2003 Fabia 1.4MPI

[skodasg]

Hello all,

We bought this 2-3 weeks ago. A nice little car but it really can do with a little more power / torque.

Was out for dinner earlier with 4 adults in the car, me driving. After dinner, while getting out of a fairly

crowded car park, had a real scare . . . .

There was a very steep short slope exiting the car park and while trying to get out, had to come to a complete stop,

mid slope, to allow a car to get in. And then the shock . . . . I was in 1st gear and couldn't get it up the last part

of the slope. ( about 30 degrees, I guess ). After coaxing it a little abit more I manage to crawl up and out . . . . .

I mean literally crawlling up the last bit.

I just had the car serviced today, changed the oil, Redline 5/40W, and as a precaution, put in a new water pump and

new timing chain kit.

Now what can I do to get a little more power from the little normally aspirated engine besides adding a turbo.

Have search around but don't seem to be able to find anything . . . . ..

A worked/polished head, exhaust and bigger injectors maybe, if they are available ?

Anyone, please . . . .

[simonhutton1]

I've also found it incredibly underpowered. I think its due to the nature of it being an 8 valve lump. Better than a 1 litre three cylinder I guess. :wonder:

[anewman]

Its overhead valve design also limits it somewhat. I think if there was anything worthwhile doing it would already be mentioned on these forums somewhere, otherwise the answer is probably to swap the engine or the car itself.

[The Worm]

put an after market air filter induction kit not a panel one mine now pulls away from junctions much more easily a remap might do a little but costs. smalller wheels will give a little more torque but probs not enough to notice its a shame cos its a good little car/engine apart from the power

[skodasg]

I've also found it incredibly underpowered. I think its due to the nature of it being an 8 valve lump. Better than a 1 litre three cylinder I guess. :wonder:

"incredibly underpowered", that was the phrase I was looking for . . . . .

Have you done anything to correct that ?

[skodasg]

Its overhead valve design also limits it somewhat. I think if there was anything worthwhile doing it would already be mentioned on these forums somewhere, otherwise the answer is probably to swap the engine or the car itself.

Yes, agreed that the little 1.4 push rod engine has its limitations.

I remember the old Escorts had the same type engine too but there was loads

of things available to make them perform better . . . . . but they had carbs.

Have you done anything worthwhile to your car ?

I have searched the forum and google too but cannot for the life of it find anything !!!!

Appreciate much if you can point me to the places / threads that this topic is discussed.

Many thanks.

[skodasg]

put an after market air filter induction kit not a panel one mine now pulls away from junctions much more easily a remap might do a little but costs. smalller wheels will give a little more torque but probs not enough to notice its a shame cos its a good little car/engine apart from the power

So there are a few of us with the 1.4MPI.

Didn't think a induction kit will do that much. Maybe worth a try. K&N ?

The remap sounds interesting. Who does it and for what money please.

Smaller wheels ? I am running stock 14 steelies now which by the way are coming

out next month when the 16" Audi TT Speedline wheels get here.

Thanks guys for the replies.

[anewman]

TBH the air box design is *WAY* more than sufficient for the engine. I can't see that there'd be any advantage from an induction kit over a new standard air filter (other than induction noise). There have been one or two posts in the past about 1.4 mpi and remaps.

[simonhutton1]

There's nothing we can do, unless you have deep pockets and a phat wallet. Neither of which I obtain. Even then it wouldn't be worth it in the long run. Cost more than the ruddy car! I'm going to accept I have bought a slow car and have benefited somewhat insurance wise. So really I'm quite happy. For my next car I will hopefuly be able to afford something a little more spriteley.

[TriggerFish]

Someone on here (Duggy IIRC) had one remapped from the stand 68bhp to around 75bhp. If it's anything like a normal custom remap, that'll be around £4-500!

If it's not having passengers, try removing the rear seats? (Takes about 2 minutes to do the bases at least.)

[simonhutton1]

Where my mate's gona sit?

P.s - Nice car triggerfish! Do you like the new one?

Edited 4 July, 2010 by simonhutton1

[devonutopia]

You want an SDI if you want a little more grunt, or really the 100hp TDI for a little more of both grunt and BHP.

[TriggerFish]

Where my mate's gona sit?

P.s - Nice car triggerfish! Do you like the new one?

Lay the mate over the roof, position them right and you've got a spoiler - a Saxo driver would be jealous!

Er, without going too off topic - firstly, thanks. And secondly no, I don't like the newer GTi's, think they look strange personally, badly proportioned, and I'd rather have an Ibiza/ Leon Cupra or a Renualt Sport or some kind if I was looking to spend that kinda money.

[skodasg]

There's nothing we can do, unless you have deep pockets and a phat wallet. Neither of which I obtain. Even then it wouldn't be worth it in the long run. Cost more than the ruddy car! I'm going to accept I have bought a slow car and have benefited somewhat insurance wise. So really I'm quite happy. For my next car I will hopefuly be able to afford something a little more spriteley.

Guess we'll just have to make sure we don't go to that place for dinner again

We are happy with the car too . . . . my son uses it for work commute.

Guess we'll just have to live with it . . . . . . .

Someone on here (Duggy IIRC) had one remapped from the stand 68bhp to around 75bhp. If it's anything like a normal custom remap, that'll be around £4-500!

If it's not having passengers, try removing the rear seats? (Takes about 2 minutes to do the bases at least.)

4-500 quid for 7-8 bhp, don't sound to interesting for me. Just curious, what much more torque ?

No more passengers in the back seats anymore, that'll do it . . . . . . will use at least 10nm less

You want an SDI if you want a little more grunt, or really the 100hp TDI for a little more of both grunt and BHP.

I wish we have those here . . . . sadly this is the only model sold here then.

[skodasg]

TBH the air box design is *WAY* more than sufficient for the engine. I can't see that there'd be any advantage from an induction kit over a new standard air filter (other than induction noise). There have been one or two posts in the past about 1.4 mpi and remaps.

I thot so too . . .

Thanks all for your replies and inputs . . . .

[Thirdtimeluck]

Spend 40-50£ on a K&N Filter. I remember when I got one for my 1.3 Felica MPI and without a doubt it made a difference.

I remember it well - it was raining / wet road and before I put it in I was not getting any wheel spin when booting it away from junctions in 1st gear but with the new filter in there was lots of wheel spin if I floored it in the same manner.

[skodasg]

Spend 40-50£ on a K&N Filter. I remember when I got one for my 1.3 Felica MPI and without a doubt it made a difference.

I remember it well - it was raining / wet road and before I put it in I was not getting any wheel spin when booting it away from junctions in 1st gear but with the new filter in there was lots of wheel spin if I floored it in the same manner.

There are quite a few of these each with a different hose, silicon / stainless steel and its all a little confusing . . . .

Can one of you tell me which is the correct one please,.

Many thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.de/Skoda-Fabia-1-4-8v-99-03-Pipercross-Foam-Induction-Kit-/360274328305?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item53e205faf1

http://cgi.ebay.de/PIPERCROSS-INDUCTION-KIT-Skoda-Fabia-1-4-8v-MPi-/270312234784?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3eefdd5f20#shId

http://cgi.ebay.de/PIPERCROSS-Induction-Kit-PK281-Skoda-Fabia-1-4-8v-MPi-/170508435853?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27b318418d

http://cgi.ebay.de/K-N-57i-Induction-Kit-Skoda-Fabia-1-4-99-06-57-0420-/290333177747?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item439934b793

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Skoda-Fabia-1-4-MPi-8v-99-03-Powertec-Induction-Kit-/270594710084?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f00b39a44

[Bjarne]

There are quite a few of these each with a different hose, silicon / stainless steel and its all a little confusing . . . .

Can one of you tell me which is the correct one please,.

Many thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.de/Skoda-Fabia-1-4-8v-99-03-Pipercross-Foam-Induction-Kit-/360274328305?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item53e205faf1

http://cgi.ebay.de/PIPERCROSS-INDUCTION-KIT-Skoda-Fabia-1-4-8v-MPi-/270312234784?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3eefdd5f20#shId

http://cgi.ebay.de/PIPERCROSS-Induction-Kit-PK281-Skoda-Fabia-1-4-8v-MPi-/170508435853?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item27b318418d

http://cgi.ebay.de/K-N-57i-Induction-Kit-Skoda-Fabia-1-4-99-06-57-0420-/290333177747?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item439934b793

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Skoda-Fabia-1-4-MPi-8v-99-03-Powertec-Induction-Kit-/270594710084?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f00b39a44

I have this one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SKODA-FABIA-1-4-8V-2000-2005-K-N-AIR-FILTER-KN-NEW-/310178185779?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item48380f8233

Works great. Noticed immediate difference. Easy install (replace original in original box).

[Dmac1969]

I dont notice my MPI being underpowered , I sold a Lancer Evo II with 260 BHP and bought the MPI as its replacement! Ive seen 3 figures on the speedo (MPH) and it keeps up with motorway traffic in the UK no problem at all. I get 35 to low 40s MPG , it costs nowt to insure and service and in 5 years the only time it has failed to start was when the original (6 year old) battery gave up. Im notoriously fussy when it comes to cars , so trust me when I say that I really rate the little Mk 1 Fabia MPI. To my mind the styling hasnt dated either , the front 'face' of the Mk1 Fabia still looks great to me , no wonder Skoda sold almost 5 million of the little buggers!