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Technical Fiat 500 1.4 aftermarket performance mods

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Technical Fiat 500 1.4 aftermarket performance mods

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Cameroooonk

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Hi there again!


I own the 2008 fiat 500 1.4 16V multiair,


My question is related to the multi air technology and aftermarket tuning.


So, will having a turbocharger, remap or the induction of methanol into the air intake effect this technology?


If it is taking readings from the outside air to adjust the valve opening and timing, and methanol is being injected or forced induction is being used; will this make the engine less efficient due to the computer deciding the valve timing?


As far as I'm aware the computer will also change the valve timing for the style of driving... this seems to make it very complicated to mod or tune!


In the abarth turbo models do they use the same multiair technology?


Thanks,


Cam
 
RUI said:
Are you sure? Fiat did not make the multi air in 2008, they started making in for the american market only in 2010.
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Apologies, as far as I was aware this was the engine installed into the car as told by a local garage...


Would you happen to know the correct model engine installed into the car?


thank you!
 
MarginWalker said:
Yep. Exactly the same engine as in the Panda 100 hp. And yet somehow slower. Still good fun when warmed up and taken to 4000 rpm in each gear though(y)
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yes! they certainly have a fair bit of punch at higher rpm! only problem with that is at high rpm they sound awful to anyone else, perhaps a dirtier exhaust note might help! still looking for a bit more, aren't we all though?
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Thanks
 
Wow, a massive thanks to everyone who replied, so much info so quickly, this forum really is great :D


So with the engine established, does anyone have any tips as to turbocharging the car?


Is the engine the same model as the one fitted to the abarth 1.4?
 
I quite like the soundtrack at high revs! It'll obviously never sound like a 695 Abarth but mods to the air intake and exhaust system can improve the sound - there are a few good threads on this forum about getting extra power out of the 1.4 100 hp (not much extra hp can be gained mind you) that also discuss ways to make the sound more appealing.
 
Cameroooonk said:
Wow, a massive thanks to everyone who replied, so much info so quickly, this forum really is great :D


So with the engine established, does anyone have any tips as to turbocharging the car?


Is the engine the same model as the one fitted to the abarth 1.4?
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No. The 1.4 16v FIRE engine in your car is naturally aspirated. The 1.4 engine in the Abarth has a turbo.
 
MarginWalker said:
I quite like the soundtrack at high revs! It'll obviously never sound like a 695 Abarth but mods to the air intake and exhaust system can improve the sound - there are a few good threads on this forum about getting extra power out of the 1.4 100 hp (not much extra hp can be gained mind you) that also discuss ways to make the sound more appealing.
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thanks! I'll take a look!
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MarginWalker said:
No. The 1.4 16v FIRE engine in your car is naturally aspirated. The 1.4 engine in the Abarth has a turbo.
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sorry, didn't really ask that too clearly!


I meant:


"I was just wondering if it was the same engine with a turbo added, or a completely new model engine designed for the abarth? "


thanks
 
I think that both engines share the same FIRE block and have the same bore and stroke, but there are major differences in cylinder head design, inlet and outlet manifold, etc. As I understand it, the 1.4 T-Jet engine in the Abarth is set up to incorporate the turbocharger, whereas the 1.4 16v engine in your 2008 500 isn't.
 
MarginWalker said:
I think that both engines share the same FIRE block and have the same bore and stroke. QUOTE]

Perfect, thanks! so I assume this means a turbo exhaust manifold from the abarth and other components will fit the normally aspirated FIRE block...
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If you're serious, the best option is to source a complete engine, ECU and loom out of a wrecked Abarth.

A DIY conversion will cost more, have less performance and there'll always be a question as to reliability.
 
I'm with the majority on this one - if you want abarth performance in a 500, the simplest & cheapest way to get this with minimum hassle is to buy an abarth in the first place.

Fitting a turbo to a 1.4 may be possible, but I'm sure it'll be much more difficult than you imagine and even if you think you've covered all the angles, something will likely bite you in the bum before you're done.

You'll just end up spending more than you planned to & at best will be left with a poor relation to an abarth that's likely to be an insurance nightmare - and it'll likely be harder to sell on & worth less than a stock 1.4 500 if you ever want to get rid.

Sadly my advice would have to be to forget it.
 
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jrkitching said:
I'm with the majority on this one - if you want abarth performance in a 500, the simplest & cheapest way to get this with minimum hassle is to buy an abarth in the first place.

Fitting a turbo to a 1.4 may be possible, but I'm sure it'll be much more difficult than you imagine and even if you think you've covered all the angles, something will likely bite you in the bum before you're done.

You'll just end up spending more than you planned to & at best will be left with a poor relation to an abarth that's likely to be an insurance nightmare - and it'll likely be harder to sell on & worth less than a stock 1.4 500 if you ever want to get rid.

Sadly my advice would have to be to forget it.
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:( sorry Camerooonk, but I believe he has spoken the truth.

You can still gain a few hp without a massive outlay - some good ideas in this thread https://www.fiatforum.com/500/263450-my-new-1-4-500-a.html

Anyway, the 1.4 100 hp is no slouch provided you give it the revs it craves. There's still a place in many a keen driver's heart for a good bit of old school, naturally aspirated, instant throttle response, turbo-lag-free, blasting around. Certainly makes me grin when I open up my 1.4 100 hp a bit :D
 
MarginWalker said:
There's still a place in many a keen driver's heart for a good bit of old school, naturally aspirated, instant throttle response, turbo-lag-free, blasting around.
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Which (though it pains me to say it on a Fiat Forum :rolleyes:) is why the Suzuki Swift Sport is worth much more than a cursory glance.
 
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jrkitching said:
Which (though it pains me to say it on a Fiat Forum :rolleyes:) is why the Suzuki Swift Sport is worth much more than a cursory glance.
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Indeed it is and it's a car I've admired for quite a while. Possibly the only naturally aspirated 'warm' hatch you can buy brand new nowadays. Quicker than the 500 1.4 100hp, a better chassis and more practical to boot. Comes with a 6-speed manual box as well, like the 1.4 100hp.

But somewhat less characterful and definitely not as cute. IMO.
 
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