Reliability upgrades

[Weelan]

Wasn't entirely sure where to post this, but here goes.

I'm looking to getting a new upgrade. I have a 79 with the 32/36 carb, came installed from PO. Basically everything else is stock except a new radiator and thermostat. Also I'm getting a new gas tank and sender unit.

I'm thinking I'd like either the distributorless ignition, 95amp alternator, or the gear reduction starter.

So questions on these upgrades:
1)I need to replace the timing belt and check the timing anyway, so I figured that'd be pretty nice. My understanding on it is that it would work with my setup (and still be beneficial?) and it reads the gears and changes the advance via computers. Do I still need to set the gear timing when replacing the belt?

2)The alternator I understand mostly helps with like lights and windshield wipers and electronics like that. Is that the only real benefit to these? My alternator seems fine.

3)The starter. Better, faster, more consistent start ups. This would be nice. My car seems to take a while to start when it's been sitting more than a few days. Once it gets the fuel up to the engine it fires up fine, but it makes me worried about running the battery down having to do that. I think the gas tank and sender unit would help this.

I'm open to suggestions! If the long start up because of the gas sounds like a problem beyond the tank and sender let me know what it would be. I've had no problems with fuel once it starts running.

[TX82FIAT]

Ryan, I'll try to help. som that know more may be able to offer more.

1. when changing the timing belt. You are still going to have to set the timing for the system mechanically so the cams are in the right position as they rotate. The distributorless kit should change timing with the RPM speed. This can be done with the set up Marc has or with an ECU and VR wheel. On a stock car the initial set up "Should" be pretty straightforward. This is tha part of my system I famed out.

2. The alternator really takes a 13.2 to 13.7 volt system and moves it up to 14 + volts. I would make sure all ground are clean and all electricals are working properly before doing this one. A lot of load goes through the ignition switch. I would consider the headlight relay before the alternator mod. It absolutley helps systems that are functioning properly run better. The real benefit is if you want to do something like run a loud stereo or have an i-phone charger. You could easily fuse a new circuit to produce a charge station off the post on the alternator or even create a new distrabution point for relays to electical components and have the car function more like a modern car taking laod off the ignition. The alrternator upgrade itself is easy unless a PO used the wrong size bolt or instllaed a bolt the wrong way. Had to cut mine out with a dremel.

3. the gear reduction starter has been great for me. no issues starting the car. lighter and more reliable so far. However, getting the old starter off can be a PITA. There are some threads aound on that one as well.

[Weelan]

Thanks Ray,

1) I was thinking about getting the timing set at a shop since I don't have the tools nor have I ever done it before. So once I got that done I could just add the distributorless kit. I'd get the kit from Mark, which would include everything needed it says

2) Well since currently I don't even have the radio hooked up, and I wouldn't be purposely driving in rain, I'd only benefit from the headlights which would be best to do the harness mod to before changing the alternator? I guess some gauges might also gain from this upgrade? (monetarily vs the distributorless this would be cheap and I'd have plenty to do the harnesses as well as the alt)

3) In my current state I actually already have the intake off, so I'd have optimal access to the starter motor. One of the biggest reasons I'm considering this upgrade.

[4uall]

Minor insight to changes of upgrading the alternator http://wwwe.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopi ... =6&t=20213

[Weelan]

Cool thanks Jay.

Currently my order of what I'd like most would be:
Distributorless ignition
Gear Reduction Starter
then 95amp alternator

I watched a video from Allison's auto saying I'd need to send something to the for them to build the unit up? The video is from 2011, is this still true? Maybe Mark could pop in and answer that for me if he sees this?

[So Cal Mark]

We don't need anything for a Spider ignition, it comes to you ready to install. The Lancia Scorpion unit requires the gear from the original dist but that doesn't apply to your car
You will notice much quicker starting with the new ignition system

[Weelan]

Would the ignition or the gear reduction starter be more noticable?

I'm also open to ideas for just a better ignition coil for the current setup, and if it's inexpensive enough I'd also be able to get the starter, which I'm starting to lean toward a little more.

[baltobernie]

#1. The points-style ignition is very reliable, but requires regular service. You could replace just the points inside your existing distributor with an electronic module for $100. I'd suggest a distributor-less ignition on an unmodified '79 motor is an unnecessary expense, adding little to reliability and performance in your situation.

#2. A higher-output alternator only provides benefits if all your wiring and accessories are within spec. If your accessories operate "fine" now, I'd leave the alternator alone. TX82 has some good suggestions on removing load from your ignition switch, and that's good for reliability.

#3. Your engine with a new starter won't fire any quicker than now. Do you have an electric or mechanical fuel pump? If your carb was installed and is operating correctly, and you have an electric fuel pump, a pause of a few seconds between "ignition" and "start" should light off the motor instantly. And I mean NOW ... a half-second of starter motor.

If you've got a couple hundred dollars burning a hole in your pocket, I'd first give all the safety items a good look; brakes, tires, belts and hoses, guibo, pillow block, U-joints, clutch cable, bushings, etc. A new windshield makes for a very pleasant drive. If you've got 13+ volts at your headlamp sockets, H4 headlamps are wonderful.

[Warren]

I replaced my mechanical fuel pump with identical but later added an electric fuel pump in the trunk (on the return line from the carb inlet to the tank). I wired it to a switch under the dash and use it to prime the carb if car has not been used in several days. I run for a few seconds and car will start up instantly. I had previously replaced the check valve in the return line to the tank but it eventually leaks down. I think I deleted the check valve on this retrofit.

Probably if I had to do it all over again I would just delete the mechanical pump and have the electric only.

[fiat218]

Speaking of Electric fuel pump, I wired mine to the positive side to the coil, bad idea or what, ? I seen a huge different since I put that in,instead of puttin the mechanical one in again, now is. There a plate a person can get to remove the mechanical pump and cover it

[narfire]

There a plate a person can get to remove the mechanical pump and cover it
Yes there is. Go to the vendors cataloges, they have them for sale.

I wired mine to the positive side to the coil, bad idea or what

I'm having a fellow wire mine with a relay at the oil pump. (how, I don't really know)That way if in an accident and motor stops the fuel pump will shut off without oil pressure.

[CajunMike]

As a long time owner of a 79 I can only give u my experience of reliability.

1) the distributor and coil components have failed me and left me stranded on 3 occassions.
2) the alternator has failed me twice and left me stranded one of those 2 times
3) the starter has performed flawlessly after 94,000 miles
4) mechanical fuel pump failed once(u already took care of that)

Sadly there is no water pump upgrade. That got me twice. Timing belt what can I say. Change it and fix any oil seal leaks.

For a "reliability upgrade" I would vote for marks dist less ignition but as others have said check the other safety areas first before you drop the coin on any component upgrades.

[fiat218]

SHIT HAPPEN