Fiat coupe 20v turbo / NA
Discussion
Morning everyone, idly scrolling auto trader earlier as you do and one of these cropped up. I'm already planning my next car and the possibility of running a car and van to take the strain off whatever my fun car is. This means the car can be a bit daft. These have got my juices flowing for sure. What do I need to know about them if I were to own one? Running costs, owners experiences etc not got a preference yet as to turbo or NA. I'm fairly competent and willing with the spanners so dont my getting my hands dirty a bit. Thanks everyone.
belts last longer than you might think (found that out by buying one that was 14 years overdue) and definitely not an engine out job.
radiators for the 20vt are hard to find but a couple of aftermarket suppliers filling the gap.
lots of stuff still available from fiat, just be prepared to wait a bit for it to arrive. otherwise, one or two regulars on bay of E who can supply most parts used.
centre console stickiness and the fixes are well documented
no electrical problems with any of mine (although not too much to go wrong really)
alarm can get a bit petulant but replacements/refurbs available
quite practical, even for daily use. you can even fit stuff in the boot
rust is the main killer on neglected examples - check everywhere but especially around the rear inner wings
some good reads here :
https://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php
radiators for the 20vt are hard to find but a couple of aftermarket suppliers filling the gap.
lots of stuff still available from fiat, just be prepared to wait a bit for it to arrive. otherwise, one or two regulars on bay of E who can supply most parts used.
centre console stickiness and the fixes are well documented
no electrical problems with any of mine (although not too much to go wrong really)
alarm can get a bit petulant but replacements/refurbs available
quite practical, even for daily use. you can even fit stuff in the boot
rust is the main killer on neglected examples - check everywhere but especially around the rear inner wings
some good reads here :
https://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php
I have enjoyed my coupe 20vt for a year or so now, it’s on the market for sale as I have gone back to my first car love which is vintage pre WW2 motoring.
The coupe is reliable but like any performance car should be serviced by a specialist in the correct manner.
It’s fast, roomy, comfortable and relatively inexpensive to run.
It’s distinctive, rare but a marmite car, either love or hate the style.
It meets the criteria of a appreciating modern classic.
Currently they are vastly under valued for what they offer to the enthusiast. That is a drive that is enjoyable.
And it’s true, the engine does not need to be removed for cambelt replacement. Any garage that disagrees do not know what they are talking about and should be avoided. I snapped up the last OEM coolant radiator last summer and had it fitted into my coupe.
The coupe is reliable but like any performance car should be serviced by a specialist in the correct manner.
It’s fast, roomy, comfortable and relatively inexpensive to run.
It’s distinctive, rare but a marmite car, either love or hate the style.
It meets the criteria of a appreciating modern classic.
Currently they are vastly under valued for what they offer to the enthusiast. That is a drive that is enjoyable.
And it’s true, the engine does not need to be removed for cambelt replacement. Any garage that disagrees do not know what they are talking about and should be avoided. I snapped up the last OEM coolant radiator last summer and had it fitted into my coupe.
Edited by crankedup on Friday 16th October 14:49
Thinks for the replies everyone, much more positive than I was expecting honestly. Any regular mechanical faults to know about? What sort of preventative maintenance is a good idea? I dont mind spending money where necessary and I like to keep my cars sound but I'm not a rich man either.
regular mechanical failings are not that common to be honest.
however, never forget the CHOD (coolant hose of death) on the 20vt. this has caused many a mechanical meltdown when it lets go. silicone replacements are about £90 (and a faff to fit, small hands and triple jointed limbs are definite assets for this job).
front lower arms fall into the consumables category - i now use pattern parts and have been fine but my coupe doesn't do many miles these days.
exhaust manifolds can be prone to fracturing - aftermarket/uprated are available
turbo oil seals
injector light on the dash is a fuel system fault, airbag light seems a bit better at staying off than on Alfa's of the same age.
oil pressure should hold at the top of the gauge when cold and fall to 1.5-2.5 bar hot
paul
however, never forget the CHOD (coolant hose of death) on the 20vt. this has caused many a mechanical meltdown when it lets go. silicone replacements are about £90 (and a faff to fit, small hands and triple jointed limbs are definite assets for this job).
front lower arms fall into the consumables category - i now use pattern parts and have been fine but my coupe doesn't do many miles these days.
exhaust manifolds can be prone to fracturing - aftermarket/uprated are available
turbo oil seals
injector light on the dash is a fuel system fault, airbag light seems a bit better at staying off than on Alfa's of the same age.
oil pressure should hold at the top of the gauge when cold and fall to 1.5-2.5 bar hot
paul
I have a 20 valve n/a with 72K miles which I am recommissioning, I bought it unseen from a mate who balked at renewing the 20 yr old cam belt.
I was surprised to find it was a coupe instead of a hatch which limits its usefulness to me considerably but they are well regarded and I have never owned a 5 cylinder car so I will keep it and put up with the inconvenience.
There seems to be a lot of cars being broken for parts atm and there aren't many left anyway which must be good for future values.
I was surprised to find it was a coupe instead of a hatch which limits its usefulness to me considerably but they are well regarded and I have never owned a 5 cylinder car so I will keep it and put up with the inconvenience.
There seems to be a lot of cars being broken for parts atm and there aren't many left anyway which must be good for future values.
biggbn said:
ZX10R NIN said:
Good cars as long as they've been looked after & it has to be the 20V Turbo.
I don't think it does. I'd happily drive an n/a five pot as long as it was well specced. Yes, I'd miss the urge of the blown motor but it would suit my driving more these days. 
I used to have a mod on mine where there was a switch under the dash which diverted away the pressure to the turbo actuator when selected, so that you effectively got a non-turbo car (yes there are other variable between the two engines, but bear with me). This meant that if you driving in steady conditions, or traffic, or whatever, you didn't get the turbo boost and resultant scalded-cat behaviour. It was good to have both options to suit the mood. Someone used to sell a kit for the mod, it was just a 12v solenoid valve with a bit of extra pipework, some cable and a switch and was all of about £15. If you felt the need for full power you just hit the switch to go back to normal. A good mod if it was your daily driver/commute etc, as it was for lots of people (inc me) when they were newer.CAPP0 said:
biggbn said:
ZX10R NIN said:
Good cars as long as they've been looked after & it has to be the 20V Turbo.
I don't think it does. I'd happily drive an n/a five pot as long as it was well specced. Yes, I'd miss the urge of the blown motor but it would suit my driving more these days. I used to have a mod on mine where there was a switch under the dash which diverted away the pressure to the turbo actuator when selected, so that you effectively got a non-turbo car (yes there are other variable between the two engines, but bear with me). This meant that if you driving in steady conditions, or traffic, or whatever, you didn't get the turbo boost and resultant scalded-cat behaviour. It was good to have both options to suit the mood. Someone used to sell a kit for the mod, it was just a 12v solenoid valve with a bit of extra pipework, some cable and a switch and was all of about £15. If you felt the need for full power you just hit the switch to go back to normal. A good mod if it was your daily driver/commute etc, as it was for lots of people (inc me) when they were newer.Had two 20VT’s about 12yrs ago, bloody great cars, look fantastic, go like stink, roomy/practical & honestly, reliable!
My then OH was scared to drive them as they can be a bit laggy, I personally LOVED it & regularly got it to slide.
Would love to have another but already have 2 cars that don’t get much use!
My then OH was scared to drive them as they can be a bit laggy, I personally LOVED it & regularly got it to slide.
Would love to have another but already have 2 cars that don’t get much use!
I had two 20V Turbos back in the day and would thoroughly recommend one. The 20V non-turbo had a reputation for sounding better at low revs, but that was about it. Both make a fabulous warble.
The two of my 20V Turbos were running more than standard power... remembering that Autocar clocked even the factory model as doing 0-100 in 14s and quicker to accelerate in general than an Escort Cosworth.
I recall a memorable run on the M4 in my second one (running well over 300hp), with an outrun 911 driver pointing over to the car and mouthing to me "what the **** is that!".
The two of my 20V Turbos were running more than standard power... remembering that Autocar clocked even the factory model as doing 0-100 in 14s and quicker to accelerate in general than an Escort Cosworth.
I recall a memorable run on the M4 in my second one (running well over 300hp), with an outrun 911 driver pointing over to the car and mouthing to me "what the **** is that!".
The Cardinal said:
I had two 20V Turbos back in the day and would thoroughly recommend one. The 20V non-turbo had a reputation for sounding better at low revs, but that was about it. Both make a fabulous warble.
The two of my 20V Turbos were running more than standard power... remembering that Autocar clocked even the factory model as doing 0-100 in 14s and quicker to accelerate in general than an Escort Cosworth.
I recall a memorable run on the M4 in my second one (running well over 300hp), with an outrun 911 driver pointing over to the car and mouthing to me "what the **** is that!".
Mine drove away from my mates focus st, it always felt very quick. Focus destroyed it in the corners thoughThe two of my 20V Turbos were running more than standard power... remembering that Autocar clocked even the factory model as doing 0-100 in 14s and quicker to accelerate in general than an Escort Cosworth.
I recall a memorable run on the M4 in my second one (running well over 300hp), with an outrun 911 driver pointing over to the car and mouthing to me "what the **** is that!".
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