Building the HOT HATCH that Fiat never did - Part 1

[@Lewis-ns6jy]

Hello sir! Let me start by saying I’ve watched the series and have enjoyed most of it. I do think it was too descriptive for KZbin content (hence the lack of veiws). But I’ve learnt a lot as somebody that is thinking about taking on this project. I think this video has been 10x better in terms of entertainment, quality and most importantly of course knowledge, I know how much time you would’ve put into editing this so well done! I’ve owned many cars but one that I weirdly fell in love with is my Corsa VXR which as you may know shares its chassis (along with other components) with the Punto! I bought my wee 1.1L panda about 6 months ago for a cheap and easy car to travel but as a mechanic always found myself wanting to do something with it. Ive been eager to do the same swap as you but really don’t know about much of a hassle it is. Do you think you could give a detailed description of the difficulties, changes and price you had to make to get it running and performing correctly. I mean possibly think about sharing in a ABARTH forum for all to see as it’s not well documented. I really want to start this project but I’m optimistic as to whether I could pull it off as electrics, certainly wiring is not my forte. Well done again of this video, it is definitely more rounded and immersive than the detailed videos which are for the enthusiast.

[@theogbeardedwonder]

Hello, thanks for the comments. A lot of the wiring can be simplified using the adapter as I have done, if you go through installing it methodically, then as the challanges arise then they are easy to deal with one by one. Take your time to source the parts (Took me a year). I have done a more detailed set of videos which goes through a lot of the major challanges and how I solved them. Each build like this will have it's own bumps depending on what engine and what other parts as there is no set formula. There is a facebook group set up specifically to support this engine swap, you might want to take a look at that one : facebook.com/groups/838096043844463 (I've tried using the fiat forum but to be honest there was as lack of interest and there are far too many armchair quaterbacks) I have plans to do a track day video as well as a summary video on the near future.

[@channex8179]

I have a black 2009 panda 100HP sat on my drive waiting for a new rear axle and an Abarth 500 lump to drop in. It’s my wife’s and she loves it I’ve had 3 500/595’s my current one is a 2017 turismo that we’re currently sharing but she wants the Panda fixing and the Abarth lump dropping in. any further help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Also I’m a Skoda Diagnostic technician so have the tools the skills etc just not worked out how to do it yet!

[@theogbeardedwonder]

Hello, there are a load more videos on the channel with more detail which are a good start. There is a facebook group dedicated to the swap where there is resource and people who have done the swap. You need ot plan the best you can and go for it, you will work through it.