does an 82 fiat spider block work in a Beta?

[PAV]

Lancisti Team:

How is the 82 fiat spider block different from a Lancia beta block?
Is it reasonably easy to change the block mounts etc to fit?

Much thanks,


Paul v

[Will]

It says "FIAT" on it and that's about it, except for a dowel or two and the upper mount near #1 exhaust. That pad is bigger on a Beta, so I'd imagine you'd have to shim up a bit on a FIAT block, unless the Beta you are looking to install it in is a Scorpion, which has the short pad. Oil pan, pump, head, etc are different now, we are just discussing the block itself which has some little differences but is basically interchangeable with bolt-in ease.

You want HARD, try taking the sheet metal surround off from around a Beta timing setup in siitu, it's like running your hands through a deli slicer! :) hello Kevlar gloves!

[PAV]

Hi Will:

I will be dropping that 2L in my Scorp.
Need to inspect the engine and get it modified for higher levels of RPM, Power, and Reliability ( the usual stuff).

Someday will have that V6 DOHC dropped in....

Much Thanks,

Paul v

[John Allen]

that's easier than putting in a Beta block. The Beta needs one of the front mount bosses cut down and retapped to fit the Scorpion front engine mount, the FIAT engine doesn't.

The Scorpion swap will require the Scorpion pan (make sure to check the crank clearances on the windage tray), the Scorpion oil pump pickup (the pump itself should be OK if the clearances are within spec), the Scorpion front pulley and water pump pulley, the oil filter mount (though you could change to something else with a little work), and the dipstick from a Scorpion.... This of course assumes that you are using the Scorpion (or Beta) head, as there are a number of small issues that go with it... I would also suggest using the Scorpion flywheel, it is much lighter than the FIAT. Oh yeah, the front timing belt cover from the FIAT is the one you want as well - it has the port to allow the thermostat 't' to come out and is the right length for the taller 2.0L.....

If you were going to put this block in a Beta, the only real modification is that the 'front' mount that the auxiliary axle bearing mounts to requires a spacer to be made up (about 22mm thick) and *should* have a locating dowel as well. None of this is required if you are putting in your Scorpion........ (good news!)

[PAV]

HI John:

OK kool that will make life a lot easier!
I'd roll it over to Ray's so he could do the magic tricks to make things work OK.

Unless you have a tricked out engine ready to go that is.

The head i'd have gone over too.

It has already been worked over by Mark S the scorp / beta1800 head; however, since it will be out of the car......

NO time like then to go over things and add some more mods.

I will swap out all scorp parts to the new engine as need be; plus i have a number of Monte Hospital Mods to do with Pulley Cover, Thermostat etc.

VX transmission is on the shopping list

Hopefully I can make a good car out of this thing after all the $$$$$$+ I have dropped into this rig!

Thanks I appreciate the SCorP Corps Coming out to Assist! even when I goofed and went into the wrong forum.

Should have used Scorpion not Beta to have been more specific.

Chat soon,

pv2