I Purchased my Octavia in February and have been gradually collecting some modifications so I thought i would create a Project Thread.

My previous car was Ford Focus RS that was modified. Due to an increase in mileage and the terrible MPG acheived by the RS it was time for a change. My wife and I decided on the Skoda as the ideal replacement.

Due to our annual mileage we Decided to go for the Octavia VRS CR TDI. We began looking for a car with the ideal specification which was DSG gearbox, Maxidot and Parking Sensors (A must as the wife will be driving )

We couldn't decide between White or Race Blue but after a visit to a local dealer to see them both it had to be Race Blue.

Finances would not stretch to a new one so we ended up searching for a used vehicle. A low mileage 2010 example with the ideal specification came up at Capitol Skoda in Newport. A deal was struck and we drove the 170 miles to collect it.

Although I had already paid a deposit and arranged the finance over the phone I hadn't Actually driven an Octavia VRS so a test drive was required before we signed on the dotted line....I had driven a Seat Leon FR 170 before so I knew what to expect from the engine.

The dealership was excellent and very efficient, after the test drive I signed the finance paperwork and only had to wait half an hour for confirmation from SKODA FINANCIAL SERVICES before I could leave

It was hammering down with rain so not the ideal first drive in my new car. The Octavia performed brilliantly and was SO COMFORTABLE compared to the Focus we had before.

The DSG gearbox was a revelation. It is seamless in changes and makes the long journeys we do a breeze!

I was also shocked at actually how quick the VRS CR is. The Focus RS I owned before had 350hp so I was expecting to be totally underwealmed by the Octavia power wise....This was not the case. I actually prefer the power delivery. The RS just wasnt useable day to day it would spin its wheels at anything under 50mph. The Octavia has more day to day accessible performance.

Reading 600 miles Range remaining on the trip computer after filling up made a nice change for 250 miles in the RS!

Im so glad we chose the Skoda. I cannot see any vehicle offering similar value for money when you take into account the build Quality, massive boot, factory fitted gadgets and Economy.

Over the next few pages I will be detailing the modifications that I fit.

Here are a couple of pictures taken at the dealer ship before we left.

..Neil..

I decided to fit a set of lowering Springs as I wasnt keen on the 4x4 Ride Height

I Ordered a set of H&R 50mm Lowering springs from Damien at DPM Performance. Occording to other forum posts the 50mm Springs actually lower the VRS by 35mm as its already 15mm lower than the lesser Octavia models.

With the help of my friends Dad the springs were fitted and the ride height is perfect. I love the new stance, the handling is drastically improved and the steering feels more alive.

The ride is a Bit Bouncy over bumpy roads but Im looking to replace the shocks with Bilsteins when funds allow.

Will Post pics of the revised ride height once the rain stops and i can get a chance to clean the car properly.

..Neil..

I Purchased a Whiteline Rear Anti Roll Bar from Damien at DPM Performance. Arrived Next day.....The service from DPM has been Exeptional!

Here are some pictures of what is included in the Whiteline kit. The bar itself is very sturdy and the bushes/fittings supplied look VERY high quality.

I haven't got round to fitting it yet but will post additional pictures of the install once done.

Purchased a Set of Door Pocket Carpet sets from the Group Buy in the Classifieds. Will post more pics once fitted.

Purchased a Honda Civic Bee-Sting Aerial to replace the factory one. I expected the Radio Signal to be worse but in fact I cannot notice any difference at all.....LOOKS SO MUCH BETTER

Edited 24 April, 201214 yr by Neil_VRS

The Front Brake Pads look to have some uneven wear. The brakes are also really snappy when you first touch the pedal. It only has 23k miles so I think the previous owner was doing constant emergency stops

I purchased a set of EBC Redstuff Pads to replace the factory onces. I have also bought a new set of standard rear pads to replace at the same time.

With the help of my friends dad will change the pads and new fluid. Hopefully this will help with a more even brake feel.

Edited 24 April, 201214 yr by Neil_VRS

I had a Superchip Bluefin (Stage 2) Unit on my Focus RS and before I sold the car I returned it to standard power via the handheld unit. I have contacted Superchips and they are able to reset the Bluefin unit so it can be used on the Octavia VRS for £204.

I cant decide weather to have it done. I would like a bit more power in the higher gears but i dont want to lose the use of 1st and 2nd gear to wheelspin.

I'll think about it more before sending it off.

Edited 24 April, 201214 yr by Neil_VRS

Looks like a good buy and you've chosen some sensible mods. Any chance of some pics of the ride height now, were the H&R's the 'comfort' springs??

Yes mate i'll get some pics at the weekend. It sites really nicely in the arches much better than standard. I saw a Red car with the Factory sports suspension (Eibachs i believe) and the H&R's definately look lower.

The ride around town and on smooth roads is awesome. You can hardly tell they are non standard springs from inside. Over bumpy fast country roads you do get a bit of bounce on but its not to bad. From what i understand by changing to uprated shocks this problem will be mostly corrected.

It gives you a lot more confidence on the motorway as its feels so much more stable.

..Neil..

Recent Update

Had Shark Stage 1 ECU Remap and DSG Software Re-mapped yesterday and WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Here is a more indepth review of the remap http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/241767-my-octavia-vrs-cr-170-ecu-dsg-remap-experience/

I have also had my grill colour coded but will get some pictures when the rain finally stops

Loving your work amigo. All the sorts of stuff I'm thinking about for my race blue CR VRS!

Will keep an eye out for all the fitted pics... How did you do the c/c'd grille?

Liking it buddy, get some pics up of the car and ride height with the H&R

Hi Buddy,

Where did you get the door carpets from???

Thanks Matt

any updates to this one?