Christmas $$$ Burning a hole already

[BKCowGod]

Okay, I'm getting a four digit bonus for Christmas and unless I find a good Dodge Power Wagon for the right price it's all gonna go to my Spider. So you guys get to help me spend it!

The primary priority is suspension. Right now I've decided on Koni Yellows, IAP "sport" springs, and IAP bushings. I noticed Centerline has the same basic products for about the same price - any real world difference? Any other thoughts I should have? I've already decided on polyurethane, I know the downsides.

Next comes a new Ansa exhaust, but I was wondering if there's any good to be had in getting a freer flowing Cat? This is a CA car, so it's saddled all over with emissions crap, and as a '78 it will stay that way.

A recored radiator and powered subwoofer (and capacitor) are already budgeted in.

This leaves around $600 to play with. It needs driver's seat upholstery and a carpet but that can wait. Ditto for the top. Tires and an alignment would be the end of the budget, but I theoretically could hold off on those until spring. Brakes, electric ignition, good plugs and wires, etc have already been done. What else can I do that doesn't involve taking off the head?

Any suggestions would be appreciated...

[JoeCab]

The main differences between suspension are:

1) The Centerline springs are designed to be used with stock front and rear sway bars, and the IAP springs are designed to be used with a larger rear sway bar.

2) The Centerline springs should be used with Koni Reds, not Koni Yellows or Bilsteins. They will be too harsh for street use with them.

Joe

[Paradiso]

Strongly suggest that you go koni RED with IAP (or centerline) springs. I've heard all the arguments about poly vs rubber bushings. All i can tell you is I wouldn't give up the poly bushings (www.performatek.com) in my 92 for anything.
Good luck

[sprintgtc]

Ben,
Sounds like you researched the poly bushing thing –but- I suggest you drive someone's car that has them. My track car (69 gtv) has yellow Konis, yellow springs (don't know mfg), bigger sway bars, and most recently, poly bushings.
On the track, the overall vibrations increased so much with poly, I went back to the pits because I was sure something broke. Now I'm used to it and the car is significantly faster through the turns with the poly bushings.
That said, I will never use them on a street Alfa. Go with the red Konis, all new rubber bushings, and whatever springs & sway bars you like. But beware the vibrations of poly!
Oh yea, just my opinion

[alfa63]

With poly bushings and Koni yellows you'll be putting some of that Christmas money into reattaching the parts that have vibrated off.