Top Performance Mods for the FIAT 500 ABARTH
More power. Sharper response. Better sound. Better handling. These are some of our favorite upgrades for transforming the FIAT 500 ABARTH without taking away what makes the scorpion so addictive to drive.
The FIAT 500 ABARTH is already a fun car. These mods take it further with more power, sharper response, better sound, better handling, and a driving feel that is genuinely addictive. Every mod on this list is available through 500 MADNESS.
What is the easiest performance mod for a FIAT 500 ABARTH? The MADNESS GOPedal Plus. It is plug and play, makes no permanent modifications, and ships with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Here is the full list, in the order we would recommend installing them.
MADNESS GOPedal Plus
What is the easiest performance mod for a FIAT 500 ABARTH? The MADNESS GOPedal Plus. It is the mod thousands of FIAT and ABARTH owners start with, and for good reason.
It is plug and play with no permanent modifications, no cutting, and no splicing. Just connect it and go. The MADNESS GOPedal Plus comes with app control, letting you dial in throttle response exactly how you like it.
The hardware is engineered and manufactured in Germany and the system is tested and tuned by our own team.
Thousands sold. Thousands of happy drivers. And because we are confident you will love it, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
MADNESS MAXBoost Engine Module
What is the best engine module for a FIAT 500 ABARTH? The MADNESS MAXBoost, our newest-generation engine control module.
MAXBoost is designed to deliver a significant increase in power and torque while retaining smooth, everyday drivability. Installation is plug and play and requires no permanent modifications to the vehicle.
It is the upgrade that takes the FIAT 500 ABARTH from lively to genuinely quick while maintaining the balance we look for in a street-driven performance car.
MADNESS Sport & Sport Plus Lowering Springs
Do lowering springs improve handling on a FIAT 500 ABARTH? Yes. Dramatically.
MADNESS offers two distinct lowering spring sets for the FIAT 500 ABARTH, both designed specifically for the chassis and manufactured in Germany.
MADNESS Sport Lowering Springs
The milder of the two. On a FIAT 500 ABARTH the Sport set delivers an approximate drop of .7". You get a tighter stance and sharper turn-in without a harsh daily ride.
MADNESS Sport Plus Lowering Springs
The more aggressive option. On a FIAT 500 ABARTH the Sport Plus set delivers an approximate drop of 1" in the front and 1.5" in the rear.
You get a lower center of gravity, a more planted look, and a sportier feel while still remaining usable on the street.
MADNESS MAXFlow Closed Air Intake
What is the best closed air intake for a FIAT 500 ABARTH? The MADNESS MAXFlow.
Unlike a simple open-element filter sitting inside a hot engine bay, MAXFlow uses a sealed intake system designed specifically for the 1.4L MultiAir turbo FIAT 500 ABARTH.
At the heart of the system is a BMC Italian filtration system. The result is improved airflow, excellent filtration, reusable filter media, and a more purposeful induction sound.
MADNESS Front Mount Intercooler
Why add a front mount intercooler to a FIAT 500 ABARTH? Because cooler intake air helps the engine maintain performance, especially during hot weather and repeated hard use.
The MADNESS Front Mount Intercooler uses a bar-and-plate design built specifically for the 1.4L MultiAir turbo FIAT 500.
A larger core and more efficient routing help reduce heat soak, lower inlet temperatures, and improve consistency on a tuned car.
Turbo Actuator: Forge or Turbosmart
What turbo actuator upgrades work on a FIAT 500 ABARTH? Two proven choices are available from Forge Motorsport and Turbosmart.
The wastegate actuator plays an important role in controlling turbo boost. An upgraded actuator can provide more precise boost control and is an excellent supporting modification for a tuned FIAT 500 ABARTH.
MADNESS Autoworks Performance Exhaust
What is the best performance exhaust for a FIAT 500 ABARTH? The MADNESS Autoworks system gives you two distinct choices: Lusso and Monza.
Lusso is the more refined choice, with a specially tuned, resonated exhaust note that remains polished during daily driving.
Monza is the more open and aggressive option. It is louder, rawer, and designed for owners who want the exhaust note to become a much bigger part of the driving experience.
Titanium Turbo Thermal Blanket
What does a titanium turbo blanket do on a FIAT 500 ABARTH? It helps contain the extreme heat generated by the turbocharger.
Heat management matters on any turbocharged car, and the ABARTH's tight engine bay makes it especially important.
A thermal blanket reduces radiant engine-bay heat and helps protect nearby wiring, hoses, fittings, and other components.
High Performance Ignition Coils
Do performance ignition components help a modified FIAT 500 ABARTH? A healthy, consistent ignition system becomes increasingly important as boost and cylinder pressures increase.
MADNESS MAXFire High Performance Ignition Coils
MAXFire is one of our most popular upgraded coil sets for the 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine. It is a direct-replacement four-pack designed for stronger and more consistent spark delivery.
Corsa Forza Performance Pulse Pro Ignition Coils
Pulse Pro offers another high-performance direct-replacement option for the same 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine, with improved spark delivery under load.
MADNESS Adjustable Short Shifter & SILA Concepts Shift Knob
Does a short shifter change how a FIAT 500 ABARTH feels? Yes. It is one of those upgrades you notice on every drive.
The MADNESS Adjustable Short Shifter Kit is designed specifically for the FIAT 500. It reduces shift travel and lets you tune the shifter position to suit your preference.
Pair it with a SILA Concepts gear shift knob for a more precise and satisfying shift action and a better feel in the hand.
The MADNESS Approach: Power Without the Risk
Here is the thing about modifying a car: it is easy to go too far.
Push a setup beyond what the rest of the vehicle can comfortably support and you can trade everyday reliability for a number on a dyno sheet. That is not what we are about.
The goal with these mods is not to squeeze every last horsepower out of the FIAT 500 ABARTH. It is to improve performance, handling, response, sound, and the overall driving experience while keeping the car enjoyable and dependable.
Depending on the exact combination of modifications, fuel, vehicle condition, and tuning, gains can reach roughly 20–30% more power.
The FIAT 500 ABARTH is a fantastic driver's car. The point is simple: keep it fun, make it faster, sharpen the experience, and build a car you genuinely look forward to driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best performance mods for a FIAT 500 ABARTH?
Popular upgrades include the MADNESS GOPedal Plus, MAXBoost, Sport or Sport Plus lowering springs, MAXFlow intake, front mount intercooler, Forge or Turbosmart actuator, MADNESS performance exhaust, titanium turbo blanket, upgraded ignition coils, and the MADNESS adjustable short shifter.
How much power can these mods add to a FIAT 500 ABARTH?
Results depend on the exact combination of modifications, fuel, tuning, vehicle condition, and supporting hardware. With the right setup, gains in the 20–30% range are possible.
Are these FIAT 500 ABARTH mods reversible?
Many of them are. GOPedal Plus and MAXBoost are plug-in upgrades, while the springs, intake, intercooler, actuator, exhaust, thermal blanket, ignition components, and shifter are bolt-on or direct-replacement modifications.
What is the difference between Sport and Sport Plus springs?
Sport is the milder drop at roughly .7" on a FIAT 500 ABARTH. Sport Plus is more aggressive, lowering the car approximately 1" in front and 1.5" in the rear.
What is the difference between MAXFire and Pulse Pro coils?
Both are upgraded direct-replacement ignition coil sets for the 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine. MAXFire is the MADNESS option, while Pulse Pro is the Corsa Forza Performance alternative.
What is the difference between Lusso and Monza exhaust?
Lusso is the more refined and resonated system. Monza is the more open and aggressive option for owners who want a louder, rawer exhaust note.
Where can I buy FIAT 500 ABARTH performance parts?
These upgrades and many additional FIAT 500 ABARTH parts are available from 500 MADNESS .
Do these parts come with a warranty?
Warranty coverage varies by product and manufacturer. MAXBoost currently carries a 2-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee. Corsa Forza Pulse Pro coils carry a 5-year warranty. Check each product page for current warranty terms.
Ready to Upgrade Your FIAT 500 ABARTH?
Browse our full selection of FIAT 500 performance parts and build your ABARTH your way.
Shop FIAT 500 Performance Upgrades