better performance for an '80?

[donm]

Hi all,

I'm new here and I am just about to purchase a 1980 Spider with a carborator, but I'm told that this is the worst year in terms of performance. I was wondering if there are any easy upgrades that I could do. At this point, I'm not sure I want to get into something like repalacing cams or other internals, but what about switching carbs, or removing emissions related parts? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.

Don

[Danno]

removing all the emissions and putting a new carb and intake manifold on it would be where I'd start if I were you.

[donm]

Wow, that's weird...I live in Hamilton, MA. Thanks for the reply. Any recommendations on the carborator and manifold?

[narfire]

I'd believe most would recomend the single plane manifold with a 32/36 or 34 adf carb.
If you can source a head from an 1800 engine that would help as well. Exhaust? do you have the 4-1 manifold? if so ,again try and source a 4-2-1 manifold and down pipe. These are bolt ons that help without taking the engine completely apart or removing it for that matter.
(I was born in Hamilton Ont.) no shortages of Hamitons I guess

[Danno]

if I had it to do over again I'd do one of the carbs just mentioned. the 32 that I have is good, but bigger would be better. anything is better than the one you got. If you got lots of money then look at dual carb setups.

[andyo]

I did exactly that and am so pleased with the results
I went for the 34ADF (with vacuum for the distributor) + 1800 manifold (the 1 with the water pipe for the choke!)
Replacing the originals makes it such a neat installation and the relative performance benefits make it worth every penny.
It took me a wee bit longer than expected partly because I was rushing, working at night and didn't pay enough attention to the manifold gasket.
I also needed to fabricate a bracket to support the oil dipstick and had to replace the defective solenoid.
I found loads of info and advice on this site and also that of Brad Artigue(?)
All easy stuff really and the results make it satisfying work - thoroughly recommend it.
There are some pre/post photos on my blog.

[brunorahl]

You don't quite have the worst performing year. 78 took the cake with all the same emissions equipment and 200cc smaller motor.

I agree with the other folks on modifications. And I would get one of the headers and replace the whole exhaust. You can keep the catalytic converter, but upgrade it to something modern. You'll drop a lot of back pressure and allow the motor to breath.

Some people will direct you to the 74' intake manifold, and that's a good option, but they are becoming rare. You just want any single plane manifold and a bit of time with a Dremel. You don't need to expand it huge amounts, just a bit while smoothing out the casting imperfections. Be sure to run a nonmetallic spacer under the carb to help with any heat soak.

One emissions part that's worth keeping is your charcoal canister. It will help the tank stay at neutral pressure and keep down the fuel smell when parked in a garage. It's one line to the tank and one line to the manifold. Simple and clean.

[donm]

This is all great advice--much appreciated. Thanks, guys. And yes, I did buy the car. I do all my own maintainance and repair on my 2 high-milage daily driver Saabs but it will be fun digging into something "foreign" for a change.

Don