rx1900
1981 X1/9
Note: this may be considered a commercial post.
EDIT - 03/31/23 - an updated offering can be found here:
Hi folks. Well I am proud to present my latest project:
As most of you know, X1/9 lower engine mounts came in two different types. The type without arm was used here in North America on the '75-'78 1300 models, and the 1500 carbed models from '79-'80. The type with an extension bar attached was used on the '74 1300 and the 1500 FI models from '80-'89. Other than the integral extension bar, the mounts are identical. The extension bar is used to support the exhaust system and must be present.
In other parts of the world, I believe the mount with arm was used on all models up to mid '82, and on FI models after that.
The mount design without arm is common to other Fiat models like the 128 series, and derivatives like the Yugo and Zastava. Thus they are still easily - and cheaply - available from a number of sources.
The mount design with arm was only used on X1/9 models. After almost 30 years since the last X1/9, they are now VERY difficult to obtain. And VERY pricy when you can find one.
The mount design is pretty good - certainly no worse than most cars - BUT unlike many cars this is the only lower mount on the engine and supports a lot of weight. And after 30 or 40 years, eventually the rubber sags under the weight and constant movement. And oil from various engine leaks eventually leads to it's sagging and failure. When it gets bad enough, the first sign will be the right driveshaft rubbing on the crossmember.
Due to the difficulty - and expense - of finding the proper mount with arm, I had an idea. And designed a simple "conversion bar" that magically transforms the mount without arm - into the mount with arm.
It simply bolts on using two of the existing holes in the mount.
The conversion bar is precision laser cut here in Canada from 1/4" steel. Finished with 4 coats of automotive chassis epoxy.
Although the existing bolts could be re-used (they thread in almost 20mm into the transmission) , I am supplying them with 2 new slightly longer bolts - to account for the thickness of the new arm. Bolts are grade 10.9 and are zinc coated and then yellow passified.
In stock form, Fiat used a cheap lock washer under the head of the bolts. I have heard of cases where these bolts have loosened off due to engine vibration - with disastrous results. So I have included 2 super trick Nord Lock washers. They are horrifically expensive, but I felt it was the right thing to do....
I have heard complaints of difficulty in lining up the bracket from the muffler into the two holes of the extension arm, so these holes are now - unlike the original - slotted for some mounting flexibility.
Even if your X has the mount without arm, this conversion bar could still come in handy. If you are converting to a FI engine and exhaust. Or if you have a custom exhaust or header, you should always support the end of the header or front pipe. Or using a euro performance exhaust that requires the support arm. Simply bolt this arm onto your existing engine mount.
The conversion arm kits (one arm, 2 bolts, and 2 Nord Locks) are finished and ready to ship.
Cost is $ 41 Canadian or $32 US. plus shipping (see below)
So...you can use this conversion bar with the engine mount (type without arm) of your choice. Easily available from many sources such as your favorite Fiat parts vendor or Ebay. Lots of them out there. But...beware...there are lots of sub-standard and poor quality mounts out there. Some have too soft rubber which will sag and fail shortly. Some are just from the Yugo era and will not stand up to the heavier 1500 engine and heavier 5 speed trans. A/C equipped X1/9s make matters worse. And apparantly there is even several batches of mounts out there that were made with the plate installed upside down !!
So I have acquired a quantity of proper mounts (without arm) from Italy. Specified by the manufacturer as the proper X1/9 1500 mount. Uprated firmer rubber. And the pin has been doubled welded for extra security.
While supplies last only $51 Canadian or $39 US.
I have a few in stock ready for shipping. And more on order from Italy. I have been told "soon" but who knows the Italian translation of that....
Shipping costs:
Arm kit: to Canada $12
to USA $11 Canadian or $8.50 US
to UK and Europe $40 Canadian via surface or $50 via air
to Australia $44 Canadian via surface or $54 via air
Mount only: to Canada $13
to USA $16 Canadian or $12.50 US
to UK and Europe - too much (see below)
Combo arm kit and mount: to Canada $14
to USA $20 Canadian or $15.50 US
to UK and Europe $44 Canadian via surface
or $67 Canadian via surface.
For other locations in the world, please inquire.
Payment via Paypal please
Note to Canadian customers. You must add the appropriate HST depending on your province. Please PM for details.
Note to USA customers. You will pay no duties or taxes on these items. I will accept payment in Canadian or US funds as indicated above.
If paying in US funds, please note;
Arm kit including shipping only $40.50
Mount including shipping only $51.50
Combo including shipping only $86.50
If you have several X folks in your area, I would be happy to combine shipping to one location. Shipping would be WAY cheaper. You could each pay individually.
Note to UK, European, and Australian customers. I realize the above shipping rates are just ridiculous. Canada post has VERY high rates. Above are the cheapest prices for a service that has tracking and delivery confirmation. There are...much cheaper options that are not tracked or confirmed. If I know you and you are okay with that, just PM me for details.
However....because of the above high shipping rates outside of North America... I have made arrangements with the good folks at Eurosport in the UK. They will be stocking my conversion arm and will be able to service the UK, Euro, and Aussie market with quick and cheap air service. The UK post office has very good rates.
Eurosport UK already have stock on hand for immediate shipment. Here is a link to the conversion arm on their website:
http://www.eurosport-uk.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_7&products_id=656
Now before you all start running for your calculators and googling exchange rates, I can tell you that their selling price is within a $ or so of mine. I have been told that shipping on the arm will be in the region of 3-4 English Pounds within the UK, or about 12 English pounds to Europe or Australia. They are also able to supply a good mount or a combo kit , at a great price.
As a final note, in appreciation of this forum, I will donate $2 to the Xweb coffers, for each conversion arm sold to an Xweb member, by me, up until August 31, 2015.
Thanks for looking. Any questions, just post here or PM me.
Thanks, Doug
EDIT - November 2017 - at this time, I have plenty of conversion arms still available, but sold out of the nice mounts.
EDIT - 03/31/23 - an updated offering can be found here:
Fiat X1/9 lower engine mounts and conversion arm kits
Note this may be considered a commercial post. Well, it has been almost 8 years since I posted about this, so thought it was time for an update. And some big news !! As most of you know, there were two different types of lower engine mounts found on X1/9s. See the pic below: The upper...
xwebforums.com
Hi folks. Well I am proud to present my latest project:
As most of you know, X1/9 lower engine mounts came in two different types. The type without arm was used here in North America on the '75-'78 1300 models, and the 1500 carbed models from '79-'80. The type with an extension bar attached was used on the '74 1300 and the 1500 FI models from '80-'89. Other than the integral extension bar, the mounts are identical. The extension bar is used to support the exhaust system and must be present.
In other parts of the world, I believe the mount with arm was used on all models up to mid '82, and on FI models after that.
The mount design without arm is common to other Fiat models like the 128 series, and derivatives like the Yugo and Zastava. Thus they are still easily - and cheaply - available from a number of sources.
The mount design with arm was only used on X1/9 models. After almost 30 years since the last X1/9, they are now VERY difficult to obtain. And VERY pricy when you can find one.
The mount design is pretty good - certainly no worse than most cars - BUT unlike many cars this is the only lower mount on the engine and supports a lot of weight. And after 30 or 40 years, eventually the rubber sags under the weight and constant movement. And oil from various engine leaks eventually leads to it's sagging and failure. When it gets bad enough, the first sign will be the right driveshaft rubbing on the crossmember.
Due to the difficulty - and expense - of finding the proper mount with arm, I had an idea. And designed a simple "conversion bar" that magically transforms the mount without arm - into the mount with arm.
It simply bolts on using two of the existing holes in the mount.
The conversion bar is precision laser cut here in Canada from 1/4" steel. Finished with 4 coats of automotive chassis epoxy.
Although the existing bolts could be re-used (they thread in almost 20mm into the transmission) , I am supplying them with 2 new slightly longer bolts - to account for the thickness of the new arm. Bolts are grade 10.9 and are zinc coated and then yellow passified.
In stock form, Fiat used a cheap lock washer under the head of the bolts. I have heard of cases where these bolts have loosened off due to engine vibration - with disastrous results. So I have included 2 super trick Nord Lock washers. They are horrifically expensive, but I felt it was the right thing to do....
I have heard complaints of difficulty in lining up the bracket from the muffler into the two holes of the extension arm, so these holes are now - unlike the original - slotted for some mounting flexibility.
Even if your X has the mount without arm, this conversion bar could still come in handy. If you are converting to a FI engine and exhaust. Or if you have a custom exhaust or header, you should always support the end of the header or front pipe. Or using a euro performance exhaust that requires the support arm. Simply bolt this arm onto your existing engine mount.
The conversion arm kits (one arm, 2 bolts, and 2 Nord Locks) are finished and ready to ship.
Cost is $ 41 Canadian or $32 US. plus shipping (see below)
So...you can use this conversion bar with the engine mount (type without arm) of your choice. Easily available from many sources such as your favorite Fiat parts vendor or Ebay. Lots of them out there. But...beware...there are lots of sub-standard and poor quality mounts out there. Some have too soft rubber which will sag and fail shortly. Some are just from the Yugo era and will not stand up to the heavier 1500 engine and heavier 5 speed trans. A/C equipped X1/9s make matters worse. And apparantly there is even several batches of mounts out there that were made with the plate installed upside down !!
So I have acquired a quantity of proper mounts (without arm) from Italy. Specified by the manufacturer as the proper X1/9 1500 mount. Uprated firmer rubber. And the pin has been doubled welded for extra security.
While supplies last only $51 Canadian or $39 US.
I have a few in stock ready for shipping. And more on order from Italy. I have been told "soon" but who knows the Italian translation of that....
Shipping costs:
Arm kit: to Canada $12
to USA $11 Canadian or $8.50 US
to UK and Europe $40 Canadian via surface or $50 via air
to Australia $44 Canadian via surface or $54 via air
Mount only: to Canada $13
to USA $16 Canadian or $12.50 US
to UK and Europe - too much (see below)
Combo arm kit and mount: to Canada $14
to USA $20 Canadian or $15.50 US
to UK and Europe $44 Canadian via surface
or $67 Canadian via surface.
For other locations in the world, please inquire.
Payment via Paypal please
Note to Canadian customers. You must add the appropriate HST depending on your province. Please PM for details.
Note to USA customers. You will pay no duties or taxes on these items. I will accept payment in Canadian or US funds as indicated above.
If paying in US funds, please note;
Arm kit including shipping only $40.50
Mount including shipping only $51.50
Combo including shipping only $86.50
If you have several X folks in your area, I would be happy to combine shipping to one location. Shipping would be WAY cheaper. You could each pay individually.
Note to UK, European, and Australian customers. I realize the above shipping rates are just ridiculous. Canada post has VERY high rates. Above are the cheapest prices for a service that has tracking and delivery confirmation. There are...much cheaper options that are not tracked or confirmed. If I know you and you are okay with that, just PM me for details.
However....because of the above high shipping rates outside of North America... I have made arrangements with the good folks at Eurosport in the UK. They will be stocking my conversion arm and will be able to service the UK, Euro, and Aussie market with quick and cheap air service. The UK post office has very good rates.
Eurosport UK already have stock on hand for immediate shipment. Here is a link to the conversion arm on their website:
http://www.eurosport-uk.net/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_7&products_id=656
Now before you all start running for your calculators and googling exchange rates, I can tell you that their selling price is within a $ or so of mine. I have been told that shipping on the arm will be in the region of 3-4 English Pounds within the UK, or about 12 English pounds to Europe or Australia. They are also able to supply a good mount or a combo kit , at a great price.
As a final note, in appreciation of this forum, I will donate $2 to the Xweb coffers, for each conversion arm sold to an Xweb member, by me, up until August 31, 2015.
Thanks for looking. Any questions, just post here or PM me.
Thanks, Doug
EDIT - November 2017 - at this time, I have plenty of conversion arms still available, but sold out of the nice mounts.
Last edited:
Now all I have to do is to change out those rusty CV bolts. Not sure what happened to those.:hmm:
