Got a few bits fitted, and out of the paint booth... First time it's seen daylight in 3 months! 😍

 

 

looks awesome

Combi update!

Firstly I appreciate these photos are not the most exciting, just parked up in front of a load of bins... 😂 But the weather is awful today, and I only just managed to take these whilst dodging rain and wind.

I will of course be taking some much better shots, but for the meantime I just wanted to take these as a way of updating the project.

It's been back together and on the road for the past two weeks and apart from a few niggles like the Forge intercooler hose popping off its been faultless.

The timing belt, water pump, and aux belt were all replaced last week along with new injector seals and cups as 3 of the 4 were sweating around the inlet manifold. A new coolant bottle has been fitted also to replace the very tired original one.

I finally got round to fitting the Whiteline rear adjustable anti-roll bar after hearing so many people say what a difference it makes and I can now only agree with everyone else!

I've currently only got it set on the softest setting as I wasn't sure what difference it would make, but it's completely tightened up the rear end and taken away any wayward handling.

Before I fitted the front bumper and Forge intercooler I tackled a few jobs in and around the engine bay.

SAI, N249, N112, and EVAP all now deleted and the PCV system simplified and now running through an oil catch tank.
 

My next plan is to refresh all the suspension components with polybushes and source Audi TT lower arms, hubs etc to enhance the handling of this old barge further!

It's booked in at Badger 5 next Friday for a session on the rollers and hopefully to take advantage of the stage 2 mods that are currently fitted, and to map out the deletes I've done.

I'm really looking forward to getting out to as many meets, and shows as possible this year and once I've sourced a second set of wheels with some sticky rubber I will also be venturing out on track!

looks spot on 

Looks way better than all these chavtastic systems with 5 dummy tailpipes and a fartbox on the one that's actually attached to the engine.

On 07/02/2022 at 10:55, KenONeill said:

Looks way better than all these chavtastic systems with 5 dummy tailpipes and a fartbox on the one that's actually attached to the engine.

 

Thank you mate, I'm trying to keep it looking as 'OE' as possible! 

Poor man's S4 Avant... 

Until I can get the money together for a B7 RS4 this will keep me entertained!

Got lots planned with a BBT K300 turbo next on the shopping list.

 

 

 

19 minutes ago, RMDavis said:

Thinking man's S4 Avant... 

 

FTFY.

On 04/03/2022 at 16:38, RMDavis said:

 

 

 

That's a great looking car and credit to you for all the work that's gone into it.

Edited 5 March, 20224 yr by skinnyman

13 hours ago, skinnyman said:

 

That's a great looking car and credit to you for all the work that's gone into it.

 

Thank you very much bud!

 

I certainly feel like it's come along way since buying it last July, I've still got loads I want to do and to try and make it one of the best examples out there.

I ordered some new wheels for road use...

 

I will keep the 17' spiders and fit them with some sticky rubber getting ready for a track day which I have booked in July. 

 

I will be honest although I really wanted a bold wheel, when these arrived I was worried I'd made a huge mistake! However once fitted they look so much better on the car!

Currently with 8mm spacers on the front as thats all I had to hand as the tyre was fouling on the spring adjuster.

As for the rear they fitted without issue but definitely could do with a spacing out.

What does everyone think so far? Thoughts and opinions are welcome!

 

48 minutes ago, RMDavis said:

What does everyone think so far?

Well, I'm olde skool but I think they'd look better with white discs.

On 04/03/2022 at 16:38, RMDavis said:

Poor man's S4 Avant... 

Until I can get the money together for a B7 RS4 this will keep me entertained!

Got lots planned with a BBT K300 turbo next on the shopping list.

 

 

from personal knowledge i'd go k280 as more low down power and still plenty top end and will still map to 300bhp , the k300 feels a bit gutless low down.

 

10 hours ago, dubDEAN said:

 

 

Thanks bud, I appreciate the advice although it's a little bit late for me to take it! 😂

 

 

K300 picked up a few weeks ago... 😬

 

Although the quest for more power is on hold at the moment I'm actually sourcing all the parts needed to swap out the front suspension and steering components with Audi TT/S3 parts. 👍🏻

13 hours ago, RMDavis said:

 

Thanks bud, I appreciate the advice although it's a little bit late for me to take it! 😂

 

 

K300 picked up a few weeks ago... 😬

 

Although the quest for more power is on hold at the moment I'm actually sourcing all the parts needed to swap out the front suspension and steering components with Audi TT/S3 parts. 👍🏻

now the tt front end swap is a definite must

On 15/04/2022 at 18:18, RMDavis said:

K300 picked up a few weeks ago... 😬

 

Although the quest for more power is on hold at the moment I'm actually sourcing all the parts needed to swap out the front suspension and steering components with Audi TT/S3 parts. 👍🏻

 

What sort of power/torque are you aiming for then?  I've got used to the Stage 2 as a daily and keep thinking about squeezing a bit more out of the car at some point.  Trouble is, when the weather is wet, cold or the roads are greasy it's pointless trying to use the existing power anyway.  Fitting an LSD would help but I think even then there would be quite a few months of the year when it would still be a bit frustrating.  

 

The car is looking great by the way and I'm quite conscious about the time you've put into it as it makes me look neglectful in comparison.

13 minutes ago, skinnyman said:

 

What sort of power/torque are you aiming for then?  I've got used to the Stage 2 as a daily and keep thinking about squeezing a bit more out of the car at some point.  Trouble is, when the weather is wet, cold or the roads are greasy it's pointless trying to use the existing power anyway.  Fitting an LSD would help but I think even then there would be quite a few months of the year when it would still be a bit frustrating.  

 

The car is looking great by the way and I'm quite conscious about the time you've put into it as it makes me look neglectful in comparison.

limited slip diff is the best mod 

49 minutes ago, skinnyman said:

 

What sort of power/torque are you aiming for then?  I've got used to the Stage 2 as a daily and keep thinking about squeezing a bit more out of the car at some point.  Trouble is, when the weather is wet, cold or the roads are greasy it's pointless trying to use the existing power anyway.  Fitting an LSD would help but I think even then there would be quite a few months of the year when it would still be a bit frustrating.  

 

The car is looking great by the way and I'm quite conscious about the time you've put into it as it makes me look neglectful in comparison.

 

In answer to your question I'd completely forgotten to update this thread when I visited Badger 5 for a session on the rollers! 

 

The day went as follows...

 

It turns out my Octy had been mapped previously (I wasn't aware of this, and the car was completely stock when I bought it)

So, it already broke past the 200bhp barrier. Bill from Badger 5 did what he could, but the turbo has run out of puff, and it's already at the limit at what it can do.

I'm a little disappointed as I obviously I expected a little more, but at the same time, I wasn't even aware it was mapped!

The good news is from what we can tell from today mechanically the engine is good; it's just being let down by a tired bolt on component. Which is the reality of modifying an older car.

Although the numbers aren't big, Bill has tweaked the mid range, and it's nicer to drive now and much more responsive.

Bill is a really top bloke that really knows what he's talking about, and I will definitely be going back.

The plan now is to save my pennies, put together a few parts, and then get it back on the rollers to see what the old barge can do!

*BBT K300 Turbo - (Bought)
*Ported Manifold
*B5 K03-300 Supersize TIP
*80mm MAF
*Upgraded Fuel Pump
*Upgraded Injectors

 

I will also be changing the inlet manifold to a BAM type and then swap out my twin pass Forge intercooler for a single pass Wellycooler setup.

 

But as I said I won't be working on these modifications until I have refreshed the front end suspension etc with the Audi TT parts.

 

Power wise I'd like to get closer to the 300 mark both in terms of power and torque with a sympathetic map to suit the internals.

 

Failing that i source another engine and forge it and go crazy! 😂 The idea of a very powerful Skoda estate is very tempting.

 

Either way I would certainly consider fitting a LSD as I've fitted a Quaife to previous track car and it was one of the best modifications I'd ever carried out!

 

 

Also another update... 😂

 

Some may call me mad...

 

But the Ronals are coming off!

 

I love the wheel, but for me and with hindsight playing a huge part in this they just aren't the wheel for my Octavia.

 

After driving on them for the past couple of days again for me and my car 18's ruin the handling and spoil my future plans for this car.

 

I appreciate this car isn't a stripped out Clio 182 but the way it drives on the old 17's is so much more fun.

 

So I'm going to take a hit and put them up for sale and with that money I intend to purchase a more track oriented 17" wheel with some sticky rubber.

 

36 minutes ago, RMDavis said:

 

 

 

After driving on them for the past couple of days again for me and my car 18's ruin the handling and spoil my future plans for this car.

 

So I'm going to take a hit and put them up for sale and with that money I intend to purchase a more track oriented 17" wheel with some sticky rubber.

 

The torque figure after the tweak to the map should give a noticeable shove in the back now.  To be honest, I drove round in my previous MK1 with similar figures for about four years and it was just about right on the standard suspension etc.

 

As for the wheels, I've tried all sorts over the years.  I don't know what the exact weight of the Ronal 18" is but I'm currently on 18" OZ Ultraleggera which work really well.  From a quick bit of Googling, the Ronals come up at roughly 16kg and the OZ wheels at less than 10kg.  The Ronals must feel a bit like when I fitted some Audi Fat 5s to my original Mk1 which killed the handling & I took them off after a day, returned to the 17" Spider and stuck with them till I sold the car.  The OZ wheels are so much lighter than the standard 17" Spiders (over 18kg from memory) and the car feels quite happy on them but they aren't cheap.  I also have a set of 17" Pro Race 1.2 in the loft which I keep thinking about fitting again.  They have pretty much brand new tyres on so I might as well run them for a while just to compare.  

 

Keep up the good work as it is great to see someone investing time, effort and obviously money in a Mk1 to improve and develop their car.

 

Edited 20 April, 20224 yr by skinnyman

1 hour ago, RMDavis said:

So, it already broke past the 200bhp barrier. Bill from Badger 5 did what he could, but the turbo has run out of puff, and it's already at the limit at what it can do.

I'm a little disappointed as I obviously I expected a little more, but at the same time, I wasn't even aware it was mapped!

Blimey, don’t ever drive a standard one! Absolutely gutless they are. It really is painful to drive my Red one when the occasion calls. A Stage 1 is really how it should’ve left the factor, as that makes such a difference. I’m honestly thinking about seeing Niki at R-Tech to get a map done. 😂

49 minutes ago, skinnyman said:

 

The torque figure after the tweak to the map should give a noticeable shove in the back now.  To be honest, I drove round in my previous MK1 with similar figures for about four years and it was just about right on the standard suspension etc.

 

As for the wheels, I've tried all sorts over the years.  I don't know what the exact weight of the Ronal 18" is but I'm currently on 18" OZ Ultraleggera which work really well.  From a quick bit of Googling, the Ronals come up at roughly 16kg and the OZ wheels at less than 10kg.  The Ronals must feel a bit like when I fitted some Audi Fat 5s to my original Mk1 which killed the handling & I took them off after a day, returned to the 17" Spider and stuck with them till I sold the car.  The OZ wheels are so much lighter than the standard 17" Spiders (over 18kg from memory) and the car feels quite happy on them but they aren't cheap.  I also have a set of 17" Pro Race 1.2 in the loft which I keep thinking about fitting again.  They have pretty much brand new tyres on so I might as well run them for a while just to compare.  

 

Keep up the good work as it is great to see someone investing time, effort and obviously money in a Mk1 to improve and develop their car.

 

 

Thank you mate I really appreciate the kind comments! 

 

This car has definitely got under my skin and I'm really enjoying tinkering again after having a break from modifying cars.

 

I hadn't considered the weight of the Ronals but that's a very good point. Maybe I'd find a lightweight set of 18's would fix any issues I had? 

 

Your right about OZ's I had a set of OZ Allegerita's on a previous car and they were ridiculously light especially going from the standard 18" down to a 17" with those! 

 

I've been looking at classic lightweight multispokes and so far at the top of the list is the Speedline Turini. 

 

Question is do I stick with my gut and stay 17" or try them in an 18"?

 

36 minutes ago, RMDavis said:

I've been looking at classic lightweight multispokes and so far at the top of the list is the Speedline Turini. 

 

Question is do I stick with my gut and stay 17" or try them in an 18"?

 

I've always liked the Turini.  

 

Looks wise, 18" for sure.  Subjective feel and comfort, 17" I reckon.  There'd be more flex in the sidewall on the 17" but that'd be the only downside I could see to the smaller wheel. 

10 minutes ago, skinnyman said:

 

I've always liked the Turini.  

 

Looks wise, 18" for sure.  Subjective feel and comfort, 17" I reckon.  There'd be more flex in the sidewall on the 17" but that'd be the only downside I could see to the smaller wheel. 

 

Coming from owning various Renault Sport models it's an obvious choice! 

 

I was hoping fitting a tyre like a Yokohama AD08RS the solid flat faced sidewall would cope with much more stress than say the equivalent Michelin PS4 although it would be a 45 profile compared to the 40 profile on an 18" wheel of course. 

 

A quick google seems to confirm I'd still be able to fit the LCR Brembo's behind the 17" wheel also which would of been a big negative latter down the line!

 

Out of curiosity what is the wheel specs of your OZ Ultraleggera's? Do you run spacers etc also?

I think they are et45 and they are 8J, they're on 10mm hubcentric spacers at the front, 15mm at the rear.  They have metal spigot rings which were on when I bought them second hand.  They came off a MK5 Golf & he'd run them on 5x100 to 5x112 spacers.  The PS4s were on them when I bought the wheels & he'd obviously had some rubbing issues as there were some small marks on the outer edge of the tyres but nothing that affected the structure.  I have a sneaking suspicion that mine might have rubbed a bit too at the rear but I can't decide if that's down to my imagination or not.  

Maybe a 10mm spacer would be better but I can't find any hubcentric versions that clear the rear hub, so the 15mm is the next size up that fits.

51 minutes ago, skinnyman said:

I think they are et45 and they are 8J, they're on 10mm hubcentric spacers at the front, 15mm at the rear.  They have metal spigot rings which were on when I bought them second hand.  They came off a MK5 Golf & he'd run them on 5x100 to 5x112 spacers.  The PS4s were on them when I bought the wheels & he'd obviously had some rubbing issues as there were some small marks on the outer edge of the tyres but nothing that affected the structure.  I have a sneaking suspicion that mine might have rubbed a bit too at the rear but I can't decide if that's down to my imagination or not.  

Maybe a 10mm spacer would be better but I can't find any hubcentric versions that clear the rear hub, so the 15mm is the next size up that fits.

 

Thank you mate that's food for thought. 👍🏻

 

I may still go for a 17" wheel but we shall see!

 

As for a thinner hubcentric spacer that will fit the rear hub I use a 12mm H&R that fits with no clearance issues.

 

https://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/car-parts/skoda/octavia/hr-trak-12mm-hubcentric-wheel-spacers-boltsoctavia-1u-19962006

 

You might get away with a 10mm as my 8mm spacers nearly clear, but I can't confirm that!