Just picked up my Abarth last week, manual fully kitted out like the selespeed (same options list), although the car feels lively, it doesnt feel urgent enough (probably because it's only got 500 miles on it and I haven't taken it above 3k rpm yet, this opinion is coming from the one I test drove before I bought mine).

Ok here are the questions, induction kit/unichip/Exhaust/Brake upgrade & Suspension.

1)Induction kit

I am wanting an induction kit for it, something such as an ITG Pro Maxegen, or a Piper Viper X and not a cheap K&N Induction kit, whats the best to get for an Abarth in peoples opinions.

2) Exhaust

I am going to get a custom fabricated exhaust, probably a Milltek one/Powerflow, I am trying to keep it as subtle as possible, with only a single exit, and not a great increase in noise (none if possible - may need an extra silencer). Again, whats the best to get?

3)Unichip

Similar to a superchip but custom done on a rolling road to get every last ounce out of the stilo. Any ideas?

3)Brake upgrade

Has anyone had any experiences of this? what would be a good brand? Black Diamond?

4)Suspension, now this is really very important to me and I am willing to spend upto a grand getting this good, it already has 17"s from the factory, I want to get 30-40mm lowering springs with adjustable shocks (koni?) and some decent polyurathene bushes if possible, couple this with front/rear strut braces and I think the stilo would be a very good handling car. Again, any views on this much appreciated.

I know this is a lot to digest, but I am trying to get the stilo to be a very respectable hot hatch if possible, with a good progressive power curve, good in gear acceleration, proper handling (not stodgy like I know it is) and looking as good as it will drive.

Please help!

Chris.

Your plan seems good, but I´d also add a lighter flywheel, as the stock one is really heavy (if you have the manual). If you´re willing to spend more money I´d buy a Novitec supercharger if I were you. So, get a Novitec supercharger and the MaxxAir induction kit and you´d have one SERIOUSLY capable hot hatch.

So a Maxxair Induction kit is going to be better than say a BMC Carbon Induction kit?

as the car is new proceed with caution firstly I would comment that Fiat/Lancia engines can take 10,000miles to bed in nicedly and gain full performance (your careful...but not too careful...running in will pay dividends with this)also fiat engines are know sometimes to do unspeakable things like seize up blow up etc....not very often but my point is (1) it'll get quicker (2) you'll invalidate the warranty and might regret it. I'd wait until at least you feel 100% confident that nothing major will go wrong before you do anything

100% lancia ....with a hint of fiat

It seems like ever since I bought this fiat people keep telling me they break, but my car feels rock solid, nothing has gone amiss and the engine sounds sweet as a nut, approaching 1000 miles now, and still havent opened the throttle.

as a rule fiats are tough cars most faults are niggly rather than mechanically serious but all cars can break badly, all I'm saying is is it worth the risk to tune it just yet as Fiat will probably not accept any warranty claim should the unthinkable happen

100% lancia ....with a hint of fiat

Just like to point out. My mate who lives in London had his wedding in the easter holidays (wierd). He has a Lexus is300. His car was all decorated and ready to leave but when we were about to leave his car did not want to start!! This was a brand new Lexus I'm talking about. So may be I was right about the surveys that always tell half the story. We were alredy late, so he called the AA who arrived and could not diagnose the problem and said you'll have to take it to a dealer. so he had to take his other impractical Merc SLK (Sh**) and we were soon off. He was really gutted. Well that tells you a lot about relaiblity of the so called No.1 JD power survey etc.
I'm glad my stilo has no faults to make me feel gutted. Also my next door neighbour went to check out the new rubbish Golf, and was eager to buy it until he saw the cheap materials used in the car and the VW trademark no-paint on the bottom part of the bumpers. Now hes actually thinking of buying a Megane (don't want him to buy a stilo)