Help! - Rally car needs a new drivetrain!

**stilorally** · 07-13-2010

Hello everybody

Just got back from the Rally Isle of Man, which I did in my Abarth Stilo Trofeo. Had a BIG problem on the very last stage (lying first in classa nd 17th overall -aagghh!) - I think the flywheel exploded. The whole gearbox and engine block are destroyed, as well as the front panel and the radiator, and parts of the flywheel even shot straight through the 1cm thick sumpguard onto the road!

So, I need a whole new engine and gearbox. The Stilo trofeo has a tuned 1800 engine (185 BHP), but they're impossible to find, so I was thinking of trying a 2000cc Fiat/Lancia/Alfa engine and box - does anyone out there know what will fit the Stilo? Also, what would be the power output of any compatible 2-litre?

Hope someone can help, or my rally days are numbered!

Stilorally

**PNL** · 07-13-2010

You havnt said to what extent the internal damage to the engine is but a starting point would be the punto HGT 1.8 as a possible donor for your stilo..iirc they are the same block and box....forgive me for asking but are you the guy that lives in newport south wales or did that car come from there..

..

Just to add I been searching for an old link of mine which got lost ..now found..have a word with Howard here..

Allitalia, Paxton Garage, Independent Italian Auto Specialist

They used to run two stilo rally cars if he cant help you no body can..

**stilorally** · 07-17-2010

Hello, and many thnaks for thze advice and info - I ned all the help I can get.

I shall certainly contact the garage you mention.

I was wondering - as IO shan't be able top find a new Abarth-tuned engine, maybe by going for a 2-litre I could make up for the lack of power by adding torque, which is always useful in rallies - the current 185bhp 1800 engine is completely gutless below 4000 rpm, and consequently a real pain coming out of slow corners!

Do you know if

**stilorally** · 07-17-2010

Oops, must have hit the wrong key and posted my reply too early!

I was asking if you knew of any 2-litre Fiat/Lancia/Alfa engine that might be a swap, preferably with around 150bhp?

Re. the internal damage to the engine, there isn't any, but the disintegrating flywheel carried off all the castings on the block that take the bellhousing, and everything protruding from the cylinder head on that same side, such as the thermostat housing. As I have no idea of the specs of this Abarth/N Technology engine, it would be very hard to rebuild the internals into a new block.

Thanks again!

Stilorally

**PNL** · 07-17-2010

Any thing is possible given an unlimited budget..but many have tried in the past and given up I know of one that tried to turbo his 2.4 and after mega bucks abandond the project only to sell most of the parts off..you would need not just the engine and box and then hope the drive shafts line up but also the ecu/body computer/and harness..drive shafts can be custom made to length if you wanted to go that far all of this is not gonna be cheap..I wouldnt mind betting that you are running the car with a stand alone system anyway for the electronics tho..boy to ask again is Howard at the garage addy I gave you..