As the Blog section is going I'm moving over to here.

I would like to keep this as clean as possible and ask you not to use this as a chat area. I am happy to answer any questions you have.

Update 1 - The Purchase

After x1 Fabia vrs x1 mk1 Octavia vrs & x1 mk1 Octavia pd130 elegance I've now moved onto a mk2 Octavia PD140 Elegance Estate with the Sport Kit .

I bought my Octavia Elegance Estate PD140 in May 2010 with 55,000 miles on the clock and FSH.

Upon collection my 1st stop was into Awesome to get a Pipercross Long Life Air Filter (I had to go past on my way home) and also had a catch up with all the staff there, 2nd stop was into Skoda in Sheffield via Woodhead Pass to get a set of car mats and some front mud flaps.

Mats now fitted and mud flaps now fitted and whilst at it thought I might aswell whip all 4 wheels of and give them a proper clean and seal them with poorboys wheel sealant. Gave it a quick wash and nipped out to get some pics .

Update 2 - Turbo Failure

Within the 1st week the car developed a screaching noise from the turbo so a phone call was made to the garage who agreed to take the car back and look into it.

When the garage called me back to advise me the turbo needed replacing I asked if they would fit a hybrid to which they agreed so long as I paid the difference over a standard unit.

After much deliberating I decided to get an OEM turbo fitted as I swore I was going to keep this car standard and it had enough power to keep me happy and I didnt want togo down the route of a new clutch at this point.

Update 3 - Towbar

Early June 2010 we bought a caravan so a Detachable towbar was ordered and advise sought regarding towing mirrors etc.

In the end Barnsley Towbar Centre fitted a Witter Detachable towbar with twin electrics

Witter Detachable Towbar with Twin Electrics

As you can see there isn't much room under the stabaliser bracket and on the 40mile trip home with the caravan I grounded a number of times and the stabaliser also came off the hook on the caravan so guessing that happened when I had a tight left turn into the storage field looks like I'm going to have to buy an al-ko stabaliser towing hitch, unless I can move the stabaliser bracket enough to stop the bar sliding off the caravan and high enough to not keep grounding.

An heres the Caravan, its a 1993 Abi Jubilee, 5 Berth and is loaded with everything but bedding/food/clothes and doesn't seem to lower the rear of the car by much.

On the run home yesterday the trip recorded 23mpg, 6th gear is now redundant and not useable at legal motorway speeds, other than that the outfit is very well matched, I overtook a number of lorries on the motorway and it barely wobbles and doesn't get sucked in a blown out by much.

Before our 1st trip away I ended up removing the snake stabilizer bracket and bought an Al-Ko towing hitch and fitted to the caravan, this suited the setup perfectly.

Our 1st weekend away is now over

&

We did 170miles travelling from Wakefield to Cropton Forrest (NY Moors), over the weekend and approx 160miles were towing on a mixture of dual carrigeway/B-road/Town and country roads and returned 26.7mpg. Just before we set off I weighed the caravan and had a noseweight of 70kg @ the jockeywheel and 900kg's over the axle so very happy with the weight knowing we are approx 200kg under the caravans towing limit.

Thankfully SWMBO enjoyed it much more than camping and the weekend has been deemed as a sucess, now planning another weekend away in a fortnight

Update 4 - EML & Overheating

End of July 2010 whilst on holiday in Northumberland the EML came on, the car still drove fine so I decided to take it steady coming home with the caravan on the back and only had to stop for a few minutes while I sat with the bonnet open to let the engine coold down as the temp gauge had risen well above 90c, It turned out to be a 10amp fuse that had blown for the EGR valve which also controls the cooling fans.

At this point I removed the EGR valve and cleaned it as there were some error codes relating to the EGR valve.

Update 5 - General Maintenance + 312mm Upgrade

August 2010

312mm Upgrade was carried out justified to SWMBO as being required as extra braking for towing, this was bought 2nd hand and the puchased disc's were used and fitted with new Tarox Pads.

Cambelt service carried out, During the service we also noticed that the Oil was really thick and 99% certain it was the wrong grade for the car, luckily it was being changed and not covered many miles.

September 2010

The car failed the MOT on the front dampers leaking oil so a set of Bilstein's were sourced from EuroCar Parts and fitted

Update 6 - VCD's

December 2010

With VCD's now purchased a few tweaks were made

* Headlight washer Delay altered

* 2nd Rear foglight enabled

* Coming Home/Leaving home lights enabled

* Teardrop rear wipe enabled

* Emergency Brake Light Flashing enabled

Update 7 - Disc Pad Replacement

Jan 2011

312mm Brembo Discs and Tarox Pads were sourced and fitted

Old

New

A few more goodies were bought but unable to fit them at this point

* Decat Pipe

* Shark Remap

* vRS Front & Rear Bumpers

* PiperCross Panel Filter

* Skoda Twin Tail Pipes

Update 8 - Mod Fitting (Busy Weekend)

May 2011

Finally got the mods bought in Update 7 fitted

I'm really pleased I decided NOT to modify this car

The Bumpers were already the correct colour but didn't have the Headlight washer or Parking sensor cut outs so this made the fitting process a little longer.

Front

Before

During

After

Rear

Before

During

After

Completed

Decat

Remap downloaded and logging done

Whilst the BHP figures are high they over-read by approx 20bhp but the torque figures are accurate (RR done in September 2011)

Update 9 - Zenec HeadUnit Install

August 2011

Zenec MC-5600 HeadUnit Install

This is a fantastic HU and offers DVD - MPEG playback/BlueTooth Audio Playback - Handsfree Mobile Phone /USB/SD/IPOD and looks very OEM

The install was done with the hope of keeping it looking as OEM as possible, hence the External MIC going into the OEM space and butchering the outercasing of the ashtray to fit the Media box in

What made this HeadUnit so simple to install was there wasn't any need to think about upgrading the CanBus it quite simply was plug and play

During the install

Completed Install

USB Photo playback

At some point I have also fitted a Stubby Ariel/Powerbulbs Dipped/Main beam and Philips sidelight bulbs

Update 10 - Golf GT TDi Seats

I fitted some 3dr Golf GT TDi seats from a 55plate Golf.

Here is the comparison between the Octavia Elegance seats and the Golf GT TDi seats (Octavia, darker cloth)

The fitting process only took about 20minutes and was really easy,

note.. Ideally disconect the battery when doing this although I was too excited and made sure than there weren't any keys in the ignition.

Step 1,

Slide seat fully forward then undo the 2 Spline bolts (M10 from memory)

Step 2,

Slide seat fully backward then undo the 2 Spline bolts (M10 from memory)

Step 3,

As you remove the front 2 bolts in step 2 the seat will lean backwards, now you can unclip the Airbag connector then remove the seat.

Step 4,

Fit your new seat in the reverse order

Step 5,

Stand back & admire then go for a drive to try them out

The + for the Golf seats are they seem firmer to sit in at first but soon feel comfier, they also have a little more support for the lower back and more adjustability in the sliding forward/backward motion, the base also feels to tilt up a little more to the front and for SWMBO and I they are proving to be a better seat.

The - for the Golf seats are they don't have as much support around the higher part of your back/shoulder area but it's not something that we currently miss.

They are obviously a little lighter than the Octavia seats but once in the car they don't look that out of place. I also have the rears but the rear bench is a single piece and not a 60/40 split like the Octavia, the mounting for the base is a little different to the Octavia and I haven't looked into fitting it.

Matthew

Update 11 - Service/MOT/TT Console Bushes

Since owning this car I am keeping it to a fixed service schedule as I only cover around 10,000 miles a year, however, it has run a little over that as I wanted to line it up with my MOT.

Needed a Brake light bulb for the MOT, other than that it passed with flying colours and NO advisories

I had asked Shark Performance to replace the Fuel Filter even though it wasn't part of this service and it was replaced at the previous service. I'm glad I did get this changed as the throttle response is greatly improved and it feels full of life again.

Whilst there I also had a set of TT Console Bushes fitted which needed to be pressed out of the brackets and into my existing brackets.

The difference between the OEM and TT bushes are very noticable, NO more clunking & the front end is much firmer but not overly firm, steering response seems a little quicker and most noticable is the front end doesn't dive as much under braking.

A very worthwhile mod although the rear of the car now feels a little soft.

TT Bushes at the top, Octavia bushes at the bottom

Just for reference, my OEM bushes had completed 70,000 miles and were clunking and starting to split therefore a new set of OEM bushes would have stiffened up the front end too & stopped the clunking.

Matthew

Update 12 - Speaker Upgrade / Dynamat Install & Door Pocket inserts fitted

Items purchased

Pioneer TS-A171Ci Speakers

Dynamat Extreme Sound Deadening Door Kit (2door kit but will do 4 doors)

x4 Speaker Adaptor Wiring Harness

Speaker Adaptor Plates

x2 packs Door Panel Clips

Items used

General Purpose Glue

Various flat blade screw drivers

Torx bits (tx10/tx20/tx30)

10mm spanner

Soldering Iron

Sissiors/Knife

Drill & Drill bit

Removing the Door Panel

Undo the x2 torx screws (tx10 required) & remove the puddle light

Remove the door handle cover & the tweeter grill/window switch (Passenger Door)

Insert a screwdriver into the hole and pull straight (dont be afraid to pull hard)

Unscrew the x2 torx screws (tx30 required)

Use a small blade screwdriver to pop the panel off, work your way around the whole grill then unplug the window switch

Unscrew the torx screw behind the door handle (tx20 required)

Remove the door handle cover & the tweeter grill/window switch (Drivers Door)

There is a small crease towards the bottom of the handle, tap upwards until it starts to lift then work your way around the whole handle lifting it

Unplug the window switch

Unscrew the 3 torx screws in the door handle (tx30 required)

Unscrew the 2 torx screws at the bottom of the door panel (tx10 required)

Unscrew the torx screw behind the door handle (tx20 required)

Gently pull the door panel away from the door, it is held on with 6door clips

Once uncliped you will need to unclip the tweeter & door latch cable to remove the door panel completly

Removing the speakers

Drill out the rivets and unclip the speaker plug, when drilled out clean out the inside of the door to stop rattles

Remove the tweeter from the door panel

use a small flat blade screw driver to break the plastic pins holding the speaker in place

Installing the tweeter

File out the hole just enough to ensure a snug fit of your new tweeter

Once done and the tweeter is fitted glue both sides of the speaker ensuring a good join

place the tweeter somewhere safe to dry

Dynamat the door

Follow the instructions given on the Dynamat kit (Scissors/Knife will be needed)

Speaker Install

I used the following nut/bolt to fix the adaptor to the door (10mm spanner used to hold the nut when tightning)

Drill a small hole to fit the speaker cables through the speaker adaptor

Connect the speaker cable adaptor to the wiring harness and connect it to the speakers following the speaker connection diagram

Refit the tweeter into the door panel (only if the glue has dried)

Run the tweeter cable & tidy up the wiring & fit the speaker (I also taped up the old tweeter plug as it wasnt re-used in my setup)

Replace any broken door clips and refit the door (remembering to connect the door latch cable/tweeter/window switch/puddle light)

Job Done

Door pocket inserts were bought from another member on here and were glued in using carpet glue for £1.99 from the local carpet shop & can be seen in the pictures above (havent cleaned the excess glue off yet)

Update 13 - Shark RR Day

Popped along the Shark Performance Rolling Road Day and was very impressed with how smooth the map looked, I knew it was smooth on the road but it really is Awesome

288ftlb & 170bhp Ben said that each of the 3 runs were only 1bhp different so a very pleasing result

Good read. I like your modifications, the speaker install is very smart.

Good read. I like your modifications, the speaker install is very smart.

Thanks, I'm pleased with how the car is at the minute although I do still have to install the dynamat in the rear doors and looking todo a Columbus HU install soon.

The speaker install is Thanks to NickP for his advise/pointers

Absolutely stunnIng. Is that a FL rear VRS bumper?

G

Absolutely stunnIng. Is that a FL rear VRS bumper?

G

Thanks, I'm happy with how it looks.

Its a pre facelift vRS bumper

Matthew

Were the bumpers a straight swap or is there any mount mods etc needing done?

Were the bumpers a straight swap or is there any mount mods etc needing done?

Straight swap (apart from having to cut out the headlight washers/Parking sensors and Towbar)

Update 14 - Canbus Upgrade + Columbus Install

Having sold my Zenec a couple of months ago I've been on the look out for a Columbus HU & was fortunate enough to buy a Columbus Unit from Timmyboy this weekend. Although this Columbus unit is running a modified firmware revision to get around Battery Drain issue I decided to upgrade my Canbus then I can Upgrade the Columbus firmware without having to think about the Batter Drain issue.

A Canbus Unit was sourced from Eddie-NL and fitted within a couple of hours although I forgot to turn my A/C + Lights off while doing the work and had 2 children running around so as a result my Battery went too flat to start the car .

Afraid I didn't get any pics of the fitting but it was simple, x3 Torx screw at the top of the glovebox x2 Torx screws under the glovebox and x2 Torx screws at the side of the glovebox and it slides out enough to leave my airbag switch connected but still enough room to remove and replace my canbus unit.

Then came the Columbus Install

I bought the Columbus from Timmyboy and as luck would have it my Parents were visiting family in Clevedon this weekend which is not far from Timmyboy. Timmyboy was kind enough to agree to meet my parents for them to collect my Columbus on their way home from Clevedon to Selby . After collection my parents called to say that Timmyboy was a top bloke and has a stunning car , they also said they would pop in and drop my bits off on their way home.

So within 6hours of the Columbus unit leaving Clevedon it was fitted & coded in my car in Sheffield

I really didn't expect any drama's with fitting and it only took me 20minutes which supprised me as I thought it would be quicker but, I was fitting it by torch light

Fitting guide was followed from octavia-vrs.com

Here are some of the pics of the unit in use

I know I don't have a trim for it, I have ordered it and hope to pick it up from Bickerton Skoda on wednesday after taking my little boy to the hospital.

For those of you considering getting a Columbus, they are expensive but I think it was money well spent

Matthew

ps.. I don't live near where the satnav shots were taken so don't go looking there to steal it

Update 15 - Tinted Mirrors

Not much to write about at the moment as I've been diverting my spare ££ towards my brake upgrade on my MTB

Anyway, this month has seen me purchasing some tinted mirrors to help with visabilty from behind with the low sun & badly aligned headlights & my Columbus surround. I've spent along time looking for a pair of these in Scrap Yards/EBAY motorist shops but couldn't find any so bought them from Bickerton Skoda in Sheffield.

Part numbers are 1Z2 857 521H & 1Z2 857 522H & I paid £48 each (discounted), while they are expensive I'm happy with them.

Before

After

Comparison

Matthew

Which models were they fitted to as standard? They look like a marked improvement.

I believe the vRS from 2006 had them fitted & possibly the L&K

Nice wee cheeky mod that!

I really want VRS bumpers for my estate, makes the car look a 100x fresher. Will see what this year brings. ;-)

Thanks, it's the little mods/subtle mods that I like

I only changed the bumpers as I wanted something deeper at the rear to cover the towbar electrics a little more, personally I would have preferred the Sport Bumpers but as a Sport Estate was never made I would have needed a vRS rear and a sport front and to me they wouldn't look quite right as the sport has a ridge that runs horizontally around the bumper where the lower spoiler glues on and the vRS doesn't, this would have given a ridge in the front but not on the rear and it would be one of those things that would really bug me :( .