Tuning 1.3 multijet - more speed please!

[noogie]

I've got a 1.3 multijet and I was wondering what you guys would suggest as a good way to increase the power/torque without being hugely expensive and getting rid of the warranty? I was looking at some plug-in chip things, but how much difference do these actually make?

Also, what's the difference in the suspension components with the 100hp? My car has ridiculous body roll and no front end grip at all, though I think some decent tyres would improve the grip a little.

 

[dipole]

I've got a 1.3 multijet and I was wondering what you guys would suggest as a good way to increase the power/torque without being hugely expensive and getting rid of the warranty? I was looking at some plug-in chip things, but how much difference do these actually make?

Also, what's the difference in the suspension components with the 100hp? My car has ridiculous body roll and no front end grip at all, though I think some decent tyres would improve the grip a little.

there is a tuning box for sale in the adverts area.

 

[KozmoNaut]

Also, what's the difference in the suspension components with the 100hp? My car has ridiculous body roll and no front end grip at all, though I think some decent tyres would improve the grip a little.

The 100HP has different springs and dampers as well as a wider track. I definitely agree with you on the body roll, although I don't really think it slows the car down too much, it just sort of makes everything more interesting

I haven't noticed a lack of front end grip on my Multijet, even though the heavier nose compared to the 1.2 could definitely accentuate the understeering typical of standard FWD cars.

Which tyres are on yours? I'm on the standard Conti EcoContacts at 2.4bar in front and 2.0 in back, perhaps the tyres on your car have a slightly softer sidewall or some other characteristic which could explain the lack of grip.

Or perhaps you drive more like a hooligan than I do, though I find that hard to believe

 

[ScoobyChris]

I've got a 1.3 multijet and I was wondering what you guys would suggest as a good way to increase the power/torque without being hugely expensive and getting rid of the warranty?

Any modification will potentially null your warranty (depending on your dealer) but it should be localised to anything that breaks as a result of the modification.

I've used the tuning boxes in the past on other marques and been very impressed with their performance for the money. Untilmately not as good as a remap, but also ultimately a fraction of the price, especially if you sell them on when you sell the car. However, if you're having traction issues, you might want to resolve these before upping the power. Tyre pressures and geometry would be worth checking before looking at new rubber imho

Another alternative to power increase, would be weight loss and ditching things like spare wheel and tool kit, rear seat, etc, etc....

Chris

 

[trackdayqueen]

I think all you can do is what I did. Chop in the nasty MJ for a 100hp, seemed to solve most of the issues.

 

[DraigFlag87]

I think all you can do is what I did. Chop in the nasty MJ for a 100hp, seemed to solve most of the issues.

Not everybody wants to double their fuel bill for an extra 30 BHP! (i can talk although at least i got an extra 65 BHP lol)

 

[trackdayqueen]

Not everybody wants to double their fuel bill for an extra 30 BHP! (i can talk although at least i got an extra 65 BHP lol)

Well sure, but it's a lot more than just another 30bhp. Am extra 65bhp would have been nice. Thinking about it, my next car will be at least 130bhp as I think that's a minimum for good performance.

 

[noogie]

Thanks for the tips! I'm still on the tyres the car came with (new), which are some kind of nasty eco tyres (think they're Continentals), though I will certainly try the tyre pressures you've recommended. I think one of these plug-in boxes would be a good idea, and sounds easy to fit. I've looked at the link posted above, are there any others which anybody has tried and/or would recommend?

Also, does anybody know what suspension components the 100hp uses and has anybody tried fitting these to the 1.3?

I must also say that this forum is much more friendly and helpful than some of the others I've used when I've owned different cars, so thanks!

 

[Schwenck]

I must also say that this forum is much more friendly and helpful than some of the others I've used when I've owned different cars, so thanks!

Just to counter that, can I suggest instead you sell your M-jet and buy something that is intrinsically quicker to start with?





Just kidding...

(Or am I? )

 

[trackdayqueen]

It should be possible to fit the suspension components as after all the difference is in the springs and dampers. I'm not sure if the front ARB is bigger.

The wider track comes from the offset of the 100hp wheels which have the body extensions on the 100hp. I guess if you fitted wheels with a similar offset to your stock wheels then they should be fine. I don't think the protusion of using 100hp wheels on a non-hp is an issue as such though as i'm sure i've seen someone post a pic of it somewhere. Might be worth checking out.

I did look at chipping my old MJ, but after weighing it up I had to get away from the diesel engine and the overly soft suspension so plumped for the 100hp, because it had all the bits I wanted plus a much better spec. Doing that cost me a grand in chop in against the finance though, after having the MJ for 9 months. Looking back I should have bought the 100hp in the first place. But, I am extremely glad I chopped in the MJ for a 100hp, it's worth the extra fuel costs.

 

[Ingvarr]

it's worth the extra fuel costs.

I guess this depends on where you are.
Here where I am its just not practical - suspension and tires on 100hp are too stiff and you feel all the potholes. Rural roads...
Since I don't race in my car, I've never noticed any particular problems neither with speed nor with grip nor with body roll - and on motorways it does just fine, at leas for one passenger. Personally I think if you turn, and notice problems with body roll, you are going tad too fast anyway for particular turn.
And now I am irreversibly spoiled by visiting petrol station only after each 3 weeks

 

[KozmoNaut]

I don't think the protusion of using 100hp wheels on a non-hp is an issue as such though as i'm sure i've seen someone post a pic of it somewhere. Might be worth checking out.

There's a 1.2 driving around where I live on 100hp wheels. It looks rather nice, really, and there are no problems with protrusion.

 

[Ingvarr]

There was slight protrusion visible on at least one sets of photos I've seen here (with non-100hp alloys).

Maybe 100hp alloys use different offset. It may require clearance checks though - as wheel lock on 100hp different (turning radius of 100hp a lot worse) and tire does'nt come as close to inner arch wall as on non-100hp. So it may rub, maybe not in usual driving, but when you simultaneously turn and hit a pothole.

 

[StevenRB45]

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda-new/187773-project-panda-has-older-brother-now.html

1.2 on 100hp Wheels and suspension.

 

[trackdayqueen]

I guess this depends on where you are.
Here where I am its just not practical - suspension and tires on 100hp are too stiff and you feel all the potholes. Rural roads...
Since I don't race in my car, I've never noticed any particular problems neither with speed nor with grip nor with body roll - and on motorways it does just fine, at leas for one passenger. Personally I think if you turn, and notice problems with body roll, you are going tad too fast anyway for particular turn.
And now I am irreversibly spoiled by visiting petrol station only after each 3 weeks

Agreed the 100hp suspension is very stiff, particularly so the rear end.

I don't think you need to 'racing' an MJ to experience the dire body roll. In normal driving it is an annoyance, but when pressing on it's a bit of a joke, well friends following me one time were in tears laughing as they thought it was going to roll! I don't think it's a question of turning in too fast, more a case that the car simply rolls too easily. I guess for me, I just could not handle the body roll and the diesel engine. But I understand it may be acceptable to others. 100hp is totally different to drive in comparison.

 

[gran_turismo4]

what about getting a larger intercooler? that normally helps , there is on one youtube that has one.

 

[StevenRB45]

what about getting a larger intercooler? that normally helps , there is on one youtube that has one.

I might be setting myself up to get shot down here but wouldn't fitting a larger intercooler without increasing the boost pressure increase turbo lag for little other effect?
Something along the lines of the turbo having a larger volume to pressurise so working boost pressure takes longer to achieve? Always thought it to be a mod to be used in conjunction with a turbo upgrade to keep the charge temps down.

I could be wrong.

 

[gran_turismo4]

dunno what the guy from youtube did to his, but looks like just a larger intercooler, but each to there own mate

you thought of anything else that you would like to do to it?

 

[ScoobyChris]

I might be setting myself up to get shot down here but wouldn't fitting a larger intercooler without increasing the boost pressure increase turbo lag for little other effect?

I think this is certainly true and I don't think a larger intercooler would give any real power increase. However, what it will do is mean that the car performs more consistently, irrespective of the ambient temperature (within reason). I know a lot of TDI's these days have fairly small intercoolers mounted inside the wheel arches so they quickly become less effective and the car isn't able to produce the same power, especially in the summer months, as there is very little air flow over it.

Chris

 

[trackdayqueen]

what about getting a larger intercooler? that normally helps , there is on one youtube that has one.

It will only help if the stock intercooler is significantly suffering from heat soak. This is only really a factor once the outlet temp of the intercooler goes above 70 degrees C.

So from that aspect I would say up the boost first then look at dealing with intercooling only if it is a significant issue.