hey guys I have a completely stock t-jet 16v 120hp gp. I've been looking to get a remap soon but i'm unsure whether to change anything first, I've heard mixed opinions like its a must to change thing like: intake, exhaust, intercooler etc.
If I choose to do the tune leaving everything as is will I be running the risk of damaging anything.:shrug:

CozziPunto said:

hey guys I have a completely stock t-jet 16v 120hp gp. I've been looking to get a remap soon but i'm unsure whether to change anything first, I've heard mixed opinions like its a must to change thing like: intake, exhaust, intercooler etc.
If I choose to do the tune leaving everything as is will I be running the risk of damaging anything.:shrug:

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You wont damage anything just getting a map without mods, you'll just be limited as to how much power you can get.

forge induction kit, forge intercooler, decat, you'll see 155bhp if that,

IF you want more you need a better turbo, I think it's called a vl36, they use it on the abarths, it needs to be mapped in though, so best to do it before you get a map instead of paying twice.

after than you could do engine work but it's probs not worth it

kyle96 is right. The most you're ever going to get from the standard turbo (vl37) is around 155bhp with all the supporting mods; so more realistically around 150bhp. Which to be fair isn't bad at all from a 1.4 with a stated 120 bhp (they usually seem to produce 130 as standard though! naughty Fiat).

With regards to upgrading your turbo, your two options are: the vl36 turbo which comes from the Abarth Grande punto however they're very rare now but if you find one snap it up! The next option is the vl38 turbo which comes from the Abarth 500. Both are pretty similar, I think one spools up faster and the other has more top end; I believe it's a negligible difference. Apparently the vl36 maps slightly higher, maybe by 5bhp or so, however this could just be down to the accuracy of the dyno.

Kyle is also right in saying to wait until you've completed all engine mods before you remap, other wise you're wasting £300 or so.

I have recently been able to find a vl36 turbo (so lucky!) however I'm in no rush to get it fitted as it won't make a huge difference on it's own. I am getting a custom exhaust and intercooler before the remap so I'm not fussed when I get the turbo fitted. I currently have a performance panel filter (pipercross) as I don't believe the custom intakes will make a big difference (apart from noise which I can understand why people do it) as the esseesse which has 180bhp uses a similar system (or the same?)to the t-jet but they use a BMC panel filter I believe. I imagine most panel filters are the same, BMC, pipercorss, K&N etc. Most people go with BMC.

After the turbo, intercooler, panel filter, exhaust and remap I'm hoping to achieve 170-180bhp, of course I'm wanting closer to the 180 figure however I won't be decatting so I'm realistically expecting 170 upwards which I'll be happy with.

Hope this has helped you make a decision on how you're going to get more power

Thanks for the feedback guys much appreciated!

As this is my first car I'm on a bit of a small budget as things are, so I'll probs just go with the remap by its self and no new turbo but just to clarify, you defiantly recommend getting the support mods e.g intake, intercooler before getting the remap?

AlexStoneman said:

I have recently been able to find a vl36 turbo (so lucky!) however I'm in no rush to get it fitted as it won't make a huge difference on it's own. I am getting a custom exhaust and intercooler before the remap so I'm not fussed when I get the turbo fitted. I currently have a performance panel filter (pipercross) as I don't believe the custom intakes will make a big difference (apart from noise which I can understand why people do it) as the esseesse which has 180bhp uses a similar system (or the same?)to the t-jet but they use a BMC panel filter I believe. I imagine most panel filters are the same, BMC, pipercorss, K&N etc. Most people go with BMC.

After the turbo, intercooler, panel filter, exhaust and remap I'm hoping to achieve 170-180bhp, of course I'm wanting closer to the 180 figure however I won't be decatting so I'm realistically expecting 170 upwards which I'll be happy with.

Hope this has helped you make a decision on how you're going to get more power

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Hiya mate,


Just want to add on what you've already covered, I fitted a VL36 to mine weekend before last, Yes I have an exhaust system with Decat and the Forge Cooler but them alone have made a big difference without a map. (very noticeable) get it fitted already

Reuuk said:

Hiya mate,


Just want to add on what you've already covered, I fitted a VL36 to mine weekend before last, Yes I have an exhaust system with Decat and the Forge Cooler but them alone have made a big difference without a map. (very noticeable) get it fitted already

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Do you miss the diesel torque?

Imo to the op induction kits will make a difference when done properly especially on a turbo car, the noise is also really good

Reuuk said:

Hiya mate,


Just want to add on what you've already covered, I fitted a VL36 to mine weekend before last, Yes I have an exhaust system with Decat and the Forge Cooler but them alone have made a big difference without a map. (very noticeable) get it fitted already

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Hi mate, oh god don't tell me that haha, I'll be starting it all in the new year so maybe I'll get the turbo on first I know you got your exhaust from Luke but do you know the setup? After some stalking a while ago I think I found it's 2.5" catback (well decatted now) with back box? Just curious for when I get one made up You getting remapped I guess?

AlexStoneman said:

Hi mate, oh god don't tell me that haha, I'll be starting it all in the new year so maybe I'll get the turbo on first I know you got your exhaust from Luke but do you know the setup? After some stalking a while ago I think I found it's 2.5" catback (well decatted now) with back box? Just curious for when I get one made up You getting remapped I guess?

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Yeah, its from made by Long Life exhausts, 2.5" fully stainless made with mandrill bends so its a free flowing as possible. does have a backbox but its only a small one.


I will be getting it remapped eventually, but it runs fine without. I will need to map it though to make full use of the vl36 and exhaust system.