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new FC owner - with CDO
#1471160
28/01/2014 12:28
28/01/2014 12:28
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81 Ireland
klapanciusz
OP
Reaping the fruits
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OP
Reaping the fruits
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81
Ireland
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Hello everybody, I'm a newbie here, because if all goes well, I pick up my first ever Fiat Coupe tomorrow. Yay! My previous car was an Alfa Romeo 166 3l V6 Lusso, and I loved it to bits, but when I lost my job I couldn't afford the 2000+ euros tax. I always wanted a Coupe, a yellow one, and hoping for a plus. And it seems after waiting for more than 2 years my dream finally comes true. To make sure I can enjoy her as long as possible, I'm asking for your opinions, what should I get done on the car. The previous owner put in some modifications, some I will remove, some I will keep, but I'd like to change the car back as close to the original as possible (first thing I will do is to remove the bluemotion logo (!) from the coin holder) This is what the car currently has: chipped by superchips u.s.a (I will put in the old ECU) sport air intake system by k&n racing (I will keep it) manual boost controller (will turn it to lowest and leave there) magnaflow stainless performance exhaust system (it was a "dustbin", I asked the seller to put the original back) limited seats with turbo logo (I have a set of leather seats from another car) new parrot black edition (I will keep it) car security system with remote (I will keep it) I will get 4 new Falken tyres, and even though the belts were changed 10k miles ago, I don't know how old they are, so I get them changed asap, together with the waterpump. I will also ask my trusted mechanic to replace the coolant hoses and check the brakepipes (the car passed the NCT -your MOT - this week, so in theory they are OK) So, other than the belts and hoses what would you fix/change to ensure the longetivity of the car? I heard something about an auxillary belt pulley with a lip, so in case of belt failure it won't damage the timing belt. Should I do it? The car doesn't have the strut brace, and the luggage net is also missing, so I'll have to get those at some stage as well. Any other suggestions? thanks Levente P. S. what is CDO you ask? well, it's OCD, but the letters in the correct order...
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471193
28/01/2014 15:05
28/01/2014 15:05
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 514 Ireland/Bulgaria
Markiz
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 514
Ireland/Bulgaria
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Hello and welcome to the forum Levente! I was just looking at the same ad in donedeal last night. 2 FIAT COUPE 20VT LIMITED EDITION It seems that all the Fiat Coupé`s in Ireland are in co. Wicklow as this is where I bought mine as well. The body on the yellow one that you have your eyes on looks awful clean! But for some reason is missing the LE/Plus body kit? And to me this crowd "CHIPPED BY SUPERCHIPS U.S.A" sound a bit... Seemly there is a company in the UK that is called "Superchips" But when you go on their website this is the results you get 30hp . I would definitely like to see some dyno sheets or some proof... I`m not sure if you can get the Coupé up to 275hp from 220hp with just a chip but some of the forum TITANS will correct me there I`m sure! The Sprinty Blue Coupé in the ad has been for sale for a long, long time... And the last time I`ve seen it it was for sale on its own and was chipped to 260bhp and now its "2.0 20V TURBO 220 CP.STOCK"? Hmmm.. Be wary anyway and before you go and buy anything have a goooood read and this as it helped me a lot when I was buying my Coop. Good luck with the viewing!
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471203
28/01/2014 15:35
28/01/2014 15:35
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81 Ireland
klapanciusz
OP
Reaping the fruits
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OP
Reaping the fruits
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81
Ireland
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Thanks Markiz. That is the car, correct. I had a mechanic to have a look at them, I was hoping he will keep the blue one for himself as a payment for the belt+wp replacement, but after looking at it he wasn't interested. It's not actually the car on the picture, that's just "for illustration" purposes. The car in question is in a shed, and has wine red right wing and bonnet, and the head gasket is blown (thick mayo in the oil).
I'm actually really interested if it's a real plus or not, i. e. it doesn't have the strut brace, but does have the yellow needles in the speedo. And it was bought originally by a Fiat/Alfa garage owner in Kilternan, where I serviced my Alfa before they were closed.
As I said I replace the chip with the original one, I think 200+ bhp is more than enough.
I read that post you linked right after I read the variations of the Coupes on the main page, and tbh I'm scared, first, because I won't have the red key/codecard, and second, what my mechanic will say when he takes the car apart, but I really really want one. So I bought this yellow one, you linked in the ad. Even if it's not a real Plus - btw can anybody tell me if I send over the VIN?
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471226
28/01/2014 17:01
28/01/2014 17:01
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Pondman
Unregistered
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Pondman
Unregistered
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It's a late 6 speed 20vt
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471233
28/01/2014 17:06
28/01/2014 17:06
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Pondman
Unregistered
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Pondman
Unregistered
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It's NOT an LE! As you said, they never made a broom version. It would have been like a polo harliquin inside
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: Countrycruising]
#1471239
28/01/2014 17:15
28/01/2014 17:15
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 514 Ireland/Bulgaria
Markiz
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 514
Ireland/Bulgaria
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Doesn't it say Limited edition cloth seats with " turbo" Just saying Yes it does. But it also says : "LIMITED EDITION 275 CP." And the ad title says "2 FIAT COUPE 20VT LIMITED EDITION" This car is limited in every way!
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471286
28/01/2014 21:20
28/01/2014 21:20
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 853 East Anglia
one4seven
Enjoying the ride
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Enjoying the ride
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 853
East Anglia
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Future proof: Buy a decent silicone coolant hose set, replace every hose. Replace thermostat (its probably stuck open if never been changed). Change cambelt, water pump, auxiliaries, tensioners. Use decent oil (10/40 full syn as a general guide) and change every 4k miles. Keep one eye on oil pressure and water temp at all times (very important Strip it and rust proof everything!! Job done
Ollie
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471289
28/01/2014 21:38
28/01/2014 21:38
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patch234
Unregistered
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patch234
Unregistered
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It's probably a good idea to look through the forum and it's sections. You'll soon get the idea of what we tend to do to Coupe's to help them along.
What you will find is trends, like change cam belt, change oil, change hoses, change turbo. As one4seven outlines.
They are not really unreliable cars. They are very solid actually. But …. if you buy one with very little or no service history, you really should not expect anything other than issues.
Most people sell cars in this price bracket as something has gone wrong and they cannot afford to rectify it … meaning, usually, you, the new owner, discovers this a short time after purchase.
There is a buying guide on the forum - try the search function.
Lastly, good luck. As for that interior, they are sort after, I would tell the guy to leave it in the car, do not swap for leather!!
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471291
28/01/2014 21:57
28/01/2014 21:57
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,886 Auld Reekie
Edinburgh
Club President, member225
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Club President, member225
Forum veteran
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,886
Auld Reekie
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So, after so many posts slaying my future car just because the way the current owner advertised it, let's go back to the original question:
Please accept apologies on behalf of the serial forum slaggers who have nothing better to do than sit in their ivory towers and tell you what or whether your LE Plus or whatever is wherever. Whenever.
BumbleBee carer
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471318
28/01/2014 23:45
28/01/2014 23:45
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81 Ireland
klapanciusz
OP
Reaping the fruits
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OP
Reaping the fruits
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81
Ireland
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Markiz, one4seven and patch234, thanks for your help. As I said belts, waterpump and hoses will be done. About the stripping, I was thinking about it, probably will do it in the next 2-3 year or so, as the current paintjob looks perfect. I will check for the termostat.
About the price, that's not cheap in Ireland, here nobody buys interesting cars, it's all diseasels and hyundais here.
Edinburgh, thank you for showing off those fantastic smileys.
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471373
29/01/2014 11:27
29/01/2014 11:27
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jonofitzer
Unregistered
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jonofitzer
Unregistered
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klapanciusz, glad to hear you got a new coupe. Im located in North Dublin if your ever passing by,
By the way, did the other coupe come with the deal?
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471377
29/01/2014 11:47
29/01/2014 11:47
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81 Ireland
klapanciusz
OP
Reaping the fruits
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OP
Reaping the fruits
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81
Ireland
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The plan was that I give the other car to my mechanic, as a payment for the stuff he's doing on mine, but once he had a look at it (probably blown head gasket) he said no. So, I'm only getting the yellow one, plus the leather seats and the original tailpipe from the blue one.
I took in all the advice I got from you, and I decided to go for it, and make it a real Plus. It already has most of the stuff (wheels, dash, etc) so I think if I get the Plus Recaro seats, mats, strut brace and maybe the steering wheel, I'll be a happy bunny. (I have a very understanding wife).
I was considering buying daihti's and westie's cars before, but I think buying this one and "doing it up" is the best compromise.
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471759
31/01/2014 12:07
31/01/2014 12:07
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DanDan
Unregistered
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DanDan
Unregistered
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The analogue clock sticks are a "press" not "twist" if I recall correctly...
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: one4seven]
#1471768
31/01/2014 13:25
31/01/2014 13:25
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,390 Essex
Trappy
Forum is my life
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Forum is my life
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,390
Essex
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What does "re spray for nct" mean? Bad paintwork can't be a fail surely!! If you saw the state of my car, you might disagree!
F****** b****** thing...
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471796
31/01/2014 15:34
31/01/2014 15:34
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Pigman
Unregistered
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Pigman
Unregistered
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I took in all the advice I got from you, and I decided to go for it, and make it a real Plus.
I hate to be pedantic, but you will never be able to turn it into a Plus. You may make it indistinguishable from a Plus, but it will not have been registered as a Plus from new. If I were you, I would still do it for my own pleasure, but no officionado would ever accept it as a real Plus. To make it indistinguishable from a Plus you would need to replace steering wheel, gear knob and gaiter, handbrake lever and gaiter, door cards as well as all seats. You would also need a crinkle finish red cam cover to go with the red strut brace and you also need red brake calipers all around. Not forgetting the LE body kit (skirts and lips colour coded). Most VT6s already have the white/silver dials, push button start, honeycomb grill, Plus wheels and strut brace. Mine both did and my current Ink black VT6 also has optional Recaros, but not with the Plus red stitching. I considered bringing my Inky VT6 up to Plus spec, but decided that personalizing it might be a better option, so I'm thinking of going with yellow brake calipers and cam cover and fitting a colour coded LE kit. Good idea, yes or no? If you really wanted a proper yellow Plus, you could have bought mine. I still have it, despite Mrs Pigman, but one or other of my Coupés will have to go eventually. Westies yellow Plus was attractive especially at the price, but was a Malaysian import, not a genuine UK car. Wouldn't have mattered to me, but might to some. So, your Broomy Coupé is no doubt a lovely Coupé, but not a Plus and never a Plus. Just saying.
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471807
31/01/2014 15:59
31/01/2014 15:59
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81 Ireland
klapanciusz
OP
Reaping the fruits
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OP
Reaping the fruits
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81
Ireland
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Pigman, I absolutely get that, I don't need the stamp, that I have a Plus, but I like how the Plus looks like. Interesting enough the cam cover is already red, and I really like your idea for the yellow brake calipers, I think I'll do that next time. BTW you forgot to add the luggage net in the boot to the list, I guess that's still available from the dealers? I was looking at Coupes for sale in the last 2-3 years (pistonheads, ebay, donedeal.ie, carzone.ie), and I signed up to the forum about a year ago, when I really made up my mind about the colour and the trim. I don't remember a yellow Plus being up for sale, but the 35% VRT (extra import tax in Ireland) would have killed the idea of buying a car from the UK pretty soon (daihti's car already had an Irish reg). I already did that a few years ago, there were no 3l V6 Alfa 166 for sale in Ireland for years, so I brought one in from the UK, and paid about 3.5k euros as a VRT. Then the government "experts" in the car tax office wanted to register my cas as ALPHA, ffs. So, how hard is to get these parts? Seats, strut braces and the steering wheel. (btw you won't believe it, somebody put two, non-functioning buttons, one red and one green on the airbag, too fast too furious style, so I need a new steering wheel anyway). I already have some body kit on it. DanDan, thanks I'll try it again, I was worried I break something off. have a nice weekend everybody k, the one-day-non-officical-plus-owner
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Re: new FC owner - with CDO
[Re: klapanciusz]
#1471827
31/01/2014 16:51
31/01/2014 16:51
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Pigman
Unregistered
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Pigman
Unregistered
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Sorry, forgot about the cargo net. I've had 2 VT6s and 2 Plusses and all had cargo nets, so I assumed they were standard.
Interesting question about availability of Plus bits, particularly the unique interior. Only the Plus had all the red stitched leather, as far as I know.
If you're looking at UK sourced cars for spares, the numbers don't look too good. According to "Howmanyleft" there were no Plusses registered by Q4 of 1998, which makes sense as it was a new variant of the 20VT put on sale here in 1999. By the end of 1999, 44 had been registered and the peak number of 166 was reported by Q4 of 2001, by which time the car was no longer on sale.
The graph showing registered cars had a slight peak above the 166 line before the end of 2001, so there may have been as many as 170 Plusses registered in the UK, assuming that maybe a handful were written off in the year 2001, but for the purposes of your question, 166 is the relevant number.
As of the third quarter of 2013, 99 of these were still registered on the road and 31 on SORN. Therefore, only 36 UK Plusses have disappeared since the end of 2001 and most of these will have been broken, if any salvage was possible, to provide parts for the remaining Plusses, or upgrades for other Coupés already in existence.
This is why Plus red stitched leather interiors are rarer than hen's teeth in the spares marketplace.
Personally, I would rather see any Plusses that get broken in the future, supplying parts to keep the existing 99 Plusses on the road and not used to make other Coupés look like Plusses.
So, the chance of finding all the bits to make your VT6 look like a real Plus are slim, if you rely on UK sourced cars, but Westies Plus proves that there are other markets that you can look in. Hers was originally registered in Malaysia, but I don't think you're limited to RHD markets, so you could search worldwide.
A simpler, but not necessarily cheap option, might be to get items retrimmed by a good vehicle upholsterer. The only real problem here, is that you still need Recaro style seats as a starting point.
By the way, you're VT6 is most likely more rare than a Plus. I believe that it's possible to show, by analyzing Coupé sales as the car was nearing the end of production, that there were less VT6s sold in the UK, than either Plusses or even LEs.
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