Today whilst taking an enthusiastic drive in the RS I blurted this out... "I hate to say this Trish but this car is better than the Coupé in almost every way"

Initially this statement seems really harsh, kind of like taking a pee on all my happy Coupé memories. But it really isn't that simple. I absolutely loved my Coupé and I am sure for the rest of my days the Coupé will stand as the best bang for buck car of my life. When I bought my Coupé it was a modern stylish 2+2 Coupé and was almost as good as the best car I had ever owned at that point - the Audi Quattro. I didn't have the Quattro long. It was hideously expensive to buy, run and almost impossible, for a young fellow, to insure so it had to go, replaced by a watered down Coupé Quattro. The little Fiat Coupé gave me almost everything the old Quattro had but brought stunning Italian (American) design flair to the party.

I kept the Fiat far longer than I initially expected and often said I would keep it forever. Sadly as we both aged I realised I didn't really want a classic and with Audi sticking a Turbo charged 5 cylinder back in the mix it was kind of written that I would make an Audi return.

So back to my statement. "Better... ...in almost every way" Let's not forget I'm comparing a car with probably one of the best engines of recent years, up to the minute tech, an amazing chassis and a hideous price point, to a 20 year old Fiat Coupé. My old Quattro was fabulous but surprisingly a little Fiat was, for me, better in many ways. It has then taken a car as epic as the TTRS to better the Fiat. Sadly I don't ever see Fiat doing anything like the Coupé again. I seriously doubt that in 15 - 20 years time some chap is going to be buying a fast Fiat that is offering a fabulous soundtrack wrapped up in a stunning and unusual Coupé body

Was quieter than last year with both cars and visitors, the lack of cars was a bit disappointing but fewer people was nice. Got to have a little wander around and the weather was decent.

Thanks for all of your comments!

1st_things_1st : I've cleaned the ICV and the software that I use (DnEcuDiag) has an actuator test routine for the ICV. With the ICV taken off the throttle body I can see the valve fully open and fully close on command.

The ICV does sit slightly open when the engine is off. Does anyone know if this is correct? I assume it is, as some kind a fail safe.

french_coupe : I'm thinking more and more that this must be a vacuum leak. I have looked everywhere and I can't see one. I have also tried propane gas (and carb cleaner) to see if I can get a brief increase in revs if the gas / fluid finds a split, but nothing.

Master_Mariner : The car had been sitting for 8 months with some fuel in the tank, but it has since been filled and I have use about 3/4 of that tank.

I have just done a fuel flow test to try to be sure that there isn't anything restricting the flow of fuel to the rail. I disconnected the fuel supply tube at the rail and popped it into a large glass jar. With the fuel pump relay removed (and the lambda probe disconnected as they run off the same relay) I pushed a wire into each relay socket contact with a switch at the other end of the wire placed in the engine bay. I then ran the pump for 5 seconds and the jar filled with 1/3 litre of fuel (~240 l/hr). I think that the minimum flow rate is 110 l/hr, so I'm happy that the fuel supply is good.
I also stood all 5 injectors, still attached, in jam jars and cranked the engine. All 5 group fired at first and when cranking they sprayed the same pattern and the same amount of fuel into each jar.

So my next step is to find a local garage that can do a vacuum / smoke test on the intake. I'll get there eventually...

Just another idea to chase.

I dimly remember someone somewhere having similar issues. And the source of all of it was water in the fuel!

If you can't find a split pipe/spilt doughnuts on the inlet manifold - how old's your fuel? Is our car kept outside/had any change of the fuel becoming corrupted?

Also - just check all your main earthing points are still earthing well..

Regards

Feels like the appropriate time to wish everyone that is going (UK Members and our Coupe Friends in Europe) a fantastic, happy and above all safe trip to Italia!

I am absolutely gutted not to be able to attend this event - due to a pre-standing family commitment over - I could almost taste the ice cold Italian beer...!

With best wishes to all that attend I hope last minute fettling of our cars goes well and you simply have a fantastic time with your coupes doing what they were designed to do -driving quickly in the Italian sunshine, with no air con! I and I am sure all of us are looking forward to hearing all of your adventures!!

Bon Voyage to all!!

An envious MM

VIS glove compartment? Under seat?

Nice project,hopefully will be alive one day. Do you think stock 2.0 16v internals can handle 0.4-0.6 bars if I lower the CR,to around 9:1 ?

Hope you find it Joe...have a great trip.

Thanks, just replied to your last email, looking forward to meeting you on the 14th

I was going to do this with my 131, a 2l 8V. I've got an M45 from a Mercedes, mounted above the oil filter and below the inlet manifold. I was going to use Croma turbo NOS pistons, H beam rods, a Fiat Tempra inlet manifold with 340cc injectors and a megasquirt ECU. I collected all the bits, fabricated the mounts, built the ECU but never got around to putting it all together.

Greetings, does anyone have any expiriences supercharging NA versions of the coupe? I have 16v one and I plan to refresh it in a month or two,but I am also interested in supercharging for a while since it is almost just a bolt on job.What do I need to do get the engine ready for it? I planned to use a simple mechanical roots type,maybe eaton m45 and didn't plan to run too much boost,maybe around 0.4-0.6bars,just to make the car feel more alive. Would a remap and pistons+fuel injectors from 16vt be enough for it to run reliable?