Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

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70spider
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Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by 70spider »

Are the 1608 and 1438 pistons interchangable? I know the bores are the same(80mm). The reason I ask is I purchased some pistons for a 1608 build but now I am rethinking it and feeling like keeping the 1438 and rebuild it. I know I have mentioned the lack of power from my 1438 in the past, but after driving him for nearly a year and relearning when to shift with the Fiat I quite enjoy the high revving nature of the motor.
Thanks
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
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urbom
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Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by urbom »

I think I found a post somewhere here that says "not without extensive machine work" or something like that. IIRC, the 1608 pistons are shorter than the 1438 pistons. I have 2 sets of NOS 1608 pistons here in my office, but would have to take a little drive to lay hands on a 1438 piston. Maybe I can do that tonight and post a pic.
vandor
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Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by vandor »

The 1608 Pistons Have shorter skirts because of the longer stroke. They also have floating pins, whereas the 1438 has pressed in pins.
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djape1977
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Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by djape1977 »

there are lots of piastons out there for 1608 engine with pressed pins. engine code 125A, while floating pins were 125BC 1608cc

if the box says fiat 125, you probably have ones with pressed pins
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70spider
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Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by 70spider »

Thanks for the replies, The ones I purchased last summer for the 1608 have floating pins, but I have noticed AR has 80.0mm stock pistons, which he says will work on the 1438. Looks like I'll just have rebuild both of them :wink:
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
2013 Buddy 170i
vandor
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Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by vandor »

There were no 125A engines in the US, those came in the 125 sedan.
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
djape1977
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Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by djape1977 »

yes, but pistons for 125 come up quite often on fleebay
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Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by fiatfactory »

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Last edited by fiatfactory on Tue Jul 02, 2019 8:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
nothing to see here... move along.
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70spider
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Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by 70spider »

Well as I mentioned before AR has these: http://www.autoricambi.us/product/EN7-4 ... 0---800mm/
So when I get the extra cash (currently no job atm :( ) I will probably get them, I trust them. Tough to bye something like a 45 year old piston off fleebay with confidence. Thanks everyone for the input.
1970 Fiat Spider 124 Sport aka "Pesto"
2002 Mazda Protege5
2013 Buddy 170i
djape1977
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Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2012 6:08 pm
Your car is a: 1970 fiat 124bc
Location: Belgrade, Serbia, eastern Europe

Re: Are 1608 pistons interchangable w/1438?

Post by djape1977 »

nothing wrong with 45yr old pistons, specially ones made by MONDIAL, BORGO NOVA, AR...
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