Imported a high-quality downpipe for my Abarth Punto: 53,000 km update

I feel that the mid-range grunt of the car has improved. The vehicle feels more addictive with more consistent torque delivery throughout the torque band.

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Update | 5.4 years | 53500 kms | Stage 2

I always like to add things patiently and slowly, so as to keep interest in the car. Since this car is meant to be kept for a long time, maintenance, periodic replacement of parts and incremental upgrades is the best way to not get bored of it.

Changing the brakes

The car crossed 51,500 kms and the factory discs were nearing the end of their life, of course, this is not a car to be driven with light foot so it's always better to check and perform designated replacements along with pads. Replaced all 4 discs with OE replacement Brembo rotors (INR 12,500) and EBC Yellow stuff pads (INR 20k). Still feel this is the best balanced combination for my car.

Changing the tyres:

The earlier Pilot Sport 4s too were beginning to deteriorate so replaced them with a new set of PS4s (freshly available now) of 205/55 R16 size. Not cheap though at INR 11.4k/tyre.

Service with fluids change:

52,500 kms service was performed at Landmark, Okhla. Changed the oil (Selenia K), all filters (except air), brake oil, transmission oil with brakes being bled and serviced after my recent trip.

Going for Stage 2:

For a long time, I have been doing research on the pros and cons of adding a catless downpipe. Since all my parts on the car are international branded which are certified for this very car and platform, I had to take the same route with the downpipe. This was anyways my first car and first experiment with adding a catless downpipe, so TMC Motorsport UK launched their downpipe for IHI 60mm turbo (2.25" diameter) back in December 2023. Their appearance, build and overall quality looked top-class, so ordered the same in the beginning of April.

The parcel came, and here was what it looked like: Quality does come at a price, which costed approx INR 34k (cost of DP+shipping+duties).

Impressed with the high quality of construction of T304 grade SS, with proper weld marks and excellent finish, this was just what I was looking for. Installation was done at Fiat FNG (Jhalak) and it took 2 hours to do a neat installation by the mechs. As expected, this is a reversible bolt-on mod.

The OE heat shield (bottom one) cannot be fitted as there is no provision so I had to go with Kool Wraps Australia Sourced Heat wrapping strip (Photo below)

As expected, the O2 sensor error (P0420-CEL) appeared after 50 kms of driving, and I got it cleared by the scanner, though a proper map update by Wolf Moto is pending which will be done once they arrive next in Delhi.

I got coolant changed as well since summers are at their peak also.

Initial Impressions

The ECU took time to adapt to the DP and altered O2 parameters, once it adapted, the mid range grunt of the car improved, and the car felt more addictive with more consistent torque delivery throughout the torque band. Already the car was never meant to be driven with light foot, this will further add to the addiction. Haven't seen much difference in FE, have to do proper logging in days to come for this.

I think overall the car feels more complete, just like what it should be, not gunning for just straight line acceleration and numbers, but better driveability, torque, and catalogued high-quality build.

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