My buddy’s stuffed turbo 124 had an issue with the exhaust rubbing due to the EC cross pipe not being compatible with the GWR system. We swap in the GWR cross pipe, but not everything goes as planned…
Author Archives: DanBook
A Stuffed Turbo Journey
My buddy Gabriel wanted to step up the performance on his 124 Abarth. He ordered a long list of performance parts to be installed by the experts at NGEN. Things didn’t go as planned…
Turbo Stud say BYE
Well this was an odd one! A friend of mine recently had a lot of work done on his 124 Abarth, to include a new stuffed turbo. Everything seemed fine for a couple days, but then the car started to, in his words, “sound like an old airplane” and wasn’t making any boost…
Pedal Go VROOM
Ever since I got the ChipBox, Bob from Driving Impressions has been trying to talk me into the PedalBooster as well. I was very skeptical about it because I have a similar device on my 500 Abarth and I don’t like it. He sent me one to evaluate… Spoiler alert, Bob was right. I do […]
ChipBox Install & Test
The Chipbox by Seletron is a simple power adder. On the 124, it connects to the Boost Absolute Pressure Sensor (Bosch 281002996, PREX1), Intake Manifold Pressure Sensor (Bosch 281006028, PREX2), and the wastegate solenoid (Pierburg valve). The box intercepts data from these sensors and manipulates it to produce more power. I emailed Seletron asking them for […]
A Wheel Improvement
Wheels and tires can make a significant improvement if done correctly, and can be detrimental if done incorrectly. The 124 came with 16×6.5 wheels wearing 195/50 Yokohama Advan Sports. First of all, that’s a bit too skinny. Secondly, those wheels weigh 18lbs each despite being so narrow. I bought a set of 16×7 O.Z. Alleggeritas, […]
An Easy Exhuast Upgrade
The 124 was just too muted for my tastes, so I slapped on the open axle back from Auto Ricambi. One of the easiest exhaust mods I’ve ever done. Sounds great, and shed a few pounds! DanBookfounder Dan is a DIY zealot and autodidact. Real science, pseudoprofessional.
2019 FIAT 124 Re-Review
It’s been over three years since I first test drove the new 124 Spider, and I finally purchased one for myself. I’ve had the new 124 for about two weeks now. I thought it would be a good idea to spend some time with the car before providing an updated review. I’m still impressed! So […]
FM1660
You don’t hear about many good driving roads to the east of I-35, but I’ve found a few. First on the list is FM 1660. It’s located right at the beginning of the Texas Blackland Prairie, 24 miles north east of Austin, and 10 miles east of Round Rock. FM 1660 starts on the north […]
Virtual Car Meet
Normally the Austin FIAT Club meets on the 2nd Saturday of every month, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible with the city in lockdown because of COVID-19. There is a solution, however… A virtual car meet! It actually worked quite well.