I don't seem to find much about this on the net, nor here. I would like similar ride and handling to the VRS on my 2.0 while retaining standard wheels and tyres (195/50 R15 on 6J). From the Skoda literature, the VRS is only 10mm lower than the 2.0. Is this figure correct? It feels more like 20mm, which is what I would look for if I were to lower it.

My main two questions are:

a) Do I just change the springs (cheap), or do I also change the dampers (expensive)?

Should the springs be tuned to tyre stiffness and wheel mass (as well as vehicle weight)? For example, would original VRS springs/dampers match my tyres/wheels?

I may also look for a slight engine tweak, but where to go?

I don't seem to find much about this on the net' date=' nor here. I would like similar ride and handling to the VRS on my 2.0 while retaining standard wheels and tyres (195/50 R15 on 6J). From the Skoda literature, the VRS is only 10mm lower than the 2.0. Is this figure correct? It feels more like 20mm, which is what I would look for if I were to lower it.

My main two questions are:

[indent']a) Do I just change the springs (cheap), or do I also change the dampers (expensive)?

Should the springs be tuned to tyre stiffness and wheel mass (as well as vehicle weight)? For example, would original VRS springs/dampers match my tyres/wheels?

[/indent]

I may also look for a slight engine tweak, but where to go?

Hey dude,

Mil at your service, because he lowered his 2.0 too

Yes, the figure is correct in that the vRS is 10mm lower than the 2.0. But also remember that the vRS has 16" rims, plus tires, that don't really make it that much of a 'low rider'.

I've fitted H&R springs on to my car, all around about 30mm or 40mm, I can't remember how much. Considering I've decided to keep the handsome 15"s with my 205/50s (which raised the car about 5mm given the fact I had 195/50s low-profiles, but bought the 205/50s because of better handling), the car handles MUCH better. The ride is rougher (obviously) but I can do a sharp 90-degree corner at about 50-60kmph (seriously, I'm not making this up).

I din't change the dampers...my service manager told me it wasn't necessary, but lowering it for improved handling is a must, and so naturally, I follow his advice, given he has been in the industry for over 25 years, he's a family friend, and is the owner of an Octavia vRS which he has modded a bit.

So lowered 30mm-40mm, plus 15" rims (with 205/50s)=lower than vRS=great great handling.

Seriously dude, H&R springs, 30mm to 40mm, it makes a massive difference to the handling. The roll is reduced alot too, coz the springs are pretty stiff.

Good luck

Yes' date=' the figure is correct in that the vRS is 10mm lower than the 2.0. But also remember that the vRS has 16" rims, plus tires, that don't really make it that much of a 'low rider'.

[/quote']

There is only about 7mm difference in rolling radius: 15/2*25.4 +195*0.50 = 288mm and 16/2*25.4 + 205*0.45*2 = 295.5mm

I've fitted H&R springs on to my car' date=' all around about 30mm or 40mm, I can't remember how much. Considering I've decided to keep the handsome 15"s with my 205/50s (which raised the car about 5mm given the fact I had 195/50s low-profiles, but bought the 205/50s because of better handling), the car handles MUCH better.

[/quote']

Wide tyres are OK where it is not wet . I could use them to give the alloys a bit of protection against kerb scrape, though :(. In terms of suspension, you have stiffer springs and softer tyres compared to a VRS. If that is a balanced setup, then a setup in-between with my tyres and 20mm drop should also be OK, I presume. I was just concerned about relative tyre and spring stiffness.

The ride is rougher (obviously) but I can do a sharp 90-degree corner at about 50-60kmph (seriously, I'm not making this up).

Well, isn't that what side airbags are for?

Seriously dude, H&R springs, 30mm to 40mm, it makes a massive difference to the handling. The roll is reduced alot too, coz the springs are pretty stiff.

I will probably not go that low (unless I put on even more weight round the midriff). Thanks for the info.

I don't have side airbags in my car...the 2.0 I have is one of the first (bought it in January 2003) that came out in the Comfort version, which they stopped.

I did something similar to my Elegance (TDI) and opted for the Eibach TDI springs (which according to Demon-Tweaks website are the same as the 2.0l ones) and matching Fabia Eibach dampers. All in, I think it cost about 350+delivery + fitting, but the ride quality is actually better than stock, plus it also now goes round corners as well as or better than a standard vRS

Mine lowered about 30-40mm overall and I'm still running the stock 14" wheels, but upgraded my tyres to Dunlop Sports.....

Chris

I did something similar to my Elegance (TDI) and opted for the Eibach TDI springs (which according to Demon-Tweaks website are the same as the 2.0l ones) and matching Fabia Eibach dampers. All in' date=' I think it cost about 350+delivery + fitting, but the ride quality is actually better than stock, plus it also now goes round corners as well as or better than a standard vRS

Mine lowered about 30-40mm overall and I'm still running the stock 14" wheels, but upgraded my tyres to Dunlop Sports.....

[/quote']

That's interesting. Quite a drop to maintain a good ride, but you probably make use of the extra 1/2" on the tyres. I have Dunlop SP Sport 2020E and I am very impressed with them. They are superseded now.

Any idea of the fitting cost?

That's interesting. Quite a drop to maintain a good ride' date=' but you probably make use of the extra 1/2" on the tyres. I have Dunlop SP Sport 2020E and I am very impressed with them. They are superseded now.

Any idea of the fitting cost?[/quote']

I got a mate to do them and it was about 2 1/2 to 3 hours labour. You might also want to get the wheel alignment checked afterwards - my local tyre place will check it for free and charge about 20 quid to correct it if it's out.

Chris

You have a 2.0 Fabia, thats a cracking unit, though In all my time of Skoda observation, I have never, ever seen one on the road. How rare are they, even rarer than the saloon I used to have. And just asking, Whts the performance on them like?

Yes they are.

They're quick bro...I've done a 0-100km time of 8.5 secs with it and a top end of 220kmph. I've lowered mine as well and have wider tires, so the handling is great.

You have a 2.0 Fabia, thats a cracking unit, though In all my time of Skoda observation, I have never, ever seen one on the road. How rare are they, even rarer than the saloon I used to have. And just asking, Whts the performance on them like?

The acceleration feels much the same as my previous car - a Golf GTI Mk.2 (8 valve). It handles like a rice pudding but still seems to get round corners somehow. My consumption averaged over 31,000 miles of mixed motoring is 34.8mpg. My Golf was about 32mpg.

It is really comfortable, smooth and quiet - most relaxing to drive. This is the best feature of it. I have tried other Fabias, but this one is the luxury item.

It has been reliable. There was noisy lining in the roof when I got it, but that was fixed under warranty. I had the upper rear brake light changed and the lambda probe replaced under warranty

I am pleased with it - so I have ordered another (coming end of March). I am considering getting a new set of springs/dampers. What surprises me is that WhatCar say this is the Fabia to avoid.

Maybe the unpopularity comes from the fact that people cant justify 15bhp more, from the 1.416v, but I had a ride in a MKIII Golf GTI Today, and they don't know what they are missing, but I heard the Fabia is heavier than the Golf MKIII, thats why I asked about performance. And if you ask me the Fabia to avoid is the (Also Rare) 1.0 and the 1.4 Auto.

Maybe the unpopularity comes from the fact that people cant justify 15bhp more, from the 1.416v, but I had a ride in a MKIII Golf GTI Today, and they don't know what they are missing, but I heard the Fabia is heavier than the Golf MKIII, thats why I asked about performance. And if you ask me the Fabia to avoid is the (Also Rare) 1.0 and the 1.4 Auto.

The kerb weight of the Fabia 2.0 is 1200Kg. My Golf GTI Mk.2 was 940Kg. That is some difference - and not really matched by the increase in torque from 159Nm @ 5400rpm to 170Nm @ 2400rpm. The power is the same - 115bhp @ 5400rpm. The quoted 0-100kph is 10.0sec and 9.9sec, the Fabia being the quicker. My Golf GTI Mk.1 1.8 (my all-time favourite) weighed about 850Kg if I remember correctly. That was in the low 8s for acceleration. I think the maximum torque was at 3500rpm.

Yes, this is the 8v One right, VW have a 20v too?

The kerb weight of the Fabia 2.0 is 1200Kg. My Golf GTI Mk.2 was 940Kg. That is some difference - and not really matched by the increase in torque from 159Nm @ 5400rpm to 170Nm @ 2400rpm. The power is the same - 115bhp @ 5400rpm. The quoted 0-100kph is 10.0sec and 9.9sec, the Fabia being the quicker. My Golf GTI Mk.1 1.8 (my all-time favourite) weighed about 850Kg if I remember correctly. That was in the low 8s for acceleration. I think the maximum torque was at 3500rpm.

Dude your talking about the Elegance model right? With the leather interiors and side airbags and powered rear windows and sun roof? What other extras do you have? Because like I said quite a number of times, the 2.0 I have is the comfort model that I know for a fact is one of the very few models in this trim with a 2.0 lump, because Skoda produce the 2.0 only in Elegance trim.

Missing all these extras including the heavy leather, I'd be thinking my car is spared quite a lot of extra weight. I can't imagine how much though, because the 2.0 specs are only for the Elegance model, and not comfort.

Actually, I think if I remember correctly, my service manager said that my car is about 1000 kilos :confused:

Missing all these extras including the heavy leather, I'd be thinking my car is spared quite a lot of extra weight. I can't imagine how much though, because the 2.0 specs are only for the Elegance model, and not comfort.

I think the 2.0l is only available in Elegance trim over here. Differences over the UK Comfort model are:

- Alloys (15")

- Chrome door pins, handles, gear and handbrake trim

- Alarm

- Electric rear windows

- Heated seats

- Climate control (although this is debateable )

- Draw under stereo

- Rear ashtray

Oh, and fewer of them get inverted

Chris

Another 2.0 Elegance fan here. I hear what people says about ' its an old engine etc' but as Mike says its 'smooth, comfortable, and quiet'

I bought and delivered one for my parents last autumn. Having driven the TDi Fabias and owned the Octavia 4x4 with Jabba, what struck me was how 'mini-Audi' it felt about the way it drove.

Quicker than the figures would have you believe - on paper the 1.4 is close, but you have to rev it hard in comparison. The 2.0 refinement suits the Fabia.

A used mega-Bargain in my view !

Dude your talking about the Elegance model right? With the leather interiors and side airbags and powered rear windows and sun roof? What other extras do you have? Because like I said quite a number of times' date=' the 2.0 I have is the comfort model that I know for a fact is one of the very few models in this trim with a 2.0 lump, because Skoda produce the 2.0 only in Elegance trim.

Missing all these extras including the heavy leather, I'd be thinking my car is spared quite a lot of extra weight. I can't imagine how much though, because the 2.0 specs are only for the Elegance model, and not comfort.[/quote']

The options I have are only a sunroof, floor mats, sill protectors and mudflaps. Oh, and metallic paint (some extra metal weight perhaps?). There is aircon, but not climate control; electric front windows, but not rear windows. I don't have a leather interior. I have a bag of spanners and a tyre inflator in the boot, and I keep my windscreen washer topped up.

Actually, I think if I remember correctly, my service manager said that my car is about 1000 kilos :confused:

I doubt that very much. The lightest Fabia in the UK catalog is the 1.2MPI at 1090Kg. The 1.4 16v is 1155Kg.