[Calehedron]

Greetings!


So my '18 Abarth is a month old now and I just got the Stage 1 kit from Madness installed (MaxPower ECM and GoPedal) and I love the increase in power, but its made me want more. So last night I ordered the GWR complete exhaust, EC V4 intake, DV+, Tork BOA, Turbo blanket, 4C coils, and Silver plugs. I will have to wait until Christmas bonus time to get the Tork Stuffed Turbo, Intercooler, Catch Can, and Sway/Sping Kit. :crying:



Can't wait to get wrenching again in the garage. My hands should be healed up by the time the parts arrive next week.


Any thoughts on the 2 intercoolers, the one from Tork and the one from EC? Its ~$200 difference between the 2 and if the EC is a better "value" then I have no issues purchasing it.

 

[sharkcohen]

You probably will want a flash tune for a turbo upgrade, rather than a piggyback.

EC is about to release their turbo upgrade, so it’s something to consider. I believe Tork is still redesigning theirs.

The EC intercooler kit includes replacement silicone pipes. The Tork kit currently is just an intercooler replacement, but they say they are working on replacement hard pipes.

 

[Brett67]

I agree that it would be best to go with a flash tune. Piggyback units are great if that is all you plan to do, it sounds like you are going all out and would benefit from a flash tune. Both EC and Tork make good tunes, they are just different in how they deliver power and what is required for optimum performance. Either way you go, you will have fun.

The same with the intercooler, both options are really good, just comes down to a personal choice. I like the ease of install for the Tork FMIC but the EC unit is very nicely designed as well. Based on the dyno testing from Tork, the piping does not come into play until about 240-250 whp. The new stuffed turbo coming soon will get to this mark so the hardlines will be a nice update when they are available.

It sounds like you are on your way to having a fun, fast Spider. Enjoy!

 

[StunnedMonkey]

Greetings!


So my '18 Abarth is a month old now and I just got the Stage 1 kit from Madness installed (MaxPower ECM and GoPedal) and I love the increase in power, but its made me want more...

So, wanting more aside...how do you like the MaxPower ECM/Go Pedal combo? Seems like a relatively inexpensive (and non-invasive) setup for those of us who want to say close to stock for warranty purposes. How much of a difference are you seeing? Would you consider that to be worthwhile as is?

 

[Calehedron]

Absolutely! It has made a huge difference over stock for me, but now I have the itch! The pull is so, so much smoother and the 55-60 to 90mph in 6th on the freeway is so effortless its almost trouble.


The GoPedal alone is worth every penny. The throttle is so sloppy stock. The ECM 3 plug harness was a bit of a pain in the ass with the new Camshaft position sensor addition and its not easy to get to on the 124 with big hands. I tore both my mitts up pretty badly but it has been worth it!

 

[canesice]

The GoPedal alone is worth every penny. The throttle is so sloppy stock.

Ive got another vendors product that is similar, and it is really nice. Id recommend the pedal enhancers to anyone.

 

[Theshark]

I agree with canesice, I have the GoPedal Plus and really like it, easy install as well.

 

[Brett67]

I have a Seletron Throttle boost on my Tork Tuned Spider and love it. So much more fun to drive and no issues with it paired to the tune either.

 

[sharkcohen]

EC’s silicone intercooler pipes reduce the number of potential leak points, and guard against heat soak. Not everything is about peak dyno numbers.

 

[Calehedron]

Got the V4 intake, DV+, BOA, Brisk Plugs, and 4C coils installed tonight. Much better pull. When I upgrade to the Euro+Drive, do I also pull the GoPedal or keep it in place? I have 2 weeks to send the Madness stuff back for a full refund (Under the 30 day trial).

 

[Calehedron]

Broke down today and bought the EC Euro+Drive tuner and when it arrives I will *painfully* remove the Madness harness from that cam sensor and send it back for a refund or I would be happy to sell it to someone else if they would want it. It is the newest race model (3 connector harness and bluetooth control). GWR exhaust arrived today and it is a work of art. Gets installed on Saturday!



**** this need for more speed and power!

 

[Calehedron]

Car has been dropped off at the mechanic for the exhaust swap. EC Tuner arrives today and EC Intercooler, 30PSI PnP gauge, and Cravenspeed Vent Mount on order!

 

[Calehedron]

Exhaust installed and it sounds GREAT! Now on to the EC tuner and intercooler!

 

[Calehedron]

OMG! Just took my wife out for a nighttime cruise with the top down. The sounds are incredible, both the blow off and exhaust. I even turned off traction control and did a small burnout on takeoff (she bit quick which is nice) and it was a blast.



A big thanks to everyone for the input and build specs on your cars. AngelVixn is coming along quite nicely and loving every minute of it! Looking forward to the EC maps after the holiday weekend and she will be ready for the first run down the 1/4 on Friday. Should have the IC installed by week 3 and then drop in Phase2! Looking forward to the Christmas bonus to get a 1446 stuffed upgrade and the Sport Cat.

 

[Calehedron]

GWR Sport Cat on order now, along with the oil catch can I forgot for the IC. Decided to swap the DV+ for the Forge (may add the matching WGA later) and ordered a Stage 1 Water/Meth Injection kit to combat the high temps on the track. Also got a set of Konig Dekagram matte black wheels, upgraded lug nuts, and Michelin PSS 235/45R17 on the way for track nights. Was WAY too slick for the Potenza's which are just fine on the pavement.

 

[Calehedron]

Parts are trickling in! SnowBoost kit, Cravenspeed Shift Knob, door bushings, left vent gauge mount, Battery Tender trickle charger arrived today. Konig Dekagram 17x8 wheels, hub rings, 2 piece lugs, GWR light battery tray, TPMS stems, Forge BOA arrive tomorrow. Red w/engraved Scorpion Oil Cap, Michelin tires, and oil catch can on Friday. The replacement wire harness for boost gauge and 60mm gauge mount on the way. Then its just waiting on the GWR Sport Cat, Eibach Sway Bars/Springs (was gonna go with the GWR Springs but the package deal was too good to pass up), and ultra-lite Battery to arrive in the next week or two. Gonna be a busy weekend!


Kinda glad I found out that the Drag Races aren't every Friday like it used to be. It's now 1 Friday a month and 2 Saturdays from what I see on the Wild Horse Pass Raceway website. Gives me more time to get everything installed and dialed in before the next Saturday races on Sep 22nd. Really looking forward to the Dec7 Friday night drags, average temp 69/42. Going to be Heaven compared to now.

 

[Spoolin32]

Parts are trickling in! SnowBoost kit, Cravenspeed Shift Knob, door bushings, left vent gauge mount, Battery Tender trickle charger arrived today. Konig Dekagram 17x8 wheels, hub rings, 2 piece lugs, GWR light battery tray, TPMS stems, Forge BOA arrive tomorrow. Red w/engraved Scorpion Oil Cap, Michelin tires, and oil catch can on Friday. The replacement wire harness for boost gauge and 60mm gauge mount on the way. Then its just waiting on the GWR Sport Cat, Eibach Sway Bars/Springs (was gonna go with the GWR Springs but the package deal was too good to pass up), and ultra-lite Battery to arrive in the next week or two. Gonna be a busy weekend!


Kinda glad I found out that the Drag Races aren't every Friday like it used to be. It's now 1 Friday a month and 2 Saturdays from what I see on the Wild Horse Pass Raceway website. Gives me more time to get everything installed and dialed in before the next Saturday races on Sep 22nd. Really looking forward to the Dec7 Friday night drags, average temp 69/42. Going to be Heaven compared to now.

Exciting !!! Lots of gifts

 

[Harts]

Exciting !!! Lots of gifts

Seems like Christmas has come early! ?

 

[Russ]

I guess you're not wasting any time ramping up your ride.

How about some before and after pix with the new wheels, springs, ride height, etc.

 

[Calehedron]

I guess you're not wasting any time ramping up your ride.

How about some before and after pix with the new wheels, springs, ride height, etc.

Absolutely! Will take plenty of the process now that the real game changing stuff is going in and on.


Yes, I probably should have taken things a little slower but I've spent the last 20 years putting everyone in the family first over my hobbies and now that the boys are grown up, one out of high school and working for his own money and kicking in to the pool, I have time and money for what I want to do. I have been saving up for this ever since I bought the 500 Abarth 2 years ago and then the Spider came out right after, traded the 500 for the 124 in July and here I am. I'm having a blast learning and wrenching on what I can and work with my mechanic for the stuff I need help on just so I can see the process and learn from him.



All the information, advice, and feedback here is great and only fuels my desire for max performance. Its what I do for a living but in a different way. By day I am in Semiconductor Industry Chemical R&D, helping create new ways of combining new chemicals to make thinner, stronger layers on the wafers to keep those dies shrinking and using less power but max performance! Spent 10.5 years before this job working in an Intel CPU/Chipset Fab keeping the tools running in tip top shape and breaking maintenance records with well built teams of other great technicians and engineers. This has just been an extension of all the processes I learned on the job.


Stay Tuned! (In every way)