1972 Fiat 500 engine swap suggestions

Updated: 09 Dec 2024

Boys I’m in need of suggestions.
I’m planning an engine swap for my ‘72 Fiat 500 but as you can see there isn’t much space in the engine bay. My target figure is around 180hp turbocharged. The original idea was an EJ-series engine but they are to powerful, I’m now thinking about a Fiat 1.4 multiair turbo but I’m not sure it will fit.
Don’t worry about the tranny or chassis not holding up to that power, I’ve got that figured out already.

Also keep in mind that I would like a sleeper look (so hanging the engine off the back is not a viable option https://www.engineswapdepot.com/?p=8368) with a 99% Italian soul (this means that an Italian made engine would be best)

Cheers.

Comments

So , let’s start with this , at an hill climb i’ve seen an old 600 with a 2.0 liters 16 v alfa engine , and was incredibly fast and was really mean sounding but idk what kind of transaxle the car used … Probably stock trans with a bellhousing adapter because the engine was longitudinally mounted.Second , i know … It’s not italian but it’s a lot cooler and lighter , you can use a complete yamaha r1 subframe produced by the same Zcars but it’s reeeeaaally more subtle than this subaru monstruosity xD last but not least on a magazine i’ve seen a 500 powered by a ducati multistrada 1200 v twin and i think this the coolest option because the car is really fast , the engine is italian and has the same arrangement as the stock “badí” (the name we italians call the stock 500 cc engine ahahah) for the 1.4 t jet or multiair you’ll still need to mount it longitudinal and for consequence you’ll need a transaxle because it’s almost impossible to fit an engine even so compact like the 1.4 transversally :/ . These are my ideas , if you need info or components or every other thing for your project , i live in italy and i’m happy to help you with your cool project :)

I don’t really enjoy motorcycle-to-car swaps but I’ll definitely look into the multistrada V-twin as it sounds a really good idea, but how would you transfer the power to the wheels? By chain? Regarding the 1.4, i was thinking about a Hewland JFR-200 (rwd, rear engine) or a cheaper subarugears reversed transaxle however I’m not sure they would fit.
Futhermore, would the engine fit longitudinally without hanging form the back or cutting the firewall?
Anyways thanks for the suggestions, I’ll let you know if I need more info. :)