help you decode the various serial numbers and items on your car, a requirement for ordering gaskets, hoses, etc. you'll use in your project.

Good Luck!

[mbouse]

Yeah, it is always good to know if you have stock components, stock or modified bolt on units....especially the first couple of trips to the mail order parts catalogue.

it is very frustrating to order a part, wait a week for delivery, arrange your schedule for the following weekend to continue the project, then find out your part is for a DIFFERENT size engine and won't work in your application.

i have a sneaking suspicion you've had later model parts installed in place of your aged '73 components.... not that there is anything wrong with the swap....just that it helps you maintain what you have better when you know what it is