Engine swap

[Jwindbigler]

I am completely new to the fiat spider scene. Yet, I know that I do want to change the engine out for something with a little more pep, and that has parts more readily available. Also, my current driveline is leaking oil and trans fluid. Thats another reason I want to swap. So Im curious as to what people have put in their fiats before, and how difficult it was to get in.

As of right now, I am thinking of one of two swaps

LS1/T56 combo (The V8 and 6 speed manual from the 1998/2002 Camaro/Trans Ams)
2.5L (or 2.8L) with 5 speed out of an E36 BMW (92-98 BMW 325 or 328)

Im leaning more toward the BMW driveline as it maintains the european drivetrain, and its much much cheaper. Since I am not intending to build a drag car, simply a cruiser, I feel thats the better way to go

If theres other drivetrains out there that are more suited to this car, please let me know.

Thanks for your time


Justin

[azruss]

the power you are looking at is to much for the rear end. better plan on swapping that out too. One of the beautiful things about these cars is the motor. When you trade it out, its like doing a soul transplant. you are taking the italian out of the car.

[Jwindbigler]

the power you are looking at is to much for the rear end. better plan on swapping that out too. One of the beautiful things about these cars is the motor. When you trade it out, its like doing a soul transplant. you are taking the italian out of the car.

I had planned on swapping out the rear end as well. I understand that I will need a custom driveshaft, and probably custom axles as well.

[narfire]

If you have the skill set to swap all that stuff out, that's enviable, however the original engine can be "tweeked" to generate 150 hp or more. The original brakes and drive train still work and the car will scoot along very nicely.
I'm not a real knowledgeable car guy but love the handling of these cars with a bit more power. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but wouldn't changing the engine (heavier) change all the handling dynamics as well...

I've see the Honda 2000's sell for $ 12-15,000 that already have most of what you are looking for (200+ HP )except a rear seat area.

[Jwindbigler]

Didnt think about the S2000 setup.

Part of the problem with this car is the availability of the parts, and my fiat just so happens to be an automatic. I dont like automatics.

If I can in fact get 150whp out of this thing with the stock block, that would be great. But then im left with the whole automatic problem.

[SoFlaFiat]

Chris is not saying you will get 150 out of a stock fiat block but that the fiat engine can be built up (tweaked) to 150 without changing the driveline. You will spend less, keep the car in balance and have a very fun ride. And, there are many 5 speed trannies around, swap out the auto.
My 2 cents

[SoFlaFiat]

Oh, and you'd be amazed how readily available new, and used parts are. Just ask...
Google
AutoRicambi
Allison automotive
International Auto Parts
Midwest Bayless
Just to name a few.
Contact Beek on the forum, for head work
Get Guy Croft's book on tuning twin cam fiat and lancia engines.
I think you will find the beauty in these engines and keep yours.
That said, email me if you are tossing the engine you have

[Jwindbigler]

Right now I know that I need to figure out these leaks.

Can I get gaskets directly from an autozone, or no? I think its coming from either the oil pan gasket, or the front main seal.

[redcars]

On the Spiders when thinking parts don't think Autozone or any chain for most parts think 124 venders. There are more parts for the Spiders than for most cars, just not down the block.

[FiatMac]

Oh, and you'd be amazed how readily available new, and used parts are. Just ask...
Google
AutoRicambi
Allison automotive
International Auto Parts
Midwest Bayless
Just to name a few.
Contact Beek on the forum, for head work
Get Guy Croft's book on tuning twin cam fiat and lancia engines.
I think you will find the beauty in these engines and keep yours.
That said, email me if you are tossing the engine you have

Also Jon Logan at Midwest-124 does head and engine work as well as sells parts, Jason Miller of MillersMule does custom parts, Vick Autosports

[Jwindbigler]

On the Spiders when thinking parts don't think Autozone or any chain for most parts think 124 venders. There are more parts for the Spiders than for most cars, just not down the block.

This is exactly what Im trying to get away from. If an alternator goes out, I don't want to have to wait a week to get one.

idk man, maybe I should just get rid of the car. I mean I like it, but it seems like a hassle.

[divace73]

yeah maybe get rid of it, they are hassle and very unreliable, I'm sure there will be plenty of forum members to take it off your hands

With the vendors available in the US I would be surprised you be waiting more than a couple of days for anything.

Just put a turbo on for extra power and do a 5 speed swap, it is an easy enough job, doing you what you originally planned ends up taking a lot longer due to the other bits and pieces that will need bracing, strengthening upgrading etc..
and not to mention it will more than likely handle like a pig...

[v6spider]

Here's my current build and previous successes with installing a chevy 4.3 v6..
Http://www.v6spider.com

Rob

[spiderrey]

More details on your steering mods would be good.

[v6spider]

More details on your steering mods would be good.

You are right! I will do that for sure. I am actually redesigning the steering arms from the first car. They were real close but I need to cut down on the amount of ackerman as there is a little too much of it with the current setup. The new one will be perfect and I may decide to sell parts if the there is interest...

Rob