Later Lancia engines in spiders?

[Barjavel]

Hi all,

I'm relatively new to the Fiat world. I've been reading up on the Lampredi engine and its remarkable longevity. This is pure curiosity on my part (and ignorance), but are the post-124/2000 versions, as used in Lancias (apparently up to year 2000) very different from what was installed in the earlier Fiat spiders? Can one in theory install without major hassle a year 2000 Lampredi in, just randomly, a 1979 Fiat 124?

[TX82FIAT]

Yes, one can install a Lancia Delta engine in a 79 fiat spider 2000. The problem really being the availability of the multi valve Lancia engine to get the real performance gains. See the attached youtube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k7yu_renw8

[rridge]

The 124 Twin Cam engine had a long production life in both Lancias and Fiats. However, production of RWD Twin Cams ended in 1985 when the 131 and 132 series sedans left production, taking the Spider's drivetrain with them. Since that time all Fiats and Lancias have been FWD or AWD with transverse engines. In addition to changing engine origination and there is the problem of sourcing appropriate RWD gearboxes and differentials for the higher output engines. The Spider's drivetrain was based on the original 124 sedan which started life at 65hp.