Hi all, I recently got myself a Skoda Fabia 1.2 MK1 petrol for my second car and was wondering what if any mods could be done? I’m new to working on cars but I figured I could start with this. This car is also my daily driver so it also has to be reliable, cheers in advance.

Mods as in?

Leaning more towards performance, just to get a bit more speed out the wee motor - but really anything that I can do to make the car my own 

Furry dice, leopardskin steering wheel cover, Lexus tail lights... Seriously those cars are anaemic and the engines can develop serious problems with valves and the timing chain which if put into a garage are horribly expensive to put right. I doubt there's any point in trying to remap it so really the only mod I could suggest is a K/N air filter but I can't see it making much difference. Regular servicing and no supermarket petrol might prolong it's life but no speed no power no women if you're trying to pull  in it either!

Ah well that’s a shame, cheers for the advice though that’s why I came here. Furry dice is a good call!

Change engine oil and filter very regularly.

Make sure the cooling system (thermostat and engine temp sensor) and radiator fan (both speeds) are in full working order.

Fix any coolant leaks (radiator thermoswitch likely).

Buy a handheld scan tool that can read Skoda/VW fault codes.

Buy a spare coilpack and practice changing them so you can do it easily at roadside. Carry scan tool and spare coilpack in the glovebox.

Check spark plugs condition and gaps, and replace air filter with a new genuine one unless it looks new already (from both sides). 

Check brake servo vacuum hose for crack damage at the one-way valve over to the right of the firewall (as seen looking into engine bay from front bumper). Check PCV valve output hose connection at each end of the 'loop' for looseness/leaks/perishing. Repair as required.

 

For daily driver reliability, that would be my plan.

 

For performance increase, probably best to spend your money on good tyres and fixing any braking or suspension faults rather than trying to get more out of the engine; that's just likely to kill it faster. No more power is available above about 4400rpm on the 6-valve 1.2, so looking for it beyond there is futile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 24 November, 20205 yr by Wino