124 Progress....and so it begins....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A kick-start was what the 124 project needed and it's exactly what it got!

What started life as an all singing all dancing project has been de-scaled some what due to time. The idea of fitting a 16V Turbo unit (185hp) has been canned and instead replaced by 8V turbo unit (185hp). After further inspection and deliberation the power steering option has also been binned again to save time.

After deciding on this configuration I could now get on with things. I ran a dry build of the engine to make sure everything fits. The engine uses a non balancer shaft 8v turbo block (Croma/Thema) with an early 8v head (big valve configuration) and Integrale manifolds. This seems to work fine and after some last minute checks advised by Guy Croft I ordered up all the gaskets ready for the build. I still need to figure out how to get the ignition system to work since I won't be using a distributer but I'll worry about that later.

Since I was sticking with the steering box layout (for now) I went about converting the car to RHD and preparing the engine bay. This constituted more work than I expected as the bulkhead was left in quite a mess from Roger the bodger and needed significant welding and panel beating to put right. The RHD conversion took much longer than expected as I needed to fabricate and weld a number of mounting points and brackets onto the peddle box - not to mention the throttle solution.

I persevered and I'm very pleased I did this prior to the engine going in. It all fits together properly and should save a stack of time later. A fresh coat of paint in the engine bay completes the effect and the bay is now ready to accept the engine.

Work begins now on fitting the block and box, the head will be fitted after being flowed in a few days time, then the manifolds and plumbing and finally the fuel system and engine management system before turning my attention to the bodywork – oh joy!

 

The 124 sump being modifed to take an oil return pipe for the turbo conversion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above picture showing the Abarth in it's normal pose – surrounded by inquisitive onlookers - told you the power graphs and rebuild photo's keep the punters happy!