Technical Choosing my first panda

[anadin91]

Hi everyone, i'm new to the forum

After having my license for 2 years i've decided i'm going to take the plunge on my first car/project. I could do with your opinion. I know I want a fiat panda mk2 but not sure which one exactly...when i do get one it will probably just dropped on coilovers, any reccommendations on engines to drop in?? opinions? cheers

 

[Pandarus]

Hi there, welcome to the forum.

Lots of special editions out there, personally I like the more basic models but twin sunroofs are also really nice. If you are looking at engine upgrade then it doesn't matter if you look at 903cc, 750cc, 999cc or 1.1cc.

A few guys on here are really good at mod'ing and I am sure they will be happy to help

Cheers for now

MARTIN

 

[VmanC]

Hi, Welcome to the Forum, and especially the classic Panda section :slayer:.

If you're looking to uprate a Panda the later clx models are probably the best starting point as they have servoed brakes, fuel inj. etc.
I'm guessing you're about 20 so would imagine that insurance is a consideration, if it is then the first step up the power ladder may be a good choice, the 1108cc engine from Puntos or Seicentos. It's not a massive leap so if that's not enough you can continue up through the 1242 variations, 8v and 16v, then 1368cc's which includes, at the top, the 1368cc Tjet engine which is turboed.
All of these options are staying with the FIRE engine range, you can of course fit anything given enough time, money, and skill, but as a first time effort I'd recommend you stick with the FIRE's.

I'm only talking as someone who's about to embark on this myself, there are others on here who have done all of the above and now proudly wear the T shirt, so I'll let them take it from here.

Good luck with it .

 

[firstcar-Y10]

As above really. Given the number of Pandas left out there I would go in with an open mind and not worry about what models to look out for, especially if you are going to upgrade the engine anyway. Don't buy a mk 1 or a 4x4 if you plan to lower as the leaf springs at the rear complicate matters and the 4x4 will be pricier to buy, harder to get parts for, and probably won't respond as favourably to an engine swap. Just look for a good solid reasonably unrusty shell with reasonably clean and intact interior and trim as these are the hardest bits to fix later. Happy hunting.
Andrew.

 

[anadin91]

thanks everyone! i know i won't be choosy engine or model wise just don't want any shell that doesn't need any welding (nightmare for me). I think the plan is to get a nice clean panda with 12 months mot, drive it un-modded for a year until i have enough cash/parts then try and do the transplant as quick as possible.....i wonder if anyone has ever put a motorbike engine in one?? like these classic minis with yamaha engines in the boot :s

 

[VmanC]

thanks everyone! i know i won't be choosy engine or model wise just don't want any shell that doesn't need any welding (nightmare for me). I think the plan is to get a nice clean panda with 12 months mot, drive it un-modded for a year until i have enough cash/parts then try and do the transplant as quick as possible.....i wonder if anyone has ever put a motorbike engine in one?? like these classic minis with yamaha engines in the boot :s

Motorbike engines have been discussed in the past but I don't think anyone's fitted one to a Panda yet, not on this Forum anyway.
Running for a year first is a good idea, get to know the car a bit and develope some ideas .

 

[scottyy]

Hi everyone, i'm new to the forum

After having my license for 2 years i've decided i'm going to take the plunge on my first car/project. I could do with your opinion. I know I want a fiat panda mk2 but not sure which one exactly...when i do get one it will probably just dropped on coilovers, any reccommendations on engines to drop in?? opinions? cheers

welcome =] im sure you will find a good panda as long as you dont rush in gettin one mate .

well sorry to disapoint you but they dont make panda coilovers they only make 40mm lowering springs it took a lot of modifing to get my panda as low as it is. the problems with pandas is when you go as low as mine. you will find your passenger side drive sharft pops out all the time and you loss all your gearbox oil so you have to put a hub washer behind the hub to stop this. and on the drivers sideyou will need to noch your chassiee.
all easy to do
at the moment i am lookin in to making coilovers for panda and have nerly finished the back ones. will start on the front soon.

anyways here is my panda to help your inspiration =]

 

[anadin91]

welcome =] im sure you will find a good panda as long as you dont rush in gettin one mate .

well sorry to disapoint you but they dont make panda coilovers they only make 40mm lowering springs it took a lot of modifing to get my panda as low as it is. the problems with pandas is when you go as low as mine. you will find your passenger side drive sharft pops out all the time and you loss all your gearbox oil so you have to put a hub washer behind the hub to stop this. and on the drivers sideyou will need to noch your chassiee.
all easy to do
at the moment i am lookin in to making coilovers for panda and have nerly finished the back ones. will start on the front soon.

anyways here is my panda to help your inspiration =]

beautiful work mate...:worship: .. i guess a motorbike engine sounds simpler then if its in the boot and it's rear wheel drive aha most of my mates just cut coils out of springs if they can't afford coilovers...no long term solution though...let me know how you get on with yours....oh and do you have a problem within catchin wheel arches on full lock??

 

[scottyy]

beautiful work mate...:worship: .. i guess a motorbike engine sounds simpler then if its in the boot and it's rear wheel drive aha most of my mates just cut coils out of springs if they can't afford coilovers...no long term solution though...let me know how you get on with yours....oh and do you have a problem within catchin wheel arches on full lock??

thanks man its not finished yet still got lots to do befor next month for the retro show =]

everything is do'abal you will just need to be good at fabicating and move the fuel tank to behind the front seats.
yeh cutting springs are ok as long as you sercure them to the cups i.e welding a peace of metal over the cup so you have to screw the spring in what i have done =] also done the same for the back and never had a problem plus i am good with a welder.
yeh i will let you no how i get on with the coilovers is tricky because i have to make brackets and strenthen everything but i like playing =] and nope never had and problems on full lock even with 13inch by 7j wheels

 

[anadin91]

plenty of time yet...i won't actually be getting one until september when i get back off my holidays unless someting good comes up