The Twins - Plans are forming!

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The Twins - Plans are forming!

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Given the hassle I've had with the 126, and the future upgrade plans for the Seicento I think I've pretty much finalised what's going to be happening. Obviously this is going to involve a lot of time and money so don't expect masses of progress but here's the basic jist!

Seicento:

  • Upgrade to 1242, possible turbo option[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Complete wheels and add 195/40r14 tyres[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Suspension drop 40-50mm, depending on clearance[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Punto GT brakes up front[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Discs on rear[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Abarth spoiler and skirts, possible Lester front apron as well depending on clearance after lowering[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
126:

  • Complete strip and respray, adding front and rear bumpers from Mk2 Golf "Conflict" kit.[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Arch extensions and possibly skirts to accomodate VW Scirocco Scala "Snowflake" wheels, again with 195/40r14 tyres[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Install 1108 from Sei into rear, mated to original gearbox.[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Create a subtle air scoop in bonnet and mount radiator on underside[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
  • Turbo?[/*:m:3nsrbg3o]
The interior of the 126 will need updating somewhat, as the seats don't even match at the moment. It won't be getting used a huge amount, mainly for shows and possibly autotests and as a track weapon so not sure whether to use the original seats or find some buckets that might (just) fit. I do want it to be roadworthy though, so needs to be practical and MOT'able.

As I said, I know this isn't going to be easy or cheap so I will be taking my time with it and any assistance from the floor would be appreciated, with either styling, tuning or fabricating or even if you just want to take the **** and tell me I'm an idiot for ruining a classic :p
 
YcMing said:
I live the sei idea, but not to osure about the 126, the true beauty of the car is as standard :( .

I mean you talk about track weapon, even with a 1108, won't kill many >.<

Ming

As a FIAT I know there will be a lot of purists who will decry what I'm planning, but on the otherhand I didn't buy it to keep it standard I bought it fully intending to do something along these lines.

As for the power, don't be so sure. Jumping from 24bhp to 55bhp would be the equivalent percentage increase of have a Cinq/Sei with 126bhp on tap and you would consider that a weapon! And that's based on a standard 1108, do the usual N/A tuning tricks and that'll be around 60-70 bhp in a car that weighs just over 0.5 ton!
 
You're an idiot for ruining a classic !!! :curtain:









There, happy now. :jester:
I think it's far better that you buy the car that you want then lavish the time and effort to make it "your" dream than have it languish and turn into a pile of iron oxide. I shall follow this with great interest.

As an aside, my cousin's boy wants to stick a Hyabusa engine in the back of a nuovo 500 (cost and condition of original is proving a problem, nobody wants to see the Suzi engine disappearing out the front of a rust-bucket :eek :)
 
The 'Busa idea did cross my mind but those engines just cost far too much money and lets face it - if you can afford to pay for one of them you should be able to afford a decent shell to put it into ;)

Doing it this way seems to be the best compromise between performance and cost. And since the 126 clearly needs to be properly re-painted it made sense to do a little body work to make it individual and personal to my tastes. Again though, especially with regards to the styling, I will be taking my time to make sure I get it right as this is something I want to be proud of.
 
The bumper I was looking at, PS'd onto the car - not great quality but you get the idea...


126Chop.jpg
 
Some interesting plans mate!

Must say, even though it's just a rough 'shop, I like the look of that Golf bumper on the front. Sure, it won't be to everyone's taste, but who cares :)

The 126 should be something else if and when your plans come to fruition (y)
 
I'm not a fan of bodykits, or silly add on body mods at all.... however, i rather like that bumper on the 126!!! that really, really adds a new dimension to the classic styling AND, i spy a nice bit for an intercooler to sit behind some mesh to hide it.... mmmmm turbo time? :D
 
Could be turbo time, or could hide the rad down there rather than cutting holes in the bonnet and put the IC in the rear. Bear in mind the 1108 engine will be sitting lengthways (front to rear) rather than sideways in the engine bay, so will have oodles of space on both sides of the block, the body already has 2 air intakes in the side so use one as a regular air intake and the other perhaps with a fan to cool the IC? The remainder of the space for coolant header tank, some sort of ECU will obviously be needed. Thinking about losing the back seats in favour of enlarging the fuel tank and installing a roll cage too but at the same time I don't want it looking too spartan, I'd still like it to be comfy for driving long distance if necessary.

I dunno, it's not like I need to come to a decision anytime soon but any thoughts are appreciated
 
Venters said:
Good luck with this Fraz. But I fear for the longevity of the 126 box bolted to a 1108. You know how weak they are when dealing with 23bhp.

I'm planning on consulting a specialist and getting a custom 5-spd set made up - in the original bellhousing - to cope with the extra power. Again, not cheap but probably the best way to do it.
 
Hmm, ignition. I'm assuming that it will require some form of ECU to control fuelling and ignition etc but obviously not the standard one?

I'm planning on using the 126's original ignition key to do what it does just now which is to activate the electrics, and a push-button start. Any suggestions? Am trying to get as much info as possible before I even think about stripping the 126 down to a bare shell.
 
Mmmm, lots of shiny metal things *drool*

http://www.sm-engineering.co.uk/index.php

Looks like I'll need a header tank and a fuel surge tank, will also need to try and source an electric fuel pump. As the radiator will be in the front would it be better to have the header tank there as well or in the back with the engine, or will it even make a difference?
 
Also (spamming my own thread, but who cares) am a bit stuck for colour choices on the 126. I do think black looks good, but I've also been toying with the idea of Broom Yellow to match the Sei and even Fiat's Capri Blue (the dark blue from the badges) or Sprint Blue but I don't know. Anyone have any thoughts or any other colours they think might look good?
 
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