My brother and I bought a beaten up old 1 litre panda 4x4 as an off road project. Drawn to its tiny weight and over-hangs, we knew it'd easily compete with the more expensive beasts. There's also an awesome feeling of knowing you've done it all on a shoestring (I mean cheap, we haven't literally done it ON a shoestring, that's just not practical). There are one or two things we'd like to know, so if anyone can help that'd be great (baring in mind our budget).
1: On sunday the cam belt snapped while I was driving. Some people have said the engine will be rubber-ducked and some have said that the engine will be fine as it won't have turned. Please dispell any myths.
2: If the engine is knackered, what would you replace it with? We were thinking along the lines of a fiat diesel engine or at least something with a little more torque. Ideally, we want an engine that'll match the gearbox and sit under the bonnet with the least amount of fuss.
3: How would anyone suggest hiring the rear (leaf spring) suspension, and what coil-springs (from what vehicle) would be best suited to hire the front?
Any help much appreciated. All good.
1: On sunday the cam belt snapped while I was driving. Some people have said the engine will be rubber-ducked and some have said that the engine will be fine as it won't have turned. Please dispell any myths.
2: If the engine is knackered, what would you replace it with? We were thinking along the lines of a fiat diesel engine or at least something with a little more torque. Ideally, we want an engine that'll match the gearbox and sit under the bonnet with the least amount of fuss.
3: How would anyone suggest hiring the rear (leaf spring) suspension, and what coil-springs (from what vehicle) would be best suited to hire the front?
Any help much appreciated. All good.