Re: The Premier 118 NE thread Quote:
Originally Posted by Rudra Sen Can anyone here (especially Mumbai members) tell me if it is possible to get a new set of 118NE differential unit in Mumbai? Not the housing and axle tube assembly. If yes, where to look for and what could be the cost?
Today, I got into a Padmini cab to get back home. He started the engine and Padmini started with a different tone. I moved forward to see floor shift gear. Upon asking, he confirmed that engine and gearbox from 118NE.
It was butter smooth but with a typical differential hum. I asked him if he had mated Padmini differential with this setup and he said differential is also from NE. | Dear Rudra - hello to you. I saw your PM. Sorry for late reply, here goes!
Premier Padmini S1 engine introduction was done as per engineering document number RDS/90/PP/1 (Release Delete Schedule 1 of the year 1990 for the "PP" car or Premier Padmini. Inside Kurla plant, Premier Padmini was called "PP Car"). Nissan A12 engine was never introduced in production PP cars although we had completed most of the engineering work. There were major modifications to the sub-frame due to the engine sump orientation and major modifications to the steering system due to fouling of the bell housing top flange with the bell crank lever. The mechanical fuel pump was interfering with the suspension arm. However, "changes to the Padmini engine compartment dress level parts" to equip the Nissan A12 engine were introduced in production. For example, redesigned steering tie rods, offset bell crank lever and 'tengul" for the shift of the bell crank lever (depression is known as "tengul" in Marathi) were introduced in late 1996.
S1 engines had the redesigned intake ports with increased swirl, improved inertia flywheel, Mikuni carburettor with redesigned intake manifold, twin pipe exhaust system, Nissan F4W56A transmission with direct shift floor mounted gear shift lever, electric fan with cross flow radiator and 3.9:1 axle ratio. Axle ratio and final drive details: this is a direct lift-off from the 118NE. The assembly part number is the same. It fits directly on the Padmini axle tube. All my fiats (except the ones purchased recently) run the 3.9:1 axle ratio only. It is like running an overdrive.
Best regards,
Behram Dhabhar
PS - S1 engine is of Padmini only, this engine runs on the Mikuni carburettor, which uses the 118NE air cleaner, due to which many people open the bonnet and say that "this is NE engine". It has happened in front of me many times. I just smile to myself as it is good entertainment for me. However, as you have mentioned that your friend's taxi has the Nissan engine, it is a patch job as it is converted from the diesel car. I have seen such cars, they are indeed terribly made, with the top of the bell housing cut off! |