59 Chapter 4

A DRIVER’S CAR FOR THE EIGHTIES Late Model "European" Engine Conversion

The 127 and 127-based A112 engines can be installed in a -based with no internal modification (Fiat changed engine rotation back to clockwise again). Sale external accessories and hardware will need to be replaced or modified but advantages include : current availability new or used, up to 300cc more displacement and 30 more horsepower, improved drivability and improved parts availability. With a change in engine rotation, these engines can also be used in the 850-based cars (note that reverse impeller or complete 850 water pump is required)

Available European Engine Specifications (information courtesy of Maurice Dhoore) Make Model Engine # Cc BxS HP@RPM Carb Fiat 127 100GL000 903 65x68 47@6200 Weber 3 2lBA2 a Auto- 44,45 Solex C30DI40 or A112 A112A00 903 65x68 47@5600 Weber 32IBA10,20,22 “ “ A112A5000 “ “ 42@5400 Weber 3 0 IBA2 3 A112A054/6 Weber 32DTMR36/100 “ “ “ “ (Sweden) 2 -barrel Auto- A112 965 67.2x68 48@5600 Bianchi Auto- A112 A112A1000 58@6600, Weber 32DTMR3, 33 982 65x74 Bianchi Abarth 1971-1975 58200 2 – barrel Auto- A112 A112A2000 Weber 32DTMR3, 1050 67.2 x7470@6600 Bianchi . Abarth 1976-on 2 -barrel

Note that the 1049cc (76x57.8) Fiat 127 engine is of the / Strada/Ritmo/X1-9 familly of SOHC engines and therefore is not suitable for this conversion. As you can see from the chart, the late 1050cc A112 Abarth motor is the "hot set-up". The 982cc Abarth would be a good choice too. I am currently importing some of these engines ; so contact me if you would like to get one of these late model unit (see pp.81). Compare the following information to the 850/903 conversion details in chapter 13 of "Abarth" for added clarity.

Cooling System : Problems arise when trying to use 600 water pump & fan. Use standard 127 type "short" water pump with bypass pipe and hoses, single drive belt, & a thermostatically controlled electric fan (from any later Fiat model). An auxiliary or front mounted radiator is a must ( see page 135-136 and Figure D of "Abarth" and page 66 of this booklet). A pre-1969 water cutlet can be used along with a 750Jaeger temperature sensor (see page 136 of "Abarth"). Alternate lower water pump to radiator hose ( s) will also be necessary.

Exhaust System : A 750 exhaust system will work if modified as for 850 conversions (see page 137 of "Abarth", first paragraph in particular). If you use a 600/750 tin or 600-based cast sump,' you can mount the muffler bracket to it.