Category Archives: Mods

A Time for Stripes

April 20, 2014ModsstripesJasey Michelle

I’m not normally one to fancy flashy graphics on a vehicle. However, I think FIAT did a great job the stock ABARTH side stripes. Fi didn’t come pre-striped, which I suppose is good, as it’s an overpriced dealer option. Even buying the stripes from the dealer to install yourself is in the neighborhood of $250. Since I didn’t feel like getting bent over, my search lead me to a member of the FIAT 500 USA Forum who cuts custom vinyl who I persuaded to whip me up a sweet set (Thanks!).

Stripes, ready for the install

It’s laid out like that

Removing the backing in smaller sections

Drivers side done!

Peel it!

Almost done

Before slicing the door gap

Stripes: Complete!

Now I match the gas pump. Mission accomplished.

I’ve Been Hit! :(

November 22, 2013Mods, PhotosJasey Michelle

Sad, sad day. Only 2 months and 3,800 miles on the clock, and the Abarth gets nailed.

Long story short, the other driver admitted 100% fault, and less than 24 hours later, I had an $1,800 check from his insurance company. Damage mostly contained to the rear quarter panel, with some scratching on the ground effects and bumper.

As of today, she’s already in primer. Should be finished before Thanksgiving.

Short Shiftin

November 19, 2013Mods, PhotosJasey Michelle

Even though the stock shifter is pretty decent, and the height is perfect for me, the throw between the gears is way to long and sloppy.

Neuspeed has a simple fix for this problem with an adapter that changes the the angle of the cable attachment, reducing the throw by 25%. It’s called the Neu-F Short Shift Adapter.

neu-F Abarth Pieces

neu-F Abarth Halves

neu-F Abarth adapter bolted together

neu-F Abarth adapter bolted together, showing slot for shifter arm

Popping open the console

Test fitting. Requires minor filing to the edges of the stock arm

neu-F Abarth Adapter mounted

neu-F Abarth Adapter Mounted

Cable re-installed

Finished product. Looks stock, but feels much better!

Can’t Resist the Mods

October 7, 2013Mods, PhotosJasey Michelle

My other vehicles are far from stock. The ’94Z has a cammed 3400 engine swap with longtube headers for example. So, how long can I keep the Abarth stock? Apparently, 3 weeks.

Starting things off simple. Just a replacement intake pipe and the cool chrome fuel filler. Will try to hold off on anything else until after winter, but no promises!

Why did I just go for the replacement aluminum pipe, rather than a full cone intake system? The stock system draws in cool air from behind the headlight, and appears quite efficient, aside from the bit of a bottleneck in the piece I’ve replaced. The other aftermarket systems seem to lose this “ram air” advantage, and some route the intake pipe right over the turbo, causing a drastic increase in IAT (Intake Air Temperature).