[Newod]

Hi, I am 3 weeks into ownership of the Anniversary model No 12 here in the UK. Manual Gearbox.
I am sorry to say the mileage covered is only 200 miles but I have done a number of improvements - to my eye anyway.

1. Detailing the car. This isn't show detailing, just me getting it as clean and blemish free as possible. This involved trying to remove the delivery swirls and scratches, see Azzura's post on this, and waxing, including the wheels. It is better than when I got it from the dealer, but not a show car.

2. Treated the soft top to a treatment of Fabsil. I have used this on racing dinghys and other boats without a problem. I was out in heavy downpours at the weekend, and had the roof up and down about 4 times without any problems.

3. When I first saw the car I didn't like the radio aerial. I have now changed it to CravenSpeed stubby, which looks much better. I am not into lots of electronic communications etc and so far it has worked very well - ie I don't have the radio turned on - much more interesting things to listen to when driving with the roof down.

4. The car was deliverd, like all the UK ones I have seen with the Fiat ( Mazda) locking wheels nuts already fitted. I was interested in having these as an extra but they are ****. I have already posted previously that they don't look right, they are much longer than the standard nuts and they are 2.5 times the weight. I have asked a Tyre R&D director who tells me the difference in mass will not be a safety issue, just one of asthetics. If there is a balance problem it will be overcome with on car balancing. I have solved the problem - the original nuts are back on the car and the locking nuts are with original aerial, in a box!

5. Fitted a GFB DV+ diverter valve today. This is most unlike me - new car, what will the dealer say etc., but so far I know more about the car than the dealer does thanks to this forum and you chaps in the US. It took 15 mins from start to finish to fit. Had a short test drive and seems fine. One area I was looking for improvement is low rpm pick-up. As I leave the main road to enter my lane I have to slow down to less than 5mph and revs drop to less than 2k. The Volvo desiel I also drive just stays in 2nd gear and climbs the incline to my drive without trouble. The Spider had to drop into 1st to get to the drive. Today it stayed in 2nd without any problem - Result.

I have a few other mods planned.

I hope Greg is reading this and will consider devloping his 'box of tricks' for the 140 BHP UK spec model - I am sure there will be others who are interested.

I will try to post some pics now - not sure if it will work.
Danny

 

[jonesthestress]

Danny,
I'd be very interested in this mod as I'm finding a similar low speed 2nd gear problem.
I'd be interested in how it performs and if there are any drawbacks.
Where did you source the valve and approx how much £?
A mate fitted one to a BMW and his was about £100.
Cheers
Steve

 

[AirCavHokie]

Has anyone posted dyno or boost pressure results from the DV+ diverter upgrade yet? Interested to see how it works.

 

[Greg]

We are looking at the Euro 140 hp model and plan some upgrades for it.

The GFB part is a good product. It's essentially a higher quality version of the stock part. That means you shouldn't expect any power increases from it unless the stock valve is having problems, although it will respond faster and more consistently and sometimes that improves the feel and response of the turbo.

Greg

 

[Newod]

Danny,
I'd be very interested in this mod as I'm finding a similar low speed 2nd gear problem.
I'd be interested in how it performs and if there are any drawbacks.
Where did you source the valve and approx how much £?
A mate fitted one to a BMW and his was about £100.
Cheers
Steve

UPDATE
I have done 50 miles today - nothing special but typical for my area. Lots of stop/start. A few miles of constant 60 mph then lots of junctions and because of my journey was a shopping trip, lots of speed bumps. Not sure if you have them in USA, but they are a tarmac hump in the road which forces all cars to slowdown to a walking pace if you don't want to cause damage to your car.

During the day I was hoping for an improvement in how the car pulls away from these repeated slow then go then slow roads. The car is much better - it is easier to drive without having to drop down into 1st gear.

I didn't expect any performance gains, just better driveability and it does that. In the UK a paint manufacturer has a slogan which is used in all sorts of situations "It does what it says on the tin" The GFB DV+ is just such a product.

I bought it from www.advancedautomotives.com. Cathy is the contact - she checked with GFB to ensure they supplied the correct valve for the UK version engine. ps there is no difference! Price £98 including P&P.

As to hard empirical evidence, I only have what GFB publish. It might all be in my head but the car feels better. At slow speeds 'Less boy racer more older statesman' which suits me.
Danny

 

[Denzel]

Hello Newod,

I am going to get my car detailed sometime next week when I can get a couple days off work, going to get it machine polished and have a ceramic coating over it for protection.

I am also looking for a stubby aerial, I want to hold out until mopar releases their products for the spider to see what they offer.

Down the line, I want to get my Abarth remapped to around 200-230bhp and go for the bigger turbo. A change of wheels is also in my plans.

 

[Newod]

Hello Newod,

I am going to get my car detailed sometime next week when I can get a couple days off work, going to get it machine polished and have a ceramic coating over it for protection.

I am also looking for a stubby aerial, I want to hold out until mopar releases their products for the spider to see what they offer.

Down the line, I want to get my Abarth remapped to around 200-230bhp and go for the bigger turbo. A change of wheels is also in my plans.

Hi Denzel, you have come along way in a month - from wanting a 140 bhp Anniversary to a bespoke mini supercar - I am not so brave these days. I will be happy with a bit more power which will still be within the capabilities of the existing brakes and suspension. You have a great base for you ideal car in your blue Abarth. As an aside how do UK insurance companies view mods such as you are proposing?

Detailing I did my by hand - I want to see the effect of a winter of sea (salt) air on red paintwork first. I am sure it will require machine polishing at some stage. I don't know enough about ceramic coating to make a judgement - Azzura has had a bad experience.

Mopar Accessories If the existing offerings are any indication - any bits that can be rebadged from Mazda collection will be, especially low value items. I would appreciate would be an electric retractable aerial however. Are they still made?

By the end of the year we should have enough UK cars to create a 'local group'.

Danny

 

[Newod]

Update

I have removed the safety stickers from the sun visor as described on this forum. I used a heat gun and old credit card and took it slowly. Worked well.

124 Spider design I have had a local embroidery shop create an image for me which they can put onto most materials if it will fit in the digital sewing machine. I have used a white car outline and silver 124 Spider, but can easily be changed to other colours.

I have had the image put onto a black polo shirt, a black waterproof jacket and a small bag I will use as a tool bag. 'Old habits die hard' I have always had/needed a basic tool kit to get me home for the last 46 years.

Danny

 

[Sonny Burnett]

The jacket and tool bag are pretty awesome!