Hello

[mlc26]

Hello all, newbie here. I recently bought a long time wanted Fiat coupé. It is an 1.8 but I love it so much I am already thinking about ‘upgrading’ Are there any motors to avoid? What do you suggest? Go right to the 2.0 20v plus with six gears? What about parts? Are there models where parts are more difficult to find than others? Any ideias will be much appreciated, thanks!

 

[Mike1alike]

Hello! Welcome to the forum!
You've started with to many questions...
I don't know which one yo answer...

 

[mlc26]

Hello! Welcome to the forum!
You've started with to many questions...
I don't know which one yo answer...

Sorry about that.. But in the end it resumes to two questions.. Any motors to avoid? Parts more difficult to find to one motor than to other?.. Thanks!

 

[Mike1alike]

Engines to avoid
1.8 16v (what you have): reliable and smooth, but limited tuning potential. Not bad, just not worth upgrading internally.
2.0 16v NA: same story — strong engine, but heavy and gains are expensive. Not a great “upgrade” path.
They’re not bad engines — just not ideal if performance is the goal.
Engines to go for
2.0 20v Turbo (5-cyl) → this is the sweet spot
Best performance
Strong tuning potential
Huge aftermarket knowledge
6-speed gearbox is a big plus
If you’re already thinking “upgrade”, this is the one most owners end up with anyway
Parts availability
Best: 20v Turbo
Most parts still available new or used, plenty of specialists, lots of shared components.
Harder: 1.8 / 2.0 16v
Some engine-specific parts are getting scarce.
Worst: Plus / LE-specific trim parts
Mechanical parts are fine, cosmetic bits are the pain.
Honest advice
If you already love the car:
Enjoy the 1.8 as-is for now
When the itch gets too strong → sell and buy a 20v Turbo, rather than engine-swapping
Cheaper, easier, and far fewer headaches.

 

[mlc26]

Engines to avoid
1.8 16v (what you have): reliable and smooth, but limited tuning potential. Not bad, just not worth upgrading internally.
2.0 16v NA: same story — strong engine, but heavy and gains are expensive. Not a great “upgrade” path.
They’re not bad engines — just not ideal if performance is the goal.
Engines to go for
2.0 20v Turbo (5-cyl) → this is the sweet spot
Best performance
Strong tuning potential
Huge aftermarket knowledge
6-speed gearbox is a big plus
If you’re already thinking “upgrade”, this is the one most owners end up with anyway
Parts availability
Best: 20v Turbo
Most parts still available new or used, plenty of specialists, lots of shared components.
Harder: 1.8 / 2.0 16v
Some engine-specific parts are getting scarce.
Worst: Plus / LE-specific trim parts
Mechanical parts are fine, cosmetic bits are the pain.
Honest advice
If you already love the car:
Enjoy the 1.8 as-is for now
When the itch gets too strong → sell and buy a 20v Turbo, rather than engine-swapping
Cheaper, easier, and far fewer headaches.

Engines to avoid
1.8 16v (what you have): reliable and smooth, but limited tuning potential. Not bad, just not worth upgrading internally.
2.0 16v NA: same story — strong engine, but heavy and gains are expensive. Not a great “upgrade” path.
They’re not bad engines — just not ideal if performance is the goal.
Engines to go for
2.0 20v Turbo (5-cyl) → this is the sweet spot
Best performance
Strong tuning potential
Huge aftermarket knowledge
6-speed gearbox is a big plus
If you’re already thinking “upgrade”, this is the one most owners end up with anyway
Parts availability
Best: 20v Turbo
Most parts still available new or used, plenty of specialists, lots of shared components.
Harder: 1.8 / 2.0 16v
Some engine-specific parts are getting scarce.
Worst: Plus / LE-specific trim parts
Mechanical parts are fine, cosmetic bits are the pain.
Honest advice
If you already love the car:
Enjoy the 1.8 as-is for now
When the itch gets too strong → sell and buy a 20v Turbo, rather than engine-swapping
Cheaper, easier, and far fewer headaches.

Thank you Mike, for the thorough response! I will do as you suggest: enjoy the car for now and when the opportunity arises, go for the 2.0 20v turbo