Hi everyone,

I've been looking @ improving the car's handling a bit. The car's nothing fancy - an MK I Octy 1.4 (one of the reasons to start a new post as the engine choice isn't too popular).

I know the 1.4 is far from a fast car but that doesn't stop me driving like someone with a death wish every now & then (mostly track or empty roads). I'm about to start stocking up on parts I plan on fitting along with the service due this summer & would need some advice re "does it fit my car?".

Suspension - I've found & ordered the Koni STR.T kit. Mainly for the looks (35mm lower) & lower centre of gravity.

I'm also looking at ARB & RARB (have hard they improve handling pretty well). Would probably go for whiteline (or whatever it was) as they're cheaper

Now, I had a look at awesome for the ARBs but couldn't see octy 1.4 listed. Is it any different from 1.6 re suspension parts? Bushes do need to be changed along with the arbs? (are there arbs on stock cars at all?) :confused:

Also, would a strut make any sense? I mean in addition to ARB. WOuldn't get the strut alone. Kind of pointless.

Brakes - I was looking @ changing the brakes for something larger (VRS stock brakes?) but decided to go for EBC grooved & vented for the octy 1.4 + EBC pads. Is that a straightforward swap or do I need more parts?

Worth noting that the car has DRUMS:rotz: in the back :thumbdwn: ...have heard that there's no real reason for changing them to disks (too much plumbing involved) so would go for uprated pads instead. Any ideas here?

Can't think of anything else atm. Will add as I get more confused down the road.

Any advice would be really helpful (except "don't need it" kind of advice :P)

Thanks!

anyone? I'm kind of lost trying to find stuff....have done loads of searches but one question always remains....what about the 1.4 octy mk 1? will it fit?

try the forum sponsers such as awesome etc. they should be able to give u the info, the parts and the prices. if not tryt o get this post moved to the mk1 octavia section maybe

try the forum sponsers such as awesome etc. they should be able to give u the info, the parts and the prices. if not tryt o get this post moved to the mk1 octavia section maybe

Thanks & will do.

PS. after a few hours of "research" - there's really no point to get new front ARB, right? Just the rear one?

Should I look into getting stiffer bushes as well?

Could someone move this into octy 1 forum? pretty pretty pleeease

no offence but is it worth it when a 1.8T octavia can be had for £1800, for that price it's a 4x4 which has a RARB as standard and can take 312mm brakes with no mods.

forgot to say, i think in order to fit the 312mm's to yours you will have to change hubs/knuckles.

i agree with bengie.

by the time you put on coilovers, rarb, and vrs brakes. you are pretty much not far off the price of a decent second hand vrs. id recommend selling yours to buy new. the package would be so much better.

If you want better handling a front arb would also help you, as id guess your FARB will be much smaller than a a vRS FARB so the difference between an upgraded rear bar and your OE front bar could be pretty drastic therefore giving you a car that doesnt handle the way you want. if a new car is not an option, id go for one of the smaller performance ARBs if you are not up for the extra cost of the front.

I think the mk1 vRS guys use the mk1 S3 lower front strut brace to good effect

no offence but is it worth it when a 1.8T octavia can be had for £1800, for that price it's a 4x4 which has a RARB as standard and can take 312mm brakes with no mods.

I know what you mean. But as I'm based over in Dublin, I have to consider that my car's still worth €4-5k over here (paid 7k a year ago). Then there's the VRT (around 2k eur) if I'd import & I'm not touching anything done over 80k miles. A friend did get a 2003 passat from UK a few months back for 4k.

PS. the octy vrs mk 1 in a decent condition is still priced in the 10k range over here....nuts

Also i'm only 22 & paying 2k a year insurance atm....

re brakes - my money's down for ebc ultimax (285mm - stock size) & green stuff pads....no extras needed.

But since you mentioned it....might look into importing one....

i agree with bengie.

by the time you put on coilovers, rarb, and vrs brakes. you are pretty much not far off the price of a decent second hand vrs. id recommend selling yours to buy new. the package would be so much better.

If you want better handling a front arb would also help you, as id guess your FARB will be much smaller than a a vRS FARB so the difference between an upgraded rear bar and your OE front bar could be pretty drastic therefore giving you a car that doesnt handle the way you want. if a new car is not an option, id go for one of the smaller performance ARBs if you are not up for the extra cost of the front.

I think the mk1 vRS guys use the mk1 S3 lower front strut brace to good effect

have a look at my reply to bengie....the numbers to be exact...I've finance outstanding on the octy at the moment.....only viable option would be importing from UK then....or trade in and get brand new shining VRS next year....(hard call tho...really attached to curent car, it being my first & all :P)

will have to do with investing a few hundred into handling (couldn't care less about fiddling with the 1.4:rofl:)

those prices are crazy.

couldn't agree more...wish i could get a new one from UK & not pay the reg tax