What would you do with this engine?

[knightdalejb]

A totally open ended question, just looking for the "gotta have" upgrades or "make sure you check this" kind of things. It's my first Fiat, so before I get started just wanted to see if I could avoid some trial and error (mainly the errors) the car has been sitting for a couple of years, so I know i will be draining fluids and whatnot before i attempt to start it. Probably replace the cam belt because not sure when it was last changed.

it's a '77 model 1800.. and I'm not going to be doing any racing or looking to enter car shows, just trying to avoid pitfalls.

thanks !

[fiasco]

Timing belt and tensioner - as well as the other belts (alternator, smog pump).
Check/replace all the fuel lines and brake lines (had to say this before Mark does ).
Replace all the hoses under the hood, even if they look ok. Sitting idle does bad things to hoses and even if the look ok today, you're asking for a failure if you leave them as they are.
Flush the radiator.
Clean out the fuel tank.
Ask lots of questions.
Take your time and enjoy the ride.

-- se

[So Cal Mark]

remove the spark plugs and add some atf to each cylinder and let it sit for a day or so before attempting to start it. Unless you're planning on rebuilding it, get it running and assess the condition of the motor before contemplating upgrades or anything else

[mdrburchette]

Since it's in NC, can't you get rid of the smog crap or at least disconnect it? It should run a lot better without all of that.

[knightdalejb]

well I'm not up on NC laws... I know it's 2 years from being a classic/antique where i don't have to do any safety inspections. Not sure what the emission part is.... and do you happen to know about bumpers? if i take them off and go for the insepction would it pass or just wait the 2 years before i do that?

[mdrburchette]

I talked to a technician friend of mine. He says if the vehicle came to him without bumpers he would fail it since they are considered a safety item and have to be able to work as intended. As for the smog control, the pieces have to be there and "appear" to be in working order for it to pass a visual. They do not test any of the equipment to make sure it is working since we don't have emissions for 95 models and earlier. Just think, in another couple of years, the state of NC doesn't care if you're safe or not.

[mbouse]

before you perform any "upgrades" or performance modifications, i would sincerely follow the advice already given and drive the car as stock for a full year.

then, one by one... add performance enhancements as you "need"

[amsiegel]

Why, I can make a hat or a brooch or a pterodactyl... Sorry could not help myself. Guess what movie?

Change fluids
make sure it runs
Inspect gas tank
Change belts and that rubber dounut thingy on drivetrain. (guibo or something like that)
Make sure everything works.
Drive it some more
remove interior and inspect for rust. Would suck to race down road and have seat or foot fall through floor

Once that is done I would suggest redoing the shocks and bushings. Then make sure the suspension and breaks are up to par before increasing HP.

[knightdalejb]

oh I love Airplane!

thanks guys for the tips, now i have to go look for donuts in my engine...

[narfire]

Whaaat... no one suggested Crinkle paint????

[knightdalejb]

i keep seeing reference to the "Crinkle" ... assuming an inside joke...so what's that all about?

[MNspiderman]

I would defiantly change the wiper blades

[fiasco]

i keep seeing reference to the "Crinkle" ... assuming an inside joke...so what's that all about?

What joke? Crinkle paint is stylish, durable and comes in a wide variety of colors (two that I know of). And if you paint the whole car Crinkle you'll increase your fuel efficiency via the golf ball effect (proven valid on cars via Mythbusters). No, I don't think anyone is joking at all. Crinkle is the way to paint - every application, every opportunity, every day.

Ask Mike Bouse - he's the real Crinkle guru on this board.

-- se

[So Cal Mark]

Steve, didn't your Spider recently get crinkle paint in the front?

[fiasco]

Yeah - that's why I had to part it out. All the non-crinkle parts look terrible next to that beautifully crinkled front end.

-- se