124 1971 124 saloon

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124 1971 124 saloon

124saloon

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Hi people how's it going? My name is russ. Looking for some help/info. I have just purchased a 1971 124 saloon 1200cc 8valve. The problem is the engine block is completely seized solid with rust. The cylinder head is still perfectly usable after a overhaul. My question is there a engine block that could be used with my cylinder head? And also match my bellhousing bolt pattern? Any info would be appreciated. Would really like to get an old fiat 8v running in it keeping it original as possible.
 
Hi Russ and a huge welcome to the FIAT forums!

You're a man after my own heart; keeping things original is how I like to do things with a couple of classics that I own (non-FIAT) :)

Unfortunately I'm the new boy here and know nothing about what you have or what you are doing, but I'm curious to know why the block would not be useable with the right work done to it?
I have seen 80 year old rusty engines brought back to life. Perhaps its not possible with these more modern machines what do I know!

Hopefully someone will be along soon that can help you out (y)
 
Hi thanks for replying. Yeah I'm new to fiat myself, it's just cost really tbh. the engine would need quite a bit re honed, then bigger piston and so on. Would end up quite expensive. Really looking to just get it running, some paint then move it on. Here's a couple of pics
 

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Oh yes! A proper retro colour too - dont be tempted to change that! The bodywork looks in remarkably good condition.

It's a pity it would lose the original block, that's assuming it is the original 'matching-numbers' block that was with the car when it was new.

I've been involved with MGs since the very early 80s and own what was my second ever car, a 79 Midget. Although I changed the engine in the late 80s due to the high mileage, the original engine stayed with the car until I sold it in 2000 and I very fortunately got it back with the car when I found the car for sale four years ago, albeit the original engine was in a bit of a sorry state having been badly stored. I'm now pumping the money into it to get it reunited with the car.

With most classics, having a matching number is a big thing and goes a long way to upholding the car's value; my older, pre-war MG would go up in value a lot if that had it's original engine - that car had a Ford sidevalve engine put in it during the mid '50s (probably due to lack of spares for a 30's car at the time) I'm now returning that car to its original spec but the costs although eyewatering, will pay-off in the long-run, even though its not a 'matching-number' engine from when the car was new, it is of the correct type.

Good luck with the job and please, keep the forums posted of your progress.

The story of my '79 Midget can be found in an article here, if you're interested, entitled 'Once, twice, three times a Midget' (not my choice of title!) http://www.midgetandspriteclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/newsletter201812.pdf
 
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