🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

124 Spider

Year:

1982

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Fiat 124 Spider was a popular compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that offered European styling and performance at a more accessible price point than many of its contemporaries. It was a key player in the affordable sports car segment.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the MGB, Triumph TR7, and Datsun 240Z/260Z in its earlier years, and later against vehicles like the Mazda RX-7 (first generation) and Toyota Celica Supra.

Key Features:

Lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive, sporty handling, stylish Italian design, and a focus on driver engagement. The 1982 model year typically featured the 2.0L DOHC engine.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Accessories, Body, Brakes, Clutch, Drive Shaft, Electrical, Engine (00-50, 51-100, 101-170), General Info and Maintenance, Rear Axle, Steering, Suspension, Timing Belt Replacement, Transmission

Page Count:

Not specified, but extensive coverage implies a significant page count typical of factory service manuals.

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Covers all major mechanical and electrical systems including engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, clutch, transmission, driveshaft, rear axle, steering system, braking system, suspension system, bodywork, electrical components and accessories.

Procedures Included:

Includes detailed maintenance schedules, repair procedures, diagnostic troubleshooting, component removal and installation, adjustments, specifications, and wiring diagrams. Specific mention of timing belt replacement helper indicates detailed procedural guidance.

Technical Depth:

Factory-level technical depth, suitable for both experienced mechanics and dedicated DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex component overhauls and diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

Printable, implying high resolution for clear text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Fiat Twin Cam 2.0L (1995cc) DOHC inline-4

Horsepower:

Approximately 102-105 hp (for US market models, subject to emissions controls). European versions might have had slightly higher output.

Torque:

Approximately 110-114 lb-ft (for US market models).

Fuel System:

Fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic or similar, depending on market and emissions regulations).

Engine Codes:

Common engine code for this era is often referred to by the Fiat Twin Cam designation, with specific variations based on market and year (e.g., 132 AC.000 for some early 2.0L versions).

Bore Stroke:

Approx. 84 mm x 90 mm

Compression Ratio:

Typically around 8.2:1 to 8.8:1 (market dependent).

Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity, but typically 10W-40 or 20W-50 for older engines. API SG or higher classification recommended.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 liters (with filter).

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system.

Timing Belt:

Yes, the Fiat Twin Cam engine uses a timing belt. This manual specifically highlights its replacement, indicating detailed instructions.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission

Transmission:

Some markets may have offered a 3-speed automatic transmission as an option, though the manual 5-speed was more common and preferred for performance.

Features:

Rear-wheel drive, robust and reliable design typical of Fiat's performance transmissions of the era.

Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific GL rating, but typically a GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2240 mm (88.2 inches)

Length:

Approx. 3980 mm (156.7 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1600 mm (63 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1220 mm (48 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 970-1050 kg (2138-2315 lbs), depending on equipment and market.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x130 mm

Standard Tire Size:

Commonly 185/70SR13 or 195/60HR14 on later models.

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

As this is a 1982 vehicle, official NCAP or similar crash test ratings in the modern sense are not available. Safety features were more basic.

Active Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (front ventilated), rear-wheel drive, responsive steering.

Passive Features:

Lap and shoulder belts, crumple zones (basic for the era), reinforced A-pillars, and a roll bar integrated into the windshield frame. Side impact protection was minimal.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic for its era. Typically featured an AM/FM radio, often with a cassette player. Dashboard layout was driver-focused.

Driver Assistance:

None in the modern sense. Relied on driver skill and the mechanical systems for handling and braking.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Detailed in the manual. Typically includes oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles, coolant flush every 2 years, brake fluid change every 2 years, and timing belt replacement at specified intervals (e.g., 40,000-60,000 miles or 3-5 years), which is crucial for this engine.

Fluid Specifications:

Engine oil, coolant (ethylene glycol based), brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4), transmission fluid (GL-4/GL-5), differential fluid (GL-5), power steering fluid (if applicable, though most were manual steering).

Known Issues:

Rust on body panels and sills, carburetor tuning (if applicable on earlier models, though 1982 is typically injected), potential for aging rubber hoses and seals, ignition system components, and clutch wear. The manual will address many of these common wear-and-tear items.

Oil Filter Part Numbers:

Refer to manual for exact OEM or equivalent part numbers. Common aftermarket equivalents might include Purolator L10037, Fram PH8A, or Wix 51515 (verify compatibility).

Tune Up Specs:

Includes ignition timing, idle speed, spark plug gap, and fuel injection system adjustments, all detailed in the manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Fiat, an Italian manufacturer with a long history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from small city cars to sports cars and commercial vehicles. Known for innovation and style.

Model Evolution:

The Fiat 124 Sport Spider (later simply Spider) was introduced in 1966 and underwent various updates throughout its production. The 1982 model represents the later iterations, often featuring the more powerful 2.0L DOHC engine and Bosch fuel injection. Production continued under Pininfarina's stewardship after Fiat ceased production in 1982.

Production Years:

1966-1982 (as Fiat), continued as Pininfarina Spider Azzurra/Europa until 1985.

Manufacturing Location:

Italy (Turin and later Desio), with final assembly sometimes occurring in the United States under concessionaires.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Fiat 124 Spider was consistently praised for its styling and driving dynamics. It was a popular choice for sports car enthusiasts and regularly featured in automotive reviews as a compelling option in its class.