hi all, i am looking to do a few mods and tweeks to my mk1 vrs octy. but don't really know where to start... anybody have any suggestions as to what to do first to make a noticeable difference.

First thing I did was free up the breathing a little. Replaced the Panel Filter with a direct replacement from Pipercross. Fitted a new DV. Then it was new poly bushes all round.

Not spent a fortune, as she drives well enough for me at the moment.

Am changing the wheel bearings in the next few weeks though and replacing the paneling under the front end.

Start with the handling first, I'd start off with a rear anti roll bar, it totally changes the handling for the better

Sent from my dad's old HTC Incredible S, not a dodgy s3!

First thing I did was free up the breathing a little. Replaced the Panel Filter with a direct replacement from Pipercross. Fitted a new DV.

But then this will achieve absolutely nothing unless planning to remap, or the old stuff was in a poor state. Nothing wrong with the standard DV if in good working order, which isn't always the case. But neither of these will improve performance in any way unless remapping, and even then, very limited gains if any.

Poly bushes may make an appreciable difference depending on the state of your car. Certainly takes the slop out of a worn motor. Does the car have any creaks/squeaks/knocks?

I'm with Raf_ though, the handling performance doesn't match the engine as standard. There's too much understeer for the power of the engine, especially if suspension components are tired.

Rear ARB is probably the first place anybody should start, except maybe for tyres. No point spending money on handling if running on Cheng Shin's finest rubber...

Look at your handling, improve on that and decide how far you want to go (uprating front as well as fitting a rear arb to match can turn Octy's into real decent wee beasties) and then look towards a remap. Decide how much money you want to spend on engine performance. Remap can make an incredible difference, but if you decide you want more power then you'll need to fit more engine bits and remap again, so budget first.

"Poly bushes may make an appreciable difference depending on the state of your car. Certainly takes the slop out of a worn motor. Does the car have any creaks/squeaks/knocks?"

The bushes certainly did that. When I bought it and got it home from a private sale I found a few elements that were worn by some margin. The change of the panel filter did actually help a little. Noise was nicer too lol.

The car does have a few things occurring at the moment noise wise. Annoying relay clicking noise coming from the hazards/indicators when not in use.(Any help with this issue is much appreciated)

As already stated the bearing are due to be changed, so that will cure one element.

(The father in law is a mechanical + electrical engineer for the RAC).

Have got plenty on the 'to buy' list, but just buying a house so they have gotta wait :(

Eg the remap, rarb, better exhaust.

Buzzing could either be a dodgy indicator switch (switch cleaner sprayed into it usually works) or hazard switch playing up requiring a new one

Sent from my dad's old HTC Incredible S, not a dodgy s3!

The change of the panel filter did actually help a little. Noise was nicer too lol.

To be fair, just changing a used filter panel for a standard paper filter can often make an appreciable difference. Just basic servicing can make the world of difference. First thing I do with any new (to me) used car is give it a good basic service.

Likewise. You never know what other things aren't right till the basics are covered n sorted.

Handling is being taken care of, its more engine bits I could do with help with regards to what's good to do and what's not good to do etc.... Thanks peeps.