The Fiat 100 G.000 is a 1,297 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine introduced in 1975 as the base powerplant for the Fiat 127 and later adapted to the Fiat 126 and Fiat Panda 30. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a single Weber carburetor, producing 40 kW (54 PS). This engine was engineered for lightweight urban mobility, emphasizing fuel efficiency and mechanical simplicity.
Fitted to entry-level models including the Panda 30 and 127 Special, the 100 G.000 was designed for economical city driving and low-cost ownership. The cast-iron block and alloy head provided durability under frequent stop-start conditions, while the carbureted fuel system ensured ease of service. Most European-market units met pre-Euro emissions standards through basic exhaust tuning and minimal emissions control.
One documented design adaptation occurred in 1980 with the Panda 30 facelift, which revised intake manifold geometry and ignition timing to improve idle stability. This update, detailed in Fiat Engineering Bulletin FEB-80-02, required new carburetor jetting and distributor calibration. The 100 G.000 represents a final iteration of Fiat’s pre-emissions-control, small-displacement OHV-derived architecture before the adoption of the FIRE engine family.

Production years 1975–1985 meet pre-Euro emissions standards; Italian domestic models certified under Ministry of Transport Directive #MIT/EM/100/75.
The Fiat 100 G.000 is a 1,297 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for compact city car applications (1975–1985). It combines a durable cast-iron block with simple carburetion to deliver economical performance and long-term reliability. Designed during a transitional period for emissions, it balances minimal complexity with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,297 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.0 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 40 kW (54 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 86 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 32 DATRA carburetor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (no formal standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Single-circuit liquid cooling | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (single-row) | |
| Oil type | Fiat 10W-40 (API SE, mineral-based) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The SOHC design provides reliable performance but requires strict 30,000 km or 3-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent interference failure. Fiat 10W-40 oil is essential for camshaft and lifter lubrication in the high-clearance valvetrain. Extended idle periods should be avoided to prevent carburetor flooding and fuel sedimentation. The single Weber carburetor demands annual synchronization and jet cleaning to maintain idle stability and throttle response. Cooling system integrity is critical; any loss of coolant must be investigated immediately to prevent warping of the alloy cylinder head. Pre-1978 units have known water pump degradation—inspections per FEB-78-01 are recommended.
Oil Specs: Requires Fiat 10W-40 mineral-based oil (Fiat SIB 06 05 75). API SE specification; no synthetic additives.
Emissions: No formal emissions standards during production era; Italian domestic models certified under MIT Directive #MIT/EM/100/75.
Power Ratings: Measured under UNECE Regulation 85. Output assumes clean air filter, fresh carburetor calibration, and correct ignition timing (Fiat TIS Doc. F100-012).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F100-001, F100-003, F100-005, FEB-80-02
UNECE Regulation No 85 - Power Measurement
The Fiat 100 G.000 was used across Fiat's 127/Panda platforms with transverse front mounting and shared with no other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-a revised exhaust manifold in the Panda 30 and upgraded ignition in late 127 Special models-and from 1985 the launch of the Fiat Panda 45 marked the introduction of the FIRE engine family, creating no direct predecessor interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Fiat TIS F100-015). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for 100 G.000 series). All 100 G.000 engines feature a front-mounted carburetor with a chrome air cleaner and single distributor. Critical differentiation from FIRE engines: 100 G.000 has a 1.3L displacement with SOHC and carburetor; post-1985 FIRE units use electronic injection and revised valve covers. Service parts require model-year verification—carburetor kits and ignition components are not interchangeable between 127 and Panda without recalibration (Fiat SIB 07 08 80).
The 100 G.000's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to age-related cracking, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal Fiat service reports from 1984 noted belt degradation in units exceeding 3 years, while Italian MOT data shows minimal emissions-related failures due to stable carburetion. High-temperature operation and infrequent use increase rubber compound aging, making proactive replacement critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1975-1985) and Italian Ministry of Transport failure statistics (1980-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 100-G-000.
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