Tuning 1.4L 500 transform to Abarth 500, possible??

[loveivs]

Hey loveivs. Good to see you here.

Tried contacting a tuner? I.e. Hamann?

Hey Eki,

Yes, I've tried Novitec, Hamann and JCR Racing, who has developed a supercharge kit for 1.4L Euro model.

Novitec said they don't have any program on 500. Havn't heard back from Hamann and JCR Racing yet. I think i never will =(

 

[loveivs]

One of the key differences between the standard 500 1.4 and the Abarth model is that the Abarth has TTC - Torque Transfer Control. The 500 models from 1.4 onwards have ESC and ASC which give a very limited form of Traction Control but if your supercharge or turbo charge the 1.4 engine it needs the TTC. This is an integral part of the electronics of the Abarth and cannot be retro-fitted. There are plenty of threads here about how to improve the performance of the 1.4 but not of the multi-air (which we have not got yet in the 500). One of the benefits of a (N/A) non-aspirated engine is that the power delivery is not 'spoilt' when the power (boost) comes on. Boosting the standard 1.4 is going to put a strain the drivetrain (geabox & clutch) - the Abarth setup would be a different specification and would have been designed for the extra power.

If you plan on improving the performance of the engine to give it Abarth performance I would suggest that you are better off importing a secondhand 2010 Abarth 500c (convertible) with the robotised manual gearbox (an improved selespeed). I would imagine that nobody else in China would have this model - so it would be quite exclusive.

Thanks for your reply.
After few readings, I release EU model has many differences with the US model. Most noticable difference is the engine they use. Recently, I've been hanging around at "500madness", an US Fiat forum. Everything they are selling or going to sell is designed for 500 (US spec). They are working on a "torque charger" project ATM, it sounds like a supercharge kit will be releaze soon=) they have got my attention.

Thanks for your advice of importing a A500C, I agree with you that owing a such car will be very exclusive, but consider the time,money involved spent, I will stick with my current order, 1.4L MA 500. I got a quote this afternoon, abarth bodykit (front,rear bumper, side skirts, grills, fog light = HK$18000, equivalent to GBP1430.I've no idea if this is a fair deal. The wait is about 45 days.

My plan is: mod the MA 500 and wait the A500 coming to China. I was told by dealer, next year Fiat will bring 500C and 500 by Gucci in to China. they BELIEVE Abarth will come at the end of the day, it's only a matter of WHEN.

 

[loveivs]

There are a few people on here who would say that the exhaust is not the only part of a 500 that can be improved in a way which does not need to break the bank. Suspension being the one that springs (ouch) to mind.

I was just saying that it sounded rather funny that someone who sells exhausts would say "nah, the 500 is perfect - you just need to change the exhaust".

It rather deserved the Mandy Rice-Davies response.

True say! Replace exhaust on a 1.4L N/A car will not give you much power, I rather hope the low end power is not lost. (well, i do like the music coming out of "Record Monza", )

I concur the idea of "suspension be4 exhaust"

 

[loveshandbags]

Thanks for your reply.
After few readings, I release EU model has many differences with the US model. Most noticable difference is the engine they use. Recently, I've been hanging around at "500madness", an US Fiat forum. Everything they are selling or going to sell is designed for 500 (US spec). They are working on a "torque charger" project ATM, it sounds like a supercharge kit will be releaze soon=) they have got my attention.

Thanks for your advice of importing a A500C, I agree with you that owing a such car will be very exclusive, but consider the time,money involved spent, I will stick with my current order, 1.4L MA 500. I got a quote this afternoon, abarth bodykit (front,rear bumper, side skirts, grills, fog light = HK$18000, equivalent to GBP1430.I've no idea if this is a fair deal. The wait is about 45 days.

My plan is: mod the MA 500 and wait the A500 coming to China. I was told by dealer, next year Fiat will bring 500C and 500 by Gucci in to China. they BELIEVE Abarth will come at the end of the day, it's only a matter of WHEN.

If you going to get the A500 when (& if) it arrives why not just stick with the Sport model which has a version of the Abarth bodykit. There's a thread on 'What are the Americans doing to modding their cars' and one 'thing' that was different was the gap between the engine and the battery which did not allow you to fit a Cold air induction kit e.g. like the Pipercross. They had to develop a peculiar shaped one to 'get around this'. Difference in BHP wasn't worth it for what they were charging.

True say! Replace exhaust on a 1.4L N/A car will not give you much power, I rather hope the low end power is not lost. (well, i do like the music coming out of "Record Monza", )

I concur the idea of "suspension be4 exhaust"

Suspension on the new MA in the US has had a significant 'work over' with extra travel so I'd imagine that the handling has been changed to the Euro one. I can see performance springs being brought out to lower the car. A concern that I've had with lowering car heights is how it can affect the ABS. On the exhaust - the US site did show a performance back box (I'm not really into them) and if you go for the full monty with a performance exhaust system it wil involve getting the a re-map with ideally would have to be done on a RR - that might be difficult in China. The US seem to have 'cracked' the ECU. All in all - a lot of money for a year wait.

 

[mjsmke]

What about with the revised suspension? I find it quite stiff and great for cornering. Is the A500 just stiffer?

 

[306maxi]

What about with the revised suspension? I find it quite stiff and great for cornering. Is the A500 just stiffer?

What revised suspension? The suspension was revised back in 2010.

 

[mjsmke]

What revised suspension? The suspension was revised back in 2010.

What i mean is, is it still worth upgrading the suspension on a 2010/2011 500? The 1.4 already has a very stiff setup.

 

[306maxi]

What i mean is, is it still worth upgrading the suspension on a 2010/2011 500? The 1.4 already has a very stiff setup.

Stiffness isn't everything. You also need proper damping.

 

[loveshandbags]

Stiffness isn't everything. You also need proper damping.

I would agree with Maxi. Better shocks is the key on the 1.4 before you would decide to fit Eibach type springs (I like the comfort of the standard springs )

But let's not confuse the thread since this one is about the US edition Multi-air 1.4L 500

 

[loveivs]

If you going to get the A500 when (& if) it arrives why not just stick with the Sport model which has a version of the Abarth bodykit. There's a thread on 'What are the Americans doing to modding their cars' and one 'thing' that was different was the gap between the engine and the battery which did not allow you to fit a Cold air induction kit e.g. like the Pipercross. They had to develop a peculiar shaped one to 'get around this'. Difference in BHP wasn't worth it for what they were charging.

Suspension on the new MA in the US has had a significant 'work over' with extra travel so I'd imagine that the handling has been changed to the Euro one. I can see performance springs being brought out to lower the car. A concern that I've had with lowering car heights is how it can affect the ABS. On the exhaust - the US site did show a performance back box (I'm not really into them) and if you go for the full monty with a performance exhaust system it wil involve getting the a re-map with ideally would have to be done on a RR - that might be difficult in China. The US seem to have 'cracked' the ECU. All in all - a lot of money for a year wait.

Here is a good comparison between US and EU model.
http://fiat500usa.blogspot.com/search/label/Evolution

There are similarities between US sport model and A500. But they are not 100% same. Abarth kit is more aggressive n sporty. I personally like the bigger/wider grill that Abarth has.

American has developed CAI for MA 1.4L (more like a home-made product, lol) I won't bother, unless you want more "vroom vroom". A branded high volume air filter will do the best job. There are BMC and K&N.

Suspension, I consider to drive MA 1.4L for awhile, later I will get Koni or Blistein shocker/spring kit. The kit can also be used in future when A500 arrive. Actually many aftermarket parts can be moved to A500 later.

 

[loveivs]

I would agree with Maxi. Better shocks is the key on the 1.4 before you would decide to fit Eibach type springs (I like the comfort of the standard springs )

But let's not confuse the thread since this one is about the US edition Multi-air 1.4L 500

Koni FSD or Bilstein

 

[loveshandbags]

Thanks for your reply.
After few readings, I release EU model has many differences with the US model. Most noticable difference is the engine they use. Recently, I've been hanging around at "500madness", an US Fiat forum. Everything they are selling or going to sell is designed for 500 (US spec). They are working on a "torque charger" project ATM, it sounds like a supercharge kit will be releaze soon=) they have got my attention.

Hi loveivs. It's interesting getting an insight from another individual who has been scouring other forums. The US were always into supercharging - I reckon its the the only way to get some performance of the heavier US 1.4MA (it's the same weight as the Euro Abarth 500 at 1035kg) unlike the Euro 1.4 which weights a nimble 930kg. This is the weight difference of a sizeable European male or possibly 2 Chinese guys.

 

[loveshandbags]

Hi loveshandbags,

You are right! I live in China, I m getting the LHD US spec 500. My bro ikbs lives in Hong Kong, He's getting a RHD EU spec 500. We both want Abarth or Abarth alike kit. Was ikbs who found "Lester".

I called an independent motor company. They have Four Abarth 500. Three are original A500, one is A500 SS.

--1.4L MA Lounge is £27100. No discount is given, 500 first time come to China.
--Abarth 500 (EU Spec)is £42800. The guy I spoke to can give me 10% discount, I think more discount is possible if I push them harder.
--Abarth 500 SS (EU Spec) £49450. 10% discount, same as above.

None of those Abarth has Dualogic transmission (is this another term for "selespeed" ?) and sun roof. Two A500 has projector headlight, the other A500 and A500SS don't (I wonder if these are early model, the sales told me they were all built last year)

:idea:Now I'm confused, it's hard to make decision. To get Abarth kit, suspension, wheels, brake, exhaust for 1.4L MA Lounge will take at least £6000-8000. To avoid fitment problem, I have to source suspension and exhaust from United States. There's already someone having problem fitting parts (made to fit EU spec 500) on US Spec 500. The reliability of aftermarket supercharger is uncertain. If I end up getting the 1.4L MA 500, I will definitely grab the TORQUE CHARGER.

One problem I found on the A500SS. The car has KW coilover fitted. Should it be Koni ???? I doubt if the SS is a brand new car, bolts underneath are getting rusty.

:bang:

I have lifted your posting onto a thread that you started so that you are the OP. I didn't want to mess up ikbs thread which was about Abarth body kits for the European model.

Are unable to get the US 500 SPORT model ? I get the impression that all you can get is the LOUNGE model and you want to put an Abarth kit on it.

Can you clarify if the TORQUE CHARGER is a supercharger or an induction kit that I had posted on a previous thread ? I've noticed that performance 'bits' in the US are expensive (much more so that the European equivalent).

I reckon that the US 500 Abarth will not be available in the States until mid 2012 and will not be available in Europe until the end of 2012. So it will be an 18 month wait for you. (I could be wrong on this).

So with the independents you have a choice of an Abarth for $42,800 or a US LOUNGE for $27,100 + $6-$8 modifications.

If you drove the 2 cars 'back to back' I know which one you would go for.

You can add a £300 TMC chip to the 135bhp A500 and now you have 160bhp. This has been proven to 'work' and should be a lot less troublesome than a unproven modfied US 500 LOUNGE.
Plus you can fit a Monza on the A500.

I would still recommend a US 500 Sport model if you can get it BUT if you want performance then the A500 is the only choice. I wouldn't dream of modifying the US 500 MA.

P.S. The automatic on the US 500 is getting between 3-4 mpg less than the manual and 'loses power' with the torque converter. IMHO the MTA is a better gearbox.

 

[loveivs]

Hi loveshandbag,

I didn't choose 1.4 sport,
because:
- no leather seat, no sun-roof, no Bose
- I know I will change the kit, suspension, brake disc etc.

Torque charger = supercharger lol
Our Fiat dealer now only offer 1.4L MA Pop, Sport and Lounge. Abarth version is from an independents.

I want a powerful micro car, A500 is the ideal
Base on my reading, Abarth 500 Esseesse is an add-on kit put on A500. The kit includes: 17" wheels with rubber, BMC filter, lower and stiffer spring, bigger brake disc, SS badges, SS engine cover and remap (Can it be done here where theres no Abarth dealer). Beside the kit, the Esseesse model is exactly the same with original Abarth 500.

At the independents, Abarth 500 is 42800pounds. Abarth 500 SS is 49450pounds. That makes the SS is 6650pounds more expensive than original A500. Shall I just buy the original Abarth 500, spend the rest money for Esseesse kit + some nice carbon fiber pieces and bits. I'm sure 'll still have money left for insurance.

The reason why I suddenly interest getting an Abarth version is my bro ikbs test his friend's 1.4L (EU Spec) the other night. He told me the car is very slow, slower than his 1.0T Smart Fortwo. I drove 1.0T smart before, I know the smart is not fast at all, the crappy gearbox (gear hesitation) makes things even worse.

 

[loveshandbags]

Hi loveshandbag,

I didn't choose 1.4 sport,
because:
- no leather seat, no sun-roof, no Bose
- I know I will change the kit, suspension, brake disc etc.

Torque charger = supercharger lol
Our Fiat dealer now only offer 1.4L MA Pop, Sport and Lounge. Abarth version is from an independents.

I want a powerful micro car, A500 is the ideal
Base on my reading, Abarth 500 Esseesse is an add-on kit put on A500. The kit includes: 17" wheels with rubber, BMC filter, lower and stiffer spring, bigger brake disc, SS badges, SS engine cover and remap (Can it be done here where theres no Abarth dealer). Beside the kit, the Esseesse model is exactly the same with original Abarth 500.

At the independents, Abarth 500 is 42800pounds. Abarth 500 SS is 49450pounds. That makes the SS is 6650pounds more expensive than original A500. Shall I just buy the original Abarth 500, spend the rest money for Esseesse kit + some nice carbon fiber pieces and bits. I'm sure 'll still have money left for insurance.

The reason why I suddenly interest getting an Abarth version is my bro ikbs test his friend's 1.4L (EU Spec) the other night. He told me the car is very slow, slower than his 1.0T Smart Fortwo. I drove 1.0T smart before, I know the smart is not fast at all, the crappy gearbox (gear hesitation) makes things even worse.

Before you 'write-off' the US 500 SPORT 1.4 MA here is a thread of a guy who bought one. It has the electric sunroof (unlike the fixed glass roof in the Lounge), had half leatherette (looks good) and it should be possible to get the Bose (but it will be expensive €1K+).

You have made an assumption that an Abarth kit with fit the US Model - has this been done already ? At least you are guaranteed with the SPORT model that you will have an Abarthy style kit that fits.

For me personally I have a problem with a standard 500 fitted with a 'full' Abarth kit and not having the engine to go with it. You are essentially 'all show and no go'. If you end up in a little Grand Prix at the lights - you will be caught with your trousers down.

I got a renewed interest in the 695 model yesterday when I realised that it came with 4 Pot Brembo brakes. You are the ideal candidate for this with all the show and a genuine 180bhp engine to match plus the stopping power. But this would be way outside your budget.

One of the concerns I would have in getting a Euro A500 is parts supply for you. I still don't know if the body parts of the US and Euro model are different - I reckon they are - but this Euro could end up being an expensive car to run - particularily given your ebay experience from the UK.

This is a test drive that I had in an esseesse. I would suggest getting a test drive in a A500 and if it ticks the boxs they you could start a new thread in the Abarth section and you will have inputs from guys who actually own them. It would give a more balanced input than a wannabe like me.
For me personally I would go with the standard A500, put in Koni FSD shocks and a TMC chip. Also prefer the 17 petals as a wheel upgrade. You might like the interscope. Like the leather (because you sink into the seats) but would love the Sabelts (advertised under classifieds).

 

[loveivs]

Before you 'write-off' the US 500 SPORT 1.4 MA here is a thread of a guy who bought one. It has the electric sunroof (unlike the fixed glass roof in the Lounge), had half leatherette (looks good) and it should be possible to get the Bose (but it will be expensive €1K+).

You have made an assumption that an Abarth kit with fit the US Model - has this been done already ? At least you are guaranteed with the SPORT model that you will have an Abarthy style kit that fits.

For me personally I have a problem with a standard 500 fitted with a 'full' Abarth kit and not having the engine to go with it. You are essentially 'all show and no go'. If you end up in a little Grand Prix at the lights - you will be caught with your trousers down.

I got a renewed interest in the 695 model yesterday when I realised that it came with 4 Pot Brembo brakes. You are the ideal candidate for this with all the show and a genuine 180bhp engine to match plus the stopping power. But this would be way outside your budget.

One of the concerns I would have in getting a Euro A500 is parts supply for you. I still don't know if the body parts of the US and Euro model are different - I reckon they are - but this Euro could end up being an expensive car to run - particularily given your ebay experience from the UK.

This is a test drive that I had in an esseesse. I would suggest getting a test drive in a A500 and if it ticks the boxs they you could start a new thread in the Abarth section and you will have inputs from guys who actually own them. It would give a more balanced input than a wannabe like me.
For me personally I would go with the standard A500, put in Koni FSD shocks and a TMC chip. Also prefer the 17 petals as a wheel upgrade. You might like the interscope. Like the leather (because you sink into the seats) but would love the Sabelts (advertised under classifieds).

http://www.fiat500china.com/500Configurator/index.html
Try your luck here mate, forget about those chinese characters. Move your mouse on the hyperlink button, you will see there are very limited options to choose from.

Here, the 500 sport, don't have sun-roof or panoramic roof. Only one seats color. I have attached a 500 sport interior photo.

I assume an Abarth kit will fit US model. because there are no article say body kits are different. Well, that's just my thought.

I would like to test drive the A500, so I can feel the car in person. But I can't, because the independents is 1500km away from my city. The only chance I would go there is to sign the sales contract if possible

You mentioned 695 tributo, I actually made an enquiry about that in the afternoon, I was quoted 83000pounds for a yellow 695. The guy said there are only two in china. The other 695 is red, sold 3 months ago. 695 is way over my budget, I won't bother thinking. The quotation is ridiculous.

I read your post, an used 2010 Esseesse is only 14000pounds . :bang::bang: Seems you had a lot of fun with the SS ^^

I will make an offer to the independents on Monday. I know I want a A500 now

 

[loveshandbags]

http://www.fiat500china.com/500Configurator/index.html
Try your luck here mate, forget about those chinese characters. Move your mouse on the hyperlink button, you will see there are very limited options to choose from.

Here, the 500 sport, don't have sun-roof or panoramic roof. Only one seats color. I have attached a 500 sport interior photo.

I assume an Abarth kit will fit US model. because there are no article say body kits are different. Well, that's just my thought.

I would like to test drive the A500, so I can feel the car in person. But I can't, because the independents is 1500km away from my city. The only chance I would go there is to sign the sales contract if possible

You mentioned 695 tributo, I actually made an enquiry about that in the afternoon, I was quoted 83000pounds for a yellow 695. The guy said there are only two in china. The other 695 is red, sold 3 months ago. 695 is way over my budget, I won't bother thinking. The quotation is ridiculous.

I read your post, an used 2010 Esseesse is only 14000pounds . :bang::bang: Seems you had a lot of fun with the SS ^^

I will make an offer to the independents on Monday. I know I want a A500 now

If you end up buying one of those A500 that the independent is selling and you get a 'heap of trouble' - don't come back to me.
On the sunroof or the lack of in the 500 SPORT - it isn't all that important. On the first 500 Sport that I had there was no glass roof and I didn't miss it. Not having one also allows you to put the checkers on the roof which I like and it suits the car. Common on the MINIs looks better on the Abarth. If you get tired of them you can always take them off. They can be bought quite cheaply.
The interior on the US SPORT appears to be similiar to the European model and IMHO it is the best interior choice. The US leather options appeared to be poor.
It is very likely that the Abarth 500 will not have a glass roof or an electric sunroof. Some individuals on the 500 models are now spraying the roof a gloss black and it is an option on the Twin Air models.
Here is a review of the 500 SPORT in comparison with a MINI. I thought the 500 looked good. You can work the 101bhp and it can keep up with the 115-120bhp MINI because it is a lighter car.
I would suggest that you post a thread on 500madness, 500fans, FF US 500 to see if the body parts on the US model are different to the Euro model so you know for sure if the Abarth kit will not fit.
The Supercharger modification for the Euro 500 1.4 works well but the power has been 'stepped' back to 150bhp to 'save' the gearbox and to allow the compression in the engine to stay standard. Not very fuel efficient but it works but you will have a bulge on the bonnet. The US will get it working - they have a good track history in Superchargers and did an excellent one for the MX5. Europeans prefer turbochargers.
I am curious on the models that the independents have 'on offer' including their colours.