Hi all! Here's a thread to write your car's querks and things you think might be wrong, to see if others have the same problems.

I have a 1999 Seicento Sporting Abarth, with a K & N air filter but no other engine mods that I know of. Not sure if some things about the car are normal, or strange:

- Motorway, I'm revving 4000rpm at 70mph - seems rather high! And what a racket! And only grudgingly exceeds 80, and that's after ALOT of patience. Would chipping help?

- Gearbox: Can't change down into second gear until I'm doing under about 20 mph, and sometimes reluctant to shift into first at traffic lights.

I just realised that this could all be down to the gearbox. Perhaps a chip, and an adjustment to 5th gear ratio may help?

With thanks

Stickman

Stickman said:

I have a 1999 Seicento Sporting Abarth, with a K & N air filter but no other engine mods that I know of. Not sure if some things about the car are normal, or strange
Motorway, I'm revving 4000rpm at 70mph - seems rather high! And what a racket! And only grudgingly exceeds 80, and that's after ALOT of patience. Would chipping help?

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4000rpm at 70mph + an induction kit sounds pretty normal to me. The K+N isnt very good for a cento so i would consider getting rid of it, and buying a much the much better GSR kit, but thats another thread

Remember this is a car with only 54bhp and really poor torque so it takes a while to get going especially on hills but you can do things to make it better.

A better induction kit like the one above and a better exhaust system can free up a few extra horses, but even things like a service (if not had one recently) can also benefit.

In regards chipping you can get what is called a Mckrich chip and a another item which is a 40mm Tricker TB both developed by forum members which can also help in the engine dept. These are well covered on the forum and a search may be beneficial to find out more information on these widely recommended mods

Stickman said:

Gearbox: Can't change down into second gear until I'm doing under about 20 mph, and sometimes reluctant to shift into first at traffic lights.

Click to expand...

This could be a number of things, even clutch related e.g could need adjusting. Again a well covered area so a search may be worth while.

Also welcome to the forum stickman, hope you enjoy your sei

you can buy a taller 5th gear from novitec but i wouldnt bother.ive never had an issue with either the turbo or standard car on the motorway.
what i would ask is when was it last serviced?
have you checked none of the brakes are binding slightly?

always best to check the basics 1st

The number of revs at 70mph (or any speed) is dependant on the gearing. So you would be looking at a new gearbox (or a taller 5tth gear as somebody mentioned), or you could replace the wheels with slightly bigger ones. Personally I wouldn't worry about it, if the engine is warm, and working correctly, then 4000rpm won't do it any harm. I believe the non-sporting 1.1's have taller gear, and as a result have reduced performance. Modifications will also increase your insurance premiums.

I have a similar problem with my 2nd gear, but with an 899cc Sei. I started double declutching and I don't get the problem now.