New to the forum (smart engine in old Fiat 500?)

[vesparex]

Hi, my name is Duane.
Gonna try and do something a little different here. My wife and I currently own a 1969 FIAT 500 Giardiniera (wagon). The engine lays flat like in a VW type 3. We want to improve it's power. Performance FIAT engines are terrifically expensive with reliabilty issues and after all the moola spent on the engine there is still the transmission. While at the North American Auto Show Sat nite here in Chicago we popped open the rear of a Smart to look at the little engine and it suddenly dawned on us!! It's flat! Well, it angled and it appears at initial inspection that it might work.
So, thowing this out. Is there any knowledge of known good engine/trans assy's that could lend it's life?
Cost IS an object. My wife and I are only hobbiests.
Feel free to PM or email me direct: vesparex@yahoo.com
I just found the site so I will peruse all day in archives and active posts.

Duane

[jwight]

Duane, on the face of it it might work but the smart engine/trans are entirely computer controlled and there is no clutch linkage. If cost is an object, this route is probably not the one to pursue IMHO.

[vesparex]

Yup! All stuff I need to find out. Opinions are needed. Weather I'm crazy or not? Well, I already own a Fiat!! LOL!

Duane

[mendo]

I have seen those with VW Type III engines in them.

They use the IRS trans as well. make a couple of axles, you are good.


it doesn't take much to get 80 HP out of one and they cost much less and are much easier to work on than the smart.

[vesparex]

In a Fiat 600. 500 is considerably smaller. Don't want anything hanging out or intruding into the rear interior. I am making it VERY hard for myself!
I know this idea is going to cost money. I just don't have an open pocket book.

Duane

[Neonspinnazz]

There was a smart at the Chicago Auto Show?!

I missed it this year...

P.S. Welcome to SCOA!!

[mendo]

OK, how about the 4 cyl acura engine that they use in the old mini's?

that makes a BUNCH of HP!!

Welcome to VTEC

these guys got it down.

[Alchemy R]

How about a Subaru flat four? Is there room for one of the smaller ones?

[mike-in-sa]

Years ago I put a VW engine and trans in a Fiat 850 spider. Lots of fun to drive. Later I put a VW rabbit engine and trans into a Fiat X-19. We have put computer controlled engines in things like 51 Chevy truck, and a 62 Buick convertable. If you have the experience , I would go for it. If you want the experience , go for it! If you can get ahold of a wrecked smart reasonably it should be do-able. Worst case, you own 2 junk cars.