Hi I'm seriously considering purchasing a 2005 VRS for £6995, I'd appreciate if anyone could tell me when the cambelt change is due on these cars and how much it costs. Is it possible to fit a dump valve?, would there be a gain in BHP? Also how reliable are the turbos and generally what is the average MPG?

Cheers

Hi,

Cambelt is every 4 years or 60k (I do beleive they may have now changed it to 40k)

I have only had mine 2 weeks and love it to bits. It's good for nukin chavs in saxos at the lights because they see Skoda badge and think its cr*p !! . They soon disapear in the rear view mirror.

You can fit a dump valve to these but not sure of the BHP increase if any at all, If your after increasing the BHP then a re-map is our first port of call.

The dump valves are worth fitting if you have a remap, as the original plastic valve won't last too long with the extra boost pressure produced by the map. Have a look at the Forge dump valves, thats what most people on here have got. If you're doing it for the sound you'll need to get a cold air intake fitted to be able to hear the Pssssshhttt clearly.

Mpg varies between 28mpg (spirited or contstant in town driving) up to 37/38 mpg on long motorway cruises

The turbos should be reliable, there is no turbo timer so just make sure you let it warm up before driving and let it cool down for a minute or two after giving it some stick. If you ever need a turbo replaced / reconditioned they are used on all sorts of other VAG group cars (Golf GTi, Seat Leon, Audi A3 etc.) so I expect they aren't that expensive.

Dump Valve wont increase your bhp at all. As it has been said you wont hear the dump valve unless your have a CAI because its not an atmospheric dump valve. ie the air is not released into the engine bay it is vented back into the intake system.

Forge or Bailey offer two very similar valves that are a direct replacement for the OEM bosch valve.

I would imagine the turbos are very reliable, there are plenty of members who have seen way past 100,000 miles with no turbo problems to speak of. Plus the 1.8 20v is such a common engine getting a spare should be fairly cheap and easy should something go wrong.

For the running costs, click here

I have a 54 VRs, with 58k on clock, in last 15 months ive done 32k miles and always average about 33mpg.

I had a remap and cambelt change at Impossible performance about 6k miles ago the cambelt was about £300 and remap the same. No decrease in fuel consumption is apparent and its now even quicker.

I have found it very reliable only front wheel bearing needed replacing the other week.

Great car for plodding around in and fantastic for a blast!