I've recently bought a Onyx Firefly kitcar which I believe is based on Panda mechanics. I was wondering if anyone knows if its possible to get Polyflex type bushes to fit the Panda. I'm particularly looking to replace the large rubber rings where the front suspension tie-bar joins on to the engine frame (i assume it bolts to the front valence bodywork on the original Panda). With the extra power of the engine conversion I seem to be getting alot of flex here under heavy accceleration and braking which is affecting the steering a bit.
Also the gearbox seems to be very noisy - it whines alot especially on overrun - is this normal for a panda? The kit has a 1250 punto engine, but the original 1 litre Panda gearbox and I'm wondering if its up to the job.

if it has tranny fluid then it probably means it´s about to crap out on you, my turbo panda lost it yesterday with a nice loud whine and stripped gears[!].

I've changed the gearbox oil as it destroyed the inner CV boots and bearings recently. There is plenty in there and it did quieten it down a little bit, but not much. What is the best gearbox to use if I'm going to replace it?

Later (early 1993 onwards in UK market) Pandas, "FIRE" engined Unos, Cinqs, Seis, and probably Puntos too use the "C514" gearbox - you can recognise it by cable and rod selection, rather than just rods.

It's stronger.

Driveshaft length is another matter...

I agree. You´ll need to play with the driveshaft lenghts to get it right unless you use the uno/panda gearbox.