After almost a year looking for one, finally found my ideal vRS: it's a 2008 TFSI, 80.000km and looks to be in great shape. I've checked the car myself, in a garage and by VIN number, everything checks out. So, I'll probably get it tomorrow and I'm already thinking of things to do so it's *perfect*

Here's my list so far, with some questions where your input would be greatly appreciated:

1. Timing belt (it's more than 4 years old, so I guess it's time). What parts though? The belt itself should be conti I guess, but what about the water pump? Is there a "good" one that I should most definitely get?

2. Oil - reading on the forum it looks like Castrol Edge 5w-30 is the way to go, right?

3. Cam follower - I'd change just to be safe. Anyone got the part number handy?

4. The seller is also giving me a brand new set of Eibach -20mm springs. From what I read, they should be pretty good. Can I just go ahead and put them on or should I worry about shocks also?

5. Filters - pollen, air, petrol. Are there more? :p

Is there anything else I'm missing?

Thanks a lot (and pictures coming)

Personally, with that mileage I'd fit some bilstein b8 dampers when you put your springs on.

1,2,3+5. Timing belt - yes after 4 years is the recommended time, make sure you use a genuine kit, there was a revised water pump that had metal bits instead of plastic, do this at the same time, Oil, yes Edge 5w30 is good. Cam follower yo umay as well while you are at it part no is/was 06D 109 309 C, TBH if it was me, I would take the car to a good independant and they will do all this in one go as part of a major service.

4. I fitted Eibachs to my last Octavia at approx 70K and the shocks where dead less than a year later, didnt regret it though, they make a nice difference to the car, just be prepared to replace shocks if you do fit the Eibach, or as Rob has pointed out, fit some dampers with them!

hope that helps.

2. Oil - reading on the forum it looks like Castrol Edge 5w-30 is the way to go, right?

Yep that's the stuff.

Has the car got a good set of tyres on?

Thanks, great feedback so far

The tyres are Dunlop SP Sport Maxx if I remember correctly, in pretty good shape.

Forgot to mention: Revo Stage 1 remap is also planned

Thanks, great feedback so far

The tyres are Dunlop SP Sport Maxx if I remember correctly, in pretty good shape.

Forgot to mention: Revo Stage 1 remap is also planned

I would look at getting the tyres changed mate. When I bought mine 2 months ago, they had Conti Sport 5's on the front and those ones above on the back.

I had to change the conti sport 5's straight away as they were worn, so changed them for the Goodyear Eagle F1 AS2's. I've still got those tyres above on the back 2 and will be changing them for the AS2's as soon as I can, as the grip levels are pretty poor from them. They are noticeable bad in the wet.

If you look they are very poorly rated on the tyrereviews website - 5th worst rated and lots of reviews!

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyres_For/Skoda/Octavia-vRS.htm

It's difficult to warrant changing them when they have a fair bit of grip left, but a good set of tyres will transform the car. Ultimately it's up to you, but I would recommend upgrading them

Thanks, great feedback so far

The tyres are Dunlop SP Sport Maxx if I remember correctly, in pretty good shape.

Forgot to mention: Revo Stage 1 remap is also planned

one i forgot to mention - get a geometry check. lots of these cars especially after a few years old go out of line. having the geometry set correctly can transform a car - i'd guess if you're adding springs you'd prob do that anyway but just thought i'd mention it..

And a hastily grabbed picture...

http://imgbucket.net/images/4007586238.jpg

And a hastily grabbed picture...

http://imgbucket.net/images/4007586238.jpg

Can't see the pic?

Hmm strange, for me it works fine :(

I tried to upload it as part of the post, but I get "this upload failed"...

I can't see it either.

Ok, next try: http://imgur.com/Z1wT0oB

I've also two more questions in the meantime:

1. As part of the service, should I also clean the throttle body? On my previous 1.8Ts it made quite a big difference in smoothness if cleaned every 25k or so.

2. I looked under the hood today and saw a bit of oil seeping on the driver's side of the engine. Cam cover maybe? Common thing?

Edited 16 May, 201313 yr by jmf

I like those alloys, looks smart!

To add to my list above:

- Get my vRS fixed!!

- Laser Allignment (hunter hopefully)

I'll second the wheel alignment, makes a noticeable improvement & you know the tyres should wear evenly also especially if you look after your pressures & try not corner roundabouts like your Mr Hamilton. I got mine mapped 8 weeks ago & I love it.

I'll second the wheel alignment, makes a noticeable improvement & you know the tyres should wear evenly also especially if you look after your pressures & try not corner roundabouts like your Mr Hamilton. I got mine mapped 8 weeks ago & I love it.

Yeh I've heard it's a great thing to get done, so going for it soon.

Quick question - I've got to get my Front Control Bushes & Front Brakes replaced on my Octavia vRS soon, should I be getting this done before getting a laser allignment?

Looks good. Are those superb wheels? look similar if they are not..

oh, and yes - if your'e replacing bushes, do that first, then do alignment. brakes won't make any difference before or after.

HTH

oh, and yes - if your'e replacing bushes, do that first, then do alignment. brakes won't make any difference before or after.

HTH

Awesome thanks mate

Yea, they are superb wheels.

Did the checklist:

- Conti belt

- Ina rollers

- Hepu pump (metal impeller)

- Filters (the oil filter *looked* like it was never changed, it literally crumbled in the mechanic's hand)

- Springs

- Cam follower (wasn't looking too bad at 80k km, I do have a picture but am not allowed to upload images for whatever reason)

Unfortunately forgot to take care of the small oil leak, it's not the cam cover gasket as engine is dry, it's just on the driver's side. Mechanic told me it's a common fault and easily fixable, but we both forgot about it

Next steps:

- forge quick-shifter

- revo stage 1

- (probably?) a new DV?

Still looking for an answer to my throttle body question: does it usually need a clean like on the 1.8Ts?

Thanks all for the answers!

Edited 2 June, 201313 yr by jmf

Still looking for an answer to my throttle body question: does it usually need a clean like on the 1.8Ts?

cleaned my throttle body this weekend and difference was amazing a lot smoother at lower revs

Things to do on my Blackline:

Clean it regularly

Drive it

Enjoy it.

cleaned my throttle body this weekend and difference was amazing a lot smoother at lower revs

Thanks for the answer. Is there a diy guide for it somewhere?

Cleaned the throttle body. A bit of a PITA to get it off as the screws are on the underside. It was pretty dirty, but tbh I can't feel any noticeable difference in smoothness after the job (did the adaptation too of course).

- Look into potential Aircon unit problem.. could be compressor :(

- Tempted by a Stage 1 remap

- Look into potential Aircon unit problem.. could be compressor :(

 

 

You could look at this for breaking parts:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/286286-breaking-mk2-octavia-20tdi-bkd-elegance-candy-white

 

The compressor new isn't cheap! Had one replaced under warranty on my last Octy, and it was around £600.