Fiat Tipo

Fiat Tipo (1988) The Tipo was first revealed to the public in January 1988. An all new design to replace the Strada/Ritmo it was initially available with only one body style - a five door with a drag coefficient of 0.31. It won the Car of the Year award in 1989 and was greatly praised for it's class leading interior space (especially the boot), accessibility, handling and drivability. The styling was rather less conventional, but was accepted as a step in a new direction, designed to be compact, aerodynamic and roomy inside with excellent visibility. Safety, with optimisation of the deformation in the event of an accident, and durability, all external parts were galvanised (over 70% of the entire bodyshell) also featured highly on the agenda.

At launch the engines comprised three petrol (1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 litre) and two diesel (1.7 and 1.9 turbo) units, all developed specifically for the new car, and mated to a new 5-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was independent all round, with MacPherson struts at the front and a trailing arm arrangement at the rear. A conventional front disc/rear drum brake setup was joined by an optional Antiskid (as ABS was then known) system from Bosch.

Two trim levels were offered, the base level ('standard' with the 1108, 1372 and 1697 diesel engines) and the 'Digit' (with all engines), which soon became the DGT. The latters main claim to fame was it's digital instrumentation, the first series production digital dashboard on a European hatchback, but it also benefitted from electric windows, central locking and various other extras.

Fiat Tipo Sedicivalvole (1991) Production was at the Cassino factory, with the assembly line significantly rebuilt and automated for the Tipo, with over 403 robots in the Tipo bodyshop (welding, holding, fastening, priming, painting, testing) alone, monitored by 49 video cameras. The plant also contains 1720 AGVs (Automatically guided vehicles) !

November 1989 saw the first 'hot hatch' in the range, the 1.8ie 16V. Using a 1756cc 16v dohc unit with 136bhp it was also equipped with disc brakes all round, whilst ABS was optional. 1990 saw more powerplants arrive, a normally aspirated 1929cc diesel unit with 65bhp and a 1929cc turbodiesel with EGR (with 82bhp) joining the oil-burners, whilst the petrol range expanded to include 1756cc (109bhp) and 1995cc (113bhp) units, both with electronic fuel injection and the latter also with a three-way catalytic converter. The 1372cc and 1581cc engines also increased in power to 76bhp and 84bhp respectively. The catalysed 1600 adopted the 1581cc sohc unit with 77bhp, replacing the 1585cc dohc catalysed unit. The transmission options also broadened with the arrival of the Tipo Selecta, using a CVT. This was available with either a 1372cc or 1581cc engine.

Fiat Tipo 2.0ie 16v Sedicivalvole (1993) The Geneva show of 1991 saw a new model at the top of the Tipo range, the 2.0ie 16v (or 'Sedicivalvole') complete with environmentally friendly catalytic converter and EGR system. The heart of the new version, the engine, was a 16v version of the twin-cam unit in the 2.0ie car, in this installation producing 148bhp. The new car also featured uprated brakes, an optimised chassis, bigger alloy wheels etc. Rave reviews in the press followed, and the car was universally praised.

Slightly later, in September of the same year, the 1.8ie 16v was dropped from the range, being made redundant by the new 2-litre unit. In that month, at the Frankfurt Motorshow, the entire range was mildly tweaked, mainly regarding the badging. The base and DGT were replaced by the standard (the old base), S (electric windows, central locking) and SX (the old DGT plus power steering) trim levels.

The second series of the Tipo arrived in 1993. A major overhaul of the product was most immediately recogniseable by its new grille. The main changes were concentrated on improving the safety of the car, with a heavily revised structure including side impact bars, deformable zones, height adjustable seatbelts, seatbelt pre-tensioners, energy absorbing steering wheel, airbags etc. The most interesting evolution for car enthusiasts was the addition of a three-door body style. In total, as well as the two body styles, 8 engines and 3 transmissions, it was available in 5 trim levels (S, SX, SLX, GT and 16v).

Mechanically, all the engines were catalysed (except the diesels), the range comprising the 1.4ie (1372cc sohc with 71bhp), 1.6ie (1581cc sohc with 76bhp), 1.8ie (1756cc dohc with 105bhp), 2.0ie (1995cc dohc with 115bhp), 2.0ie 16V (1995cc dohc with 142bhp), 1.7D (1697cc sohc with 58bhp), 1.9D (1929cc sohc with 65bhp) & 1.9 D GT (1929cc sohc turbo with 92bhp). Alongside the conventional manual 5-speed transmission a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and a 4-speed automatic were available (the former with the 1.6 engine, the latter with the 2.0).

Production continued until 1995, when it was replaced by the Bravo/Brava pair. The Tipo floorpan proved a highly successful design, also being used in the Tempra (basically a Tipo saloon), the Coupé, the Alfa Romeo 155 and the Lancia Dedra.

Fiat Tipo (1988)
Fiat Tipo (1991 facelift)

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Technical Details
 
Driveline transverse engine at front with front wheel drive
Engines At launch :
1108cc (70x72mm) 4 cylinder sohc carburettor with 56bhp @ 5,500rpm (image)
1372cc (80.5x67.4mm) 4 cylinder sohc carburettor with 72bhp @ 6,000rpm (image)
1581cc (86.4x67.4mm) 4 cylinder sohc carburettor with 83bhp @ 6,000rpm
1697cc (82.6x79.2mm) 4 cylinder sohc diesel with 58bhp @ 4,600rpm
1929cc (82.6x90mm) 4 cylinder sohc turbocharged diesel with 92bhp @ 4,100rpm (image)
1993 range :
1372cc (80.5x67.4mm) 4 cylinder sohc SPI with 71bhp @ 6,000rpm
1581cc (86.4x67.4mm) 4 cylinder sohc SPI with 76bhp @ 6,000rpm
1756cc (84x79.2mm) 4 cylinder dohc MPI with 105bhp @ 6,000rpm (image)
1995cc (84x90mm) 4 cylinder dohc MPI with 115bhp @ 5,750rpm
1995cc (84x90mm) 4 cylinder 16v dohc MPI with 142bhp @ 6,000rpm
1697cc (82.6x79.2mm) 4 cylinder sohc diesel with 58bhp @ 4,600rpm
1929cc (82.6x90mm) 4 cylinder sohc diesel with 65bhp @ 4,600rpm
1929cc (82.6x90mm) 4 cylinder sohc turbocharged diesel with 92bhp @ 4,100rpm
Suspension front : MacPherson strut with telescopic dampers and coil springs plus anti-roll bar
rear : independent with telescopic dampers and coil springs plus anti-roll bar
wheelbase : 2540mm
front track : 1436mm (1.8ie, 2.0ie & 16V : 1445mm)
rear track : 1415mm (1.8ie, 2.0ie & 16V : 1421mm)
Brakes front : discs (240mm, 257mm or 284mm ventilated depending on engine)
rear : drums (180mm or 228mm) (240mm discs on 'sporting' versions)
handbrake operating on the rear via a cable
Gearbox 5 speed manual
4 speed automatic
CVT
cable or hydraulic clutch actuation depending on model
Steering Rack and pinion (hydraulically power assisted on some models)
3 turns lock to lock
Empty weight 1100 : 950kg; 1400 : 990kg; 1600 : 1000kg
1.7D : 1050kg; 1.9TD : 1660kg
1.8ie : 1110kg; 2.0ie : 1150kg
1.8 ie 16V : 1100kg; 2.0ie 16V : 1180kg
Dimensions click here.

Here there is a diagram illustrating the structure of the three-door Tipo

Fiat Tipo

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Performance
 
model max speed 0-100kp/h standing km braking from 100km/h
Tipo 1.8ie (1989) 205 km/h 9.4 sec 30.5 sec 46.1 m

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Tuning

There are three main areas to concentrate on, the engine (and transmission), the brakes and the suspension and then various other details. These three should be done together since they complement each other, not all of one and none of another !

1. The engine.

Before modifying the engine it is worthwhile filling it with a good quality synthetic oil and fitting new spark plugs. An engine oil additive may also be used.
The first improvements are relatively simple. The air filter can be replaced for an aftermarket item which will help the engine breathe more freely, the type which completely replace the original airbox are best, and the exhaust can be replaced for one which will restrict the exit of the gases less. The whole system should be replaced, not just the rear section.

For single cam engines:
Improving the fuelling is the biggest change without opening the engine. A pair of downdraught or sidedraught carburettors(about 40 in size) will provide adequate air-fuel mixture and should also mprove the throttle response. An improved camshaft will also reap big Fiat Tipobenefits,especially when combined with the carburettors.

For twin cam carburettored engines:
Again the approach of using a pair of twin carburettors and a camshaft is the best way to wring more power from these engines, after which work should centre on machining the cylinder head.

For fuel injected engines:
The most effective modification (short of engine rebuilds!) is probably to replace the electronic control unit (or 'chip'). A variety of these are available, but all should increase the power and improve the driveability. For Tipo's the number of 'off-the-shelf' units is limited, but it is possible to buy a unit which can be programmed to any car and this will fulfill the role nicely.

Other things to do on all engines should include fitting a cold air intake, a large diameter pipe (minimum 5cm) to provide air from outside the engine bay to the air filter. The exhaust manifold can also be lagged with thermal cloth or tape to keep the exhaust gases hotter (and thus reduce back pressure) and also to keep the underbonnet (and hence intake and fuel) temperatures lower.
The high tension leads can also be replaced with performance ones.

After modifying the engine it may be worth fitting an oil cooler (depending on the level of modification carried out). If overheating is a problem due to the increased power output then a small hole can also be drilled through the plate in the thermostat.

Regarding the transmission the main requirement is to uprate the clutch to handle the increase in power and torque achieved though the engine modifications. Friction plates can be purchased with improved materials and heavier duty pressure plates are also available. Whilst doing this it is worthwhile lightening the flywheel.

2. The brakes.

Initially it is relatively easy to replace the brake discs with drilled and grooved items, and the pads for a harder compound. The latter should not be too hard (ie no race pads on the road) or they will not function effectively at the normal 'road' operating temperatures. Stainless steel braided flexible hoses will improve the pedal feel and reduce the chance of damage whilst DoT5 fluid (not silicon) will increase the temperature at which it can operate effectively. If the brakes are getting too hot the dustguards can be removed and/or ducts fitted, taking air from behind the front bumper.

If more serious braking is required the next modification would be to increase the disc size. The easiest route (for the smaller engined models) is to use the brakes from the quicker Tipo's (ie 16V); both the discs at the front and rear. For the 16V, and others if required, it is possible to use larger discs with a bracket allowing use of the production callipers, or alloy four pot callipers can be fitted.

In order to improve the balance of the car under braking it is desireable to be able to adjust the balance of braking from front to rear (and vice versa). This can be accomplished by fitting a bias valve in the line to the rear brakes, usually in a position so that it can be reached from the drivers seat.

3. The suspension.

The easiest improvement,and the one which will probably bring the single most noticeable change, is to replace the full set of dampers and springs. A variety of kits are available which include four matched dampers and springs. Top adjustable units are Fiat Tipocompromised, but are good for road and track day cars since it allows the suspension to be adjusted between these two, rather different, requirements. Coil over units add more adjustability and can be purchased outright, or can be made from standard dampers by welding a threaded sleeve to the standard tube.

There are then two other main suspension aims; to reduce the flexiblity in the suspension and to increase the stiffness of the car, both of which aim at more accurate control of the wheel movement. To reduce the flexibility it is possible to fit nylon bushes instead of the normal production rubber items, or if perfection is desired the suspension can be fitted with metallic bearings (rose joints / rod ends). Spherical bearing top mounts can also be used. To stiffen the car it is most popular to fit strut braces. These can be fitted to the front and rear. For more extreme cases a rollcage can be fitted.....

Into this category also fall the choice of wheels and tyres. With an increase in power it can be necessary to fit larger tyres (thus requiring larger wheels) but the temptation to fit the biggest possible should be resisted. Consideration should be given to fitting a wider tyre on the front (since they provide traction and steering) but keeping the standard, or a wider but not as wide as the front, tyre at the rear. This will improve the balance of the car.

4. other things.

Other modifications worth considering include fitment of a shift light (and rev limiter if there is not one as standard), higher power bulbs in the headlights (if you are going to go faster you need to see further) and installation of a quicker steering rack.

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Buying / Selling

The most desireable model is the Seidicivalvole, but the more mundane models offer a roomy, reliable and usually cheap form of transport, with Italian character thrown in.

Some tips to do before selling : (they may seem obvious, but most people don't do them and thus are in a weaker bargaining position)

Tidy inside the car thoroughly : hoover the floor, empty all pockets, ashtrays (wash), glove compartment etc..., wipe the trim with a damp cloth, give the cockpit a good airing to get rid of any odours ! Reset the trip meter to 00000 - it is a pleasant (subconcious) surprise.

If the car has been standing give it a good run - this will clear out the engine (reduce exhaust smoke), put a shine on the brake discs and loosen up any joints that may otherwise make some noises.

'Back to black' products are very effective at temporarily restoring bumpers and trim. This makes a big difference to any car. Do it a week before you expect people to view the car, otherwise it may be a bit too obvious !

Jetwash under the car, especially under the engine and in the wheelarches. The prospective buyer may be an enthusiast, and this makes it easier for them to see what they want to check.

Obviously wash the car and clean the windows !

If you are going to buy a car always check the following :

The bodywork should not be a major issue, but check around just in case. The wheelarches, suspension and engine mounts, sills, door pillars, scuttle panel and the floor can be easily inspected. If a sunroof is fitted check around the edge. Check that there are no mismatching panels, large areas of discolouration or signs of fresh paint.

Check for a damp carpet or the presence of mould - if the carpet is damp then the floor is almost certainly corroded - whatever the age of the car.

Fiat Tipo digital instrumentation (1990)Check the main electrical functions - wipers, windows, etc... try putting the main beam and wipers on at the same time. Check the headlight reflectors for rust.

Check the brake pedal does not go to the floor if pressed hard for a long time and check the gearchange for clean engagement.

The engine should be run up to temperature, check the exhaust for smoke, the condition of the breather (look for mayonaise), the condition of the oil filler cap (again white deposits can indicate head gasket or other serious problems) and the colour of the coolant (preferably not brown!). If the car has an oil pressure guage this should not drop below 1 bar at idle, and should be around 3 to 4 bar at speed. Listen to the noise of the engine, then depress the clutch and engage first gear. Whatever noise has disappeared was coming form the gearbox, what remains is from the engine. Also check the condition of the engine oil on the dipstick.The lighter brown the better, if it is thick black then leave quickly.

Check tyre wear, uneven patterns could imply a bent chassis.

Always take it for a test drive. Check that the car tracks in a straight line with no steering input. Find a large open area and complete several lock to lock turns(also in reverse), listening for any noises. Try the handbrake when moving - seized rear callipers will mean uneven braking or no braking.

Generally, Fiat Tipo's are mechanically pretty good, and the old Italian problem of rust had been overcome before the Tipo arrived.

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Links

A private Fiat Tipo 16V website

An excellent Tipo 16V website

A German Tipo website
 

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Fiat Tipo Workshop Manual : buy it online here (in association with Amazon)
 
Buy Haynes Manuals online here.Fiat Tipo ('88 to '91) Haynes, 1989
Fiat Tipo & Tempra : Repair Manual & Service Guide Porter, 1998

For more books on Fiats, see our Online Bookstore


Tipo comment form

Please send your comments on the Tipo, these will be added to this page for future visitors to read.
Please include your name (or a nickname) and your country. Thanks.



Your Comments

The Fiat Tipo mechanicalsThe Fiat Tipo is a very good car but is very delicate in off road the tipo 1600 is very heavy for the engine and the tune up is very complicated without scanner tank yow ( c o n d o r  m a n )

The fiat tipo 1372 formula has been an excellent car. it has been very reliable and fairly economicle i would recomend to all ages. (dizzy dave)

I have had 2 sedicivalvoles,  and they will blow any other hot hatch away,  with the greatest of ease,  and noise. Not enough headroom though,  and the clocks a bit whiney.

The Fiat Tipo is an excellent car ,it never visit the mecanic and wants always more speed. I recomend to test one, pure adrenaline.(Alex, Argentina)

I'm from Turkey and I have a Tipo 1.4 S which was produced in Turkey. I've been driving it for a year and I am quite happy with it. I have to mention that even if the engine is 1400cc it is quite powerful. Also fuel consumption is considerably low. I never felt it necessary to add oil between oil changes which is very remarkable. The space inside the car is very large and there is nearly no dead zone of view. The only weak point of the car is the front suspension which is very gentle. Off road driving can be quite expensive.

Hello, i just wanted to tell you about my 90. tipo 1,4. It has now got 363000. km at the meter vithout problems! The only things i have had to replace is the generator and the waterpump. I love my tipo!

Hi, I have a 1600 DOHC '89 and is enought reliable in long-term and also spacious. Only disadvantages I found: more engine power starts around 3500 rpm and consumption. Maybe Tipo II was improved. The most elegant choice from cars from begin of 90years. I like Tipo! (Pavel, CZ)

I have an '88 Tipo 1.6 dgt and I'm in love with the beast, 182000 km and still as good as the first day, definitely the choice if you wanted to be a bit different from the rest. I find great pleasure when I manage to blow a BMW away on a mountain road, but the pleasure is bigger if it is a Golf tdi :) only criticism: brakes. Tipo=love. (Calimero, Spain)

I've got a 1991 Tipo DGT. I've fitted a K&N air Filter and special spark plugs. It has now, with the original carburettor a double body webber, about 80 CV.
In highway it can reach 200 Kph (don´t say that to my girlfriend). About maintenance, it's me who does all the work. I love FIATs.

I've a 1990 Tipo 1.8 i.e., it now has 210000 km and nothing has been changed on that car (exept oil, tyre, brake pad), no rust (I wash it every 6 month), average consumption 8l/100km. This car is quite powerfull (110 bhp) and I can reach the 200 km/h. I can tell you that the TDI golf (even the 115 bhp) have very hard job to follow this car !. I had a lot of Fiat (127,Ritmo, Cinquecento, Bravo) they were or still are (Bravo) very good and reliable but the Tipo is realy the best car I never had and I will be very sad when I'll have to get rid of it (for now, there is no reason). Ben (Belgium)

Hi I have a 1991 Fiat Tipo dgt. Its a great car and its definately not slow and its got all the bits you could want, power windows, central locking, alarm immobilizer, power steering, alloy wheels and I just love the car. Its great.

Fiat Tipo 1.8ie engine - Click for larger image Bored with my old 318i, i bought a '91 DGT 1.6. Although not as refined as the Germans, the Tipo is lighter and far more fun. Made for the open road. Handles beautifully with just a little understeer. Build quality OK, everything still works properly (Blaupunkt hasn't got long though), engineering has a Toyota quality to it. Fresh, original styling - entire rear gorgeous, and door mirrors particularly well done. Huge interior, love the dash. Reliable. Ride quality at low speed is poor but aprt from that - Tipo is a cool car. Lent my BMW to a friend - he can keep it. (Scotty, NZ)

I own my Tipo since 1989; its best things are the engine and the gearbox . It's extraordinary between 200 and 4500 rpm(1400cc. engine) and I only changed the clutch once! I won' t change it! (Willamovitz, Italy)

185.000 km, 12 years. My 1.6 DGT Tipo has never vissited a workshop for serious damages. Now I've changed the spark plugs, the air and the oil filters, cleaned the carburator,... and it runs very well. I like the car, bat I'd like chage my 13" inch. wheels for the 14" inch. Abarth alloy wheels. I think the front is too heavy because of the engine, and you have to be very careful with wet pavements in mountain roads. In the other hand, I've never have had problems with the brakes, excepting the hand brake, which cannot support the car if you park it in big descents. Also I changed once the waterpump, and twice one of the central locking motors. The interior is fine at the moment; in any case, I've seen a Polo VW with 12000 km and the tapestry was very damaged. My Tipo is much more old and the tapestry is fine. Tough engine, fine until 3000 rpm, beasty from 3800 rpm. 3000-3800?? oh, black hole. The best of the 1600 carburated engine is over 4000 rpm until 5200 rpm.

I have an 1990 tipo 1.9 TD .It is very confortable and spacious.During all winter motor start runing at first attempt.It is very economikal 5,5 l / 100km ( 90km/h).I only change breaking pads,oils,filters,tires.Motor is still original (no change of spare parts).Digital board now showing 400 000 km. (Slavo, Slovakia)

I've had my 1.6 DGT for over 5 years, and it is so reliable that I sometimes take it for granted as i ask it to do things it really shouldn't do. But it does them anyway - like towing my classic fiats around, and acting as a dump truck, or removal van due to the massive space inside. But the Tipo's at it's best when up against far newer japanese multivalve engined cars on winding roads - oh that handling! It's no coincidence the floorpan was used on other models! (Grant, NZ)

I had a Tipo 1.6 ie DGT from 1989. The car was just great, a lot of space, and very drivable. (Bojan, Republic Srpska)

I have had a blue 89 Tipo 1.6 DGT for 2 years and use it everyday for my 120 mile round trip to work in all weathers. Only cost £600. No problems and it starts first time and now has 120000 miles on the digi dash, but sadly needs welding underneath to keep legal. A brilliant fun car and I would have another tomorrow.(Neil, UK)

I have a Fiat Tipo 1.6dgt and its a great car its been fitted with 14" wheels from a Fiat Bravo and ive put in the front fogs (these just make it look so much better)as for the engine its great definatley not slow. al the electrics work Ive had to change minor things central locking moters wiper motors but it mechanically pretty good definately recommend this car to any one and the dash on the dgt always gets looks from people at night as it glows. (Ray, UK)

I have a 1996 sx i.e., is an excellent car, very fast and handle. I beat every modern cars in many times. I love Tipo I had a 94 SX carburator and now a 96 SX IE. Its a great car. Never has a mechanical problem. (Gonzalo, Argentina)


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Fiat Tipo 1.8ie cockpit

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