Modifications - what and when???

[jeremylmartin]

I just got my first Fiat - it is a 79 spider with 55,000 miles. Everything is pretty much stock. I have spent a lit of time reading through the topics on here. What a great resource. I think I have gathered enough information to make a game plan but would love any feedback as I am not sure if I really know what I am talking about. I am not looking to do anything internal with the engine and not really trying to make it a high performance machine. Maybe just a little more zip would be nice. Based on my reading this is what I have concluded (listed in cost order):

1. Take off smog equipment including cat. (Cost: cheap)
PROS: Cleaner looking engine bay, some power increase, better reliability?
CONS: Can't pass smog if it ever needed to - which I don't expect. Maybe less fuel economy?

2. Get a early model exhaust manifold (4-1?), large pipe and better flow exhaust. (Cost: medium?)
PROS: Increase power
CONS: Are there any?

3. Get intake manifold (off 1800?) to provide better air flow and upgrade to a 32/36 carb. (Cost: medium high?)
PROS: Increased power/performance and better sound?
CONS: Less fuel economy? Any other downsides here?

So this is my current plan - to tackle these one at a time. Seem like a reasonable approach? Or are some of these not worth it unless complimented by other mods?

Also, the records I got with the car show the timing belt was done 2 years ago - but only 500 miles ago. Any worries that the car sat or can I basically trust the timing belt to be good for a while? Any other bolt-on type mods that anyone had done that I should consider?

[BEEK]

some 79's came with a 4-2 exhaust manifold, that is the one you want, not 4-1

[So Cal Mark]

your exhaust manifold and downtube are okay, just increase the size of the pipe to the back of the car and use a muff without any back pressure. Your other mods are a good start

[jeremylmartin]

Thank you for the feedback. I'll do the smog stuff and exhaust as a first step. I found a post that said a 2" pipe is good but any specific non-back pressure muffler I should look for?

[So Cal Mark]

the Hushpower II are pretty nice. 2" would be the minimum size for a 2L motor

[jeremylmartin]

I've decided to start by just getting the cat removed (I think it is bad anyway) and go with a straight pipe. I think I'm going to hold off on other stuff for a bit while I get to know the car better. Problem is even though my car is smog exempt the muffler shops are all telling me they can't remove the cat. If I were to cut it out myself are there clamp on type connectors I can use that don't require welding. This would be a semi-temporary solution until I rework the thing in a larger size. I found this:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detai ... &ppt=C0233

but can't tell if it could be clamped on or would require welding. Any ideas? The pipe is currently stock.

[Weelan]

Looks good, like they have said, your header and downpipe are best(of the stockers at least, i can't say beyond that).

Ya, pull that smog stuff out. I have a nice pile in my garage for it all haha. I also did the 1800 intake manifold. It runs nicely.

The only thing above that would hurt gas mileage is you enjoying it more and pushing it harder. the smog stuff especially by now is all either doing nothing or clogged up and hurting mileage. I've heard it wasn't even better to begin with.

[jeremylmartin]

Thanks Weelen. I think I'll pull off all the smog stuff and get rid of that cat as a 1st step. Then I need to decide how far down the modification road I want to travel. I