The hunt is on chaps, I just dont think I can bring myself to spend over 2k on the esseesse when proven aftermarket TUV compliant stuff is already on the market.

See here:

http://www.scorpiontuning.it/index.php?&set=218&dom_id=&dom_sld=scorpiontuning&dom_tld=it&no_tags=1&sito_gratis=&sito=&local_page=catalogoprodotti

and their ebay store:

http://stores.ebay.it/Scorpiontuning-Italy

Seems like they have a reversable ECU piggy back management taking the 135 up to 165bhp and an aftermarket turbo/intercooler with anything between 195-265 bhp!

I have emailed them for prices and info, lets wait and see!   

Steinbauer also do a piggyback unit and they have a distributor in England but it is a lot more expensive                                                                                                      http://www.steinbauer.cc/neu/index.php?car_engine=19730

no problem.
 I am sure I have seen eibach lower springs for the abarth 500 but I cannot find the site.

I bet by the end of the year someone will bring out a stainless performance exhaust and drilled or slotted discs as well as performance pads.
 Who needs an esseesse kit when you can pick and choose, and save money.

265HP in a 500  holly **** thats going to be some fun, also lsd for it too 

.....boy i cant wait till i can get one in this country!

Quote from: tony401195 on January 10, 2009, 11:10:08 am

I bet by the end of the year someone will bring out a stainless performance exhaust and drilled or slotted discs as well as performance pads.
 Who needs an esseesse kit when you can pick and choose, and save money.

Well, thats my thinking too - especially as the availability of the SS kit is poor/non - existant.

There's no issue over Esseesse Kit availability in the U.K. as far as I'm aware. I still think that when you look at the content of the factory kit, including the wheels and tyres, springs and re-flash it's decent value. I suppose you also have to ask yourself what your warranty is worth too.....

I understand the issue about the kit being all or nothing. The problem is that Abarth, in my opinion, are trying to do right by their customers in that once the kit is fitted the V5 logbook will be changed so that the car can be identified as a genuine Esseesse. This in turn is intended to improve residuals for those who opt to have the Esseesse kit fitted, but to do manage this it has to be an all or nothing. There's nothing to stop someone from buying the Esseesse kit and requesting the wheels or some other detail not be changed. After all its your car, but you probably wouldn't want to.........

....the wheels/brakes/suspension are of negligable value to me.

I wonder if the insurance companies will take the same view?