Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Fiat Engine Morgans...?

Hi - new boy after some advice and wisdom please.

I'm after a pre-98 morgan so I can fit a tow bar, and my budget is modest, but seems to be adequate as long as my tastes don't go too exotic. One of the options I'm looking at is a Fiat engined 4/4 1600TC. Assuming the car is generally in sound condition, would this be a reasonable choice as a first Mog?

Thoughts and experience please...

Thanks, Phil

What are you intending to tow with it, I'm working on a 1970 Ford engined 4/4 at present, also thinking about a light trailer for campink kit etc. I would like to see some pictures of the tow bar arrangement, if anyone has already got one fitted.

Those old twin cam Fiat engines are good reliable units and make good power.

I misread that and got all excited! FLAT engined

But getting harder to source spares for, unless you are in the USA. Both the 1.6 and 2.0 litre engines were not used in FIATs in the UK.
However, as you say, they were reliable.

Cheers,

Hmm that's a thought - Subaru Boxer engine transplant....? No - just being silly!

P

One of my other weaknesses is racing a small sailing dinghy. It would be great to hook up and roll u[p to the race meeting in a Mog All-up weight is around 150/200kg so not too demanding.

I am in the process of buying a 2nd hand towbar (no car yet, but starting at the back and working forward ) Apparently it was a factory option at some point. Also, Tudors in Shropshire have produced a very upmarket trailer! http://www.tudor-vernon.co.uk/projects.htm

Phil

Try finding a cam belt tensioner for the 1.6 TC for example and the Arbath gearboxes are not exactly easy to come by either.

One good thing is that the engine orientation is the same as a Duratec so if you find a sikly Fiat 4/4 or +4 (as parts usually mean they are not in perfect health) a swap is not out of the question.

You can always make a reasonable amount of cash selling the engine and box to a Morgan Traditionalist salwart that needs the parts.

I probably need to run and hide now!!

[quote=One good thing is that the engine orientation is the same as a Duratec so if you find a sikly Fiat 4/4 or +4 (as parts usually mean they are not in perfect health) a swap is not out of the question.....
[/quote]

Hmmmmm interesting. Is the business of putting 'foreign' engines into Morgans frowned upon?

I've been guilty of several engine changes over the years - mostly on Landrovers but also a GT6 convertible...
The Mazda MX5 setup would be a possibility - light, modern, reliable, points the right way in the car and readily available.

I noticed that the Fiat 2.0 to the M16 adds 200lbs (90kg)....

P

Another Land Rover man... Ran a Mazda SL35Tdi in my '84 RR which was then swapped into my '90 127"...

MX-5 - had a 1.8 Mk1, did also think engine and gearbox might make an interesting move into a Mog. Never got further than thinking about it. Had the sills repaired and traded the 5 for something a little more up-market.

Rover 2.0 litre lump was heavy (owned a T16 +4 for a while). Lots of torque though - relaxing to drive.

Cereal's comment about swapping in a Duratec is a good one if the Fiat motor is sickly (no need to Andrew!). Greg D-S at the factory has a 4/4 2.0 Duratec that started life as a Fiat 2 litre (YNP 3G). Will be at Castle Combe on Saturday if you want to look at it. He'll happily tell you what he's done to the car over the years - as will any enthusiast Mog owner

Cheers,