Rupunzell
Bernice Loui
Welcome the the Italian X family Jonathan..
You're discovering what I have been saying about the X for years, it is a very under-appreciated, under developed great chassis. It's parent FIAT would not allow all of it's potential to be cultivated for political reasons. The X was and always has been a Bertone product with no real help from an un-willing FIAT management.
Once a technically car intelligent individual takes an X1/9 completely apart and closely examines each part, they usually come away with a very different impression than it's quite negative public reputation.
Much to discuss here as there is a long history of performance increase methods for the X. There is a good data base and history of what changed works and what does not.
As for engine/transaxke alterations for the X chassis, I have always believed that if Bertone was allowed and had the means, they would have produced the X with a different engine/transaxle. I have a theory that the two section top cross member in the early x1/9s that tends to crack were part of the planned alternative engine/transaxle future for this chassis.. It never happened. But today, there are engine/transaxle possibilities that never existed when the X1/9 was in production. All it takes is for a technically competent individual with enough interest, passion and resources to make it happen.
One of the best ways to understand an X is to own one as a daily driver..
Bernice
You're discovering what I have been saying about the X for years, it is a very under-appreciated, under developed great chassis. It's parent FIAT would not allow all of it's potential to be cultivated for political reasons. The X was and always has been a Bertone product with no real help from an un-willing FIAT management.
Once a technically car intelligent individual takes an X1/9 completely apart and closely examines each part, they usually come away with a very different impression than it's quite negative public reputation.
Much to discuss here as there is a long history of performance increase methods for the X. There is a good data base and history of what changed works and what does not.
As for engine/transaxke alterations for the X chassis, I have always believed that if Bertone was allowed and had the means, they would have produced the X with a different engine/transaxle. I have a theory that the two section top cross member in the early x1/9s that tends to crack were part of the planned alternative engine/transaxle future for this chassis.. It never happened. But today, there are engine/transaxle possibilities that never existed when the X1/9 was in production. All it takes is for a technically competent individual with enough interest, passion and resources to make it happen.
One of the best ways to understand an X is to own one as a daily driver..
Bernice
Thank you all for the kinds words and the welcome. I truly do like my job, my employers and the X1/9. The cars have surprised me with a level of craftsmanship in the little touches that very well engineered German cars completely lack. I am glad to be here, glad to expand my knowledge and pleased to have a chance to use my skills to develop products to provide consumers with the power necessary to take advantage of the handling potential of the X1/9 chassis.
Mr. Tohill, I will indeed be working on your car. I like the scheme, by the way. Do you have family in Canal Fulton, OH? I have two Tohill friends there.
I will also be taking over the K20 swap, making some changes and will be working to help Matt kit out the K20 conversion for the DIYer. Let's just say I have some ideas.
I have been talking with Matt and Chris quite a bit about engine swap alternatives as well. I am excited about the new products I could develop and the variety of powertrain alternatives it would offer to X owners interested in doubling to quadrupling power and/or fuel economy.
Engine swapping and fabrication are right up my alley, so this is all very exciting to me!
I look forward to getting to know you all and meeting some of you when you come to pick up your cars.
Oh, and what exactly do they say about Tom?
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