Hi All, I currently have an 01 Subaru Legacy Outback, I am looking at changing and it was suggested about a 4x4 Octavia, I am involved in rallying so the car will get driven on gravel quite regularly. I have seen a few 1.8T 4x4 Estates at very reasonable money, my main concern would be ground clearance, can anyone tell me what the ground clearance is on a Mk1 4x4 Estate? Also how do they get on with fitting lpg kits, are they reliable on gas? Any help would be appreciated, I don't want to go and buy something to regret it. 

The 4x4 is higher than the VRS but it is not lofty by any measure. The haldex system whilst not a proper 4wd system is still very capable when it gets slippery, and it a hoot when the snow comes down. The 1.8t is a great engine for LPG as the valves are hard so there is no VSR risk. I have had mine running LPG and stage 1 since 70k 6years ago, now on 162k. Modern LPG multi point system are pretty infallible, mine has had a single full service and regular checks over the 6 years.

I looked at the forester as an option when looking originally but opted for the octavia and apart from a gearbox replacement (it is a weak link when you start increasing power OR hit a monster pot hole ) and the usual coil pack issues it has been the most reliable transport I have had. The estate is great but the hatch is also cavernous if you need load space.

...can anyone tell me what the ground clearance is on a Mk1 4x4 Estate?

151mm.

I've had both a Legacy (normal not outback) and a still have a Forester
 
Haldex is better on snow than scooby - but I found its standard controller was confused by gravel
 
Just it way too passive - then too aggressive - I'd started correcting by the time it thought a bit of power to rear was needed
 
Blue Haldex sorted that to some extent
 
A powertrac insert would be the cheapest/easiest solution for gravel - sets the controller to max lockup sensativity and keeps 4x4 engaged during braking
 
Possible to upgrade to a programmable unit too, so you can manually adjust lockup ratio's for specific speeds etc
 
The cars have front/rear open transaxles, with a speed-limited (50mph) EDL program in the ABS system - which is pretty crude tbh, but does work
 
The front axle can be upgraded to plate or torsen, and rear can be upgraded to torsen
 
Suspension and arb's are softer than a forester or Legacy
 
Upgradeable without loosing height
 
A short sump is advisable if going off-road
 
ps
 
The Octy 4x4 is the homologation chassis for the Prodrice WRC cars

Edited 25 June, 201412 yr by snow_muncher

Hi snow muncher, that power trac insert looks interesting. And a lot cheaper than the blue controller! Have you come across anyone that has used one?

There is a thread on the TT Forum

 

The folks who make it post on the thread under username 2west

Also a thread for HPA's new bit kit

There's also CRC-Performance's new controller

Edited 25 June, 201412 yr by snow_muncher

Hi Guys, thanks for the responses. Ground clearance looks like it will make an Octavia a non runner, I have a full 9 inches of clearance with the Outback and with only 6 inches on an Octavia it could be too hard on the car ie breaking things, I`m assuming the sump is the lowest point. I would very rarely scrape the bottom of the Outback but now and again it happens, does anyone know if there are any solutions to raising a 4x4 Octavia.

Air bags   or custom coilovers which would be expensive , it looks like the mk1 octavia wont work for you try the mk2 scout this has even higher ground clearance than the mk1 and the later haldex system but its holding its money around £5000 mark for a poor one .

Yeti's also hold their value too well

Hi Guys, thanks for the responses. Ground clearance looks like it will make an Octavia a non runner, I have a full 9 inches of clearance with the Outback and with only 6 inches on an Octavia it could be too hard on the car ie breaking things, I`m assuming the sump is the lowest point. I would very rarely scrape the bottom of the Outback but now and again it happens, does anyone know if there are any solutions to raising a 4x4 Octavia.

Of course there are options, and here is one: http://sibreztech.ru/index.php?productID=5087 

This is what I have installed on the rear and the car is about 2 inches higher now. For the front suspension you can add the original spacers.

As above, spring spacers

You can use them all round if needed

Some manufacturers make specific ones for kits, for example KW

Sump is prone to getting 'chinned' when bouncing over bumps/ramps - hence why VAG in South America came up with the short sump design

The rest of the underside is designed in the same way as an outback - eg exhaust and prop pass through a channel to avoid grounding damage