Bought it new back in September 2011 while the No VAT offer was on. Only options were rear sensors, climate, armrest and black wheels. Here it is next to my old Mk1
 

Kept it pretty stock for about 18mths apart from a Blackvue dash cam. The job I was in I couldn't afford to do much and I was considering selling it. But then I got a new job, earning more, learning more so I kept it. The only sticking point being the commute. A round trip is 105 miles and quite costly so once again I thought about selling up. Drove a few things but nothing could justify the cost difference. That and it's not worth much. One of the cars I drove was a Mk2 Octy vRS TDI and the dealer wanted 13k for a 5 year old one and wouldn't give 7k for mine. The more I thought about my options the more it made sense to keep it, maybe refresh a few bits as and when. Then look at somewhere nearby work to rent instead. My current fuel bill will cover it.

This new job still means that commute and it's taken it's toll. Windscreen has a crack so that's due to be changed. I tried running Uniroyal RS3's and after 3000 miles this was the end result

 

 

So I quickly ordered some Michelin Pilot Sport 3's. A tyre I've run before and have brilliant grip. Too much fo the chassis which we can all agree is this cars weak point. When the wheels were off I noticed my front shock was leaking. Now I could have just replaced it with like for like but since I'm keeping it I bought these.
 

Bilstein B8's and Eibachs. Haven't had them fitted yet but I'm hoping they make a difference. Only thing I noticed is that they didn't come with protective boots. Not sure if they should do as stock ones do.

But what next? Here's how it looks at the moment.
 

 

In 4000 miles it's due it's second service this year. It's the 40000 miles one so I'll be doing brake fluid, plugs, etc. Expensive but needs doing. I'll add the springs and shocks first and see what happens. I'll then consider a RARB and a brake upgrade. Not sure what to do on both options.

 

She's looking Good Martyn...White with Black Pack...

 

My Wife Loves the vRS Estates and but won't let me have one... :no:  Maybe because I spent lots on mine recenlty...

Will be following this with interest Martyn and really looking forward to hear your thoughts on the uprated suspension, my bet is already firmly on the "you will love them" vote.  Can I recommend that you change your top mount bushes and bearings at the same time, the stock ones dont seem to hold up all that well to lowering.  You can get the Seat LCR top mounts which are the exact same shape as ours but stiffer and add more control and I think comfort and pair these with the Skoda Fabia standard bearings.

 

My KW ST Dampers didn't come with boots either, I just transferred across the old ones, you could buy these from your Skoda dealer for a pittance if you want.

Nice Fabia estate. I have to say it is in my favourite colour combo too. The white with the black accessories looks like a modified car before you even start modifying.....hahaha. Once you fit your shocks and spring I think you will enjoy the drive to work much more. But unless your drive to work is dead smooth or your are doing track day once a month then stay away from the ARB's. They will make the long drive to work too uncomfortable. I did front and rear ARB's a few months ago and for the street I would say they take any pleasure out of city driving until you hit a nice sweeping corner. Of course for the track they are a must have along with a brake upgrade.

Still with your current suspension mods pending I personnally would say the car is a keeper because you have addressed the cars main weak point.

Nice Fabia estate. I have to say it is in my favourite colour combo too. The white with the black accessories looks like a modified car before you even start modifying.....hahaha. Once you fit your shocks and spring I think you will enjoy the drive to work much more. But unless your drive to work is dead smooth or your are doing track day once a month then stay away from the ARB's. They will make the long drive to work too uncomfortable. I did front and rear ARB's a few months ago and for the street I would say they take any pleasure out of city driving until you hit a nice sweeping corner. Of course for the track they are a must have along with a brake upgrade.

Still with your current suspension mods pending I personnally would say the car is a keeper because you have addressed the cars main weak point.

 

Like 'mmm' said you will need to get some new brakes soon :clap:  :peek:     

 

and so it begins.

Like 'mmm' said you will need to get some new brakes soon :clap:  :peek:     

 

and so it begins.

Swapped pads, rotors and brake fuild on my estate and it did improve the feel of the brakes. However after pulling the car up on the track from over 100 mph 4 times in a lap and after my first session I almost had the pads on fire.

Swapped pads, rotors and brake fuild on my estate and it did improve the feel of the brakes. However after pulling the car up on the track from over 100 mph 4 times in a lap and after my first session I almost had the pads on fire.

 

LCR Brembo's, good fluid, slotted discs, braided lines and some good pads

 

Once I got a feel for these on track I was even managing to scare a veteran Brisky track day enthusiast with my late braking.  Admittedly I near cooked a set of EBC ceramic redstuff in 4 x 15 Minutes sessions but after a little clean up at home, the pads came up like new.

Will be following this with interest Martyn and really looking forward to hear your thoughts on the uprated suspension, my bet is already firmly on the "you will love them" vote.  Can I recommend that you change your top mount bushes and bearings at the same time, the stock ones dont seem to hold up all that well to lowering.  You can get the Seat LCR top mounts which are the exact same shape as ours but stiffer and add more control and I think comfort and pair these with the Skoda Fabia standard bearings.

 

My KW ST Dampers didn't come with boots either, I just transferred across the old ones, you could buy these from your Skoda dealer for a pittance if you want.

Do you have part numbers for the boots and the LCR mounts? I can get a friend to order them for me.

My daily commute. The new suspension will be fun

http://goo.gl/maps/6RHVF 

 

Do you have part numbers for the boots and the LCR mounts? I can get a friend to order them for me.

 

Sorry mate, I didn't jot the part number down before install, I got mine from David at Sere Motors, best prices for parts I have found.  A recommendation from AKS tuning.

OK. I'll look into it. I'll try and order the suspension boots today.

Ordered the boots but still looking into those top mounts.
 

Boo ya!

 

Part code:

 

1ML412331 (that's for one)

 

http://www.awesomegti.com/oem-leon-cupra-r-top-mount-bushes-pair I think SERE were a good bit cheaper than Awesome.

Boo ya!

 

Part code:

 

1ML412331 (that's for one)

 

http://www.awesomegti.com/oem-leon-cupra-r-top-mount-bushes-pair I think SERE were a good bit cheaper than Awesome.

Nice one! It doesn't say it fits the Fabia but if you say it does then fine. Worth replacing bearings too?

 

Top Mount 1ML412331 x 2 £19 each

Bearing 1J0412249 x 2 £4.30 each

After a google the place that should not be named came up and those above are Sere prices

Edited 11 June, 201412 yr by MartynVRS

you killed those rainsports! lol.... nice to see you here with a thread martyn the new suspension will deffo help... BUT I would seriously reccomend an H&R RARB to go with it

 

brakes? yellowstuff pads on standard discs have been fine for me on the track, and tons of feel on the road

you killed those rainsports! lol.... nice to see you here with a thread martyn the new suspension will deffo help... BUT I would seriously reccomend an H&R RARB to go with it

 

brakes? yellowstuff pads on standard discs have been fine for me on the track, and tons of feel on the road

H&R RARB I'm considering but want to appreciate the suspension difference first. Brakes I'm not sure on. It used to be that EBC pads weren't the best and would make a lot of dust.

And the rainsports died because I bought them when it was monsoon weather where they were good. Once the temp passed 15c and the way I push they didn't last at all. Had to stick them on the rear and wear those out too to get them off. I do 105 miles a day and all of them are flat out. The PS3's will be better.

I'm still here thanks to the scaremongering which means I have no choice but to keep it. All the mods I put on are easily swappable anyway come sale time but isn't any time soon.

Edited 11 June, 201412 yr by MartynVRS

Brake pads - DS2500 /3000?

I still have the 312mm setup of the Mk1 still sitting in my garage could could use those. Can't afford it right now but something beefier I wouldn't mind.

Does anyone want to be my guinea pig?

 

Lol!

 

I am heavily considering:

 

http://www.powerflexsuspensionbushes.co.uk/leon--cupra-r-powerflex-black-pff85-430blk-front-strut-top-mount-bush-5988-p.asp

 

They list them for the Fabia too directly:

 

http://www.powerflexsuspensionbushes.co.uk/skoda-fabia-5j-powerflex-black-pff85-430blk-front-strut-top-mount-bush-6066-p.asp

 

Which are 95 shore...

 

These are on my purchases list. To be replaced when I do suspension changes in the next month all being well.

 

If someone wants to take the plunge on these before me, feel free - else i'll write up a review when i've got them.

 

Chris

Edited 11 June, 201412 yr by Chris Coates

But unless your drive to work is dead smooth or your are doing track day once a month then stay away from the ARB's. They will make the long drive to work too uncomfortable. I did front and rear ARB's a few months ago and for the street I would say they take any pleasure out of city driving until you hit a nice sweeping corner. Of course for the track they are a must have along with a brake upgrade.

 

Why would anti-roll bars make the car too uncomfortable? They only work when load is placed across the axle so have minimal impact in a straight line or at slow speed. I have the H&R ARB and it has made absolutely no difference to ride comfort.

Why would anti-roll bars make the car too uncomfortable? They only work when load is placed across the axle so have minimal impact in a straight line or at slow speed. I have the H&R ARB and it has made absolutely no difference to ride comfort.

Simple answer if nearside wheel hits a bump whilst offside doesn't the ARB restricts independant movement of left and right strut under load. So if said near side wheel hits a bump but a stiff ARB is tying it to offside wheel's suspension it won't be able to absorb the bump well because spring and damper can't compress as they would with a less stiff or no ARB.

Does anyone want to be my guinea pig?

 

Lol!

 

I am heavily considering:

 

http://www.powerflexsuspensionbushes.co.uk/leon--cupra-r-powerflex-black-pff85-430blk-front-strut-top-mount-bush-5988-p.asp

 

They list them for the Fabia too directly:

 

http://www.powerflexsuspensionbushes.co.uk/skoda-fabia-5j-powerflex-black-pff85-430blk-front-strut-top-mount-bush-6066-p.asp

 

Which are 95 shore...

 

These are on my purchases list. To be replaced when I do suspension changes in the next month all being well.

 

If someone wants to take the plunge on these before me, feel free - else i'll write up a review when i've got them.

 

Chris

LCR standard bushes are a harder shore than stock Fabia top mount bushes but maybe not as harsh as Powerflex black.

LCR standard bushes are a harder shore than stock Fabia top mount bushes but maybe not as harsh as Powerflex black.

Oh yeah, I know - LCR bushes are 80 shore - OEM bushes are approx. 50 shore.

 

I'm tempted to give them a whirl, if only for longevity's sake to see:

 

1) how long they last

2) how long I last before I lose a filling 

Edited 11 June, 201412 yr by Chris Coates

Still waiting to have it all fitted but should be by the end of next week. What's worse is at the moment the boxes are living in the living room so it's like a toy I can't play with yet.

One thing I've been considering is spacers. Only 10-15mm but then there's the implications. Is it worth it? Will it cause more wear and tear on bushes? Are there complete kits available? A wider track should help with stability.

 

Edited 18 June, 201412 yr by MartynVRS

Still waiting for these to be fitted, My mechanic is flat out and I'll be giving the job soon of putting the 312mm setup back on. Actually finished work on time yesterday which meant I could sit outside in the sun and with a wire brush scrub off all the old brake dust and any rusty bits ready to change the colour from green to red. The calipers haven't been used for 3 years but seem to be fine. They've sat in a cardboard box for that time so should be fine.

My current pads are down to 80% and and since I already have these I may as well use them. Loads of life left on the 312mm disc and pads.