This is the project that I have been planning for a couple of years. I have seen pics of someone do this transversely in a X1/9 but I want to run it with a porsche 914 type tranny. I know there is a fella in NY state that has already done this but I can't find him. Is there anyone with info or advice.

Cheers


Charn

 

Check out grassroot motor sports for back issues. I remember reading a article on it once.

I think you would be better off doing a Porsche 914 with a rotary. Much easier to get parts for a than a fiat. Many options if you ever wanted ( big brakes, different gear ratios in the transmission, etc..). Then again the world would be so boring if everybody drove around in LS1 powered vettes, camaro, fb, fd3s, fc, mustangs

From what little I do remember about fiat x/19. wheel bearings are week if you use wider rims. Transmission weak. I guess that will
not be a issue with since you plan to swap it out anyways.
I think the body is suppose to be stiffer than a 914.

Good luck on your project. Post updates if you go through with
it.

 

Thanks, I have the grassroots article but they used the factory fiat transmission and mounted it transversely. I definately want to use a longditudinal(can't spell it) set up. I have no choice about using the Fiat. My better half bought it for me for 500 bucks 12 years ago and she will not let me sell it. I figure I may as well make it a rotary if I have to keep it.

There is a guy named Steve Haywood in Rochester that has done it already, if anyone knows him tell him he is needed.

Charn

 

There must be two different articles then. My foggy memory remembers they
used I think it was a Porsche 914 or vw transmission. I can't remember if it
was a rotary motor or maybe vw flat four.


this is from CO with a rotary in it.
http://www.grmotorsports.com/board/v...highlight=fiat

I posted a question for you at GRM check it in a few days, I am sure
someone willh have what your looking for.
http://www.grmotorsports.com/board/v...?p=61684#61684

 

I have a copy of the grassroots article on my computer. But I am planing on using a different gearbox, something like a Lancia Beta or Fiat Regata 85 gearbox, something a little stronger anyways. I just need to know if I can rotate the gearbox to lift the engine so as to make room for it and its exuast. Will I need an oil pump for the gearbox to oil the gears?

Any Ideas?

 

post some pics. Im not familiar with this model of Fiat? Rear engine? Im used to the roadster? I like the sound of any car with a rotary ! ! !

 

The X1/9 Is a good car to start wtih


very competitive in SCCA.... kind of underpowered in stock form.


They are fun cars. Very small (smaller than a miata) and has a targa top and its mid-engined.

I've driven one, although they arent too quick, they are very fun.

 

I had two at one point. I really wanted to put a rotary in one. Maybe I'll get back into them some day.

 

Mine lasted abot a year and a half. Rusted along the windows in no time. Brown with a brown leather interior. Spectacular handling - nothing like it at the time.

The interference valve train & pistons were not happy when the stupid cam belt broke.

Hell everything on the damn car broke!

 

i have an 81 Bertone X1/9 available CHEEP!!! usual fiat rust

 

Is this one?

 

Here is a pic. I found that guy that has done this already on a Fiat forum. I am trying to plan visit down to take extensive pics of his build.

 

Here are a couple of shots to show just how much room can be created in the engine bay. The green car is the style I will try to emulate in my car but different colour scheme.

 

That V6 powered X is a local car. The owner is a member of the Seattle X1/9 club.

 

Fiat's can be a little difficult to find parts for. If I were you I would go with the Porsche instead. The X1/9 body is stiffer than the 914 though.

 

As I explained earlier I don't have a choice about the Fiat. I actually sold it once and my wife made me buy it back.

I have had five of them so I have alot of parts and alot of resources. Parts are definately hard to find but if you know where to look it isn't a problem. Also my neighbour golfs with the owner of a Suburu dealership that was once the only Fiat dealer in town, the parts department still has Fiat parts.

There are also alot of autocrossers that have used X1/9s in the past and created very help full web pages etc.

My car is rust free example that I frequently get offers on, so it is a great starting point.

 

I think the rotary would be the best engine for this car considering the engines power to weight.