Yet another non Stratos related project !!

**Fingers** · 07-03-2018, 17:53

What's the advantage of the 131 gearbox, stronger, better ratios? Does it bolt straight in? Hadn't heard of this being done before, good idea.

**Normb666** · 07-03-2018, 19:46

Thanks, Del Boy... :-P

**Bernard** · 07-03-2018, 20:52

Originally Posted by Fingers

What's the advantage of the 131 gearbox, stronger, better ratios? Does it bolt straight in? Hadn't heard of this being done before, good idea.

Hi Fingers
yes the 131 box is much stronger than the 124... Don't know much about the ratios tho but I guess they should be OK for what I need....
I have read reports on the factory prepared rally cars and the ratios were very low... The top speed was 80mph flat out in top !.... That was the way they were kept competitive on tight twisty events.... Don't know what the final drive ratio was.... Must get round to reading that book I have just bought ..... It's all in there !!

cheers
phil

**Bernard** · 07-03-2018, 20:57

Well I guess you all need to be advised that wifey Helen has christened the 124.......

after I had said that "she doesn't look much at the minute but she will be beautiful when she is finished"

so..... Splash the holy water Norm... Her name is "Fiona"........ Fiona the Fiat

**Fingers** · 07-03-2018, 20:59

I've got lots of books like that too, never get around to having a proper read.

This guy's done a few videos on John Campion's cars https://youtu.be/YdL6DKLdZto. Similar thing, the gearboxes are set up for acceleration not top speed, interesting to watch, flat out at 60mph. You'll have to hunt through them for the Fulvia and 131.

A 124 spider has always been another on my list of cars I'd like to own..and modify just like you are. Looking forward to learning a thing or two.

**Normb666** · 07-03-2018, 21:19

I say, "Fiona the Fiat". Good grief, posh Nottingham totty...then you see the car....

I actually read that post as you referring to Helen, saying "she doesn't look much at the mo but she'll be beautiful when she's finished" and she christened the car after that...I was expecting with a sledgehammer, and wondered briefly why you still lived. Then I got the gist of what you meant...phew!!!

**ironman523** · 08-03-2018, 23:41

IF I come to your garage day Phil we can see how many parts your new toy and my new toy share, not many I'll wager as mine is mostly from Japan :-)

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**Bernard** · 09-03-2018, 07:28

Originally Posted by ironman523

IF I come to your garage day Phil we can see how many parts your new toy and my new toy share, not many I'll wager as mine is mostly from Japan :-)

Nice one Rob !.... Will look forward to seeing it.... Yep not much parts sharing there I think!!

**Bernard** · 11-03-2018, 15:52

Updates so far....

Engine went to Guy Croft on Friday after it was jet washed off...... Bloody caked in oily crap !
Exhaust off
propshaft out
gearbox out
bumpers and and other unessesary scrap metal taken to the tip

the engine waterways, thermostat etc were almost completely blocked !
however at first inspection over at Guy's the bores are fine, crank is fine, head looks ok.... So it looks like I have the basis of a good engine.

under the car the under seal in certain areas is peeling off and revealing almost perfect factory finish black paint. But it has had a bump in the past, nothing serious but there are a couple of areas that need a better repair.
So will peel the rest of the underseal and redo it.

Next Friday I go to Whaley Bridge to pick up the 131 gearbox.

cheers
Phil