The Fiat 149 C2.000 – Petrol is a 1,297 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1985 and 1992. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration and carburetted fuel delivery, designed for compact, economical city vehicles. In standard tune, it produces 40 kW (54 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 94 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm, providing improved drivability over smaller-displacement variants while maintaining low fuel consumption.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat Uno 60 SX and Fiat Regata Weekend models, the 149 C2.000 was engineered for versatile, everyday transportation with enhanced mid-range torque. Its design prioritizes mechanical simplicity and ease of repair, making it suitable for both urban commuting and light rural use. Emissions compliance was achieved through a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor system on later models, enabling Euro 1 compliance in select export markets from 1990 onward.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear, particularly in vehicles subjected to extended service intervals. This issue, referenced in Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 149-TS-012 (1988), is attributed to inadequate lubrication in the distributor shaft and material fatigue in early production batches. Later revisions incorporated a hardened gear and revised oil feed path, marking a significant durability improvement during its production run.
Production years 1985–1989 meet Italian national emissions standards (Ministero delle Finanze, Direzione Generale delle Accise, Prot. 85/149). 1990–1992 models comply with Euro 1 standards in EU markets (EU Type Approval #E1*90/539*01).
The Fiat 149 C2.000 – Petrol is a 1,297 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine developed for compact and family vehicles (1985–1992). It combines a SOHC valvetrain with a carburetted or early multipoint fuel injection system to deliver improved torque and drivability. Designed to meet evolving emissions regulations, it balances simplicity, reliability, and moderate performance for everyday use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,297 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95 min.) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 70.0 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 40 kW (54 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 94 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Weber 32/34 DFT carburettor or Magneti Marelli IAW 8AP multipoint injection (1990+) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1985–1989); Euro 1 (1990–1992, export models) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single roller chain) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 92 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for urban environments, though carburetted versions require seasonal jetting adjustments. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is essential for distributor gear and camshaft lubrication; modern low-viscosity oils may accelerate wear. Engines from 1990 onward with fuel injection offer improved cold-start reliability and emissions compliance but require periodic injector cleaning. The single roller timing chain is generally robust but should be inspected for stretch beyond 100,000 km. Distributor drive gear wear (Fiat TS 149-TS-012) is mitigated by using OEM-revised components and adhering to 15,000 km oil change intervals. Catalytic converters on Euro 1 models mandate unleaded fuel and are sensitive to misfire-induced overheating.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SF/CC specification (Fiat Owner's Manual Rev.4). Mineral oil recommended for distributor and camshaft protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro Italian standards apply to 1985–1989 models (Prot. 85/149). 1990–1992 export models meet Directive 90/539/EEC (EU Type Approval #E1*90/539*01).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output may vary with ambient conditions and fuel octane rating (Fiat PT-1985).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 149-C2000-MECH-02, 149-C2000-FUEL-04, 149-C2000-TIME-06
Fiat ETK (Electronic Technical Catalogue): Document 149-C2000-ENG-01
Ministero delle Finanze, Direzione Generale delle Accise: Prot. 85/149
European Union Type Approval Database (E1*90/539*01)
UN ECE Regulation 85: Power Measurement Standards
The Fiat 149 C2.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's Uno and Regata platforms with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—longer intake manifolds in the Regata and revised exhaust routing in the Uno—and from 1990 the introduction of fuel injection (Magneti Marelli IAW 8AP) on Euro 1–compliant models, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right side of the cylinder block, below the exhaust manifold (Fiat TIS 149-C2000-ID-07). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates the engine type ('C' for 149 C series). Pre-1990 engines use a Weber 32/34 DFT carburettor; post-1990 Euro 1 models feature Magneti Marelli IAW 8AP fuel injection with a catalytic converter. Critical differentiation from 149 A series: The 149 C2.000 has a larger bore (70.0 mm vs 66.0 mm) and uses a longer stroke. Service parts require model-year verification—distributor assemblies for pre-1988 engines are incompatible with post-revision units due to gear hardening updates per Fiat TS 149-TS-012.
The 149 C2.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is premature distributor drive gear wear, with higher incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Fiat service data from 1989 indicated a notable number of pre-1988 engines required distributor replacement before 90,000 km, while Italian MOT (bollo) records show elevated failure rates for ignition-related faults in high-mileage Uno 60 SX models. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect oil viscosity significantly increase gear and camshaft stress, making adherence to oil specifications and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1985-1992) and Italian MOT (bollo) failure statistics (1988-1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 149-C2-000.
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