Engine Swap Wisdom

[deafener]

Hi All,

My first post here, however I've been reading this page for years. Great info, many thanks for the pearls of wisdom.

Firstly I'm in Oz. I bought my first Spider back in March this year. I've been wanting one for donkey's years and was looking to import one from USA. That's no big deal these days, import restrictions are a lot less tedious than a decade ago and I've had good success with my other pre-occupation - Ducatis and Moto Guzzis.

Anyway found a neat 1972 right here in Adelaide, imported in late 80's, had a full resto done at the time with RHD conversion. Over the years it's been a little neglected mechanically, has plenty of oil leaks, cooling system a bit suspect, brakes needing some TLC, interior's a bit untidy. The yellow paint is still really good (originally it was red) and there's no rust.

It had an 1800 dropped into it at some time and the motor was OK to drive, compression reasonable, not burning any oil (just leaking it), transmission is good albeit filthy externally.

My question is this, should I swap the 1800 for a 2000?

The engine bay is a pig, with brake fluid spills around reservoirs, booster scarring paint badly, a rats nest of wires for a stupid alarm and oddball relays screwed in wherever, so it needed a serious tidy up. I've just pulled the motor to start the job of painting the bay and now it's sitting on the stand I'm looking at the head gasket which is where the oil seems to be emanating from and thinking this thing really needs to be pulled right down. I was going to replace all the cooling components (has an in-head thermostat, cleverly broke one of the housing bolts removing it), add a pair of Empi 40 IDFs on Mark's intake manifold, headers, new alternator and starter,(got all the parts already) but I'm thinking this engine may be past its prime???

I can get a brand new short block 2000 locally for under $3,000AUD, but will need to add all the peripherals. Will my existing 1800 head (with thermostat repair) fit? Additionally I thought I'd read here that my existing 1800 gearbox bellhousing might not fit? Any clues on compatibility or the wisdom of this engine exchange would be greatfully received.

Regards,

David

PS I should also mention that I'm not building this vehicle to be a concourse showstopper and all original, rather a pretty, reliable and fast four-wheel addition to the Italian garage at home. I have Mark's Monza wheels with new Toyos, new brakes, new suspension including arms and shocks, bushes and a bunch of other stuff to go into it to make it safe.

[bradartigue]

$3000 for a Spider 2000 short block? I hope its new. You could probably have the 1800 rebuilt for less if not. Regardless yes, the 1800 parts will simply bolt on top of the 2000. You get a little compression boost from it as well.

[divace73]

Hi David,

Another Aussie David here, The 1800 is a decent power plant, standard they love to rev more than a 2L. The 2L has more torque and is fun in a different way (standard).

The new motor you speak of I believe has low compression pistons and it is something you would want to upgrade.

If it were me I'd stick with the 1800 and built it. I've driven an 1800 with high comp pistons, mild cams and twin side draught del'orto and it was a hoot to drive.

The engine gearbox mounting point for the 1800 and 2L are the same.

Join the fiat club down there and you will get heaps of help, may even see you at one of the Fiat Nationals.

Keep us posted

[vandor]

I have a 2000cc engine in my 71. If you do the conversion expect to have to notch the cambelt cover in the center for hood clearance. The distributor also has to be rotated a certain way to clear the hood.

The 2000 will always have more torque than an 1800. The stock 2000 is not very revvy, but European compression and a pair of cams can take care of that. Mine still pulls strong at 7000 rpm, but I don't dare rev it much higher.

[deafener]

Thanks for all the advice, helps the cause!

I was going to post a couple of pics but now I've discovered that it works via Photobucket that won't be happening!

Is there an alternative method???

[divace73]

You will have to use some 3rd party photo storage place and then copy the url and paste it inside the IMG brackets (by pressing the IMG button) to reference the pics to that site. I use http://gallery.italiancarclub.com/main.php