Technical Engine swap

[lowaaa]

Hi all,


I’ve got a 2004 Fiat Punto Mk2b 1.2 8v and I’m planning to rebuild it completely this August. I know some will say “just buy a faster car”, I already have one. This Punto has some sentimental value, and I want to bring it back to life with a faster engine.


Money isn’t a problem for the rebuild, but I do want to keep the swap relatively straightforward.


I’ve removed engines before, but I’ve never swapped one from a different model.


I've seen that the 1.2 16v is a straight swap supposedly, no need to change the drum brakes to normal brakes or much else aside from maybe some ECU work, which I’m comfortable doing.


I’ve also looked into the 1.8 16v HGT, which I understand needs:

• Different engine mounts
• Larger gearbox
• Driveshaft and hub changes

I’m okay with all of that I’ve got the tools and have worked on other cars on those sections.

one question i have is, will I need to make any extra space in the engine bay for the 1.8, or is it a snug fit?


If anyone here has experience with either of these swaps (especially into a Mk2b), or has put something else into theirs, I’d love to hear your input, it would help me a lot.


Performance-wise:

• My current 8v does 0–60 in around 13 seconds
• The 1.2 16v would bring it to about 11 seconds
• The 1.8 HGT could drop that to around 8 seconds

Any advice, experience, or technical insight would be hugely appreciated,

thank you!

EDIT

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just came across a post this month about someone putting in a 1.4 16v instead, and just having starting problems (seems timing related) but supposedly that engine will improve it also by 3 seconds.