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Messages - jpgibson

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Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Re: automatic rolls backwards when in gear
« on: July 12, 2019, 11:48:23 AM »
It's not an 'automatic'. It is a robotised manual ie when youre stoped the clutch is 'in' ie it will roll. Using the throttle to keep the car still ( instead of the brakes) will wear the clutch very quickly. I find the car WAY better when driving it manually.

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Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Re: New 2018 595 Comp - No BMC filter
« on: April 17, 2019, 08:31:22 AM »
In Oz, the 2018 had no BMC or finishing kit. Mine didnt have anything , I contacted Fiat, they conformed that. No biggie for me- the alloy fuel cap was a pain ( and non locking, I dont care about the oil filler, happy with a  paper airfilter and non carbon scuff plates. I'd rather have the funky steering wheel with the carbon bling!

3
Introductions / Re: (About to be) new Sydney owner!
« on: February 23, 2019, 06:40:10 AM »
And now have it! Much louder, awesome, gadget filled than the 2015! Very happy!!
Have been driving it ....for the sake of driving it! Probably the best car I've had ( including 5 renaultsports, Audi S3, WRX, Liberty B4 ....). Way more poke than the 160 hp with Bluespark, I love the MTA, ride quality very good for what it is ( a rollerskate), Car Play rocks ( as does the Beats), and it looks and sounds awesome!!
In terms of smiles per dollar, NOTHING comes close. I just went round to my mates', who has a new Golf R ( almost 60K), and I reckon he looked at my car and wondered why he didnt buy one! I guess people either dont know about them , or believe a lot of the reviews ( which tell you to buy Fiesta/Focus ST or a Clio). There is a lot more to enjoying ownership than having the 'best' of the group according to experts. I love everything about this little car!
And it's got a 3 year warranty if the gearbox falls out!!
I dont care that it doesnt have cruise control, soft plastics,  a useful turning circle ( series 4 seems better than series 3), keyless start etc etc.
It has a personality!!!

4
For Sale / Bluespark for 595 160hp/118 kW Sydney Australia
« on: February 22, 2019, 07:14:03 AM »
Firstly, the Bluespark people are amazing, they even suggested i send it back for a refund ( as Ive sold the car.....for a Competizione 180!). I wouldn't do that to them.
So, been on my 118kW Turismo for about a week. Made a nice difference.
I am after $250AUD.
Ta
Jonathan

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Introductions / Re: (About to be) new Sydney owner!
« on: February 21, 2019, 09:43:18 AM »
Boy do I have a problem..Trading the 2015 on a new Competizione tomoz!

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Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Re: boost gauge
« on: February 19, 2019, 09:23:11 PM »
It'll be either the car isnt producing boost ( which you'd notice !) or it is being incorrectly 'recorded' by the gauge. I understand the gauge is electronic ( unlike the aftermarket boost gauges I had in WRX's etc), so the battery disconnection seems like a great idea.
If there was a leak from anywhere after the turbo ( ie the turbo is producing boost but it is being lost) you'd hear it and the car would not run/ be running properly ( I once had an intercooler stolen from my car...hence I know what it sounds like!)

7
Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Re: Older model turismo/factory racing or newer 145?
« on: February 19, 2019, 09:18:45 PM »
You guys are killing me! I had ordered a new Competizione, cancelled the order ( losing my deposit...my fault) and bought a 2015 Turismo with 13000km on it. My secondhand car was just a bit more than half the new car cost ( but obs without Sabelts, brembos , fancy steering wheel etc etc).Now Abarth in Oz have a 2.9% finance deal on 2018 plated cars...
I suggested to my wife maybe I should trade mine in on a new one and have the peace of mind of a 3 y warranty ( as its an MTA), no prizes for guessing the reply...

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Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Re: GFB DV+ diverter valve on a Turismo 2015
« on: February 19, 2019, 09:14:12 PM »
It has had a few cycles so it should be working now. It is still on the default setting. It certainly pulls harder in the upper rev range. The customer service from Bluespark was amazing and it was shipped ( the cheap option ) from the UK to Oz in less than a week! Installation instructions were pretty good, mine is a MTA, so the boost connection was right near the exhaust manifold and required smaller hands! Next time I'd take off the airbox as I needed a number of long nose pliers etc to manoeuvre the MAP sensor. Build quality seems exceptional, even more so given the price.
So, if anyone is expecting any device or remap to make their car massively different, they're kidding themselves ( the old adage, there's no replacement for displacement- except maybe a massive turbo....), but for a pretty modest outlay, you get a noticeable improvement ( and one you can remove and put on another car).

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Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Re: Wheel/Brake Squeak
« on: February 19, 2019, 09:07:43 PM »
If its happening when you're NOT braking then it is obviously interference between the caliper and pad ie either one isn't square and leaving enough clearance. KTM had an issue with Brembo discs on the gen 1 1290 SuperDuke R- they squeaked like mad!
If they make a noise when braking ( like my non Brembos), it's often due to pad glazing due to not being hot enough ( or getting up to correct operating temp- an issue when people put track pads on a road car). i have no idea about the compound used for Brembos.
It is annoying though!

10
General Chat / Re: What do you do?
« on: February 18, 2019, 05:54:21 AM »
Was a nurse years ago, then studied medicine and am now ( and have been for 15 years) an anaesthetist.

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Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Re: GFB DV+ diverter valve on a Turismo 2015
« on: February 18, 2019, 01:20:26 AM »
No, not missing anything! The valve DOES NOT fit any car with the IHI turbo ONLY Garrett. I will be returning it.
On another note, just installed the Bluespark thing. It would've been a lot easier if I'd bothered to remove  the airbox-anyway it is possible.
The hardest bit was the boost pressure connection , which in the MTA is right next to the exhaust manifold. I have big hands unfortunately....
Anyhoo, long nose pliers, remove heatshield and bingo.

12
Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / GFB DV+ diverter valve on a Turismo 2015
« on: February 17, 2019, 07:46:21 AM »
The installation docs show Garrett, I cant see a diverter valve anywhere near the IHI. Am I missing something?
I have emailed GFB.
ta
Jonathan

13
Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Why do many car reviewers dislike the 595 esp Dualogic???
« on: February 06, 2019, 03:58:42 AM »
If I'd believed most of the reviews I'd have never looked at the 595. Terrible driving position, hard plastics, woeful automated gearbox, terrible turning circle, unreliable, hideously overpriced, terrible ride.....but cute.
I love the leather 'normal' seats, I'm 6'3" and it fits me like a glove ( just bought a 2015 Turismo), yes, the turning circle is appalling but pretty much that's it.
My phone works with the Blue&Me, my music sounds fine through the aux in, the suspension is awesome ( firm, controlled , not jarring- they obviously never tested the series 1 mazda 3 MPS: rock hard springs and no damping), the Dualogic is fine ( just using manual mode), the aircon is the coldest I've had ( and I'm in Australia in summer),
the engine is a peach, the standard brakes are plenty good enough ( even though I'd like Brembos), the steering is awesome ( dont know they have non sport mode) and it looks great and makes me ( and seemingly those outside) smile!
Good job Abarth!


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Abarth 500, 595 & 695 / Re: MTA gearbox owners, advice please.
« on: February 06, 2019, 03:17:40 AM »
I picked up a 2015 Turismo MTA yesterday. What astounds me is all the negative press regarding this gearbox. AN Alfa/Fiat specialist here in Sydney said he preferred the MTA and would have no problems recommending it. Mine is a bit similar to yours but from 3rd to 4th. Sometimes it seems to dawdle for a tiny amount of time.It is not a dsg so obs the next gear isnt preselected.
I found being gentle with takeoff and driving it like a manual ( in terms of foot off accelerator when up shifting) made it as smooth as an averagely driven (!) manual.
I needed a car with no clutch pedal as a motorbike accident has left me off my feet for 3 months and who knows how it will end up...
I've had 40 cars, this little one is right at the top. Glad I went went secondhand and saved nearly half over a new one. I wouldve really liked a 2018 Competizione but $15K is $15K esp when I'm not working.

15
Introductions / Re: (About to be) new Sydney owner!
« on: February 04, 2019, 10:01:09 PM »
Picking up my 2015 Turismo with 13000km on it this morning.About 60% of new car cost.Vehicle as new. Already ordered bits for it!!

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