Hi I am looking to put a 650 CC engine from fiat 126 into my 1962 fiat 500 model D.

I believe I need to change drive shafts,rear control arms.

Pls help

Hi Andy, yes, you need to change rear control arms to those from a F model or later. You will also need f model or later axles. There are a number of other small items, such as changing studs for the engine mount, slight modification of the metal hot air duct under the car etc. all very easy. There is a well known page online somewhere with all the details. I don't have the link to hand but I am sure someone else will be able to put it up here for you.
I am doing the same thing, alongside a total restoration and some significant engine tuning. It is very common. Have you got any photos of your car you can share?
Cheers Roger

Andy,

You will have to change the driveshafts on the 126 transmission-differential assembly as they will be too long to fit the 500. The shafts you will need are the 25.0mm ones that fit the 500R/L - they are available and are not expensive.

See here for a nice pictorial guide

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricambifiat500/sets/72157615692546231/

I'm not sure about the rear suspension. I converted my 500F to a 650(695cc) engine and 126 transmission and apart from the driveshafts, it just slotted straight in.

There are lots of little detail differences between the two but nothing that is insurmountable. Have a pick through the stickies above - there is a wealth of information contained in those posts.

Keep us informed and post a few photos when you get a chance.

Chris

Here is the link to the site that Roger referenced on doing the swap.

http://www.fiat500clubsa.org.au/articles/swapping-niki-parts-into-your-bambino

John

I'm busy doing the 500 to 650 swap but I can't find any details of how to modify the hot air duct. I'd like to make the mod before offering the engine & 126 gearbox up but I'm not sure how or what to modify.
I've got the 650 side exit rather than 500 rear exit duct from the thermostat housing and the standard 500 metal duct bolted to the underside of the car. So can anybody tell me what I need to attack with the hammer??

dunnah,

I used the intermediate piece (CP0032 in the picture) from the 126 as it points the correct way and is indented to clear the starter motor.

If you don't have it, they may be available new - try here , they have most parts http://www.fiatclassic.com/

Chris

Thanks Bambino - I'd read somewhere that the 126 duct could be used but when I did a search it came up with the same part No. for both the 126 and 500 so I dismissed this option.
I've just had a proper look and it's the 500R that's the same as the 126 so my 500L is indeed different

I can just about see the difference in the angle of the outlet between the 126 top and 500L bottom:




Thanks again and I'll get hold of a 126 one to keep things tidy.

The 126 connecting pipe fits fine on a 500 when fitting a 126 engine- just remember if you are buying one there are two types depending on whether your new engine has a solenoid or cable starter. If you have a solenoid type they have a recess in the duct to clear the solenoid- you can use this later one on an earlier cable start type however.

there are two types depending on whether your new engine has a solenoid or cable starter

Click to expand...

Thanks for this - I am fitting a solenoid starter with push button start so will look for the recessed type