Frequently asked questions about FIAT Tipo 16V
How and why should I replace the Gearbox oil?
Mike Jukes
says that after changing his gearbox oil the gear change is so much smoother.
It cost about £35 including labour and oil and was well worth it.
The gears engage a lot smoother, almost un noticeable, and they tend to
actually bite sooner, also finding them is very easy. If he didn't know
better, Mike would say that the car was more responsive as well.
To replace the oil
Alex Wakefield says
the drain on the gearbox is under the gearbox. No surprises there!
Nareman Virk says that
changing the oil is not difficult, just tricky, as you have to pour
new oil in at a 90-degree angle. The hole is on the side of the
gearbox. This is best done with a funnel bent at the bottom.
What oil should I use in my Gearbox?
Mike Jukes says
put the best in you can afford. His mechanic uses fully synthetic oil.
What gearboxes fit the Tipo?
Several owners have suffered gearbox failers and looked at replacements.
Alex Neagu says that as far as he is
aware both the Fiat Coupe 16v (not the turbo 16v!) and the Dedra 2.0
gearboxes will fit the Tipo. The Fiat Coupe 16v will have shorter gear ratios
than the Dedra so the car will accelerate better. His dad has a 1.8 Dedra and says
that gearbox will also fit. However the gears are long. For instance 2nd gear at 6500
rpm equates to 100 kmh, 4th gear at 4000 rpm equates to 140 kmh. Alex's friend
Moshe tried to fit the Coupe 16v turbo gearbox with his turbo engine and the
gearbox did not fit.
Calin Jones says that the Sedicivalvole engine & gearbox is actually out of a
lancia thema 2.0 16v with a slightly different compression ratio. However in
the Tipo its turned around 180 degrees - which might have ramifications for
fitting the gearbox.
Should I lighten my flywheel?
This is a very good idea as the engine will rev much easier. Take it to a professional
though as they will be able to advise on how much to lighten it by. Too much and not
only will you weaken the flywheel but the engine will not idle very well. Getting
to the flywheel requires the removal of the gearbox which is a time consuming task.
Therefore it only makes economic sense to lighten the flywheel at the same time as
the clutch is being replaced.