Exchanging an engine

I've gotten two responses about a past posting. Unfortunately, they weren't helpful.

It has been suggested to me that I replace the Fiat's motor with a more reliable one--like a CRX, or similar. Can this be done?

I'd tend to agree with the spirit, if not the exact words, of the other replies:
the engine is the heart of a FIAT, the soul of the thing.

Looked after properly the engine is usually last thing to worry about - now rusty bodywork, that's a different matter :)

I agree it wud not b worth putting a Jap engine in and will probably cost u alot of money but yes anything can b dun 4 the right price. But Fiat engines r reliable as long as there well serviced maintained and generally looked after. Ur money 4 an engine swap cud probably b better spent on sorting the fiat 1 out.:D

FIAT CinqueCento = Recycled Ferrari :D

However, I'm not such a traditionalist!!

Something like a CRX engine (and fabulous they are too) would be a good choice, but you have to ask yourself if it's worth it for several reasons:

Get the conversion done badly and it'll run worse than any Fiat and leave you stranded when you least expect it. A swap like that is a really big job and needs to be done by a professional who really knows what he's doing if it's gonna run right. This is gonna cost BIG bucks.

Big power in an old car is a bad idea unless the chassis is made capable of handling it. Old cars do not drive like new ones, and a half hearted conversion could leave you with an expensive motor that likes nothing more than to do pirhouettes at the slightest hint of rain, or has way more power than the brakes and handling are capable of dealing with. Chassis bracing would probably be a good idea, as the existing one would probably flex quite a lot with decent power and cause rather, er, 'unexpected' traits.

A quote that I remember from years back: old sports cars are beautiful machines, but the reality sadly never meets the expectations of drivers of modern cars.

If done right, it should produce a brilliant drive - especially with a nice revvy vtec motor. If done wrong, it will be a horrific waste of cash that you'll curse every day and it might well polish you off. If you have the cash to have it done RIGHT, go for it!!!

Pete.
Cinq sporting 1242cc
http://mysite.freeserve.com/close_to_cracking_up/

Of course I'm sorry that you didn't like my previous reply, but the FIAT engine is such a lovely lump that it's a great shame to change it!!

There must be some owners clubs who may be able to help, but they may have the same attitude ...

Having said that, there are some classic motors with engine changes, e.g. Morris Minors with FIAT Twin Cams are popular, and Ford Zetec engines in 60's Lotus Elans - in fact kits are available for both of these mods!

Steve

Drives a Panda 1000CL [:0] but still has a sense of humour!

(I'm on Stephen.Yensen@siemens.com and steve@yensen.co.uk)

1989 Fiat Panda 1000CL
Electronic Distributor
Metamec copper brake pipes
Currently immobile with a knackered gearbox and mouldy upholstery ;)
Replacement 5-speed 'box and new QH clutch in garage ready to fit
and is likely to remain there for some time yet due to my EXTREME
LAZINESS (and it's cold and wet out there - okay, so I'm a wimp) ...

It might be worth a look at

http://www.carsfromitaly.com/

and following the links there -
I can't remember the specific models (124 variants [?] ), but it does talk about interesting braking characteristics for some of them: shall we pull left,or right, this time?
It also details some of the models which were peculiar to the US market.
Also there's a chance it might you might get a more exotic design engine than you'd expect - but still with FIAT badges on [:0]

Regards

John H

Not help you to destroy a Fiat jewel?

I'm sorry that for a Fiat moderator instead this is only traditionalism! However his words are right!

Only to do a similar question show about you jamies, that you haven't any idea about a old 80's car...

People like you should buy only Japanaise cars, they are without story, spirit and soul!

But if you have enough money you can do all you want also kill a Fiat spider!

Roberto

ps
My advise remain:
Buy a corolla diesel! Even if a JTD is better!