PV - 544 - How reliable are they?

dodgyken · Nov 13th, 2008, 07:47

Some how conversation has turned to the 544 - in particular an immaculate 1960 544 1.6 - the question is how good/reliable/dependable are 544s?

Would you expect much trouble/cost from them? Will they cope with "modern" driving - eg steady 60mph cruise? The spec of 980KG powered by 66BHP and 86lb/ft doesn't sound too bad to me

222s · Nov 13th, 2008, 11:17

I've never driven a B16 engined car, but those engines are supposed to be weaker than the later (& tough as old boots) B18, as it has only 3 main bearings compared to the B18 & B20's 5 main bearings. Engine parts aren't as easy to come by either. However if you're only wanting to curise at 60, I 'd be surprised if that causes any problems.

Otherwise, provided that it is in good order and maintained properly, it should be fine! I use my Amazon daily and the technology is basically the same. Obviously the service intervals are much shorter than modern cars, but it's all pretty basic stuff. If you want to make things a bit easier though, the points can be converted to electronic ignition very easily (and virtually invisibly - all goes under the dizzy cap, with just a couple of small wires to the coil).

TomTom · Nov 13th, 2008, 11:57

I've driven in one once. It seemed a nippier car than the Amazon, infinitely chuckable. But it seemed noisier, from the engine, than the Amazon. Nothing that a bit of dynamat couldn't put right. There would probably be fewer parts off the shelf than the B18/20, but most things are obtainable eventually. Tom

dodge6x6 · Nov 13th, 2008, 20:58

hiya
bought a 61 b18 544 couple of months ago and must say its a pleasure to drive, you only get l/h/drive, but nether me or my partner have found this a problem, mines got a 3 speed box and it keeps up with taffic no problem, parts have been easy to get mostly next day,
vison is a bit sparce if you only have the interior mirror but apart from that no problem,
problems had so far
had fun with brakes binding up but that was cured with a new master cylinder,
put it through mot for only about £200 for parts,
needed rear springs bout £55, headlamps changing to this country £60, king pins £80
(im a mechanic so no labour charge)
having to talk to loads of people when ever you stop, lol

fun so far
grin factor when driving
going to car shows and being the only one of its type there,
so if you fancy something differant that gets people looking and talkin too you then get one and enjoy,

will be at the ace cafe with ours on the 23rd

hope this helps
Pete an Gail

Nov 13th, 2008, 07:47	#1
dodgyken Master Member Last Online: May 13th, 2014 14:41 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Zollikon	544 - How reliable are they? Some how conversation has turned to the 544 - in particular an immaculate 1960 544 1.6 - the question is how good/reliable/dependable are 544s? Would you expect much trouble/cost from them? Will they cope with "modern" driving - eg steady 60mph cruise? The spec of 980KG powered by 66BHP and 86lb/ft doesn't sound too bad to me

Nov 13th, 2008, 11:17	#2
222s Amazoniste Last Online: Sep 19th, 2016 21:52 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Emsworth View Photos By: 222s	I've never driven a B16 engined car, but those engines are supposed to be weaker than the later (& tough as old boots) B18, as it has only 3 main bearings compared to the B18 & B20's 5 main bearings. Engine parts aren't as easy to come by either. However if you're only wanting to curise at 60, I 'd be surprised if that causes any problems. Otherwise, provided that it is in good order and maintained properly, it should be fine! I use my Amazon daily and the technology is basically the same. Obviously the service intervals are much shorter than modern cars, but it's all pretty basic stuff. If you want to make things a bit easier though, the points can be converted to electronic ignition very easily (and virtually invisibly - all goes under the dizzy cap, with just a couple of small wires to the coil). __________________ Paul - 1967 Amazon 222S B20 o/d Estate & 1961 A-H Sprite Mk2 948cc WANTED - For '67 Amazon estate - offside rear quarter, preferably new old stock.

Nov 13th, 2008, 11:57	#3
TomTom Master Member Last Online: Jun 3rd, 2021 16:03 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London	I've driven in one once. It seemed a nippier car than the Amazon, infinitely chuckable. But it seemed noisier, from the engine, than the Amazon. Nothing that a bit of dynamat couldn't put right. There would probably be fewer parts off the shelf than the B18/20, but most things are obtainable eventually. Tom

Nov 13th, 2008, 20:58	#4
dodge6x6 New Member Last Online: Mar 26th, 2010 20:54 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: coventry View Photos By: dodge6x6	hiya bought a 61 b18 544 couple of months ago and must say its a pleasure to drive, you only get l/h/drive, but nether me or my partner have found this a problem, mines got a 3 speed box and it keeps up with taffic no problem, parts have been easy to get mostly next day, vison is a bit sparce if you only have the interior mirror but apart from that no problem, problems had so far had fun with brakes binding up but that was cured with a new master cylinder, put it through mot for only about £200 for parts, needed rear springs bout £55, headlamps changing to this country £60, king pins £80 (im a mechanic so no labour charge) having to talk to loads of people when ever you stop, lol fun so far grin factor when driving going to car shows and being the only one of its type there, so if you fancy something differant that gets people looking and talkin too you then get one and enjoy, will be at the ace cafe with ours on the 23rd hope this helps Pete an Gail

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