Does anybody know what the difference between the suspension on the various mk1 Octavia's are? I'm looking for springs and dampers and keep getting confused by some sites not listing any non VRS variant of the 1.8t (i.e elegance, L&K), Others will show options for non vrs 1.8t's but not many. I understand there is something different about the VRS set up as they are listed as having a shorter wheelbase and from past experience with RenaultSports and cup/non cup dampers (different castor angles IIRC) I suspect a VRS set up can be bodged to fit but will never be 100%.

Is the non vrs 1.8t really different to all other non vrs Octavia's? I really want Eibach sportline springs is the real reason I ask. But dont want to pay out megabucks on a Bilstein B12 sportline kit.

The Eibach catalogue when it mentions the 1.8 or 1.8t specifically does so with the 1.9tdi and 2.0 as other applications for the same part. But also lists the 1.9tdi and 2.0 with the other engine options without listing the 1.8t compounding my confusion.

vRS and non-RS are the same wheelbase, body etc, just different bumpers.

 

vRS is 15mm lower than a standard model so has different springs

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Diesels need stronger springs because of the extra weight of the engine.

 

Hope this helps!

The Haynes lists the Hatch at 2512 and the VRS hatch as 2508. Which knowing haynes is probably incorrect but enough to stop me ordering VRS oe spec dampers today. Sounds to me like they're probably just not listing the full range. I cant see myself why a 1.4 and a 1.9tdi can take a certain spring but the 1.8 cannot.

The overall length of the car is slightly different because of the different shaped bumpers but the wheelbase is the same.

The Haynes lists the Hatch at 2512 and the VRS hatch as 2508. Which knowing haynes is probably incorrect but enough to stop me ordering VRS oe spec dampers today. Sounds to me like they're probably just not listing the full range. I cant see myself why a 1.4 and a 1.9tdi can take a certain spring but the 1.8 cannot.

 

I wonder if it's because of the connectors for the drop links for the front anti-roll bar. I don't think all models have that front ARB, could be wrong.

I wonder if it's because of the connectors for the drop links for the front anti-roll bar. I don't think all models have that front ARB, could be wrong.

They all have arb's

The vrs is connected to the strut and any other octavia varient has the arb connected to the wishbones. iirc

Yes, front arb is different, for vrs you need stuff "for models with sport suspension", for everything else springs / shocks are same, just spring rate/damping changes.

You're right, the RS does have a 4mm shorter wheelbase than the 1.8T L&K. But it's only due to the kinematics I'd imagine.

 

So when the RS gets lowered 15mm, the geometry of the rear suspension must pull the rear wheels forward by 4mm. Which makes sense, because you can see it happening on very low Mk4 Golfs in particular.

Could we use a diesel 23mm FARB and some new droplinks for a cheap R32 alternative?

ahhh that makes sense, so when I lower it the wheelbase may change due to the geometry. Will probably end up going proline springs unless there's something better out there (vogtland maybe?). I've gone with Bilstein B4 dampers in the end. I just want whiteline to get a move on making some more RARBs.