Engine Code

FIAT 132-AZ2-000 engine (1977–1981) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Fiat 132 AZ2.000 – Petrol is a 1,995 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine produced between 1977 and 1981. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration, and twin-choke carburettor fuel delivery, producing 72 kW (98 PS) at 5,400 rpm. Designed as a mid-range powerplant for Fiat’s executive sedan lineup, it delivers smooth power delivery and mechanical simplicity with iron-block durability.

Fitted to the Fiat 132 2.0 and 2.0 S variants, the AZ2.000 was engineered for balanced performance and long-distance comfort. It utilised a cast-iron engine block with an aluminium cylinder head and was paired with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. Emissions compliance was achieved through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and thermal reactor, enabling adherence to early EU emissions standards (Euro 0/Phase I) across European markets.

One documented service concern involves cylinder head warping observed in high-mileage units, particularly under sustained high-load operation or inadequate cooling maintenance. This issue was addressed in Fiat Technical Bulletin TB-ME-021 (1979), which recommended revised cylinder head torque procedures and specified use of an upgraded multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket to improve thermal stability and sealing integrity.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1977–1979 meet EU Directive 70/220/EEC (Phase I); 1980–1981 models comply with updated national emissions requirements depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).

132-AZ2-000 Technical Specifications

The Fiat 132 AZ2.000 – Petrol is a 1,995 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine developed for executive sedans (1977–1981). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with twin-choke carburettor fuel delivery to deliver refined mid-range performance. Designed to meet early EU emissions directives, it prioritizes durability and serviceability over peak output.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,995 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, SOHC, 8-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke84.0 mm × 90.0 mm
Power output72 kW (98 PS) @ 5,400 rpm
Torque155 Nm @ 3,200 rpm
Fuel systemWeber 34/36 DGV twin-choke carburettor
Emissions standardEU Directive 70/220/EEC (Phase I)
Compression ratio9.4:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemChain-driven camshaft
Oil typeSAE 10W-40 (API SF)
Dry weight145 kg
Practical Implications

The SOHC carburetted design offers predictable throttle response but requires periodic adjustment of the twin-choke carburettor to maintain drivability. SAE 10W-40 API SF oil is essential for camshaft and valve train protection, particularly under sustained load. Regular valve clearance checks (every 20,000 km) prevent noise and power loss. The cylinder head is prone to warping under thermal stress; post-1979 models benefit from an upgraded MLS gasket and revised torque sequence per TB-ME-021. Thermal reactor and EGR systems must remain intact for compliance in regulated markets. Coolant system maintenance—including thermostat and radiator inspection—is critical to prevent overheating and head distortion.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SF specification (Fiat TB-ME-021). Zinc content critical for flat-tappet cam protection.

Emissions: EU Directive 70/220/EEC Phase I applies to 1977–1979 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680). Post-1979 units meet national Italian and German standards.

Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output varies slightly with carburettor calibration and altitude (Fiat TIS M132-ENG-03).

Primary Sources

Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M132-ENG-03, M132-FUEL-05, TB-ME-021

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5680)

UN ECE Regulation 85: Measurement of Power of Engine Types

132-AZ2-000 Compatible Models

The Fiat 132 AZ2.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's 132 series platform with longitudinal mounting and utilised in both standard and uprated configurations. This engine received application-specific adaptations—performance cam profiles in the 2.0 S variant and emissions control hardware in export markets—and from 1979 incorporated an upgraded cylinder head gasket and torque procedure, creating service differentiation. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Fiat
Years:
1977–1981
Models:
132
Variants:
2.0, 2.0 S
View Source
Fiat Group PT-1977
Make:
Fiat
Years:
1978–1980
Models:
131 Mirafiori
Variants:
2.0
View Source
Fiat TIS Doc. M131-ENG-04
Make:
Fiat
Years:
1978–1981
Models:
133
Variants:
2.0
View Source
Fiat TIS Doc. M133-ENG-01
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine number stamped horizontally on the right-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Fiat TIS M132-ID-11). The fifth character of the VIN indicates engine type ('A' for AZ2.000 series). Pre-1979 models have chrome valve covers with Weber carburettor; post-1979 units use black valve covers with updated gasket. Critical differentiation from 1.6L variants: AZ2.000 has 84 mm bore (measurable via spark plug hole) and uses a larger intake manifold. Service parts require model-year verification—head gaskets before 09/1979 are incompatible with later units due to MLS upgrade (Fiat TB-ME-021).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Fiat TIS Doc. M132-ID-11

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the right-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Fiat TIS M132-ID-11).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-1979: Chrome valve cover with Weber carburettor
  • Post-1979: Black valve cover with updated gasket
Cylinder Head Gasket Upgrade

Issue:

Early AZ2.000 engines (pre-1979) experienced head warping due to thermal cycling and inadequate gasket sealing.

Evidence:

Fiat TB-ME-021

Recommendation:

Inspect head flatness; use upgraded MLS gasket and follow revised torque sequence per Fiat TB-ME-021.

Common Reliability Issues - FIAT 132-AZ2-000

The AZ2.000's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping on pre-1979 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Internal Fiat service reports from 1980 indicated a notable number of early engines required head resurfacing before 90,000 km, while VCA historic vehicle inspection data shows carburettor and ignition faults dominate emissions test failures. Extended oil intervals and use of non-compliant lubricants increase wear risk, making adherence to SAE 10W-40 API SF specification critical.

Cylinder head warping
Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, compression loss.
Cause: Aluminium head bolted to cast iron block; differential expansion and inadequate coolant maintenance lead to distortion.
Fix: Inspect head for flatness; resurface or replace if warped. Install upgraded MLS gasket and follow revised torque sequence per Fiat TB-ME-021.
Carburettor tuning and flooding
Symptoms: Hesitation, stalling, poor fuel economy, fuel smell, hard starting.
Cause: Weber 34/36 DGV sensitivity to float level, jet blockage, or diaphragm wear; common in stored or infrequently driven vehicles.
Fix: Clean or rebuild carburettor using OEM kit; recalibrate float level and choke operation per Fiat TIS M132-FUEL-05.
Distributor and ignition timing drift
Symptoms: Misfiring, backfiring, hard starting, poor acceleration.
Cause: Mechanical advance wear or vacuum diaphragm leakage in original Fiat-Lucas distributor.
Fix: Rebuild or replace distributor; set ignition timing per workshop manual using strobe light and verify vacuum advance function.
Coolant leaks from water pump or hoses
Symptoms: Overheating, visible coolant leaks, low reservoir level, steam from engine bay.
Cause: Age-related degradation of water pump seal or rubber hoses; exacerbated by infrequent coolant changes.
Fix: Replace water pump and associated hoses; flush cooling system and refill with correct coolant mixture per Fiat specification.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1977-1982) and UK VCA historic vehicle inspection data (1980-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FIAT 132-AZ2-000

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 132-AZ2-000.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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