Hi, I recently purchased a Mk1 Fabia to use in this year's Mongol Rally! We're getting prepped for the trip and want to make sure our 2004 Fabia makes it all the way and have a few questions.

1. Tyre Upsizing - We want to get slightly bigger tyres for more clearance (every bit will help). The car currently has 165/70/R14 tires, and we want to replace them with 175/70/R14. Is this feasible? Not too worried about the odometer being off, but more will the tyres scrape the sidewall if we go bigger, or any other driving/handling problems it would cause?

 

2. Common Faults -  Any common faults we should look out for and bring spare parts for? We are currently planning on bringing extra filters (air, oil, gas), belts, springs, spark, Extra Fluids (Oil, Windshield Wiper, etc.), anything else we're missing or should bring?

 

Cheers

Welcome.

Best check which tyre size will be the most common and easy to source if required.

Oil and coolant is sensible, a fuel can, wipers might be light but can be bought anyplace as can almost anything.

Carrying springs is just more weight and weight is what will kill springs.

Best get new ones on before setting off rather than having to fit ones along the way.

Fit good recovery / tow points front and rear.

 

 

http://kouki.co.uk/utilities/tyre-size-calculator

Get XL marked tyres (Reinforced Sidewall)

Carry a Tyre Plug / Repair Kit and know how to use it.

 

Have fun, George.

 

 

Edited 19 June, 20197 yr by Skoffski

5 hours ago, buddy__ said:

165/70/R14 tires, and we want to replace them with 175/70/R14.

Well, that will increase your rolling radius by 7mm, which is about the amount of usable (sometimes total) tread on a new tyre, so unless you're unlucky with the speedometer calibration that'll remain within limits.

What engine is in this Mk1?

If anything petrol-powered with individual pencil coilpacks, you'll want spares of those. 

If it has its original console bushes (unlikely) you should probably replace with better ones before setting off.

 

Thanks for the responses everyone.

 

2 hours ago, Wino said:

What engine is in this Mk1? 

 

It is a 1.2L Petrol.

6-valve or 12-valve variant?  

5 hours ago, Wino said:

6-valve or 12-valve variant?  

It is the 6V variant.

7 minutes ago, buddy__ said:

It is the 6V variant.

 

Change the exhaust valves and guides before you go.

honestly after having gone through changing everything age related myself over the past few months on my 6v I think everyone has covered everything.

 

before you go check console bushes and  vacuum pipes and change if needed. Do a compression test and check that you haven’t got any issues with valves like I have.

 

Personally I’d check the shock absorbers for how they are doing as I’ve just replaced mine and the difference in ride height is surprising so if your after clearance might be an easy win, check your front springs to see if they’ve snapped and not been replaced.

 

Check the skid plate/under tray is all there, the more protection the better?

 

take spare coil packs at least one for each cylinder. Spark plugs, bulbs, filters, tie wraps, duct tape, wd40 lol

Thanks everyone for the advice!