Description
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Engine for Sale: Unleash the Monster Within
Feel the pulse-pounding rush of Italian performance with this 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth engine for sale. A small but mighty powerplant from the mind of Fiat’s legendary tuning house Abarth, this engine transformed the sweet little Fiat 500 into a ferocious street-legal racer. Known for its highly distinctive growling exhaust note that almost belies its small size, the engine packs a wallop that keeps any driving enthusiast in high spirits.
The Abarth-tuned powerplant makes A to B travel an exciting proposition with spirited acceleration and nippy handling. Bring your Abarth back to life, upgrade your 500, or find that special heart for your custom project, this 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth engine for sale delivers just the right mix of performance and character. Whether you’re searching for “2013 fiat 500 engine,” “2013 fiat 500 abarth engine for sale,” “fiat 500 abarth engine for sale,” “fiat abarth engine for sale,” or “2013 fiat 500 abarth engine,” this is the right listing for you.
Engine Overview: 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth 1.4L MultiAir Turbo (FIRE T-Jet)
The 1.4L MultiAir Turbo I4 engine is also known as the FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) T-Jet in some references, and forms the heart of the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth. This pint-sized powerplant lets loose all of Fiat’s engineering ingenuity through its MultiAir technology, generous turbocharger boost, and high-output tuning.
US 500 Abarth specifications:
Displacement: 1.4L (1,368 cc)
HP: 160 HP at 5,500 RPM
Torque: 170 lb-ft at 2,500 RPM (exceptional low-end torque)
Aspiration: IHI RHF3 turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler
Compression: 9.8:1
Valvetrain: DOHC 16 valve with MultiAir variable valve actuation
Fuel: Premium 91 octane minimum, 93 recommended
European Fiat 500 Abarth Esseesse package: up to 180 HP through ECU tune and revised exhaust.
The MultiAir Technology Explained
MultiAir is Fiat’s signature variable valve actuation technology and the defining feature of the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engine. Unlike traditional engines that use a camshaft to control intake valves:
MultiAir replaces the intake camshaft with a sophisticated hydraulic valve actuation system
Electrohydraulic control: The ECU directly controls intake valve timing AND lift independently for each cylinder
Infinite variability: Continuous adjustment of when and how much each intake valve opens
Performance gains: 10-12% more power, 15% more torque, 10% better fuel economy vs traditional valvetrain
Award winning: MultiAir technology won Ward’s 10 Best Engines award
This technology gives the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo its character: strong low-end torque from precise low-RPM valve control combined with revvy upper-RPM power from open-valve timing optimized for boost.
Vehicle Applications
The 1.4 MultiAir Turbo engine powers a range of FCA vehicles:
Key Engineering Features
Inline-4 Configuration: Compact, lightweight, efficient packaging
DOHC with 4 Valves per Cylinder: Modern multi-valve architecture
MultiAir Variable Valve Actuation: Replaces intake camshaft (described above)
IHI RHF3 Turbocharger: Compact, responsive turbocharger with quick boost response
Air-to-Air Intercooler: Front-mounted intercooler reduces intake temperatures
Cast Iron Block: Heavy-duty bottom end for turbocharged operation
Aluminum Cylinder Head: Optimized cooling for high-performance application
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection: Precise fuel metering
Variable Boost Pressure: ECU-controlled wastegate for optimal boost across RPM range
Premium Fuel: 91 octane minimum
The Distinctive Abarth Exhaust Note
Part of the 500 Abarth’s appeal is its signature exhaust note. The factory exhaust is engineered for the characteristic Abarth “growl” , a guttural, raspy exhaust note that belies the engine’s small displacement and makes the 500 Abarth sound like a much larger sports car. Many 500 Abarth owners consider the exhaust note one of the car’s defining features.
Common 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Service Items (Honest Disclosure)
Honest disclosure of known service items:
MultiAir Tappet Wear: The MultiAir system uses unique hydraulic tappets that can wear at high mileage. Symptoms: ticking noise, eventually rough running. Service: replace MultiAir module (hydraulic actuator unit). Cost: $1,500-3,500 depending on shop , most expensive service item on this engine.
Oil Sensitivity: The MultiAir system is HIGHLY sensitive to oil quality and viscosity. Must use 5W-40 full synthetic oil meeting Fiat 9.55535-S2 specification. Wrong oil damages MultiAir tappets quickly.
Turbocharger Wear: IHI RHF3 turbocharger has a finite service life. At high mileage (120,000+ miles), turbo bearings can develop play causing whine and eventually oil consumption. Cost: $800-1,500 for turbo replacement.
Carbon Buildup: Direct injection-style fuel delivery (despite being multi-port on most variants) can lead to carbon buildup on intake valves. Walnut blasting service at 80,000-100,000 miles.
PCV Valve Issues: Failed PCV valve can cause oil consumption and turbo seal failures.
Intercooler Hose Failures: Plastic intercooler hoses develop cracks at high mileage.
Thermostat Failures: At high mileage, the thermostat housing can crack.
Spark Plug Service: Iridium plugs every 30,000-40,000 miles for best performance.
Oil Recommendation (CRITICAL):
Specification: Fiat 9.55535-S2 or equivalent (Mopar approved)
Viscosity: 5W-40 full synthetic
Brands: Selenia (Fiat OEM), Mobil 1 ESP, Castrol Edge Professional Long Life
Interval: Every 5,000-6,000 miles, more frequent for severe service
Do NOT use: Conventional oil, 5W-30, or non-spec synthetic , will damage MultiAir tappets
Why Choose a Used 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Engine?
Cost savings vs reman ($1,899 used vs $3,500-$5,500 reman plus core)
Direct OEM fit for 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth and broader 2012-2019 US production
Cross-platform compatibility , also fits 500L, 500X, Dodge Dart, Fiat Punto Abarth, Alfa MiTo
Engine swap potential , 1.4 MultiAir is sometimes swapped into other vehicles
Character , the engine’s distinct power delivery and exhaust note are unique
Strong aftermarket , ECU tunes, exhaust, intake parts widely available for upgrades
Here at Vaz Auto Solutions, you’ll find this 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth engine for sale at the most reasonable price possible, with all 4 cylinders compression tested, MultiAir tappet condition assessed (critical service item), turbocharger condition verified, intercooler inspected, and donor vehicle documented.
Ryan Mitchell (verified owner) –
Got the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth engine from Vaz Auto Solutions. It’s decent and adds a bit more power to my car, but it’s not a night-and-day difference. It runs reliably and does the job, though it didn’t make as big an impact as I was hoping. Good value for the price, but not spectacular
Chris Johnson (verified owner) –
The 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth engine from Vaz Auto Solutions is a powerhouse in a compact package! The turbocharged performance is incredibly peppy and fun. The engine provides a thrilling drive with impressive responsiveness and a sporty growl. This upgrade has made my Fiat feel like a little racing car. Absolutely thrilled with it!