FS Uno Turbo mk1 gearbox internals

[Janis]

Decided to put for sale Uno Turbo mk1 1986 or 85(don’t remember, can confirm if needed) gearbox’s internals, which have been keeping for myself.

Better they are in use. And I’ll find ones later when/if needed.

Gearbox is dissambled. Only internals+differential . At least won’t be “blind buy”.
Please let me know what are common problems - will make closeups/measures as good as can.

Photos can make after ~18 hours.

250€+ shipping from Latvia.

 

[Dan Sarandrea (Phila)]

I vaguely recall that Uno turbo gearbox internals are generally accepted*** as an "upgrade" over stock X1/9 internals, but not a lot of details or actual proof. Can you help us out?


***Sort of like the generally accepted statement that Bertone cars have deeper footwells than FIAT cars (when the only thing I've read that seems definitive stated the floorpans under the seat mount areas was lowered, not the footwells), but has anyone put that statement to the test with a tape measure?

 

[Janis]

Dan, of course I won’t prove internals are an upgrade, to do that, I first have to test x box till it is done, and then do same with UT box.
I am believing what have read on internet.

I see that You are just asking and willing to know. Did You do search before asking that?
Dan, for me Your post seems a bit slighting. sorry if I have misunderstood it - if am not and You have done search before, please let us know on Discussion forum what have found.

 

[Dr.Jeff]

Although this is not proof; the UT has considerably more engine output than the X, and its gearbox holds up well to it. By comparison the X's box seems to be a little more prone to failures with less output from the engine. As I understand, the UT box is also a newer design than the X's. Hopefully it has better syncros? So I'm inclined to think the UT box would be an upgrade. It has different gear ratios, which might be an advantage to some. And there are limited slip diff's available for it. That alone is a big plus for a performance 5-speed X. I don't know what is involved with transferring the internals from the UT to the X case? However I've read where its been done many times before so it seems fairly straight forward.

 

[Dan Sarandrea (Phila)]

Dan, of course I won’t prove internals are an upgrade, to do that, I first have to test x box till it is done, and then do same with UT box.
I am believing what have read on internet.

I see that You are just asking and willing to know. Did You do search before asking that?
Dan, for me Your post seems a bit slighting. sorry if I have misunderstood it - if am not and You have done search before, please let us know on Discussion forum what have found.

I did not intend to slight in any way, I am just saying that "everyone knows" that Uno internals are an upgrade, but what exactly do we know, and how do we know it? Has anyone done any sort of analysis to document why the UT box is better? Is the design any different from the X 4 speed or 5 speed? If so, what is it about the design that is an improvement on what we have now? Are the internals made of better metal, or heat treated better, or have a special coating, etc?

And how does the Uno Turbo box and internals differ from the regular Uno, which on all editions other than the UT, had much less HP than did the X?

And speaking of the UT box, which one are we referring to, the early one 1985-87 or the later C510 box?

Again, no slight is intended and I am asking because I have never seen any real explanation of the above topics, and because I would really like to know Remember, in the USA our exposure to FIAT products ended with the X and the Spider, so we have no direct knowledge or experience with any FIAT vehicle produced after those two and up to 2012 when the current 500 came over.

 

[Janis]

•we are referring to early one- bottom change.

Can’t give any facts why it is better, if is. ?Roller bearings? Final drive? UT was made at Abarth factory?

What I can - show photos.

 

[Janis]

Maybe Steve H, has answer to questions..

 

[fastx19]

I can actually reply to this. I have an Uno Turbo in my X and transplanted the guts from the transmission into my five speed. So, first things first, this will not fit in a four speed transmission case. Just getting that out of the way.

Second, are they "better" than the stock 1500 items? Yes and no. The gearing is better for highway speeds, with 80mph achieved at 4k rpm with 18/60/13 tires.

However, I did shear the input shaft at an autocross event when the rear of the car compressed in a dip and both rear tires touched the body of the car. Basically, the input shaft was the weak link in this scenario.

Remember, the way a turbo works is you need to spool up the turbo before it starts to deliver on it's HP gains, meaning it is actually much easier on the transmission with shock value than say a supercharger or simple HP upgrades. So I can see where Fiat said the stock set was probably good enough.

The only thing which I did not use and/or transfer over from the Uno Turbo gear box was the input selector rod. However, everything else was pretty much a straight swap.

Hope this helps.

 

[128kid]

And the Uno is FWD and so quite traction limited under acceleration compared to an X, so you wont see as much input torque in the Uno.

 

[Janis]

*am not willing to make new thread as don’t have parts on a hand yet : within one month will have a running UT mk2 with mk1 engine for spares and another UT mk1 without chassis, also Lancia 1.6 HF turbo engine+gearbox+wiring. If are interested in any stuff please send me Your wishlist. Am buying all that stuff just to get what I need as it comes all together and would like to sell that I don’t need to get some money back.

 

[Dr.Jeff]

I might be confusing it with another model trans, but I believe the UT has limited slip diffs available for it's trans? And they are fairly affordable, especially compared to the very few options for a X1/9. If so, that means it is possible to used the UT internals (with the UT diff) and have a limited slip in a 5-speed X1/9. Otherwise there aren't many choices for one.

 

[fastx19]

Jeff, this is almost as good of a question as what oil to use in the transmission! I agree with Steve H on the following. Instead of looking for a limited slip, setup your car correctly and you won't have a need for it. If you have a X1/9 which is at the point you are considering a limited slip, remember the total suspension travel is very limited. The correct spring rate and damper rate will do wonders for your car. Now, if you step up in power to, say a honda transplant, then yes, I could understand the desire for a limited slip as putting 200+hp to the group is harder vs. 120ish from a high strung 1500 or moderately tuned Turbo.

However **** Each of us have a preference for how we like things to be setup and not everyone is going to agree with me on this and that is OK! really. There is no correct answer for this, but I do have my strong feelings!

 

[Dr.Jeff]

I'd agree. Personally I'm not looking to put a LSD in my X. But for someone that is, the UT diff might be a very good idea. So I really wasn't suggesting it should be done, but these parts could make it possible (as far as I understand). And to that extent this a great opportunity for the person looking to have a comparatively affordable LSD option. Afterall how often do we see UT trans parts available in the US?

For the sake of argument. If someone were to install a UT engine, or the turbo package from one, they are likely retaining the X's gearbox. In which case using a LSD might be beneficial, depending on the rest of the set-up, etc. And I can imagine other applications where it would also be beneficial to have a LSD. But as you say, it is a personal preference. And like you, I'm o.k. with whatever another person prefers for their own car.

Naw, I think oil choice is a much better discussion.

 

[Janis]

*I like LSD on RWD cars, not because of drift but to not get stuck in snow or wet grass. Have done that with bmw a lot.

 

[Dan Sarandrea (Phila)]

Maybe Steve H, has answer to questions..

Thank you for posting the pix!

One suggestion that might help a prospective buyer, based on what Eric posted above regarding the ratios---if possible, post a tooth count or ratio for each gear set and the final drive. Someone in the USA looking to put "longer legs" on their 5-speed should find that info useful.