Tuning Basics ( Newbie )

[xatabay]

Newbie here, needs advice- assume I know nothing !
What are the basic things to do to improve performance of my 2004 Fiat Panda Dynamic 1.2 L ?
Before maybe wasting money on induction kits / ECUs should I ----
Maybe just do an oil change and a tune up ?
Can my engine be 'tuned up' by injector adjustment , timing etc, or is it all chips now ? ( Oh for the days when you turned the carburetor lead screw till it sounded good. )
Are performance exhausts worth the money ?
The standard air box looks not bad; would just replacing the air filter with K&N panel filter ( £34 ) be a more sensible than going for full induction kit ( £100 + )

 

[Boodajuda]

You'll need a remap of the ecu, but I'd do that last if you are thinking of exhausts and induction etc.

How about a good service first if its due? Also due to the age, it's worth looking at the suspension - springs, shocks and bushes, to see if anything needs replacing.

You'll be surprised at just how much of a feel good factor you'll get from a mini overhaul.

 

[cooperman]

Hello and welcome!!! Defo give the panda a good service first as this will give you a great starting base! K&N panel filter is a good cheap upgrade also look at the air pipe going to the airbox not sure what the 1.2 setup is like but i did a upgrade on my 100HP and it gave really good results from low end pickup to top end pull, here is the link to give you some idea's https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/319449-100hp-induction-mod-under-30-a.html

Next I would get a full exhaust system as that way you will have covered air in and exhaust out!
Having a 1.2 you could always go for the full Rally car look and put the abarth bodykit on it! If I had a 1.2 this would be on it quicker then you could say 'where is my credit card'!! here is the link for the kit http://www.rallyshop.it/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=384_994_997

 

[xatabay]

Good idea about suspension , MOT now due and it may need new shocks to pass.
Now this may be a stupid question - but how does better suspension make it go any faster ? ( budget tires on steel wheels )
My goal was to get more from the engine : from 69 BHP to 75 BHP on a budget.
However due to age, its probably not even 69 BHP anymore.

 

[xatabay]

Thanks Cooperman, will consider induction kit. 1.2 engine layout different to your Panda 100. Nice job BTW.
Not interested in body kits - they are just for looks surely ? Any genuine performance gain ?
Doubt if a 1.2 Panda would ever be fast enough for spoilers to actually make any difference. ( But what do I know ? )

 

[Demi]

Good idea about suspension , MOT now due and it may need new shocks to pass.
Now this may be a stupid question - but how does better suspension make it go any faster ? ( budget tires on steel wheels )
My goal was to get more from the engine : from 69 BHP to 75 BHP on a budget.
However due to age, its probably not even 69 BHP anymore.

u wont get any where near 75bhp with out chipping it which will cost a lot. Chip/Tune/Dino will get you at around £600-£800. Depending on a chip and whos gonna tune it. Induction kit might actually make u lose 2-5 bhp rather than gain them. Better get a k&n filter for 25-30 quid. Also full exhaust system not going to increase much too, u running small non turbo engine and i doubt ur stock exhaust restricts air flow too much. Make it sound sporty thou. I'm afraid u cant do 10% power gain without spending cash. Ur best bet is k&n panel filter, denso spark plugs and high octane fuel. That will make it go faster on a budget.
Remap not going to make u gain much without other expensive mods (induction kit, full exhaust, new injectors). But if u add them all together u might as well do engine swap for the same money. Its a vicious circle.

 

[jrkitching]

However due to age, its probably not even 69 BHP anymore.

IIRC it never was - pre 2011 1.2 Pandas were 60 BHP. The compression ratio was increased for the Euro5 engine, which gives 69BHP.

 

[xatabay]

So are we saying that you CAN'T tune a modern engine by mechanical adjustments to timing etc ?
( You see I remember carburetor tuning / timing tuning / valve grinding. )
Is it now all done by chips ?

If Panda fails MOT, I am looking at s/h Fiat 500 1.4 L - any good ?
or Panda 100 - not many of these about though.
Lusting after an Abarth 500 , but tax & insurance too much I guess.

 

[jrkitching]

If Panda fails MOT, I am looking at s/h Fiat 500 1.4 L - any good ?
or Panda 100

Yes, they're both good cars with very similar performance. The 1.4 500 has been somewhat overshadowed by the TA, but leaving aside the extra road tax, the 1.4 is probably the better secondhand choice. The Panda 100HP has been around a bit longer; finding a good one for a sensible price may be challenging.

Personally I wouldn't bother trying to increase the performance of a 9yr old 1.2; putting the money toward a 1.4 Panda/500 would make more sense to me.

Check what it will cost to insure it before committing to buy.

 

[xatabay]

Update. Panda failed MOT.
Part ex'd for Panda 100.

 

[xatabay]

Update. Panda failed MOT.
Part ex'd for Panda 100.

 

[Harey]

Update. Panda failed MOT.
Part ex'd for Panda 100.

why the sad face if you have part exd for a 100hp. after reading this thread I think that's the best that could have happened.
you now have 100hp but I can imagine it won't stop there.

PS pics needed of the new whip