Rebore & pistons

QI want to rebore and fit new pistons to the 1372cc Fiat Uno 1.4 turbo engine fitted in my X1/9 as it has become a little smoky on start-up and for the first mile or so. The engine code is 146 A8.000, the engine number is 7787544 and it came from a 1993 Uno.

A number of local engine machinists can readily rebore and hone the engine, but cannot supply any pistons. The German company Mahle shows part numbers 008 77 01 and 008 77 02 for piston assemblies of 80.90mm and 81.10mm respectfully on their website, however, I can’t find anyone who can obtain them for me. An online supplier, variously known as ‘onlinecarparts’, ‘bestpartstore’ and ‘autodoc’, suggests these piston assemblies are ready for dispatch, but when I attempt to place an order they say they are unavailable! I have emailed Mahle direct, but they did not reply.

Incidentally, racing/forged pistons are available, but cost around £1000 per set and I don’t need such exotic arrangements!

Bruce Selby

AOver the years, the need to rebore and rebuild engines due to wear has decreased dramatically, most likely due to the advanced oil products now available. The result of this reduction in demand for such parts has been a lack of suppliers for the products.

As you say, bespoke racing products are available at a cost. Protoxide at http://bit.ly/23vfd3x can supply a set of pistons complete with rings for around €845, which depending on the exchange rate, will be around £730. An American company, JE Pistons, is advertising the pistons at $111 each, which works out at a more reasonable £78 per piston. They do not deal direct with European customers, but they do have a European contact at http://www.pmi-europe.nl who may be able to help. Finally, Wössner Gmbh are a piston specialist and email enquiries should be directed to Info@woessner-kolben.de