Hi, thought I'd introduce myself, I currently have a Golf Mk4 GTI 1.8T and should soon be getting a 1.8T 4x4 Octavia Estate.

I'm getting it in black and intend to have the following done on collection: 18" Oettinger RE wheels, Brembo front brakes, R32 rear brakes, Revo 4bar. I also intend to fit an R32 steering wheel asap (just need to source a matching 3 spoke airbag) as I'm not keen on the plastic 4 spoke item.

I would also like to replace the black centre console trim with the vRS type, has anyone on here done this? If so any tips and part no's would be appreciated.

Are there any mods that are particularly popular which I should consider?

Welcome from another 4x4 owner

As for Mods, add KW Suspension to the list & if you lower the car you will need adjustable bottom members for the rear suspension or the Camber will be somewhat excesive, they come from Forge Motorsport for a silly price !!

Rather than revo have you looked at other options & a purpose remap ??

Hi Eddy,

Welcome to Briskoda

Sounds like you have quite a list of mods already, though I'm sure others will be able to suggest more.

Welcome on board.. a rare thing amongst the "I'm new and buying an RS" posts!

Welcome from another 4x4 owner

As for Mods' date=' add KW Suspension to the list & if you lower the car you will need adjustable bottom members for the rear suspension or the Camber will be somewhat excesive, they come from Forge Motorsport for a silly price !!

Rather than revo have you looked at other options & a purpose remap ??[/quote']

Thanks for the welcomes!

I have Bilstein PSS9's on the Golf so coilovers are a definete. At what sort of drop do the adjustable tiebars become necessary and are these the ones?: Forge Tiebars

I've had both Amd and Jabba on my Golf and wasn't totally happy, I've driven cars with Revo and been impressed, I can also get Revo setup on a more local RR.

Hello, I'm a fellow 4x4 Estate owner too! You raise some interesting points there, I must admit I don't care much for the steering wheel or centre console, would be interested in hearing how you get on. I would also be interested in hearing your opinions on different remaps, maybe by pm though.

New or secondhand, and do you have access to a mod-friendly dealer? Sounds like it will be quite a beast when fully modded.

I'm going for a low mileage used, not sure it's worth buying new given my modding habit. I don't think it will ever be fully modded but I hope it will be a beast!

Welcome Eddy

Hi Mob, fancy seeing you here!

Welcome - and here's a look at what a three-spoke leather steering wheel looks like in a 4x4...

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jotero/dutch4x4-17.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jotero/dutch4x4-19.jpg

Not sure about your idea of changing the center console if you keep the standard seats - would they match?

Thanks for the welcomes!

I have Bilstein PSS9's on the Golf so coilovers are a definete. At what sort of drop do the adjustable tiebars become necessary and are these the ones?: Forge Tiebars.

Yep, Thems the ones, They have an inch thread, not 24MM so I am convinced they are probably of American manufacture, might be worth trawling the net for a cheaper source as they are IMO a tadge pricey from Forge.

I lowered mine to what I gauged as RS level, didnt want it too low as I use it hard & didnt want to ground it (still managed it a few times). If you go this low I think you will need them, cornering was good on std bars but I wore the inside of the tyres quite badly on the straight bits, I put new tyres on for the Cannonball & the insides were noticably worn by the end.

If you want someone to set up the geometry try Powerstation in Cheltenham, they have done my Octy & also the Scoob before & managed with the Octy to reduce the understeer, Ok I think its about

Welcome.

Welcome - and here's a look at what a three-spoke leather steering wheel looks like in a 4x4...

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jotero/dutch4x4-17.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jotero/dutch4x4-19.jpg

Not sure about your idea of changing the center console if you keep the standard seats - would they match?

Thanks' date=' do you know if the airbag badge can be replaced as I can only get a VW badged one at a decent price.

I would prefer brushed ali console trim like in my golf but I don't want to use stick on stuff. Is the dash trim different in any other models such as L&K or WRC or is the vRS the only option over black plastic? I'll probably be changing the seats at some point for something more supportive.

Yep, Thems the ones, They have an inch thread, not 24MM so I am convinced they are probably of American manufacture, might be worth trawling the net for a cheaper source as they are IMO a tadge pricey from Forge.

I lowered mine to what I gauged as RS level, didnt want it too low as I use it hard & didnt want to ground it (still managed it a few times). If you go this low I think you will need them, cornering was good on std bars but I wore the inside of the tyres quite badly on the straight bits, I put new tyres on for the Cannonball & the insides were noticably worn by the end.

If you want someone to set up the geometry try Powerstation in Cheltenham, they have done my Octy & also the Scoob before & managed with the Octy to reduce the understeer, Ok I think its about

Are the standard tiebars considerably different to the R32/TT/S3 as these are all considerably lower as standard?

Absolutely no idea, TT is a wider track so almost certainly different, not sure about the R32 or A3 might be worth getting a set of s/hand ones off an R32 if track is similar or find a friendly R32 owner & have a measure, I can let you know in a couple of weeks how similar the suspension is as Im trying to fit R32 anti roll bars., but whatever you choose will have no adjustment so you are still stuck with factory type settings

Also suggest you try the TT forums, I know they are all loaded but as these are such a silly price (remember its + vat + carriage) somebody might have researched a cheaper option

Re Interior, the seats from any Vag car that shares the same floor pan stand a good chance of fitting, R32/S3 maybe!

For the interior Golf/Bora/Leon/Toledeo are all ok A3/S3 are no good as the rear bench is smaller.

Have you got the forge tiebars for the TT/S3?

Have you got the forge tiebars for the TT/S3?

Yes, hated paying the price but needed something in a hurry, my Gripe was I paid from memory about 800 for the complete KW suspension then a further 293+carriage for a copuple of tie bars that someone had cut in half & welded some nuts & thread into, didnt seem quite right some how, still it was cheaper than replacing tyres

Only alternatives I can find is AMD as mentioned and a place in the US and costs $385 + shipping + tax etc..

I'll let you know what I go for.

As the 4x4 is higher than standard than the likes of the TT and R32 would it be possible to use the tiebars from one of those if only going for a mild height reduction?

BTW my Golf sold on ebay last night and the buyer wants to collect asap so hopefully not too long until I can collect the 4x4!

As the 4x4 is higher than standard than the likes of the TT and R32 would it be possible to use the tiebars from one of those if only going for a mild height reduction?

TT I would guess not as track is different, Other than that I have no idea, I have a set of std ones you can have if you can find an Engineering company to make some adjustable ones for you

I've fitted just springs for now with only a small drop. After 4 wheel laser alignment the camber is -2.08* and -2.38*. Is this gonna cause excessive wear or should it be ok for now?

Front camber should be -16'

Front camber should be -16'

I think I'll just get some of the forge Tiebars anyway in preperation for when I get the coilovers. Car should be ready for collection tomorrow as it's currently having a few more bits done; vRS front bumper and 4bar Revo.

I'll post up some pics once I have it.

Picked up my new car yesterday, it's a Skoda Octavia Estate 1.8T 4x4.

Mods so far include: vRS front bumper, headlamp eyebrows, aero wipers, smoked badges, 18" Oettinger RE's, R-line pedals, R-line gearknob, R-line mats, Revo 4bar, Forge DV, lowering springs.

Mods awaiting fitment are: Samco TIP, Brembo front brakes and R32 rear brakes.