I installed the RRM Corsa Short Ram Intake on my 500c last Friday and will install the RRM Timing Controller this coming Friday. I am doing the installs this way in order to gauge the power gains for each product. The first thing I noticed was a bit more noise coming from the engine compartment. This is however cool noise as the removal of the stock engine cover allows more engine noise and the sound of the intake gulping in the greater amount of air is intoxicating (Hopefully I will be able to keep my foot out of the throttle). After four days I can say that I have noticed a slight increase in fuel mileage and by the seat of my pants I believe I am getting the 5 extra horsepower RRM claims on their website. I recommend this inexpensive upgrade to any no-turbo 500 owner.

Rob H.

Can the upgrade affect your warranty and or insurance ?

I would have thought so, being modified, but only if you have told the insurance company. Have you?

Any modification to the drivetrain can potentially effect your warranty coverage, but the servicing studio will have to prove that the modification you did was the reason for the warranty issue, in the first place. "this is the law, in the USA" here in the USA most all of the Fiat Studio's know Road Race Motorsports and their products, some even sell them, so I am not worried about the possible warranty issues. and the intake can be changed back to stock in less than five minutes, before you take your 500 to the dealer and they would never know it was on the car.


As far as insurance is concerned, do not tell them. However two years ago my highly modified Suzuki SX4 was damaged, by a truck, while parked and the insurance company paid for all of the repairs, even for replacing aftermarket parts, with out any question.

As I stated when I started this tread; I added the Road Race Motorsports Corsa Short Ram Intake and then this week added the RRM Timing Controller. Once the Timing Controller was added I took about 60-70 miles to realize the complete effect of the Timing Controller regarding performance and fuel mileage. I can tell you that not only has this product noticeably improve performance and fuel mileage, the unit has even changed the stock exhaust note, so the car sounds more aggressive under acceleration (in a good way).
As far as performance everyone who has been in the car with me asks what have I done to improve the car’s acceleration so much? In fact my wife said she no longer worries about speed at the end of a freeway entrance ramp or when passing on a two lane road. This from a woman who drives an SUV and always brags about the power her car has. If I had to guess, by the seat of my pants the combination of the Timing Controller and Intake have added a good 12-15% more power to my 500c.
In checking fuel mileage I have gained about 2-miles per gallon both in town and on the highway. When I have been able to keep my foot out of the accelerator for long enough to check, as I just love the sweet sound now when accelerating.
The purchase of these two products is well worth the cost, with the added bonus of the new exhaust sound.
Rob H.

Hmmm, 12-15% more power from an intake and whatever a timing controller is? Sounds like a psychological gain to me tbh.....

Remember that 12-15% is only 12.12 to 15.15 engine horse power. Gains of 9-12 engine horse power from an intake and exhaust are quite common, in small engine cars, and usually not questioned. The RRM Timing Controller on the other hand is an advanced electronic device that maximized the valve and ignition timing in normally aspirated 1.4 Liter Multi-air Fiat 500's. The timing controller and short ram intake in combination will always create a greater gain that and intake and exhaust, without all the loud noise associated with hi-flow exhaust systems.


Rob H.