So I've finally come round to my Octavia vRS after needing to buy an estate.  At first I was disappointed compared with my Focus ST, performance-wise.  However, the Shark remap a few months ago has made me much happier (much smoother power delivery than my remapped Focus) and probably not so far off the Focus in terms of speed/acceleration now

 

I do feel that the handling of the Octavia lets it down though, steering isn't sharp and there's a lot of body roll.

 

I had Eibach springs on my Focus and was tempted to go this route with my Octavia.  Reading posts on here though (and having limited funds), it seems I might be better just going for a rear ARB instread in terms of performance gains for cost.....any thoughts?  Would stiffening the RARB and not the front cause problems with handling?

This is a popular mod - improves both handling and ride quality and is easy to fit

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/152785-fitting-a-new-rear-anti-roll-bar-on-a5-chassis/

thanks

Don't under estimate the vrs. The focus feels like a faster car but from experience it just isn't.

donovan - yes, I agree in terms of acceleration/speed to vRS is probably almost on a par with the Focus (although as standard I think the Focus has the edge on paper).  And mapped it's pretty quick, I like it - the progressive nature of the map means it's less in-you-face than the ST can be, but it's deceptively quick, I agree

 

But....I think that's only in a straight line.  In my opinion, the Focus has a clear advantage in terms of handling and grip

I have Eibach springs and standard shocks, definitely transformed the car: virtually zero body roll now!

thanks jmf.  i thought they were a good upgrade for my Focus.  do you know many mm they lower by front and back...?

I have Eibach springs and standard shocks, definitely transformed the car: virtually zero body roll now!

 

Likewise!

 

A nice even 20mm drop all round IIRC.

 

Eibach springs £90 (ebay); fitting £25 a corner... ish.

 

Very nice!!!

 

It is a tad addictive this modifying lark.

The handling was one of the things that never sat right with me on my VRS.  I fitted a Bilstein B12 and some better better wishbone bushes (WALK kits are very good) and then had a proper geometry check at ABC leeds, the end results as a planted and confident corner huger, all the body roll had gone and I can put down the power better.

thanks all - food for thought.  i was thinking of going RARB (previously lowered cars I've had annoyed me at times when I lived round lots of speed bumps!!), but maybe i should bite the bullet and suspension after all!!

I have eibachs, a rarb and alk. Improved the car no end.

Likewise!

 

A nice even 20mm drop all round IIRC.

 

Eibach springs £90 (ebay); fitting £25 a corner... ish.

 

Very nice!!!

 

It is a tad addictive this modifying lark.

 

Yep -20mm on mine too

 

I actually like it a lot: it's imho how low the car should've sat stock. Not as high as stock vrs (which looks a bit weird even), but not as low as to be afraid of rubbing and whatnot. Juuust right!

Edited 5 August, 201312 yr by jmf

RARB, 4wheel alignment, try it and see how you go.  Transformed mine.  All further plans dropped.

The handling is much tauter, no wollow at the rear, and a touch with right toe tightens the line nicely.  The steering is much more direct and precise feeling, even the bunp steer seems less - which you will no doubt appreciate if you use fenland roads much.

The std rear bar is far too soft, and the seems agreement that quite a few skodas come with (and remain) sub optimal alignment.

Yep -20mm on mine too

 

I actually like it a lot: it's imho how low the car should've sat stock. Not as high as stock vrs (which looks a bit weird even), but not as low as to be afraid of rubbing and whatnot. Juuust right!

 

Do you have a pic of it with the springs fitted? The only thing that annoys me about my new vrs (hatch) is that it looks just a little bit too high when you look from the front. Wanted to lower but don't want to mess up the handling!

RARB, Superpro ALK and H&R Monotubes on mine, handles and grips very well but not as nimble as my old Focus.

Eibachs are very nice springs but don't go low enough for me. Bilstein B12 kit gave superb body control but uncomfortable on anything but the smoothest surface.

Do you have a pic of it with the springs fitted? The only thing that annoys me about my new vrs (hatch) is that it looks just a little bit too high when you look from the front. Wanted to lower but don't want to mess up the handling!

Hi this is mine on eibach springs

http://www.flickr.com/photos/loz-debs/8586509368/

Replace the shocks too or car will be like Tigger.I put koni fsd and repkaced all bushes with poly then 4wa at abc as well then it cornered flat with no roll. Sublime

thanks all for some really helpful posts

 

nickguzzi - interesting....that's kind of what i was hoping might be possible with just RARB and nothing else.  might give it a go.

 

john - guess i'll never get the handling of the ST then!

Also don't forget that the Eibach springs were originally offered as a dealer fit option - probably so that the brochure pictures can show a decent ride height.

 

IMHO it looks perfect on the Eibach springs - not too low - so practical - leaving just a small arch gap.

Do you have a pic of it with the springs fitted? The only thing that annoys me about my new vrs (hatch) is that it looks just a little bit too high when you look from the front. Wanted to lower but don't want to mess up the handling!

 

Unfortunately I only have phone pics which, due to the car being black, don't really reveal the gap (it's basically all black and shadows there ). I'll try taking some proper photos soon.

 

I was afraid it wouldn't sit level on the springs after reading a few posts about it, but actually it sits perfectly.

This is a pic of my former car , as said not too low just right

Hmm...somehow (maybe because of the picture) it seems to be higher on the back than mine. The front looks spot on.

 

I'm digging the R36 in the other pics

Edited 6 August, 201312 yr by jmf

To be quite honest, I think the vRS handles very well for a large car. I have the estate and have only come unstuck once because of a greasy road. You're never going to get the focus ST handling. The car was never designed to be as 'hard' as the focus.

It may wallow in corners, but If you're going to mess around with aftermarket, then coil overs or nothing. Maybe have a look at what tyres you're running on too.

rARB does look interesting though. I think that's one of the few modifications I would make.

Edited 6 August, 201312 yr by Bcc212

I had eibach springs and shocks as a replacement for my veccy's ruined stock one's......Christ did it stick to the road but was a bit to hard for my liking..... The current stock vrs shocks i have are fine for me but when they come to be replaced i will go for eibach again for stability.... one of my neighbours has an ST and mentioned to me how much the car costs to run......in the end I do like the vrs for 2 things.....style and still being economical for a sporty engine.....

here is mine on eibach

 

Hmm...somehow (maybe because of the picture) it seems to be higher on the back than mine. The front looks spot on.

 

I'm digging the R36 in the other pics

 

i had eibach fitted to mine, and the back is definately higher than the front - i measured it, before and after.

front went down 30mm.

back went down 20mm.

 

had to get my xenon's self-levelling readjusted.

 

i now have the whiteline rear swaybar fitted.  love the new handling characteristics.