Tuning Engine Swap Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 65PS (2009) 5-Door Hatchback

[Jvn40]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone know which engine would be the best choice for this model?
Of course, the wiring harness, control units, transmission... will need to be replaced, and that's not a problem, as well as any potential drivetrain components.
It should be around €4000-5000. Unfortunately, I have no idea if this amount is reasonable. I could find very little information, and when I did,
it always said that it’s not worth it, buy a different Punto, or only smaller modifications were made, since hardly anyone has tuned this model,
probably for reasons. If anyone has other suggestions that have been tried before or should work, feel free to share them.
The engine should have at least 20hp more then the current one, and it shouldn´t be be a diesel engine ofc. Im german so it should be also TÜV legal ^^
I know someone who would get me trough if everything is documented so the parts being swapped isn´t a problem here.

Thanks very much in advance, hope there is someone who can help me.

 

[AnthonyH]

The car isn't worth much money. I don't understand why you'd spend 3 or 4 times it's value on a new engine. Are you learning to be a mechanic? Or do you have a sentimental attachment to the car?

 

[Jvn40]

The car isn't worth much money. I don't understand why you'd spend 3 or 4 times it's value on a new engine. Are you learning to be a mechanic? Or do you have a sentimental attachment to the car?

It's not necessarily about sentimental attachment, but that's one aspect of the story. I don't want to spend 4000-5000k just on the engine alone, for everything.

I work at Ford, but I'm not very experienced, especially with tuning. I'm not doing this alone, and getting the job done isn't a problem if do more research.
I knew there would be responses like this, but please don't question my inquiry. Whatever people tell me here, I will still need to research and test things to see if they work, so please don't ask me more question, just help if you can.

 

[GrandePunto PL]

Listen. This type of thread is among most lame ones in the internet ("tuning" related, swaps, audio). Straight fact, not "attack" etc.
People are right about it: buy different car! This is actually sound advice.
Naturally aspirated engines typically are NOT object of any serious tuning.
It's doable to gain a few "horses", but not practical, or not cheap and/or not legal (in terms of emissions in the EU) and will shorten the lifespan of the engine.
Yes, there are extreme projects like adding turbo to 8V units, but there is no Guide anywhere of how to do this. But there is unwritten rule: if you ask, you will fail (this kind of project is not for you - not yet). Ugly truth (not "belittling" anyone).

You want 20 HP more than your 1,2 8V? OK, there is a challenge for you. European 1,4 8V has 75-78 HP.
But in South America (Brasil for example), same units have 85/88 depending on fuel (gasoline/ethanol). Buy the engine, then ECU ("virgin") + wiring harnesses from Brasil, put it together. As far as I know, no one did this in Europe (everybody is fooling around T-Jet/Abarth).

 

[AnthonyH]

It's not necessarily about sentimental attachment, but that's one aspect of the story. I don't want to spend 4000-5000k just on the engine alone, for everything.

I work at Ford, but I'm not very experienced, especially with tuning. I'm not doing this alone, and getting the job done isn't a problem if do more research.
I knew there would be responses like this, but please don't question my inquiry. Whatever people tell me here, I will still need to research and test things to see if they work, so please don't ask me more question, just help if you can.

I suggest you go to different garages and talk to mechanics - in person. With little experience you'll be going around in circles on the internet and end up wasting lots of time and lots of money.

 

[varesecrazy]

The car isn't worth much money. I don't understand why you'd spend 3 or 4 times it's value on a new engine. Are you learning to be a mechanic? Or do you have a sentimental attachment to the car?

You would be shocked what a 15 year old punto costs in Europe

The UK Is weird : inflated new purchase price,
then a flooded used market meaning values are Low

2 to 3 thousand pounds wouldn't shock me in Germany,
my GPS are all 0.5 to 1k in the UK market

Agree that it's still not "financially viable" , but very little car work is in reality

But as a passion project.. Why not!

 

[348azeus]

It looks like some people forget that you do things because it’s enjoyable !
OK for instant power option you can put in the 1.4 16v but like you say then you need to use all the ancilliaty items and there is some work around wiring the ECU.
A far easier option is to use the 1.4 8v with the existing ECU. In fact with a little bit of work on the cylinder head a change of camshaft and a remap you should easily get 100hp and it will be easier for your TUV.
Do a search on here on the MK2 pintos for ideas.