850 spider, 128, etc

[Danno]

What other engines can be crammed in these things (easily). Just killing time and wondering about a new car. I'm toying with ideas of X1/9s, wagons, 128s..... let's say I had access to a decent 1300 or even 1500 from an X1/9, plug-n-play into the 850? was wondering the same thing about the 128s, anyone been known to put a 1800 in there? I can't think of a better way to blow a "stimulus package" payout than getting a new Fiat. just BSn at this point. what do you know?

[124cso]

Your biggest problem is that the 850 drives off what is effectively the front of the motor, or in laymans terms, it runs the other way. Put in another motor withour changing the transaxle and you will just have a 4 speed reverse, one slow speed forwards.
I have seen an 850 saloon with a mid mounted 1608 twin cam but they had fitted a VW ? axle.
Any of the Fiat transaxles would be too light for any real grunt motor. You might be able to fit the X19 transaxle with a Uno turbo motor though ? need to check track & heights etc. Is it worth it ? a good 850 should do 80 and remember the soft top is not all that aerodynamic.

[So Cal Mark]

the only swap I've seen on an 850 is a vw or a turbo on the 850 motor. One problem with hotrodding the orig motor is how it all mounts to the body. I've seen many 850s with the rear body panel broken out