Back again with a new project, similar to my trackday Uno but with the intention of making an everyday car replacement for my Classic Panda 1.4 16v.
I have had a few false starts with a new project as I couldn't decide which base car to start with. All ideas were involving the T-Jet engine which I love for its power-to-weight and its potential economy. I started last year with getting all the Abarth 500 bits to modify my 2008 100HP Panda and was just about to fit all the parts when I realised I didn't like modern cars really. The car was with me just 8 months before I sold it on, having realised how much faster and more fun the 1994 1.4 16v car was.
I have also thought about and researched heavily into doing a Tipo and fitting it out with Alfa parts so it would have independent rear and double wishbone front suspension, but ultimately it seemed like a lot of effort for a car that would perhaps be a little slow for me, uneconomical and more importantly too BIG!
So I have come back to the Uno which is a good weight, has half decent suspension, does not require a catalytic converter and is easily insured for tuppence when modified. It also has the most retro appeal for me out of the potential model line-up of the pre-1992 era.
I bought the project car yesterday. A 1984 B-reg 55s without a sunroof and full of retro goodness like genuine FIAT Line Accessory arches and chin spoiler.
I have spent today fixing all the lights, fitting a door lock mech and checking things. Going to try for an MOT within the week. I like to have an MOT before I take the car apart so I can test drive the parts as I modify, rather than trying to get an MOT with a completely untested car that might not even make it to the test centre when it is finished.
I have collected nearly all of the parts I need to modify it over the last 6 months. General idea is to keep it looking as close to what it does now inside and out and the appearance under the bonnet to look factory, although obviously uprated to an expert's eyes! I want long-term reliability and everyday usability.
My modification intentions are:
Consider the beans spilt.
I have had a few false starts with a new project as I couldn't decide which base car to start with. All ideas were involving the T-Jet engine which I love for its power-to-weight and its potential economy. I started last year with getting all the Abarth 500 bits to modify my 2008 100HP Panda and was just about to fit all the parts when I realised I didn't like modern cars really. The car was with me just 8 months before I sold it on, having realised how much faster and more fun the 1994 1.4 16v car was.
I have also thought about and researched heavily into doing a Tipo and fitting it out with Alfa parts so it would have independent rear and double wishbone front suspension, but ultimately it seemed like a lot of effort for a car that would perhaps be a little slow for me, uneconomical and more importantly too BIG!
So I have come back to the Uno which is a good weight, has half decent suspension, does not require a catalytic converter and is easily insured for tuppence when modified. It also has the most retro appeal for me out of the potential model line-up of the pre-1992 era.
I bought the project car yesterday. A 1984 B-reg 55s without a sunroof and full of retro goodness like genuine FIAT Line Accessory arches and chin spoiler.
I have spent today fixing all the lights, fitting a door lock mech and checking things. Going to try for an MOT within the week. I like to have an MOT before I take the car apart so I can test drive the parts as I modify, rather than trying to get an MOT with a completely untested car that might not even make it to the test centre when it is finished.
I have collected nearly all of the parts I need to modify it over the last 6 months. General idea is to keep it looking as close to what it does now inside and out and the appearance under the bonnet to look factory, although obviously uprated to an expert's eyes! I want long-term reliability and everyday usability.
My modification intentions are:
- Punto T-Jet 120 engine with standard VL37 turbo and using 2009 electronics. Adjustable TMC tuning box.
- C514 gearbox (not Uno turbo like the trackday car). Using Panda/500 Multijet box with FIRE bellhousing. Standard late Uno FIRE driveshafts.
- Changing engine flywheel to solid 200mm type. Going to try standard 200mm 1.4 GP clutch. This is a possible weak link.
- Double Bowden cable gear shift from Seicento.
- Standard UT air box with high flow panel filter.
- Standard Mk2 UT intercooler.
- UT (and others) front anti-roll bar. Considering a rear anti-roll bar like the trackday car.
- Single-point injection fuel tank with uprated pump.
- Late Punto GT (large piston) front brake callipers and UT or Punto GT rear brakes (have both).
- Punto brake servo and larger bore master cylinder.
- 14 x 5.5" Mk2 Punto steel wheels with period wheel trims from a Tempra hopefully. 185/55 Yokohama S.Drive tyres. 20mm spacers all round I think, because of the arches.
- Koni adjustable front shocks and Monroe Sensatrac rears with Pi lowering springs (-35mm). Tyres will raise by 6mm, so 29mm total lowering.
- UT radiator and Uno diesel header tank.
Consider the beans spilt.
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