Hi guys,

Quick question. I'm currently looking at a second hand TMC box which has previously been fitted to an Esse esse model.

I take it that that would be ok to fit to my non-SS Abarth? Or is it a completely different map?

Cheers,
Luke.

Luke89 said:

Hi guys,

Quick question. I'm currently looking at a second hand TMC box which has previously been fitted to an Esse esse model.

I take it that that would be ok to fit to my non-SS Abarth? Or is it a completely different map?

Cheers,
Luke.

Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum Luke.
Nice looking A500 that you've got your hands on.

TMC fitted to a Esseesse model can be fitted to a standard A500. There is an old version and a new version with the latter version have 2 connections as opposed to 3. One is easier to fit and remove which needs to be done before a visit to the dealership.
There is also a newer version where the 'mapping' can be done by remote with a 0-1-2 stage. This idea originated from the U.S. although it supposedly can't be done whilst the car is on the move but it's also pricey. It was designed to increase the outputs on the US model fitted with the garrett turbo with 160bhp standard to 200bhp.
It is hard to beat the £ per bhp improvement of a tuning box. It will give an additional 15 bhp increasing boost from 0.9 to 1.2 bar. Note the boost gauge will not read correctly since the mapping is tricked. The gauge fitted in the A500 is electronic but it can be changed to a mechanical one so that it gives an accurate readout.
Another option is to get a A500 ECU - get it wiped and put a new map onto it keeping the original intact. On the original esseesse kit it came with a esseesse ECU that replaced the existing one. This changed at a later stage with the A500 getting remapped at the Abarth garage. It caused one particular gargage in NI some difficulty on the 'upgrade'.
Some change to a BMC air filter which is along the same lines as a K&N cotton gauze filter which might add another 1-2 bhp.
From the figures that I have seen on the torque outputs - the TMC is slightly higher than the esseesse model but both exceed 230 Nm which is higher than the rated output for the C510 gearbox at 206Nm.
If you opt for the TMC you will have you use higher octane fuel which is still benefical on the standard model.

Thanks Mick for explaining that nice and clearly. I might just add that it would possibly be a good idea to adopt the esseessse oil and filter change schedules as well if you are tending to use the extra performance on a regular basis.

Thanks for the infomation guys, appreciate it!

I wonder if by fitting a TMC in 'standard mode' would it give the performance of 'Sport mode'. It might come in handy for those who want 'Sport mode' without the heavy steering. My OH doesn't like the heavy steering in her MiTo when she engages Dynamic mode but she does it sometimes for overtaking when she has to get somewhere in a hurry.

grimwau said:

I might just add that it would possibly be a good idea to adopt the esseessse oil and filter change schedules as well if you are tending to use the extra performance on a regular basis.

Click to expand...

:yeahthat:
A500 oil change is now 9K whilst the esseese is 6K. Previously it was 12K and 9K but got reduced. Note that the new handbook states 10W50 for both models. Although I would be tempted to use 5w40 in the winter despite it being a warranty breech.

If the service I have received in Australia from this company is any gauge of the product they sell they are second to none. I wish we had a performance company here to rival. We have an SS and a Mito 155 we are playing with. Also must say these are the most fun cars since the Lotus Escort, Mini Cooper S days yet. Although Mazda RX2 race car does get in there but it was no road car. **** I'm 64 years old and find this the most exiting car I have driven in 30 years, I drive it every day, its the most fun I've had for years. My end of life crisis perhaps. What a way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Avi.

loveshandbags said:

Welcome to the forum Luke.
Nice looking A500 that you've got your hands on.

TMC fitted to a Esseesse model can be fitted to a standard A500. There is an old version and a new version with the latter version have 2 connections as opposed to 3. One is easier to fit and remove which needs to be done before a visit to the dealership.
There is also a newer version where the 'mapping' can be done by remote with a 0-1-2 stage. This idea originated from the U.S. although it supposedly can't be done whilst the car is on the move but it's also pricey. It was designed to increase the outputs on the US model fitted with the garrett turbo with 160bhp standard to 200bhp.
It is hard to beat the £ per bhp improvement of a tuning box. It will give an additional 15 bhp increasing boost from 0.9 to 1.2 bar. Note the boost gauge will not read correctly since the mapping is tricked. The gauge fitted in the A500 is electronic but it can be changed to a mechanical one so that it gives an accurate readout.
Another option is to get a A500 ECU - get it wiped and put a new map onto it keeping the original intact. On the original esseesse kit it came with a esseesse ECU that replaced the existing one. This changed at a later stage with the A500 getting remapped at the Abarth garage. It caused one particular gargage in NI some difficulty on the 'upgrade'.
Some change to a BMC air filter which is along the same lines as a K&N cotton gauze filter which might add another 1-2 bhp.
From the figures that I have seen on the torque outputs - the TMC is slightly higher than the esseesse model but both exceed 230 Nm which is higher than the rated output for the C510 gearbox at 206Nm.
If you opt for the TMC you will have you use higher octane fuel which is still benefical on the standard model.

Click to expand...

The one you speak of in the U.S. is the MM unit. Just google how many issues are cropping up with that unit. In fact the sole vendor is replacing defective ones with TMC units. I have the TMC unit and it's the best bang for the buck.

I passed through hell with MM box.
First 6 months everyting was ok. Winter came with total boost loose and we checked every part trying to fix prob (westgate, blow off, pipes and etc). Finally we disconnected MM and !hooray! we discovered that MM box gives us a problem.
I spent winter driving with no tuning boxes. Finally TMC (seller of MM box) could not get any answer from MM about replacement and sent me new one TMC box.
I tried that on a track last sunday and recognized that I have no difference between stock and TMC. Now I am trying to find the reason why and it doesnt seem to me that problem is the box... Do You have any ideas guys?
I have also custom cold intake with viper filter. other things are stock.
brgds from Russia