speedy fiat
True Classic
I was looking through some old paperwork and realised I've been working on my turbo engine to several years and thought it might be of interest to outline the basic changes from a stock 1.4 Uno Turbo 115hp / 119lb-ft engine as it started in 2013. Although the professional advice I received was generally good, most problems were caused by my lack of knowledge, not fully accepting advice given , having too small a budget, or a combination of all of them.
2013 - install and get it running
2014 - 149hp / 150lb-ft Basic tuning chip, bigger turbo and little else. The engine, which was in hindsight not in good order when I got it, soon complained via cracked head, broken pistons, worns bores,etc
2015 - 179hp / 180lb-ft using rebuilt engine, but using same basic tuning chip as well as even bigger turbo, charge cooler and other parts. However, probably beyond the ability of the engine management system to safely control the fuelling, boost control, detonation control, etc
2017 - No increase in power, but installed Maxx ecu and associated ancillaries which for the first time allowed accurate control of the fuelling, ignition, etc. Engine breathing more than it should. Thought that damage caused by earlier poor engine management.
2019 - Engine breathing to a level to start causing concern. Engine stripped down and rebuilt with forged pistons and rods.
2020 - 207hp / 210lb-ft. Engine fuelling, ignition control, cylinder pressures, oil pressure, etc, etc. all under accurate control. Performing very comfortably within possible limits.
While I now have the engine I originally hoped for, it has cost a lot of money and time. However, how many of the projects that we have ultimately succeeded in/enjoyed would have got off the ground if a truthful assessment of our talent and/or budgets had been made at the start?
The saying "...the cost is long forgotten long before the quality" comes to mind
2013 - install and get it running
2014 - 149hp / 150lb-ft Basic tuning chip, bigger turbo and little else. The engine, which was in hindsight not in good order when I got it, soon complained via cracked head, broken pistons, worns bores,etc
2015 - 179hp / 180lb-ft using rebuilt engine, but using same basic tuning chip as well as even bigger turbo, charge cooler and other parts. However, probably beyond the ability of the engine management system to safely control the fuelling, boost control, detonation control, etc
2017 - No increase in power, but installed Maxx ecu and associated ancillaries which for the first time allowed accurate control of the fuelling, ignition, etc. Engine breathing more than it should. Thought that damage caused by earlier poor engine management.
2019 - Engine breathing to a level to start causing concern. Engine stripped down and rebuilt with forged pistons and rods.
2020 - 207hp / 210lb-ft. Engine fuelling, ignition control, cylinder pressures, oil pressure, etc, etc. all under accurate control. Performing very comfortably within possible limits.
While I now have the engine I originally hoped for, it has cost a lot of money and time. However, how many of the projects that we have ultimately succeeded in/enjoyed would have got off the ground if a truthful assessment of our talent and/or budgets had been made at the start?
The saying "...the cost is long forgotten long before the quality" comes to mind