Hi Guys,

 

Recently upgraded from Fabia 1 PD100 to a 53 plate VRS. Love it although I've spent more time working on her than driving so far!

After getting her I had the typical suspension knock so I got going on changing some parts. Changed the wishbone bushes, drop links and the track rod ends. Having had a short run I'm still getting some mild knocking. I've checked engine mounts and the ARB doesn't look too bad but might change this next. Even If the ARB bushes were a bit worn I wouldn't expect it to cause a knocking noise? 

 

Doe's anyone have any suggestions as to where to look next? It's not the exhaust either. 

 

The other thing is that the EGR is spilling a lot of oil and the Intercooler pipe is fairly oily in general. I removed the EGR and cleaned it as it had some typical layer of gunge inside. When I got her I noticed that there was a little bit too much oil in the engine (about 0.8 L) so I drained it down to the right level, should I be concerned about this? Any damage it could have caused? 

 

Otherwise the coolant temp sensor is faulty so have one on order, but completely unrelated to oily EGR. 

 

She only has 110,000 on the clock and in really nice condition. Getting a full wash, cleanse, clay and wax this afternoon so the red paint should be gleaming by tonight

 

Otherwise, I'm thinking mods......

• rear ARB (whiteline) but can only find it for ~ £150, I thought they were closer to £110?
• EGR......DIY or 'Darkside Dev' EGR Delete for ~ £60 ??
• K&N filter
• De-Cat.....DIY...take off and empty it?
• Mod intake to divert engine breather hose to catch can
• already sealed the doors
• do something about black paint surrounding the sunroof peeling away?? 

 

any other suggestions on mods before I take her for a re-map? I want something like 160-170 BHP. Should I upgrade the clutch?..or see how she fair's first?

 

 

Cheer's guys, looking forward to your insight! cheeky pic never goes a miss....

Errrr, don't bother doing the filter and the decat, that's for N/A petrol engines, won't make a blind bit of difference on your PDI and may actually compromise the turbo reliability.

 

Best mod you can do is treat it to a full service using quality standard replacement parts.

Maybe topmounts regarding the knocking?

With how much top mounts cost it's worth replacing them as a pair. I've just done a full frontal rebuild on mine lol. Only started off as a console bush change lol

Day

I gave top mounts a thought... Lemforder Top mount's are only £11 each with KYB at £15 on eurocar parts. Lemforder quality? never really heard of them too much....

 

On the de-cat, I assumed letting the engine get a little extra flow wouldn't be a bad thing? and I'm not trying to disagree, but a better panel filter in my eye's is a good investment even if it is only for durability. Better than the oem paper, especially as its due one. And I disagree with what you said about only being applicable for Petrol's.....every engine needs to breathe.

I gave top mounts a thought... Lemforder Top mount's are only £11 each with KYB at £15 on eurocar parts. Lemforder quality? never really heard of them too much....

 

On the de-cat, I assumed letting the engine get a little extra flow wouldn't be a bad thing? and I'm not trying to disagree, but a better panel filter in my eye's is a good investment even if it is only for durability. Better than the oem paper, especially as its due one. And I disagree with what you said about only being applicable for Petrol's.....every engine needs to breathe.

 

Be my guest dyfi, it's your money, I'm just telling you it won't make any difference and the reduced filtration standard of many aftermarket filters has been shown (on this very forum) to contribute to premature turbo impellor wear.

 

The freely given advice you'll receive on this forum is specific to the car you've bought, there is a massive depth of experience here which will tell you what I've told you. The decat and the filter make no difference on a turbo diesel like your new VRS, spend your money elsewhere if you want improvements.

 

I can explain why these things won't work if you're interested.