Due to relocating from Newcastle to Manchester and taking on a bigger mortgage I am contemplating selling the coupe. I would be interested in obtaining valuations from other forum members before I decide to either sell or not sell.
It’s a T-Reg (1999) limited edition, steel grey, 20VT coupe Fiat with 69k on the clock. I bought the car in Febuary 2005 from a FCCUK forum member _Tom_. Tom spent months searching for the finest coupe he could before setting about converting it into a 300+BHP car. His aim was to obtain power but not to compromise on engine or component longevity. I have done my utmost to ensure the same during my ownership.
LE Specification
Red/Black Recaro leather sports seats (rears as new and fronts very good)
Titanium door caps and dash fascia, headlight surrounds and mirrors
Push Button Start
6 Speed Gearbox
Aircon (needs re-gassing)
Front Strut Brace
Red Brembo Front Calipers
Numbered Plaque (No. 1143)
Full LE factory body kit
Titanium coloured 4 spoke alloys (no kerbing)
All keys including red.
Interior
Nomad dual A-pillar pod with autometer boost and air fuel/gauges
Carpets/mats and general interior in excellent condition.
Suspension
I opted to replace the standard suspension set up with FK Highsport Coilovers which give a firm but responsive feel and give a significant improvement in corner handling. At the same time I had the wishbones, drop links and anti roll bar bushes replaced. The car also benefits from a Torque Italia up-rated anti roll bar.
Brakes
The front discs are 3G 10 groove disks (replaced Oct 06)
The front pads are EBC Greenstuff. (replaced Oct 06)
Rear Calipers have been replaced for new but require painting as I purchased standard ones. Rear discs and pads are standard (pads replaced Apr 06).
Engine & Modifications
Engine
The engine was completely replaced at 34,500 miles by the first owner and has since had oil changes at regular intervals, both the previous owner (Tom) and myself have only ever used high quality Ester based fully Synthetic oils.
I have religiously warmed the car fully before hard acceleration and when turning off the engine the car has always had sufficient time to cool.
Turbo
The turbo is a Torque Italia Stage 2 roller bearing turbo (GT28R) and was replaced at 48,000 miles.
Clutch
Torque Italia have fitted an Alfa 147 GTA clutch and lightened the fly wheel. I have not experienced any slip on this setup.
Boost Control
Boost control was originally controlled via an Apexi AVC-R, but the unit was stolen out of the car earlier in the year and boost is now controlled via an Armval BCV12. Which I must say I have been very impressed with.
Induction
Ram air system with a DV26 dump to atmosphere.
Charge Cooling
In order to reduce the charge temperatures both an EVO front mount intercooler and Aquamist 2D water injection system are fitted. This set up significantly reduces charge temps.
Exhaust
The car has a complete stainless steel exhaust system fitted by Longlife. 3” downpipe from turbo to racing Cat (100cpi), 2.5” Cat back system to 4” tail pipe.
Fuelling
Fuelling is controlled via a Dastek Unichip and ensures that the car doesn’t run lean or rich during open loop operation. The fuel pump has been uprated (with live feed) and a 3.8bar fuel pressure regulator has been fitted.
Performance
The unichip was mapped at 1.4bar, however to maintain an element of safety the boost level of the car is set at 19 psi (~1.3bar) which is within the mapping. The car produces [Email]312bhp@6300rpm[/Email] at the fly (284bhp@wheels) and 303ft.lb torque @3500rpm (measured at PTS in Luton, Feb 05).
Body Work
The paint work is in very good condition and there are very few parking dents. There are the usual stonechips to the bonnet, fortunately due to the colour of the car it hides them well. I have recently replaced the front wings for new, had the front bumper and lips resprayed and the boot lid resprayed.
Summary of Modifications
Torque Italia Stage 2 Roller Bearing (GT28R) Turbo
Dastek Unichip
GTec 1 Chip
Autometer Pro-Comp Boost Gauge
Autometer Pro-Comp Air/Fuel Meter
Denso Iridium Power plugs
Armval BCV12 (Running 19 PSI ~ 1.3bar)
Evo Front Mount Intercooler
Aquamist 2d water injection system
Bailey DV26
Ramair Induction Kit
Lightened Flywheel
Alfa 147 GTA Clutch
Longlife 3" downpipe
Longlife 2.5" exhaust
Stealth Systems Race Cat
Uprated fuel pump with Battery Live Feed
Uprated 3.8bar fuel pressure regulator
FK Highsport Coilovers
3G 10-Groove front Disks
EBC Greenstuff Front Pads
Torque Italia uprated ARB
Maintenance and Service History
The car has full main dealer and specialist service history (Torque Italia and Powerfiat) with the book fully stamped. The car has a comprehensive file full of receipts for just about everything. Cambelt,aux belt, water pump and all tensioners replace Nov-05 @ PF.
The car is due a service and is booked in at Powerfiat for 02-Dec. I have a suspicion that the exhaust manifold may be cracked, but this will be diagnosed on the day. This is something that could either be factored into the sale or repaired before sale.
Since Feb-04 the car has had just over £10k spent on it.
The car also stars in the Jet fighter le vid in the vid section
