Tuning Punto Evo 1.4 8v 77 hp

[MacTavish89]

Hi!

I'm all new to this forum, and also new to cars. (Don't get me wrong, I'm into cars a lot, just didn't have the money and the time to get my DL and any car yet.)
I don't have any yet, but it looks like I'll get - somewhere in the foreseeable future - a 1.4 8v Punto Evo (y: 2011 or 2012), as soon as the original owner decides to get a new car.

So, as the car is equipped with the least powerful (or one of the least powerful) engine(s), the 1.4 8-valve Fire engine, I'm thinking about a little power increase.

Only theoretically speaking, I came up with some ideas, but unfortunately can't decide which one's better or which is the more realistic way to go:

1. Saving up a lot of money and swapping the engine for a 1.4 MultiAir Turbo, which is a safe option, but it's a bit tricky/difficult here in Hungary to swap engines, even if you get the car for a safety-inspection after the swap.
2. Swapping engine parts to rebuild the engine into a 1.4 16v T-Jet turbocharged engine (camshafts, upper engine-body, valves, turbocharging, exhaust manifold, everything needed).
3. Or just simply turbocharging the 8v Fire with or without swapping some internal parts for stronger ones.

Every help is appreciated! (And please don't respond with the usual "get back to this when you really have a car" and such; I like to get everything planned long before it's done.)
Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Mac

P.S.: Sorry about my english! Thanks!
Have a nice day!

 

[fingers99]

It's possible, but it would probably be cheaper (either in terms of outright cost or insurance or both) to buy a better car to begin with. Not sure of how things are in Hungary, but over here you can pick up MR2 turbos or Miatas very cheaply.

I don't know about the Multi-Air.
The T Jet started off as a 1.4 16v. But FIAT changed (at least) the pistons, the con rods, the crank, the block, the head, the cams, the exhaust valves, the sump. Physically, it looks pretty much the same but the detail is very, very, different.
The 8v FIRE engine can be turbocharged, but you're looking at a new ECU, pistons, rods, etc. and a lot of fabrication before you can achieve anything like the reliability of a T Jet.

 

[MacTavish89]

It's possible, but it would probably be cheaper to buy a better car to begin with. Not sure of how things are in Hungary, but over here you can pick up MR2 turbos or Miatas very cheaply.

The problem with that is mainly that I like this Punto, and the known life of it. There are not more than 45-50.000 kms in it (~28-31.000 miles), the overall quality and state of the car is nearly brand new.

I considered getting used cars, but simply the "supply" (cars for sale) is horrible. Some of them are in no state to drive them safely, got horrible figures in kms (which suggests a lot of rebuilding too).

My point is, for me it's a lot cheaper, to start off with this car, and it is a lot more practical as an everyday car.

So as I see it, either I "simply" turbocharge it or build a 16v T-Jet out of it, I'll need to fortify the inner parts and it will take a lot of time. (And I'm totally fine with spending time, energy and money on the car. )

(As far as I know, MultiAir is a special air inlet valve mechanism, which I don't really want to go into - go into as in building it in the car - so simple T-Jet it is, no MultiAir T-Jet, or "simply" turbocharging the 8v.)

And thank you for your help!

 

[Mkala]

Hi and welcome

Good choice. The Punto 1.4 77HP is a good car. It is not as underpowered as it seems, but its not a beast, of course.

To modify it reliably, you will spend more than the price of a new T-jet or MultiAir punto. Waste of time.
And I don't speak about law and safety, because I dont know them in your country.

Believe me, if you want a powerfull car, buy a car with power. If you want this shiny 1.4 77HP Punto, buy this. But you can't mixe the two, sure.
Even with knowledge it's hard. And costly.

This general rule is true for all cars : an serie car with more power cost a lot less than a entry level car with reliably added power.

The Punto 77HP has a C514 gearbox, which can't support the torque of 1.4 Tjet (more 200Nm), the clutch can't handle this too, brakes are small discs at front and drum at rear, etc...

Believe me, this is not a realistic option.

 

[MacTavish89]

Believe me, this is not a realistic option.

Then I guess I'll need a hobby car for that "drive a little sportier" feeling.
The Punto 1.4 8v 77hp is an actual car, in the family, right now. Somewhere in the future the owner of the Punto will get a new car. Looks like I'll be the one who gets it, hopefully. So that's why I was thinking about power upgrade.
But yeah, I didn't think deep enough (gearbox, etc - but discs and drum-disc swap was in mind)...

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Ransoman]

Get the Punto, drive it, enjoy it, You will like it. When you can afford it then trade it in for a turbo model.

 

[FullMetalScorpion]

If you wanted a sporty Punto you would be better starting off with an Abarth. You can tune the car you like but only so far before the bills get ridiculous. As for the engines I would go for a T-Jet as they are easier to tune.

 

[Mkala]

Then I guess I'll need a hobby car for that "drive a little sportier" feeling.
The Punto 1.4 8v 77hp is an actual car, in the family, right now. Somewhere in the future the owner of the Punto will get a new car. Looks like I'll be the one who gets it, hopefully. So that's why I was thinking about power upgrade.
But yeah, I didn't think deep enough (gearbox, etc - but discs and drum-disc swap was in mind)...

Thanks for the advice!

With the cost of 2 cars, you can easily buy a T-Jet I think

Yes I understand, it's so great to buy a car you already know. Drove with care. With people you know.
But yes, adding more power it's not an easy and cheap job.

You welcome, hope you find the best solution for you

 

[MacTavish89]

Get the Punto, drive it, enjoy it, You will like it. When you can afford it then trade it in for a turbo model.

Yes I understand, it's so great to buy a car you already know. Drove with care. With people you know.
But yes, adding more power it's not an easy and cheap job.

You welcome, hope you find the best solution for you

If you wanted a sporty Punto you would be better starting off with an Abarth. You can tune the car you like but only so far before the bills get ridiculous. As for the engines I would go for a T-Jet as they are easier to tune.

I'm really thinking things will be as you all suggested: Driving the Punto for a time, and when money makes it possible I'll possibly sell it and buy an Abarth Punto (hopefully they can import one at the Fiat dealership, otherwise I'd have to buy it abroad and drive it home and "nationalize" it), other options include a sportier Alfa Romeo, like a MiTo QV, or a smaller but more "angry" Fiat 500 Abarth.

Thanks everything guys!
Have a nice day!