HGT: 147bhp Vs. 155bhp

[Rich]

Is it just me or is the original HGT engine (147bhp) a beter engine that the newer HGT engine (155bhp)?

After being rear-ended by a lady in Landrover the other week, my beloved 1998 HGT was written off. So I bought another HGT, exactly the same colour and around the same mileage but instead of the 147 engine, it had the 155 VIS.

I have to say I'm a little disappointed. Oh, it's as quick, if not slightly quicker at getting to 60mph. But after that it all goes a bit lazy. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, but it's not a scratch on my older Bravo. Putting your foot down at 60mph in 3rd gear in the 147 never failed to put a smile on my face but the 155 just seems sluggish at this point...

Also, might be my imagination or the fact that there's a loud back box on my newer Bravo, but the VIS doesn't sound anywhere near as the original, it just doesn't growl as much...

 

[marko]

Its not quite as simple as that. But not having driven either you could be right.
No two cars leaving the assembly line are ever the same so its fair to say that your 147 might have been particularly good and that the 155 might be just average.
I always thought the VIS element allowed for higher revs and the power was delivered in this area for that reason. Try a very thorough service including engine/fuel system flush, new leads, plugs and best quality oil/piper x panel filter and see what happens.

 

[Insomnia]

Over the years people have reported similar feedback as yourself.

The 147 does sound more growly. On the other hand the 155 is more refined.

I can't comment too much on the 155 engines but having a 147 myself I'm aware that even between the 147s, they vary in power delivery. Some seem to be stronger than others too. Quite a mixed bag really.

Longest Serving BOO Member

Stilo (3dr): Mar 06 1.4 16V Active Sport / 28,500 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 136,000 miles

 

[Darren]

I've had both chap and I would agree mostly.

The 147 I thought, sounded like a spitfire once you get her above 4k rpm but the 155 is more refined and quieter. don't forget you are getting better fuel economy too!

I'm not 100% on this but I thoguht the 147 was cable controlled accelerator (can't remember exactly) and the 155 is fly-by-wire so I think the 147 had more instant reactions.

I felt like the 155 was slow, but I think that was just because it was missing the noise.

I found my 155 wouldn't pull past 6.5k rpm but I changed the standard air filter (not a cone or anything, just changed the panel filter) and she seemed to pull easier and rev to 7.2k rpm

Darren

 

[Rich]

Well this has made me feel slightly better, thought there might have been something wrong with my car!

The car was only recently service, but I'm not sure to what extent so I will give it a look over.

Totally agree with you Darren, you're not the first person to say the 147 sounded like a spitfire and you won't be the last, it is simply one of the best engine noises I've heard in a standard family hatch.

And I agree with Insomnia, the 155 is more refined, not just the engine but the overall build, it's just more... up to date.

Given the choice though I think I preferred my 147

 

[sam]

the 155 is quicker than the 147

i have had both blocks and currently have the 155 at the moment.
the vis seems to be very picky about the plugs it uses and the maf is very sensitive to dirt.
try cleaning the MAF and resting the ECU

the TPS on the 155 learns and adapts to your driving style.
reset it, let it tick over for 5, and then drive it like you have stolen it for the first 30 miles.

you SHOULD notice a difference.
Sound, the 147 is more growly because of the inlet manofold. on the 155 its plastic with a plastic rocker rover.
the 147 is basey will the 155 above 5k is very raspy

 

[sam]

its also worth noting that now the 147 can be maped my flea (£50 quid) and in my opinion probably makes it out perform the 155.

throttle response is improved with mpg, and in general a all around improvment

 

[Insomnia]

I am running the chip Sam has mentioned and can confirm it does make the car more responsive, but moreso above the 4k threshold. Not entirely convinced by mpg claims, but not in the slightest bit bothered The grin still goes from ear to ear on any drive-about

Longest Serving BOO Member

Stilo (3dr): Mar 06 1.4 16V Active Sport / 28,500 miles
Coupe: Feb 97 20V N/A / 136,000 miles

 

[Darren]

Sam, I always thought that you had to reset the ecu, then drive really steady for about 200 miles otherwise, if you drive it hard from the reset when you drive normally it will be non-responsive because it is used to being hammered?

That's what I have always been told by the guys on here and the guys at my local fiat dealership..

Also as I said above, try changing the air filter, I put a k&n panel filter in and it pull much better.

Darren

 

[notorious131]

The 155vis is as mentioned more refined and balanced, but having had both types in the Marea I would rather have the 147 anytime.
The 155 is very very SPARKPLUG sensitive and as you said it is fly by wire accelerator, and does intefere with rapid progress, believe it is programmed into the ECU?
I've currently got 155vis Marea and fed up with it, I've got problems with VIS system not operating properly but can't be arsed sorting it now.
I found my car disliked NGK plugs and would run better on cheaper Champion plugs although I got some cheap Bosch Super Fours of fleabay and runs great, get rid of the resonator box aswell, this will make it sound better.

 

[sam]

i was up at county cursing when a guy from motec droped in to collect some bits.
this is what he told me to do, i have reset the ecu on a number of occasions and his advice bairs out, along with some other friends on fccuk, this advice seems to work well

as said above, the 155 is picky about plugs and servicing

for any one that wants to know what the inside of the vis looks like

it has a lever controlled via a diaphragm that's driven off a vacume feed


is this your post mate?
http://www.fccuk.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=780401&page=1

did you not get it sorted?

 

[notorious131]

Yes Sam thats mine, not sure if its totally sorted, just waiting to take car of road and sort it all out, gathering the bits ready for the onslaught.
Hopefully will be modifying all the bodywork and respray.

 

[furry]

quite a read that thread about the power loss, ive had work done on my car years ago from betacar, very nice chap, though i do believe its not there anymore.

i prefer my 155 to my friends 147 if im honest, more refined as said, and even though the 147 gives you a slightly better note i'll stick to my 155

 

[Von]

Have read all of the above with interest. Love my 155, but have never driven a 147. It gives me all the response I need and surprises people when I fly past them on the motorway. Plus the more I drive it, the better it seems to get! I like the growl it makes, if I want loud, just need to get on the back of the Thruxton, now that's loud with a 2 into 1 exhaust and no baffle!

 

[mike]

ive just read all this and there some useful knowledge about the 2 difference engines...
Obviously i dont have nor have i driven the 155 but im now sticking with thw 147 as ive jsut picked my new lump up
With a good sized stainless with a twin exit backbox sounds the nutts! I love the nosie mine makes,especially throughout the higher end rev band.(I have a marea box so unsure if that makes a difference) I think with a chip itll shift a bit more responsivly and rev more as a few of yous have said.
but we'll see when i get 1 fitted.

Mike

A Fiat Marea in a Bravo Shell
My Vid:
http://s329.photobucket.com/player.swf?
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Car Status-Off Rd/Broken- Better Things

 

[kirk]

i have neva drove a 155. I have a 147 and its good enough for me.sometimes it feels quick as f*ck and otha times slow. Why is this? Does any1 else experience this?

 

[notorious131]

Don't get me wrong lads, I love my 155 but I think its lost a little of its edgeness that the 147 has, too much electronic inteference spoils the driving for me and I realy hate the fly by wire throttle. It just does not suit my driving style, only brake when you have too, nothing wrong with going round corners sideways or even on two wheels.
I would love to turbo this lump like Countycruising has done on FCCUK or even like Bulldog.
Any ho good look with the car Mike glad you got another motor for hit.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks mate..cant wait to get it back on the road
Oh and after what you have just put about the electronics side..think im glad i didnt upgrade to the 155 engine now lol

Mike

 

[Anonymous]

having had two 147's and a 155, I definitely prefer the character of the 147, just gives a better growl, that being said the 155 gave me 3-4 mpg better on normal driving and was just as quick; it just didn't feel as fast due to sound.