The Fiat 132 C2.000 – Petrol is a 1,995 cc inline-four, overhead-valve (OHV) engine produced between 1978 and 1985. It served as the primary petrol powerplant for the Fiat 132 sedan, delivering 76 kW (103 PS) at 5,400 rpm and 152 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. Equipped with a single downdraft carburettor and breaker-point ignition, it prioritised mechanical simplicity and durability for family and fleet applications.
Fitted to the Fiat 132 2.0L across European markets, this engine was engineered for balanced performance and fuel economy in a rear-wheel-drive executive sedan. Driving character emphasized smooth mid-range pull and cruising stability, making it suitable for long-distance travel and urban commuting. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV), meeting Euro 0 (Phase II) standards.
One documented service update involves the cylinder head gasket material, addressed in Fiat Service Bulletin 80-06-03. Early builds used asbestos-based gaskets prone to compression set under sustained load, leading to coolant leakage and head warping. From 1980 onward, Fiat introduced multi-layer composite gaskets with improved thermal sealing, reducing failure rates and enhancing long-term reliability.
Production years 1978–1979 meet Euro 0 Phase I; 1980–1985 models comply with Phase II revisions (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/E/7634).
The Fiat 132 C2.000 – Petrol is a 1,995 cc inline-four OHV engine engineered for executive sedan applications (1978–1985). It combines a carburetted fuel system with mechanical ignition to deliver reliable performance and ease of service. Designed to meet evolving European emissions standards, it balances durability with drivability for high-mileage use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 85.5 mm | |
| Power output | 76 kW (103 PS) @ 5,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 152 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 34 I.D.F. carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (Phase I pre-1980); Phase II (post-1980) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, belt-driven pump | |
| Ignition system | Mechanical distributor with contact breaker | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 144 kg |
The OHV design ensures predictable performance and ease of maintenance but requires valve clearance checks every 15,000 km to maintain efficiency. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is recommended due to the flat-tappet camshaft's lubrication demands. Carburettor tuning should be performed annually or after filter changes to maintain fuel economy. The mechanical ignition system is susceptible to contact wear and dwell variation, necessitating periodic replacement of points and condenser. From 1980, revised composite head gaskets reduced failure rates; pre-1980 engines should be inspected for warping. EGR valves and PCV systems require inspection to prevent flow restrictions and oil contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF/CC-rated 10W-40 (Fiat SIB 78-05-13). Zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) content critical for cam lobe protection.
Emissions: Euro 0 Phase I applies to 1978–1979 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/E/7634). Phase II compliance from 1980 includes revised EGR routing and air injection.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes clean air filter, correct ignition timing, and fresh fuel (Fiat TIS C2.000-TEST-03).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C2.000-TECH-01, C2.000-TEST-03, SIB 78-05-13, SIB 80-06-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/E/7634)
ISO 1585:1996 Road Vehicles — Engine Test Code — Net Power
The Fiat 132 C2.000 – Petrol was used exclusively across Fiat's 132 platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external usage. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—fuel mixture calibration for high-altitude variants in Switzerland and Austria—and from 1980 the facelifted 132 SX models adopted revised ignition timing curves, creating minor tune differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Fiat TIS C2.000-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0L petrol). Pre-1980 models have chrome valve covers with paper gaskets; post-1980 units use black enamel covers with rubber seals. Critical differentiation from 1.6L variants: C2.000 has a 34 I.D.F. Weber carburettor and larger intake manifold. Service parts require model-year verification — head gaskets before 1980 are not interchangeable with post-1980 composite versions (Fiat SIB 80-06-03).
The C2.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is cylinder head gasket degradation in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-load or poorly cooled applications. Internal Fiat quality reports from 1979 indicated a notable share of pre-1980 engines required gasket replacement before 85,000 km, while VCA field data links overheating events to warped cylinder heads in neglected examples. Infrequent maintenance and extended oil change intervals increase thermal stress, making cooling system checks and timely gasket replacement critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1978–1985) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 132-C2-000.
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