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Grande Punto 1st Car! Suggestions welcome

Introduction

So being a newly passed driver at 17, i had two options:
Corsa 1.2 in silver
Or
Grande Punto 1.4 In a very nice navy blue (5dr)

As you can probably tell, i went for the punto...
(GP 1.4 8V @ 50k Miles)



During the 3 months that i have owned it, i have done quite a load of miles, aswell as damage the rear bumper (but i wont get into that.....)



Now i'm getting bored of it, and are stupid enough to go look into making it amazing (even though i am already in love with it as it is)


So Far, i have done:
New seat covers,
Replaced blown rear speakers
Oil change (not done in two years lol)



Plans:
Replace Front speakers,
Aftermarket stereo
Lowered Suspension
Badgeless Grill
Tinted Windows
Cold Air Filter
and Maybe an exhaust tip



And that's as much as i can do (Budget is really on a low, and insuracne will most likely kill me )




Any suggestions on what i could do would be greatly appreciated!

(Trying to upload some pics but wont let me )


Gabo
Ooops, I actually found more uggly than a dirty car: seat covers !! Never heared about color Matching ? It would have been acceptable if you had installed dark blue/light grey stripped ones !! Sorry for the flag lovers but it's a mistake to mix blue and red, they just Don't go together …

BRs, Bernie
 
Ooops, I actually found more uggly than a dirty car: seat covers !! Never heared about color Matching ? It would have been acceptable if you had installed dark blue/light grey stripped ones !! Sorry for the flag lovers but it's a mistake to mix blue and red, they just Don't go together …

BRs, Bernie
It may seem like a bad choice, but honestly in person, its nice.


With the interior trim re-coloured to a nice black and the suspension lowered, i reckon i'll have something a bit more tollerable


thanks for the honest opinion though...

also, what's your best idea of cleaning the car?
usually for me its:
hose
car shampoo all around
hose

wheel arches
hose
dry
polish


Im fairly new to all this so sorry if this triggers you inside :)
 
So Far, i have done:
New seat covers,
Replaced blown rear speakers
Oil change (not done in two years lol)

Plans:Replace Front speakers,
Aftermarket stereo
Lowered Suspension
Badgeless Grill
Tinted Windows
Cold Air Filter
and Maybe an exhaust tip

... and insuracne will most likely kill me

Work done so far, all good.
Plans:
Speakers and stereo, good stuff, but stereo needs some care. Any aftermarket stereo will have a DIN multiplug, as does the car now, but the wiring is different. Your car will have CANbus, which is the data system running around the car, so you must not connect the two tiny CANbus wires to the new stereo. Ideally you need an adaptor, but you can get away with bringing an ign live feed from the cigar lighter. Search the forum, there are many threads.

Lowered suspension.
My advice is NO. You must declare this to the insurance company, and will increase your premium as this suggests a higher risk. Fiat spent a lot of time and money finding a good compromise between handling and comfort. Aftermarket lowering kit manufacturers will ave spent £3.50 and an hour or so. You will lose more than you'll ever gain. Unless you find a kit that mimics any genuine sportier Grande model.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel lower suspension would have been better, you have handled the situation badly. Instead, reflect on your approach speed, steering input - angle and how smoothly applied, road surface and weather conditions. Then next time make better choices. It is very easy to go faster than your, or the car's abilities.

Badgeless grille and tinted windows. Cosmetic, but will load the premiums.
You cannot legally tint the windscreen or front side windows more than standard, as there are light transference limits. The rear windows you can paint black if you wish and create a van.

Cold air filter? Please explain the benefit you think you'll get. The intake system already monitors the air temp, and therefore density, and will fuel it accordingly. If you can bring in colder, therefore more dense air, you can theoretically burn more fuel, but that will depend on throttle opening. On a hot day you've gained nothing anyway and on a cold day, nature has done the job for you. Save the money.
 
Work done so far, all good.
Plans:
Speakers and stereo, good stuff, but stereo needs some care. Any aftermarket stereo will have a DIN multiplug, as does the car now, but the wiring is different. Your car will have CANbus, which is the data system running around the car, so you must not connect the two tiny CANbus wires to the new stereo. Ideally you need an adaptor, but you can get away with bringing an ign live feed from the cigar lighter. Search the forum, there are many threads.

Lowered suspension.
My advice is NO. You must declare this to the insurance company, and will increase your premium as this suggests a higher risk. Fiat spent a lot of time and money finding a good compromise between handling and comfort. Aftermarket lowering kit manufacturers will ave spent £3.50 and an hour or so. You will lose more than you'll ever gain. Unless you find a kit that mimics any genuine sportier Grande model.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel lower suspension would have been better, you have handled the situation badly. Instead, reflect on your approach speed, steering input - angle and how smoothly applied, road surface and weather conditions. Then next time make better choices. It is very easy to go faster than your, or the car's abilities.

Badgeless grille and tinted windows. Cosmetic, but will load the premiums.
You cannot legally tint the windscreen or front side windows more than standard, as there are light transference limits. The rear windows you can paint black if you wish and create a van.

Cold air filter? Please explain the benefit you think you'll get. The intake system already monitors the air temp, and therefore density, and will fuel it accordingly. If you can bring in colder, therefore more dense air, you can theoretically burn more fuel, but that will depend on throttle opening. On a hot day you've gained nothing anyway and on a cold day, nature has done the job for you. Save the money.
Thanks for the informational insight, really helps when someone warns me before i go and do something stupid.

Based on this, i think best idea is to start saving up for a tjet version instead of doing all these silly mods.


Based on that, heres my new list:
- Aftermarket stereo (i do have an adapter but not sure if i'll still need to wire it up to the cigarette ignition feed. its a connects2 one which you can find on ebay for about 40 quid)

- Front speakers (as they are on their way out - they have held up well considdering they are paper cone ones lol :) ) thinking about either some £30 alpine component ones or just replacing the main speaker (£50 alpine ones) itself and keeping the original tweeter in?

- Subwoofer for the boot (8 inch so nothing too crazy) as i'll have an RCA port on the new stereo
- adding a vynil wrap to the interior trim or spray paint (probably black), as IMO the off grey is horrible

- Replacing the stock air filter - god knows how long its been sitting in there (would a K+N performance filter be a good option or just stick to the standard BOSCH ones?)
- Re-sound damping the doors - FIAT have gone cheap with the soundproofing so i'm thinking to get some actual soundproofing to avoid sound leakage (i like to play my music loud)
- Parking sensors - i have been stupid enough to reverse into a brick wall, so im thinking to get some parking sensors to prevent this. also reckon i''ll need to sand and apply some filler to cover the damage which is a smallish dent and some hefty scratches (better than buying a whole new bumper)

- Interior mirror dash cam - maybe it will lower insurance premiums, and i think it's something that may come in handy one day
 
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Welcome to the forum and the joys of Fiat ownership.

First off as I'm sure you are well aware already but mentioning it for the benefit of others. Make sure you tell your insurance company about anything you do to the car modification wise.

Tell them it's a security window film with a slight tint for example. (y)

On it's own an air filter won't do much to enhance performance...



...but will make less antisocial noise than a back box or exhaust.

As it's your first car the most important thing you need to learn is to have fun but be careful.
 
Based on this, i think best idea is to start saving up for a tjet version instead of doing all these silly mods.
That's the best idea. Well done.

Based on that, heres my new list:
- Aftermarket stereo (i do have an adapter but not sure if i'll still need to wire it up to the cigarette ignition feed. its a connects2 one which you can find on ebay for about 40 quid)
That should be the one. It takes the signals from the CANbus and creates analogue signals to the head unit.

- Front speakers (as they are on their way out - they have held up well considdering they are paper cone ones lol :) ) thinking about either some £30 alpine component ones or just replacing the main speaker (£50 alpine ones) itself and keeping the original tweeter in?

- Subwoofer for the boot (8 inch so nothing too crazy) as i'll have an RCA port on the new stereo
The original tweeters are probably fine as they do little work. But any Alpine ones will give a cleaner sound.
The new speakers will produce good bass. Remember you really should keep the volume down to a reasonable level. You are not there to annoy others, and it helps if you can hear what is going on outside, especially emergency vehicles or other warnings.
When a subwoofer is fitted as standard, the other speakers are set to not produce the bass sounds. I hated the sub in the Punto Mk2 I had, but disconnecting it lost all bass, and sounded silly. The sub in the boot made the shopping bags vibrate, preventing using the radio when carrying luggage. So think about what you are carrying regularly, or occasionally, before going the sub route.
- adding a vynil wrap to the interior trim or spray paint (probably black), as IMO the off grey is horrible
Personal choice, but may seriously devalue the car when you trade up to a T-jet.

- Replacing the stock air filter - god knows how long its been sitting in there (would a K+N performance filter be a good option or just stick to the standard BOSCH ones?)
A standard replacement is fine. A stock air filter, 70% clogged, is capable of flowing more air than the engine can ever demand.
- Parking sensors - i have been stupid enough to reverse into a brick wall, so im thinking to get some parking sensors to prevent this.
Now there's a conflict. To prevent hitting a wall, look out the window. Of course sensors will help. You're thinking of window tints, which may make hitting things when reversing more likely. Brought a smile.

- Interior mirror dash cam - maybe it will lower insurance premiums, and i think it's something that may come in handy one day
Look at a lot of the silly vids on YouTube. Many show the camera spec, which helps you see which ones give adequate detail, and which are poor for anything other than entertainment. Nextbase seem to be good pic quality for a mid price.

Also, Why in the hell does the punto not have a lockable fuel filler cap?
As said, lid may well lock. Filler tube is designed to make syphoning difficult or impossible. Professional thieves will just puncture the tank, catch what they can and let the rest drain onto the road. A locking cap will not prevent that. Stick with a petrol car, most fuel theft is diesel, for their own vans.

First off as I'm sure you are well aware already but mentioning it for the benefit of others. Make sure you tell your insurance company about anything you do to the car modification wise.
Good advice. The stereo, speakers and sensors will be noted but probably not add any premium. A dashcam may get a small discount.

thanks for the advice :)
would it be best letting the insurance know about replacing my speakers / headunit?
Yes. they will note it, but possible say that in the event of theft, they will only cover the cost of a standard unit, or not cover it at all, as the standard unit will not work elsewhere, so is not worth stealing.

Enjoy your car as it is. Gain valuable experience safely.
As you gain experience, if you have questions, ask here: https://www.fiatforum.com/leisure-lounge/460491-driving-techniques.html. It is what the thread was intended for. Don't be put off by the existing stuff on there.
 
Appreciate the reply! :)

Got a few further questions:
1) Is there no way for the subwoofer and the speakers to work together instead of seperately?
2) How expensive is adding some sound damping for my doors and would it be worth it?

3) How will re-spraying the interior trim devalue the car? (IMO it would up it because it looks better, but i dont really know)

And blacking out the windows doesn't seem like a sensible option anymore, so i will withdraw on that one...


one more thing, alloy wheel change? i presume too expensive and not worth it right?

Thanks
 
Also, Is there any way of getting some Daylight running lights, as i see that there are none fitted as standard? not essential but better than just keeping the dipped headlights always on right?
 
Also, found an armrest which was on for about 40/60 quid. is it worth buying considdering as i do some quite long journeys?

shame they aren't as standard, but i guess that's motoring on a budget eh :)
 
I like to call DRL's "Duuuuuurrrrrrlllllls" because people who fit them to cars that don't already have them tend to be a tad dim.

Headlights are best because your tail lights come on at the same time and your car doesn't look like a council house during the festive period. ;)

Running the sub with the same feed as the rear speakers is possible but would need a crossover to separate the frequencies to avoid distortion and potential damage to the coils.

Limo' black tints are asking for trouble so good decision there.

If you're upgrading your door speakers to match the rears sound deadening is a good idea. I would also put rubber washers round the trim mounts to help vibration from the card. :)
 
Appreciate the reply! :)

Got a few further questions:
1) Is there no way for the subwoofer and the speakers to work together instead of seperately?
2) How expensive is adding some sound damping for my doors and would it be worth it?

3) How will re-spraying the interior trim devalue the car? (IMO it would up it because it looks better, but i dont really know)

one more thing, alloy wheel change? i presume too expensive and not worth it right?

Thanks
If properly set up, the main speakers will be mid-range only, tweeters for the high range, and the sub for the bass. More complex and expensive to do properly. A good set of Alpine 2-way or 3-way replacements will be very good, and will fit straight in without modifications. Adding a sub to speakers that already do the bass requires either added complexity of the crossover to remove the bass signal from the door speakers, or you'll have all speakers producing bass, which may not (or may) be the effect you want. More bass becomes louder, masks outside sounds, and will distract you from concentrating on the clowns on the road trying to catch you out.

Sound deadening a lovely idea. Getting inside the doors might try your patience a bit.

Spraying the interior will change it from standard. Unless you manage a very good job, future owners may be difficult to find. Your personal choice may not suit others. A standard car is acceptable to all.

Don't change the wheels. Insurance companies really don't like aftermarket wheels, even if same dimensions as the originals.
Also, Is there any way of getting some Daylight running lights, as i see that there are none fitted as standard? not essential but better than just keeping the dipped headlights always on right?
difficult to find DRLs that look ok. Even many OE ones look naff. (And seem to be getting worse)
I fitted some lovely round ones on the Panda, in place of the original front fog lights. They look like they belong, but sadly not marketed any more.

Take care. It is very easy to make the car look silly.
 
Good choice going with the 1.4 engine, I have the 1.2 8V Active and it was a huge mistake. It's just so down on power, so much that it is embarrassing. I remember once joining the M62 near the big bridge, the slip road is uphill and then onto the M62 going uphill over the bridge. I was doing about 45/50mph in 3rd with my foot flat to the floor having lorries overtake me until I got over the crest of the bridge :cry:

Just a quick video here of how down on power they are: [ame]https://youtu.be/gqpdRgXauUs?t=18[/ame]

Only floored it because there was another GP behind me, and when I get into 4th gear my engine management light decided to say hello :bang:

Also the speakers are somewhat ok for paper speakers. I've blown my speakers before, replaced them and now I've blown the rear ones again. I'm also looking at getting that alpine kit with the speaker pods, wiring adaptor, etc.
 
You can be proud that you initiate a nice thread !!

All the answers and proposals that I 've read are pretty good advices (as usual on this forum ;-) , though there are some erroneous statement…

Regarding the aftermarket stereo, I would personally go to the next crusher and grab a stereo unit from an higher-trimed grande; have a look on the attached descriptions... They also tell about the frequency ranges of speakers .

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)
 

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Also, Why in the hell does the punto not have a lockable fuel filler cap?

shouldnt it be as standard these days?
I have a 2008 Grande Punto, which has a locking fuel cap, as did my 2004 mk2. Are you referring to the door, or the actual fuel cap itself?

With regards to replacing the wheels, I wouldn't: IMO, the standard wheels are an absolutely lovely design, changing them will just ruin what is a really nice 1st car.
 
I have a 2008 Grande Punto, which has a locking fuel cap, as did my 2004 mk2. Are you referring to the door, or the actual fuel cap itself?

With regards to replacing the wheels, I wouldn't: IMO, the standard wheels are an absolutely lovely design, changing them will just ruin what is a really nice 1st car.

I fully agree with that, I'm looking for a good set of fiat alloys for my GP to replace the steel wheels.
 
You can be proud that you initiate a nice thread !!

All the answers and proposals that I 've read are pretty good advices (as usual on this forum ;-) , though there are some erroneous statement…

Regarding the aftermarket stereo, I would personally go to the next crusher and grab a stereo unit from an higher-trimed grande; have a look on the attached descriptions... They also tell about the frequency ranges of speakers .

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)
Cheers for the reply!

Me being me couldn't wait to go to the crusher, so i managed to get a nearly new one from ebay about a week ago: Pioneer MVH-390BT For 44 quid. hopefully with this new adapter from Connects2, it'll power on (i was stupid enough to just use the original harness adapter and not realise that the aftermarket stereo doesn't use CAMBUS data... oops :) )


 
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