New in St. Louis, MO

[pooldoctorstl]

New to the forum and it is a pleasure to read the posts. What an education. I did this because I had a 1974 124 while in college (about 1980) and I am on the lookout for another and need all of the updated info I can get. Looking for a project car, not a basket case but something that needs resoration. Here's a good debate....what is the best year? Carb or injected?

Jeff

[narfire]

Welcome to Fiat land.
Well done.... your first post and your gonna open a can of worms... best year carb or FI
Some will chime in 82 and some will of course prefer the small bumper early cars.
I have a 80 fi and love it. smooth power,somewhat limited though in performance upgrades, but plenty for spirited driving.
I also have a work in progress 72 have'nt driven it yet so can't really compare driving,but flat hood,CD-3 wheels,it will look great.
Your choice, if in doubt get two a few here have gone that route.
Chris

[mdrburchette]

Welcome! Yep, you've opened a can of worms...but you already know that if you've been reading the posts. Those 82 guys never miss a chance to tout their ride. In my honest opinion, I believe the early cars are more classy and good looking. But I'll give credit to where credit is due. If you want a more modern running car, FI is the way to go. Both have their good and bad points...although no bad points for the early cars comes to mind. Any way, good luck finding the perfect car for you!
Look up the Midwest FLU guys for events and ideas: http://www.moflo.org/

[sonosml]

Hello and Welcome.

Being the owner of a 74 & 75, both carb, I honestly have only driven a FI about 500 feet in the pit row of AutoBahn in Joliet IL and as I approached they shut down the track and wouldn't let me out. So I was majorly Bummed! But those 500 feet seemed great! I do think if your going original, then early model small bumper cars look best. But if you want spunk, 2000 FI is probably the way to go. But Loose the bumpers. I have seen some nice bumper delete cars. Find Bouse, I think he has some access to some bumperettes that look nice. But if you want Class, go old school Pre 75. that is 74 and under.

IA-Mike

[baltobernie]

...although no bad points for the early cars comes to mind.

...except that the "points" on early cars need frequent adjustment and replacement But that's easily remedied with a Pertronix module or a Marelli conversion.

Bumper aesthetics aside, early or late cars are both good runners. It's the ones in the middle that seem to give their owners the most grief. But it looks like you are exempt from the Gateway emissions testing program, so even smog pump and catalytic cars would be candidates, after modification.

This Hemmings article is a good start: http://www.hemmings.com/hsx/stories/200 ... uide1.html

[racydave]

I had a chance to drive my ( 79 carbd ) Spider a few years before I purchaced it. It was anemic and in need of some mods\tuning. I took it as a challenge and am very proud of her now, both cosmetics and performance. This forum was very helpfull. Welcome!

[pooldoctorstl]

Thanks for the feedback, and yes, I knew I was opening a can of worms. I have a few I am looking at and will buy something in the next few weeks and get to work on it. I appreciate the feedback from all, but leaning toward the FI models. I just like the smoothness of injection and want to use it as a daily driver in the summer.

[ga.spyder]

Pool biz a little slow? Welcome to the forum.I own a fi and a carbed version.Both are great little cars.But....for driveability and power, w/o a lot of mods,give me an injected model.And,Denise is right...82 owners are classy and good looking!Good luck and show us plenty of pix when you make a purchase.
Craig

[mdrburchette]

Bout time to get those eyes checked again, huh Craig?

[rlux4]

Hey Jeff, buy an 82. We need a few more bodies on our side. (As opposed to the dark side.)
Welcome to the forum.
Ron

[pooldoctorstl]

Thanks for all of the feedback, especially "baltobernie" for the Hemmings link. I just posted in the General area for feedback on a 76. I am trying to buy a 81 but not sure if we can agree to a price. Not running, sitting in the snow, but almost no rust. Then I ran accross a 76. Decent year??

Jeff

[mdrburchette]

There really isn't enough difference in any of the year models to worry over "which is best". If you don't have to conform to emission standards, a 76 would be very nice and fun to drive.