Tuning Abarth swap panda 100

[Struttycento]

Has anyone swapped a a500 engine and box into a panda 100, I want to do it but I’m not sure what’s involved on the electronic side of things or how easy it is to convert using wiring looms etc. Also all the engine and gearbox mounts convert over thanks.

 

[DaveMcT]

Fiat have always locked together the remote key chip, instruments block and the ECUs. You might get away with "just" the 500 engine ECU but expecting that to interface with the Panda body computer is a big wish.

I think you need to factor in the full set of 500 electrical kit with all computers and instruments AND quite probably the wiring loom. Transplant the whole lot into the Panda and it should work fine.

You would be wise to take the 500 back axle and narrow it to fit the Panda shell (its 25mm wider at each side). ALternatively widen the 100HP arches. Why? Because it handles a whole lot better in ordinary 500 form so will be better still in the Abarth versions. If you are doing all that, dont forget the front end, suspension and brakes.

Ultimately you'll end up with a 100HP body shell with the Abarth 500 subframes, mechanicals and electrics. It would be very different and probably very good indeed. Only you can tell if its worth all the work for a modified car that won't have any resale value?

 

[Goudrons]

You'll need to mod the front end to make it fit, in effect you'll need to move the front panel, bumper, grill and crash bar forward.

If you look carefully at the front end of an Abarth, it just looks like there's a bulge in the front panel, but it has had an extra 3 inches or so in the front to accommodate the turbo, extra cooling and intercooler.

There's spacers on the ends of the chassis legs to push the whole front forward and obviously the front panel/bumper has been designed to fit.


You can see it here in pics 11 & 12.
https://www.fiat500owners.com/forum...lights-driving-lights-taillights-removal.html

 

[Struttycento]

Right thank you this is very useful will definitely take all this into consideration as I don’t want to do this badly I want it to be done properly I have the access to do it correctly and the time if it’s actually worth it I will see.

 

[DaveMcT]

An Abarth 1/4 turbo "100HP" would be great but it would not be as simple as swapping the engine. You might be able to move the intercooler but would a bonnet scoop look right? Or perhaps fit two smaller coolers where the spot lamps fit.

I think you would need to consider it as a rebodied Abarth 500 rather than an engine swapped 100HP. That way you keep the Abarth handling to go with the performance.