Suitability for Lancia Beta blocks in Fiat rear engine?

[keithwwalker]

So Abarth modified the early Fiat 124 1197cc OHV block and put it in the back of a Fiat 850 body to create the OT1300. Later on, many conversions were done with the with the Fiat 124 DOHC block of varying sizes, to emulate the totally Abarth OT1600/2000 engine series, again in the rear engined Fiat 850 platform.

Does one need a 124 block or can a Lancia Beta transverse block be adapted to suit? I am talking about structural installation and not issues related to rotation, transaxle etc.

[Guy Croft]

If you mean just the bare crankcase it can be used yes,

G

[keithwwalker]

I have some old Greg Schmidt catalogs in my archives mostly detailing conversions tailored to a vw gearbox in the 850 series body.

I haven't seen any photographs or detail on crankcase mountings to the body though, whether for a 124 or Beta block. More research...

[Guy Croft]

In a 'north-south' (or inline) mid-engined transaxle setup you mount the engine as shown below (taken by me of a site member's car, lovely Morris Minor TC conversion) and a gearbox support too, so not actually different at all from a FWD N-S setup.

G

[vandor]

I haven't seen any photographs or detail on crankcase mountings to the body though, whether for a 124 or Beta block. More research...

The engine was mounted with the Abarth 'sling' (or a copy) that was mounted to the box sections on either side of the
engine bay. In the OT1300 it held both the engine and the battery. I just sold one a few months ago, see pic.

I have a '67 850 Coupe, and I was planning on installing a 1608TC with a Porsche 911 transaxle. However, after 8 years I made little progress, so I am in the process of selling everything off. I have a lot of pics of conversions, and may be able to dig up email addresses of people who have done it. Please message me privately, if you are interested.
bye,

Csaba
Auto Ricambi, LLC
124 Spider Specialists