I've been thinking of an x1/9

[Leesfer]

for those that own x1/9s would you say you love it or was it a regret?

I take it they can be modified more than the spider... Do they have stronger differentials and transmissions to take added up and torque?

I hear they have cramped engine bays... Hard to work on?

And one more thing, are all x1/9 carbed? Single or
double?

[mbouse]

well, do you wanna hear good or bad? Denise can fill you in. Those that love 'em really love 'em.

I'd like to own one, but I am not sacrificing any Spider for one.

[Leesfer]

definately wouldn't get rid of my spider, just starting a fiat museum in my yard like a lot of us

[mbouse]

then, you definitely need an X for the collection.

I'd still check with Denise; she might know where you can find one REALLY cheap.

[mdrburchette]

Yep, mine is being punished right now as we speak. After popping the fuel line, he got to sit outside for two days, then I pulled him under the shed and he's been sitting there for two weeks. Just gotta show them who's boss!
As for the X19, mine is an 82 so it's fuel injected. Like the Spider, there are places you need to check for rust. There are many pockets with drain holes that get clogged up that will pose a rust problem. It is harder to work on the engine because it's limited in space. It took me about an hour the first time I pulled the plugs, but it should be easier the next time around. I believe the early models up to 78 had a 1300 cc engine, carbed, then 79 and 80 had a 1500 carbed, then they went to Bosch FI. The transmission's weak spots seem to be popping out of 3rd and reverse, which mine does. Also, if you ever have to replace the clutch or brake master cylinder, it's under the driver's side dash and that promises to be a real bear to do. There isn't as much room to stand on your head in the floorboard as there is in a Spider. There is also a problem with low voltage with accessories on (lights, radio, wipers) that can be repaired with the brown wire fix.
My assessment is even though there are a few weak spots and they're not as easy to work on, they are a blast to drive. The mid engine design makes this little car stick to the road like a go-cart. Mine gets an unbelievable 45 mpg on the highway. I haven't given up on it yet and will be in the process of rebuilding it from the ground up, just like we did with the 72 Spider. Here's a pic of my poor little orphan:

[Ernie]

Denise,

I'd say the white Spider is the "poor orphan". The "X" looks like it's being treating rather kindly, by comparison.

Ernie

[pope]

Denise, are you push starting a tractor with your orange fiat?

[So Cal Mark]

I think she uses the tractor to tow the Spider

[mdrburchette]

Okay fellas. Very funny! I admit I have an addiction but at least I find double uses for all the orphans. I didn't tell you about the one I brought home this week from Maryland, did I? It's stored in my car trailer for the moment. There will be a spot for it as soon as the green 72 gets pulled into the shop for a makeover. Oh, and if I run out of space here, I have a nice 40X40 shop at the lake with a lonely X19 sitting in it.

[81autospider]

I owned one back in the early 90's and can't remember the yr but believe it had a 1300cc motor...that thing was a BEAR to work on anything but the carb....the distributor is crammed in between the pass compartment and the motor and it liked to eat a set of points about every two weeks cuz of the heat that would build up in the engine bay...I guess you can say I had a bad experience with the X-1/9...the only true enjoyment I did get was how it handled...like a go cart!...I know there are not many on the roads due to their reliability but remember one thing...the owner is reliable for keeping up the maintenance...get it?...98% of all car owners know how to put gas in and go...and then when something happens due to their lack of responsibility, they call the car a piece of &#@!...hence the one I bought

[spiderrey]

i dont regret buying mine, my spider has been orphened. the x is such a blast to drive, even with its joke of a motor. but im working on that problem right now. luckily my engine runs fine, and all the gears in the tranny work flawlessly. my spider had the same lack of power problem, that was handled a while ago.