Alain - The Red Scorpion
True Classic
What are the issues to be aware of for replacing a 1.3 L 4 speed with a 1.5 L 5 speed in a '74 X/19?
Note to clarify my post: I am talking about going FI. If you use a carb you can probably swap the 1300 valve cover/linkage onto the 1500 and stick with the 1300 pedal/cableyour 1500 is FI, it's not much harder to do (you have to mount the AFM and add a wire or two).
You will also want to use the 1500 longitudinal engine / trans support and also the 1500 shifter and shift tube....There are differences between the axles 4spd to 5spd. That means you need different axles, and uprights (you can keep the struts). The 5spd trans is also longer, meaning you may have to clearance the drivers side frame rail. (or attack it with BFH). To mount the '74 exhuast you'll need to remove some studs from the 4spd trans and transfer them to the 5spd. The drivers side lower A arm is also different, but you should be able to use the 4spd A arm if needed.
The 1500 block is a bit taller than the 1300 so the '74 exhaust has to be modified a bit to work right.
If you have a donor X with the 1500/5spd it's a very straight forward swap. If you can, use the intake/carb from the 1300, and use the '74 exhaust manifold too. That means modifying the '74 exhaust mounts slightly. And using the '74 trans mount. The oil pressure sending unit can be mounted to the 1500 block by drilling and tapping the corresponding boss, or it can be sandwiched into the idiot light port.
I suggest you use the 1500 dist/ignition, it should wire up easily.
That's about it, as long as you're going to use a carb. If your 1500 is FI, it's not much harder to do (you have to mount the AFM and add a wire or two). The key is having a donor car to get the parts you need.
you can see the notch in this photo (from MWB)Also as noted above, you'll want to trim the left side A-arm to clear the end cap of the transmission.
You will also likely need to add a spacer between the existing exhaust and the manifold to compensate for the taller deck height of the 1500.
Quite a list
Jim,Note to clarify my post: I am talking about going FI. If you use a carb you can probably swap the 1300 valve cover/linkage onto the 1500 and stick with the 1300 pedal/cable
The 1500 accel pedal, accel cable and the guide tube in the tunnel are all different starting in the 79 model year. If you have a donor you will have the parts. You will need to shorten the guide tube to fit the new cable and come up with a way to join the cable to the shortened tube. When you shorten the tube you have to cut off the flared end that the cable's ferrule slides into and allows the c-clip retainer to be installed.
Here is a link to my saga with the pedal/cable.
Jim,
You're correct. Swapping out the 1300 accelerator pedal and cable is a PITA. I did it though, but it's not easy.
However with the 1300 still in the car, you can simply disconnect the carb linkage rod, unscrew the valve cover off of the cam carrier, then swing the valve cover off the 1300 engine and to the side. (You don't even have to disconnect the throttle cable.) Then once the 1500 is in place, simply swap the 1500 valve cover with the 1300 valve cover. Connect the carb linkage rod, and tighten down the valve cover nuts and you're good to go. You might not even have to replace the gasket, or adjust the carb linkage rod (if you're lucky). True, you don't get the (IMHO better) 1500 accelerator pedal/linkage, but the 1300 set-up works pretty good too.
I did the same thing when I swapped my '74 1300 for a '79 1500. The 79s had a different linkage setup with a different valve cover. I just swapped the valve covers not knowing anything about the change they made at the pedal. Works fine.Jim,
You're correct. Swapping out the 1300 accelerator pedal and cable is a PITA. I did it though, but it's not easy.
However with the 1300 still in the car, you can simply disconnect the carb linkage rod, unscrew the valve cover off of the cam carrier, then swing the valve cover off the 1300 engine and to the side. (You don't even have to disconnect the throttle cable.) Then once the 1500 is in place, simply swap the 1500 valve cover with the 1300 valve cover. Connect the carb linkage rod, and tighten down the valve cover nuts and you're good to go. You might not even have to replace the gasket, or adjust the carb linkage rod (if you're lucky). True, you don't get the (IMHO better) 1500 accelerator pedal/linkage, but the 1300 set-up works pretty good too.
Mike,
Are you saying I could have done this and it would work with the FI linkage? Or are you talking about sticking with a carb for the 1500? I asked about reusing the carb set up for FI, but I was advised that I HAD to replace the pedal and cable to go FI.
It's water under the bridge now, but this issue is the reason the 78 project stalled. I was making good progress until I ran into the accel gear mismatch issue. I got the parts and took the interior out, then found that the tube was another issue. Right there I hit my limit of pains in the ass. I said F this and shoved it in the corner. Probably should have sold the car to someone more competent back then. It still sits in the corner waiting for me to get back to it. I think the "project" is in its 10th year.