The New Fiat 500 Abarth (only) Thread | Page 11 | FerrariChat

The New Fiat 500 Abarth (only) Thread

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by dave80gtsi, Apr 29, 2013.

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  1. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    3,797
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    Morrie
    Power pedal things is a joke just push your foot down on the gas pedal harder. That silly thing adds nothing. After just about 40 years of changing cars I have learned what is real and what is magic tonic crap. Go to Road race motosports they actually know what they are doing. When you take that kind of weight of the corners in a car like that it is like (depending on you calculate) adding around 15hp. Car should handle better as well. But if you were on going to do one thing to the car I'd go with a rear sway bar. If you want more power unless you're prepared to change out the intake and the exhaust don't bother. This car has the worst designed exhaust out take I have ever seen.
     
  2. trumpet77

    trumpet77 Formula 3

    Jun 13, 2011
    2,181
    Great Neck, NY
    Full Name:
    Robert Nixon
    I believe FIAT outsold Mini by about 1,000 cars in March.
     
  3. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
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    The neuspeed short shift uses the stock shifter just makes the throw 25% shorter. There are also shifters by Craven Speed and TWM performance( pretty sure you will have to buy their shift knobs as well since you cannot use the stock unit) which cost 3 to 4 times as much and not sure with this car it would be worth the cost. I am going to install the Neu Speed and see if I can live with it.
     
  4. Cobraownr

    Cobraownr Formula Junior
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    Feb 6, 2008
    929
    Edgewater, MD
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    Donald Silawsky
    Thanks! I'll be interested in hearing how the Neuspeed works out for you. Sounds like a good compromise for the cost.
     
  5. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
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    I will let you know. For starters I am doing ECU upgrade, CAI, exhaust, rear sway bar, SS Kit, center console with Storage, ambient light kit (silly but I like the look at night) and the 695 stripes (not sure if I will keep those). Also changing passenger seat mounts, going to HID headlights, and maybe a few CF pieces. I am still trying to find a good balance for the suspension leaning towards bilstein coilovers. I'm sure this is only the beginning. Knowing me once I am done I'll end up selling it.
     
  6. selvatico

    selvatico Karting

    Sep 17, 2005
    221
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Damien Laframboise
  7. RareAir23

    RareAir23 Formula Junior

    May 19, 2005
    488
    Scottsdale, AZ
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    Ryan
    Would have much preferred a DCT type tranny like they have in Europe.
     
  8. zvezdah1

    zvezdah1 Rookie

    Feb 20, 2005
    23
    #258 zvezdah1, Apr 7, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  9. zvezdah1

    zvezdah1 Rookie

    Feb 20, 2005
    23
    500madness just came with it's own version of short shifter block, slightly cheaper than neuspeed and no filing required for fitment.

    FIAT 500 Short Shifter Adapter by MADNESS - FIAT 500 Parts and Accessories

     
  10. wazie7262

    wazie7262 Formula 3

    Feb 13, 2008
    2,357
    Temecula, CA
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    Scott
    Is this a "standard automatic", or with paddle shifters?
     
  11. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    Apr 3, 2006
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    L.C.
    Standard. Same tranny from the 500t
     
  12. ftower

    ftower Rookie

    Sep 27, 2008
    21
    Wisconsin
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    Frank
    I've had the Craven kit on my 2012 Abarth since almost new and couldn't be happier. There was no problem using my factory shift knob and boot, though the boot is a bit "bunched up" given the shorter shaft.
     
  13. 4re Nut

    4re Nut F1 World Champ

    Mar 27, 2004
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    #263 4re Nut, Apr 14, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  14. Gran Drewismo

    Gran Drewismo F1 Rookie

    Jan 24, 2005
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    Andrew
    An automatic would be fine if it had paddles.

    And yes, the manual needs a 6th gear. Maybe not for any performance or mechanical reason, but simply not having one makes you feel a bit short changed these days.
     
  15. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    Looks like the instrument cluster is different too.
     
  16. 4re Nut

    4re Nut F1 World Champ

    Mar 27, 2004
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    "...A new 7.0-inch high-definition TFT screen is now front and center in the instrument cluster, and can display speed data, fuel level, and trip info. The screen also serves as the camera display when the Rear Park Assist option is selected. The TFT screen will be standard on the 2015 Fiat 500 Sport, Lounge, Turbo, and Abarth models, and will be an option on the Pop..."

    Per link below...

     
  17. sbpwjm

    sbpwjm Formula Junior

    Nov 16, 2007
    399
    Red Bank, NJ
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    Scott
    Agree, can't believe they skipped flappy paddles.
     
  18. Moopz

    Moopz F1 Veteran
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    Jun 29, 2004
    5,348
    Orlando, FL
    Had to post in this thread after this weekend... I was involved in a Make a Wish Rally this weekend and found myself behind an Abarth on a two-lane non-passing area. Was shocked to see how well the car performed. It wasn't pulling away from the 430 but it sure wasn't getting pushed either! Never had a chance to speak with the owner but that's one cool package.
     
  19. Moopz

    Moopz F1 Veteran
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    Jun 29, 2004
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  20. wazie7262

    wazie7262 Formula 3

    Feb 13, 2008
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    Scott
    Why can't we get effing paddles in the U.S.?? My Arbath is a DD and it does get tiring rowing gears; great for when you "feel" like driving, but a paddle shift option would be...no wait...SHOULD be available here. Why isn't it??
     
  21. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
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    I just did the exhaust, ECU, CAI, Rear sway bar, and pedals yesterday, did not have time to get short shift kit or wheels done.
     
  22. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
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    And I could not help myself I put on the stripes from the 695 edition, never owned a car with stripes before.
     
  23. classic308

    classic308 F1 Veteran

    Jan 9, 2004
    6,793
    Westchester, NY
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    Paul
    Please give us a review of the mods when you can. Thx!
     
  24. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
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    I will have a more complete review next week but this I can tell you the rear sway bar makes a big difference in the cars handling. Though like most stock cars for 99% of drivers the stock setup is fine. The tail wagged too much for me a this inexpensive mod got rid of most of that. The air sucking noise of the CAI might be annoying to some people but it does not bother me.
     
  25. Mr. Francesco

    Mr. Francesco F1 Rookie

    Oct 10, 2010
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    Mr. Francesco
    I love the instrument cluster of the 2015 :)
     

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