Just thought I'd throw in my comments re: Cupra intake on standard Fabia vRS models... I know there is a big debate on this...

I have read all the the posts on this topic and have found a 50/50 split between owners with this modification. It is usually agreed that the Cupra intake is good at decreasing the smoke output on remapped cars and possibly adding to the power/torque.

On standard cars however this is where the debate is stronger. Some people say it "increases power/torque", "cuts down smoke", "makes it run smoother" and "makes it easier to rev". Others say it "smothers the engine with air, hence making it more hesitant", "decreases fuel economy" and "is puely a placebo effect".

MY OPINION

I bought the Cupra Intake intending to fit it after a remap at the beginging of the month. The remap was put on, then instantly removed due to excessive clutch slip, hence I was stuck with the intake which I never intended to fit to the standard car.

Anyway, I fitted it to my car this morning, and have just got back from a little blast... I must admit I was not expecting that, it IS alot smoother, and DOES rev much easier, it changes the induction note slightly too... and it's a nice one ! I didn't notice ANY smoke under hard acceleration (which is unusual), cough 5,000rpm! Although I didn't notice any HUGE power/torque increase, I believe that's kind of missing the point anyway... I'm very happy I fitted it now!

Before I fitted it I was fully prepared to remove the intake if it didn't work, but I don't think I'll be doing that in a hurry!!!

SOME (MY) THEORIES (Please don't shoot me down )

I believe some of the negative effects can be explained with the following:

Increased MPG, caused by the incredible smoothness at higher revs, hence the driver keeping it in gear for longer.

Not as hard a pull at lower revs, I believe a car with a standard intake highlights the power at lower revs more, due to the fact that beyond a distinct point the power noticably tails off... where as with the Cupra intake there is no clear-cut point where the power starts to run out!

Hope this is a useful reference for all, although I am now a fan of the Cupra Intake mod, I have tried to keep this post as unbiased as I could.

placebo my A#se!

Specifically enjoy the last bit

I'm definitely going to be fitting one assuming the insurance company doesn't have an objection to it. As it doesn't increase power as such I doubt it will cause a problem but I'm checking that out

Do you also have a green filter fitted?

Do you also have a green filter fitted?

No, the car is completely stock, however I did change the air filter for a new one (manufactuers part) about 1k ago, way ahead of the service scheduled one, as I was trying to cut the smoke down... Didn't work...

Change your filter...with that intake, you'll notice an even better exhaust note and pull.

I'm hoping the Green filter will arrive Monday as JBS took the dosh out of my account on Friday

My expectation is a little more usable range, general smoothing. Once my insurance company gives me the nod I'll get that Cupra intake sorted

Once my insurance company gives me the nod I'll get that Cupra intake sorted

Just make sure you get around to it!

It IS the best

I'll be fitting the Green filter as soon as that arrives, not sure if I have enough time to get round to sorting the Cupra one before I go to Holland though, will give it a shot

No, the car is completely stock, however I did change the air filter for a new one (manufactuers part) about 1k ago, way ahead of the service scheduled one, as I was trying to cut the smoke down... Didn't work...

Interesting, did you modify the intake like some have done by enlarging or removing some plastic from inside. I think I have read this somewhere on here. I'm just interested as if I go for it i'm not that keen on messing around with things, I would rather just fit it or get it fitted.

Do you think a skoda garage would put the intake and green filter on for me since i'm completly clueless about anything that goes on under the lid apart from topping up the wiper fluid... My local Skoda dealer is also a Seat dealer so I may get them to stick the upper strut brace on for me at the same time... kill 3 birds with one stone.

Interesting it's both Seat & Skoda dealer - yeah they'll fit it for you no problem.

It's a very easy job to fit the PD160 intake according to those who have done it themselves. I'll probably do it myself as well based on their comments

The only catch is the strut brace - once you have one of those it kinda makes things more challenging, so my thought is to get this done first

Glad you like it

It is very nice having the option to keep the car in 3rd for longer when accelerating, during overtakes especially. Its a nice feeling after you fit it and approach 3800 rpm, instead of the power dying away it picks up its heels and blasts to 4500rpm! Still puts a smile on my face

For my personal taste, having the filter/intake and then possibly a milltek exhaust (if i could afford it) would be perfect on standard suspension and brakes. As yet, i dont have the urge for a remap!

Do I need to remove my strut brace to fit a 160 intake? I assume this is not necessary for changong the air filter also?

no not to change the intake but quite possibly you will have to unfasten the brace from the passenger side to fit the filter i did

reading this post with interest..anyone know the parts number for this part?and anyone know where i can get a "how to" for this mod? or shall i take it to my SEAT dealer?as im not the greatest under the bonnet?

thanks guys.

reading this post with interest..anyone know the parts number for this part?and anyone know where i can get a "how to" for this mod?

See the thread below:

http://www.briskoda.net/cms/BRISKODA_Technical_Guides/Skoda_Fabia/How_to_fit_a_Cupra_PD160_airbox_inlet_pipe/

I fitted both the filter and intake WITH the strut brace fully in place. It was a bit fiddly getting the air box open enough, but possible.

BTW I really suck at mechanics and DIY in general :thumbdwn:

ty

It is possible to change the air filter with the strut brace in place, although it is a pig to get the air box open If you're determined to leave the brace in, I recommend removing part of the battery housing to give you a better way of sliding the top of the air box out!

Chris