The Fiat 132 C3.031 – Petrol is a 2,974 cc V6 naturally aspirated engine introduced in 1979 as the top-tier powerplant for the Fiat 132 range. It features a 60-degree V6 configuration with single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, 12-valve layout, and twin-choke carburettor fuel delivery, producing 88 kW (120 PS) at 5,200 rpm. Designed for smooth, refined performance in executive applications, it utilises a lightweight alloy cylinder head and cast-iron block.
Fitted to the Fiat 132 3.0 and 3.0 S variants, the C3.031 engine was engineered for high-speed stability and long-distance comfort in Italy’s flagship sedan. It was paired with a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission and featured electronic ignition and a dual exhaust system. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and catalytic converter technology, enabling adherence to EU Directive 70/220/EEC (Phase II) in export markets.
One documented service concern involves intake manifold vacuum leaks observed in high-mileage units, particularly due to degraded rubber seals and brittle mounting gaskets. This issue was addressed in Fiat Technical Bulletin TB-ME-024 (1980), which recommended inspection intervals and specified an upgraded silicone-based gasket material to improve sealing longevity and idle stability.
Production years 1979–1981 comply with EU Directive 70/220/EEC (Phase II); 1982 models may meet national Italian emissions standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Fiat 132 C3.031 – Petrol is a 2,974 cc V6 naturally aspirated engine developed for executive sedans (1979–1982). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with twin-choke carburettor fuel delivery to deliver smooth power delivery and cruising refinement. Designed to meet evolving EU emissions standards, it balances performance with environmental compliance through EGR and catalytic converter systems.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,974 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 215 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 38/40 IDF twin-choke carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | EU Directive 70/220/EEC (Phase II) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SF) | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The V6 SOHC carburetted design offers smooth power delivery but requires periodic adjustment of the twin-choke carburettor to maintain idle quality. SAE 10W-40 API SF oil is essential for camshaft and valve train protection under sustained load. Regular valve clearance checks (every 20,000 km) prevent noise and performance loss. The intake manifold is prone to vacuum leaks due to aged rubber seals; post-1980 models benefit from upgraded silicone gaskets per TB-ME-024. Catalytic converters on export models require lead-free fuel to prevent poisoning. Dual exhaust system integrity should be verified to maintain engine balance and reduce backpressure.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SF specification (Fiat TB-ME-024). Zinc content critical for flat-tappet cam protection.
Emissions: EU Directive 70/220/EEC Phase II applies to 1979–1981 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681). 1982 units meet national Italian standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output varies slightly with carburettor calibration and altitude (Fiat TIS M132-ENG-04).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M132-ENG-04, M132-FUEL-06, TB-ME-024
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
UN ECE Regulation 85: Measurement of Power of Engine Types
The Fiat 132 C3.031 – 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 3.0 S variant and emissions control hardware in export markets—and from 1980 incorporated an upgraded intake manifold gasket and revised sealing materials, creating service differentiation. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the front timing cover (Fiat TIS M132-ID-12). The fifth character of the VIN indicates engine type ('C' for C3.031 series). Pre-1980 models have chrome valve covers with Weber carburettor; post-1980 units use black valve covers with updated gasket. Critical differentiation from inline-4 variants: C3.031 has 60-degree V6 layout with twin exhaust manifolds. Service parts require model-year verification—intake gaskets before 07/1980 are incompatible with later units due to material upgrade (Fiat TB-ME-024).
The C3.031's primary reliability risk is intake manifold vacuum leaks on pre-1980 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Internal Fiat service reports from 1981 indicated a notable number of early engines required intake resealing 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.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1979-1983) and UK VCA historic vehicle inspection data (1980-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 132-C3-031.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FIAT or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
FIAT Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFIAT documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
