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Stilo My 1.8 Dynamic silver arrow

Introduction

My 1.8 Dynamic streak of silver

Hi all. Some of you may remember me asking about owning and running a 1.8 16V Stilo. Well, a couple of weeks ago I pulled the trigger and got myself one. :)

It's a 2002, nice example, imported from Italy by a dealer, 112.000km done, nice service history and a totaly fresh major service (belts, filters, fluids..). I hear occasional squeaks from the suspension and the steering column has the wierdest subtle clonk when turning through straight ahead position, but other than that, no problems to report.

The fuel consumption is not realistic yet, since I keep grinning like a moron when it pulls through 4000 rpm. :D 134bhp is a step up from my 60bhp Punto. :p

I plan to give it a professional full body polish after the winter, since the paint is in such excellent condition, I may as well refurb the alloys (thinking about gunmetal grey) and have it generally cleaned on the inside aswell.

So without further delays, pictures.

The day I picked him up.

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Freshly registered for use in Slovenia. :)

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Gratuitous interior shot.

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The powerplant, dressed, undressed, the state of the cambelt etc..

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Yatour cd changer emulator in action.

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So far I replaced some wear and tear items, such as wipers and pollen filters (guide came in handy, many thanks for that). Also fitted a Yatour cd changer emulator, works fine. 4 Michellin Alpin A4 tires, since the ones it came it were fit for the bin and I sourced new door speakers, since one was trashed and I got a pair from an Abarth for 20€. ;)

Enjoying every minute in it, it's very comfy, goes like stink and with these Michellins grips well. All in all the purchase price of 1700€ seems like a good deal. :slayer:

Last but not least, a few days ago a mate with a GP Sport suggested a quick photoshoot. And this came through. :)

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And yet his car still works?? Hmmmmmmm
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Assuming the length and tooth pitch of the belt was correct, then the car would still work even if the belt was narrower than it should be. It just may not work for as long as it should do though. Hmmmmmmm
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I have two oil filters in my garage, one is 3mm taller than the other yet the part numbers match when I cross reference them for my car. The car manufacturer may make theirs to a certain size but it doesn't mean other component companies make theirs to the same standard. This maybe the difference of a quality part and a poor quality aftermarket part but to say he has the "wrong" part fitted is misleading and may make the poor fellow worry unnecessarily

A few millimetres difference in the dimensions of an oil filter is hardly critical, however I would be very worried if a critical part such as a timing belt was too narrow. I'm more inclined to believe that a worn, loose or misaligned pulley or tensioner is causing the belt ride off to the side of the cam pulley though.

but to say he has the "wrong" part fitted is misleading and may make the poor fellow worry unnecessarily :D

If the belt is not 24mm wide, then I still maintain it's the wrong belt, but rather than "make the poor fellow worry unnecessarily", let's ignore what could be a potential problem.
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Assuming the length and tooth pitch of the belt was correct, then the car would still work even if the belt was narrower than it should be. It just may not work for as long as it should do though. Hmmmmmmm
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It must be correct or the car wouldn't have made it down the road. I'm just saying even it it was a millimetre out there's nothing to say the belt is wrong and will fail before it should. If it was half the size then I'ld agree with you.

A few millimetres difference in the dimensions of an oil filter is hardly critical, however I would be very worried if a critical part such as a timing belt was too narrow. I'm more inclined to believe that a worn, loose or misaligned pulley or tensioner is causing the belt ride off to the side of the cam pulley though..

As pointed above I was making an example as to how different companies work.
There's nothing to say that the belt isn't 24 mm wide. It may well be that 100% of that 24mm wide belt is still gripping the pulley and that it's just settled 1mm more towards the head than the original part was. So long as it doesn't move its not going to be a problem IMO

If the belt is not 24mm wide, then I still maintain it's the wrong belt, but rather than "make the poor fellow worry unnecessarily", let's ignore what could be a potential problem.
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And I maintain that if the teeth are correct and the part number says it fits then it's made for that vehicle ergo its right? Weather it meets your or my standards in terms of quality is a different matter entirely. I happen to agree with you I would'nt like it on my car but I wouldn't be worried either. I'm personally leaning towards it being on the pulley in a different position than the original one.

I just think you are too quick to "poo poo" his thread by saying he has incorrect parts fitted. If I didn't know anything about cars and someone said that to me I'ld probably get a new one fitted at a lot of money when really it was perfectly ok in the first place?
 
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Oh i take it it's not the "white connector" version then? I know the more difficult brown connector version has been successfully done before so I'm sure you'll get it :)

Brown it is...the car had the wires up to it, so I guess it should work..

As for this timing belt, I think I'll be able to spare a few minutes in the coming days to visit my mechanic and get a definitive answer. Finances aren't a big issue so even if it comes to that, I can change the belt and everything that goes with it. ;)

Nice Stilo btw dude :D

Cheers. ;)
 
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To give a quick report since it's been almost a month of owning it:

-I still get the same kick from its performance as I did on day one. No hesitation and pulls well. Got it to 200km/h on the highway without much hassle and not that much noise. Stable too. Although this must seem as a given to you lot, all of this is new to me coming from a Punto. :p

-It drinks more fuel than I'm used to. 8.2 Litres per 100 kms=34 MPG UK. Roughly what I calculated after about 1200 kilometers. Not that bad actually, considering multiple top speed runs and endless city driving.

-Ah the city. The bane of MPgees. You get it up to speed and then just stick it into fifth. 50km/h in all our cities, so driving at just below 60 (no problem legally) and does not complaint at all. No judder, nothing. And a respectable instant consumption.(y)

-Apart from squeaking suspension bits (suspecting silent blocks/various rubber) and a funny little knock whilst turning the steering wheel...all is well. A loose connection gave an airbag light, a bulb burnt out in the ceiling light and that's about it. :)

Loving every minute of its power, comfort and general nice-ness. Hopefully he's here to stay for a long time. (y) The future? As I've stated before, TLC for the paintwork and alloys...maybe even a set of factory side skirts.. ;)

 
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Quick status update. :) Nothing special to report, just pleasant driving. Got rid of the nasty licence place holders and stuck the plates directly to the car with some Pattex powertape. Holds like mad.



Replaced a broken fuel reservoir door, guides came in handy, cheers for that. ;)



And just because, some snips.



 
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You got blinded by the beauty so much, you actually disliked one snip. :D

Joking aside, it really shines when it's washed and the sun's out. I seriously plan to spend some money on a good polish and detail, for a 13 year old car imported from Italy (bumpercar central) it's mint. (y)
 
So, the car works well, but it does burn some oil. Expected since I rag it a lot.

What oil would be best suited for this engine in its current condition? Should I stick to 5-40 (Motul, Shell, Mobil etc) or a different grade? I'm looking for a durable oil, cost not an issue.
 
I thought it was just my 1.8 Stilo, the thing burns though oil like crazy:bang: Was wondering the same thing in terms of which is the best oil that lasts for a 1.8.

Despite the fuel consumption and the constant oil top-up, I love mine :slayer:
 
It's a thing with this engine and I was aware of it come purchase time. Now I'd just like some input what's best to do in this case, so the engine suffers as little as possible. Regular topups are a must, but what with? I'm planning a full flush and filter service in October, so I wanna go in prepared.

And I too love mine, very enjoyable car. :)
 
After some discussing with other people, I've decided to run an oil that has a higher flash point and is also very resiliant to high operating temperatures and general high revs; Mobil 1 Peak Life 5-50.

In case this doesn't solve it, I'm going either 10-60 or just pure racing oils, ester based. Like Valvoline VR1. :D
 
Oil is in, not without problems.. after the sump plug turned out to be just a round ball of metal, needed to hammer it out and buy a replacement. So far I'm liking this oil, it even helped the phase variator shut up a bit, not sounding as diesel-y as before.. :)
 
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