Hi all, 

 

I have a mk1 Octavia vRS that's completely 100% standard.

The tracking is totally off and I have a knocking bush or two. It's on standard 15" alloys at the moment. 

 

I was going to get four wheel alignment done, but seems pointless if i'm going to have it all apart to replace bushes. 

 

My question is, what would be the best upgrades for handling? in order of priority, and what really are the must haves?

 

I was thinking of maybe getting some coilovers, then which bushes would you advise I replace?

I've also seen stuff about rear arb's and front cast wishbones etc

 

The handling is terrible at the moment, but I don't want to fit a load of bits only to forget something (or want to add it later) and be met with the expense of having to get it all tracked up again!

 

Advice please! - I've looked online but there seems to be a lot of options, but i'm just.. confused. 

 

I guess it makes sense financially to replace any bushes that are likely to go regularly?

First off, if it's on 15" alloys either they're not standard or it's not a vRS.

 

On the assumption that it actually is a vRS, check the ARB mounting bushes and droplinks first.

 

That will probably cure the knocking.

 

If it doesn't, next suspects are the dogbone (obvious why once you look) and subframe mounts.

 

Next, replace the 15s with 16s or 17s and restore the correct 312mm discs and carriers.

 

By now you may be happy with the handling!

 

If not, next stop is to add a Rear ARB (that's right; there isn't one as standard although the FARB is heavier than on other models).

Hi mate - it is a vRS - says so on the v5. - It's a 51 plate and has 15" Spider Alloys

I had another 51 plate a few years ago that also had 15" alloys!

 

Apparently Y reg and early 51 reg vRS's had 15" wheels whereas from late 51 onwards they were upgraded to 17"s

I don't know what size my brakes are.. 

 

Ta

 

First off, if it's on 15" alloys either they're not standard or it's not a vRS.

 

On the assumption that it actually is a vRS, check the ARB mounting bushes and droplinks first.

 

That will probably cure the knocking.

 

If it doesn't, next suspects are the dogbone (obvious why once you look) and subframe mounts.

 

Next, replace the 15s with 16s or 17s and restore the correct 312mm discs and carriers.

 

By now you may be happy with the handling!

 

If not, next stop is to add a Rear ARB (that's right; there isn't one as standard although the FARB is heavier than on other models).

i have a Y reg Vrs, it had standard 16's, i changed them for 17's

 

the early models had 16's and the estates i think, dont quote me on that.

 

15's sound a bit small to be honest, most mk4 platforms (Golf's and stuff) have either 16's or 17's as standard

Hi mate - it is a vRS - says so on the v5. - It's a 51 plate and has 15" Spider Alloys

I had another 51 plate a few years ago that also had 15" alloys!

 

Apparently Y reg and early 51 reg vRS's had 15" wheels whereas from late 51 onwards they were upgraded to 17"s

I don't know what size my brakes are.. 

 

Ta

 

As far as I know,  no VRS came with 15" wheels. The early ones had 16" and most if not  all of those were  fitted to the estate versions. Hatchbacks tend to come with the 17".

 

Double check dude if it is a original spider and if so will be very surprised if it is a 15"

 

Also don't go cast wishbones yet until you are very familiar with your car and it's handling. Most folks don't do that until they have lived with the car a while , understood it's characteristics and already improved other areas first. 

 

A first option to you is fit a Rear Anti roll bar and replace your worn bushes with maybe upgraded poly bushes. 

 

Then see what you think. It is good to learn and experience what each change and mod does

front and rear arb's, front strut brace (lower and upper), these are the things i am doing at the moment

 

R32 front arb (23MM)

Eibach rear arb (25MM)

 

but other use 28mm rear, whiteline and neuspeed also.

 

from what i have been told this firms things up and stops the car from understeering and better cornering ability.

 

i am no expert but this is just from what i have read throught the forums.

Yeah go with bars first

Rarb even the whiteline made huge differences @ £160

Eibachs r nice as tuck up out the way but harder to find or 200+ new

R32 23farb can be had for £99 if sweet talk tps

Upper strut brace from a s3 for 70 ish

Or TT braces csn be got for £30 then just cut n smooth brackets

S3 lower brace are about 10-20 used or 40 from tps

Just needs to funny bolt things to hold it up

Then go from there bud

If its on small spyders just try junp up to the 17s, they always look nice and with a 225/45/17 peoples views r it feels more planted

After that its the coilover pool so junp in dude and good luck

To add yeah man hunt out rob (w8) he will sort u a box of yummy superpro bushes

16's were fitted to both hatch and estate in the early vrs days

Mine came with 16's (MY2005)

Hey all some awesome advice so cheers for that! 

I guess it's just worth buying a bush kit and replacing them all then. 

 

As for the wheels its 16's not 15's! but yes it's a '51' so an early vRS - almost bought a 2005 model but this was lower mileage and in better nick with better history  

WRT: changing bushes. What kind of job is it? How do I know if mine are ruined?

Bushes wise, the main ones I did was Wishbone and dogbone bushes. Get those sorted first! If you can get a set of anti roll bars those are gonna be your next best bet for handling ability. 

Mine has matching Neuspeeds and they're flipping impressive. Depends how much you're wanting to spend!

As most people have mentioned a rear ARB and uprated bushes will make a big difference.

 

If I can be any help with info or prices please let me know.

Damian @ DPM Performance