New member - NY

[mchalem89]

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Matt, have a 80' Spider with 37,000 miles. I found this site surfing for answers on a few things and everyone is really healpful and nice so now i'm a member. I look forward to hearing from you all.

[gigi]

Welcome Matt-
I have always found these folks to be very helpful and full of knowledge. You can easily search past threads
for valuable information. - Hope you find the answers you're looking for!

[mchalem89]

Sounds great! Thanks!

[kilrwail]

Hey welcome to the family! We'll all try to help, but we can do a better job if you would post pictures of your new ride

This post will help you figure out how to do it:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... res#p37831

[mchalem89]

Thanks, I will get pics up asap!

[mchalem89]

Here are two pictures of the car......

I will have more coming....

[mbouse]

looking good. is that fuel injected or carbureted?

welcome.

[rlux4]

Mike has hit on the #1 question regarding 80's. And curious minds want to know.
Pretty car, good job posting pics for us. Welcome to the forum.
Ron

[mchalem89]

It's Fuel Injected and is on it's third fuel pump. Why is everyone so interested in knowing if it is FI or Carb?

[mbouse]

the transition from carb to FI occured mid model year 1980.

all '79's and older were carb'd
all '81's and newer were FI
a fact that escapes most new owners, but us old timers gotta know.

we're just very curious, nosey, and downright in your face rude when it comes to fuel delivery systems

there is definitely two crowds here. those that like carburetors and those that don't. we are keeping score, and want to know which team you belong to.

or something like that...

[mchalem89]

I understand and have no problem with the rudeness, i'd call it more of an interest. Do you know how many of each car were made in 1980 that have FI or Carb engines? I would find it interesting to know if there are more FI's or Carb's around now for that year.

Also, since you can see the picture, what do you know about the rims that are on it. I have never seen another one with that specific type, ever.

The only thing with the car is that im on my third fuel pump. Bought the car two years ago in non running condition, from someone that knew absolutely nothing, took a chance, and changed the fuel pump. So now its all set. Been a great experiance as my first "play" car, and it only has 37,000 miles!

[mbouse]

i was just kidding about the rudeness. we are generally a happy bunch of nutz. umm, those are stock rims. here's a recent picture of my carbureted 1980:


and, i cannot help you with a F.I. fuel pump, other than to say to check the pump pressure.

[mchalem89]

Great shape......and finally someone that has the same rims as i do! I thought i was the only one. How hard is it to change the brakes on these? The pads, disks, etc. my brakes are pretty poor and i wasn't sure whether or not i wanted to change them or not because i was considering getting rid of the car.

[launieg]

One common reason for the FI fuel pump to go is running it dry. That is why it is good to always have some gas in the tank. They rely on the fuel flowing to cool them, and can quickly overheat. Don't ask me how I know...

Also, be sure to replace that gas filter frequently (a ten dollar item) and check the tank for corrosion. The filte is ahead of the pump. Your pump pulls the crud out of the tank and pushes it into the filter, so an acccumulation of crud in the tank is hard on the pump.

[mbouse]

four wheel disc brakes are a breeze to swap out, if you have any past experience with brakes. if not, we can teach you if you have a nack with tools.

and, considering everything, not that expensive.