Congratulations! This was the reason for me purchasing my first Octavia 😂

 

Mines in for a DSG service next week as it’s just ticked over 40k miles. Is this purely an oil change or do they do a software check/update and did you notice a change post service?

26 minutes ago, CookieMonster87 said:

Congratulations! This was the reason for me purchasing my first Octavia 😂

 

Mines in for a DSG service next week as it’s just ticked over 40k miles. Is this purely an oil change or do they do a software check/update and did you notice a change post service?

 

Thanks! With prams, bags of stuff and a dog it was definitely needed! 😂

 

It's an oil change, filter and check for updates scenario I think. If I'm honest, not alot of difference, maybe a tiny bit smoother. The gearbox was supposedly serviced before I bought it by a backyard garage (couldn't even find a number or address online for them, just had a bit of printed paper) so in theory although it might have been done, I can't guarantee it and wanted peace of mind and the service history too. 

 

If it wasn't done, it was only 6k past its service schedule so shouldn't cause a problem for future longevity. I also do quite short journeys and little mileage.

Edited 29 October, 20223 yr by Dooge

Small update, bought me a racey red and black silicone key cover for the pricely sum of £4.49 from eBay 😅

 

Also had some coding completed and my dashcam hardwired in by a company called Retrofits South West. Paid £40 for coding and £80 for dash cam.

 

I had coded:

 

LED sidelights

LED numberplate lights

Passenger mirror drops in reverse

Dual rear fog lights

Up the brightness of the reversing bulbs

 

I tried to add Skoda Surround and Virtual Subwoofer but my nav unit is too old.

 

Also realised one of my xenon bulbs is on its way out. Hard to see from the picture but the right hand side is definitely more yellow and starting to flicker. Osram Nightbreakers are on the list but cheapest I can find is £135 a pair! 😟

 

 

Edited 18 November, 20223 yr by Dooge

It's been a bit of awhile since I updated this. At the moment, other than a service, air con regas and MOT today nothings changed! A combination of the little one, work and weather have meant I've been too busy for anything other than the odd clean.

 

I have lost one of my VRS wheel caps so some more have been ordered. Plan is to clear lacquer them and silicone underneath them so they stay in place, the existing ones are corroding too so that lacquer is needed.

 

I also bought a second hand set of Racing line 20mm springs to fit which will be the next job soon. Hopefully this should be just enough to make it look just right. Plan is for 20mm rear spacers and 12mm front so it looks balanced.

 

 

Edited 30 March, 20233 yr by Dooge

We took the VRS down to Newquay in April for the wife's birthday. As usual, it didn't miss a beat! Comfortable and fast when it needs to be.

 

 

I arranged with a mechanic friend to finally get the springs fitted to the VRS! Ordered some new Bilstein topmounts too, just in case. Car has done 88k so figured they were past their best.

 

It was quite obvious when the car was jacked up that both the shocks were leaking therefore spring fitting was postponed 😒 

 

Just pricing up 2 new front Bilstein B4s. Might as well upgrade! 

 

Managed two tip runs, one with a complete garden waste bin in the back, who said they aren't practical! Had to give the interior a full hoover, clean the leather and re-balm the leather after that though 😁 

 

Lastly, my trick with a centre cap didn't work at all. It sits proud and the clear lacquer just scratched off. I may have to fork out for genuine Skoda ones or fancy Kopacek ones. Any other recommendations? 

Edited 3 May, 20233 yr by Dooge

@dooge car looks great, the black wheels look so much nicer than the stock finish(I am not a fan of diamond cut wheels).

 

Did you decide on a remap?

1 minute ago, Bobodaclown said:

@dooge car looks great, the black wheels look so much nicer than the stock finish(I am not a fan of diamond cut wheels).

 

Did you decide on a remap?

 

Thanks bud, I think they do. They will be much better with some lows and a better offset! 

 

I still want one, I didn't really decide between Revo and Racing Line. Both sound competitive but I don't like the idea of basically flashing the map on, I'd prefer to get on a rolling road and at least see what it's producing. I'm not a numbers fan, certainly not going to be chasing them. Are you considering a remap or do you have one already?

100% they look so much better. Will look great a touch lower and offset giving a more aggressive stance.

 

Yeah I am not sure just yet on the map. I don't have the Octavia I  have the superb280 estate, about to do a few changes to it, rear ARB, Koni shocks, all the filters changed, oils changed, Haldex cleaned, discs, pads etc, amongst other bits. Just put new Conti sport contacts 7's on. 

 

Toying with the idea of engine map +DSG, just trying to see what others have gone fnd how they have found the various maps that are available.

Edited 4 May, 20233 yr by Bobodaclown

2 minutes ago, Bobodaclown said:

100% they look so much better. Will look great a touch lower and offset giving a more aggressive stance.

 

Yeah I am not sure just yet on the map. I don't have the Octavia I  have the superb280 estate, about to do a few changes to it, rear ARB, Koni shocks, all the filters changed, oils changed, Haldex cleaned, discs, pads etc, amongst other bits. Just put new Conti sport contacts 7's on. 

 

Toying with the idea of engine map +DSG, just trying to see what others have gone fnd how they have found the various maps that are available.

 

Sounds well sorted anyway! I always find I chase the mechanicals and maintenance and never get around to any of the fun stuff. My last Golf GTi was mapped, but that was manual and would slip the clutch so I couldn't really have any foot down moments, even feeding in the power. 

 

What I would love is in 'normal' mode the shift point to be a few hundred RPM higher. The box wants to change up all the time for eco reasons, but I'd like it to hold onto gears just a little bit longer. 

 

Who are you looking at map wise?

33 minutes ago, Dooge said:

 

Sounds well sorted anyway! I always find I chase the mechanicals and maintenance and never get around to any of the fun stuff. My last Golf GTi was mapped, but that was manual and would slip the clutch so I couldn't really have any foot down moments, even feeding in the power. 

 

What I would love is in 'normal' mode the shift point to be a few hundred RPM higher. The box wants to change up all the time for eco reasons, but I'd like it to hold onto gears just a little bit longer. 

 

Who are you looking at map wise?

It's a great car, has a bit of poke to it and no one has a clue what it is, hopefully the ARB and shocks help as it rolls a bit when pushed and the shocks feel like they just slap the surface. 

 

Have been recommended a Revo stage1 and a TVS DSG map.

5 hours ago, Bobodaclown said:

It's a great car, has a bit of poke to it and no one has a clue what it is, hopefully the ARB and shocks help as it rolls a bit when pushed and the shocks feel like they just slap the surface. 

 

Have been recommended a Revo stage1 and a TVS DSG map.

 

I can imagine being slightly heavier than an Octavia but with another 60hp and whatever torque over mine it is a sleeper already. With a map it's more powerful than an R without the 4wd which is arguably more fun.

 

I've heard of TVS, any idea what makes their DSG map special over Revo/Racing Line/APR?

FWIW I had a Revo stage one on my 2015 220 TSI vRS (DSG), and was very happy with it .  Never got to RR it after the map, but it pulled harder than a local vRS with a known 300bhp, so was considered to be 310 to 320bhp, maybe a smidge more.

 

Opinions seem a bit divided between Revo and Racingline, some viewing Racingline as providing a more tailored and progressive map.

 

Gaz

 

 

On 05/05/2023 at 12:39, Gaz said:

FWIW I had a Revo stage one on my 2015 220 TSI vRS (DSG), and was very happy with it .  Never got to RR it after the map, but it pulled harder than a local vRS with a known 300bhp, so was considered to be 310 to 320bhp, maybe a smidge more.

 

Opinions seem a bit divided between Revo and Racingline, some viewing Racingline as providing a more tailored and progressive map.

 

Gaz

 

 

 

I don't think I would be disappointed with any map TBH. Companies like Revo are big for a reason and you don't tend to hear of people complaining unless there's another issue with their car that has developed due to the extra strain. 

 

With the DSG map they all seem to have similar advantages of heat protection, extra clamping forces, faster shifts, etc. I think a engine and gearbox map would transform it. 

Edited 6 May, 20233 yr by Dooge

So I was umming and ahhing about shocks. I could pick up Sachs or Monroe easily enough but wanted Bilstein's so needed to measure. There seemed to be no way of confirming, although I was fairly sure, as were others, that it would be 55mm. 

 

Finally got to the point I could jack the car up and get a caliper on it to measure the width. 55mm. Part number 5Q0 413 031 FP was one part number, the other similar part number came back with nothing. The above part number confirms through various sites it's 55mm so I'll get the B4s ordered soon and hopefully get them on!

 

I might splash out on some ARB links and other bits too but will see how the budget goes.

 

 

Does anyone have any clue where to buy some half decent wheel caps too?? I have the originals without the fascia's but every eBay cap I try is naff. They last a year and corrode as well as sticking up off the cap itself. I don't want to spend original Skoda money or for Super Skoda honeycomb caps but will if this is all that's available.

Edited 15 May, 20233 yr by Dooge

A few small mods. Not sure on the bumper protector yet...

 

Dynamic indicators (my original indicators were stress cracking) in a smoked effect which matches the black scheme.

 

Next up a bumper vinyl protector from EZ Mods. I have to say the quality seems spot on but not sure if I should have gone for a clear cover?

 

Front shock absorbers are still on the list, hopefully later this month but just having to watch finances.

Black bumper cover suits it IMO 👍

 

Gaz

 

1 hour ago, Gaz said:

Black bumper cover suits it IMO 👍

 

Gaz

 

 

Thanks Gaz, it matches the texture of the diffuser quite well and was quite easy to fit. Definitely recommend them, not as bulky as the ABS ones too but covers up the minor scratches.

On 04/05/2023 at 22:34, Dooge said:

 

I can imagine being slightly heavier than an Octavia but with another 60hp and whatever torque over mine it is a sleeper already. With a map it's more powerful than an R without the 4wd which is arguably more fun.

 

I've heard of TVS, any idea what makes their DSG map special over Revo/Racing Line/APR?

 

It's pretty awesome as is power wise, no one seems to know what it is. The ride is a little wallowey, hopefully new shocks and ARB will help on that front.

 

The TVS, I was talking with AKS tuning and they recommended the TVS map on the DSG over others they can supply. I then drove an R with a TVS map and the shifts felt so good, silky smooth, lightening fast, it all felt spot on shift points, selection and putting the power down. Seemed to improve all the little quirks it has right now. So am pretty sold it seems the best at to go.

 

Just confused on which shocks to put on at the moment B6 or Koni SA.

 

How are you getting on with your project.

On 02/07/2023 at 16:16, Bobodaclown said:

 

It's pretty awesome as is power wise, no one seems to know what it is. The ride is a little wallowey, hopefully new shocks and ARB will help on that front.

 

The TVS, I was talking with AKS tuning and they recommended the TVS map on the DSG over others they can supply. I then drove an R with a TVS map and the shifts felt so good, silky smooth, lightening fast, it all felt spot on shift points, selection and putting the power down. Seemed to improve all the little quirks it has right now. So am pretty sold it seems the best at to go.

 

Just confused on which shocks to put on at the moment B6 or Koni SA.

 

How are you getting on with your project.

 

Yeh, that's more than enough power. I think I'll be happy when I eventually get mine mapped. Just comes down to outright cost at the moment! My son has started nursery and our mortgage goes up in September so alot less disposable income.

 

Also still not sure on which company to go with for mapping. I was fairly set on Racingline but have been following R-Tech for awhile on Facebook and they map ALOT of cars, including alot of Golf GTi's and R's. The only thing I am unsure of is what their 'DSG calibrations' are, this clearly isn't the same as a 'map' so. Not sure what would I be missing out on. 

 

I've just bought Bilstein B4s for front, Bilstein topmounts, Meyle HD droplinks along with previously bought Racingline springs, hopefully fitting on Sunday. I'll sort the rear and maybe look at a thicker rear ARB to upgrade it although I need to do some research. I think a Golf R ARB is generally the recognised way to go short of aftermarket.

 

I've also been thinking about and looking at dogbone inserts, probably an aluminium/steel insert instead of a replacement bush to minimise vibrations.

 

This is on top of new centre caps for the wheels, some Kufatec LED boot and glovebox lights and replacement rear light clusters as mine are both sun damaged.

 

Plenty on the list! Beauty of a project is small and subtle changes.

10 hours ago, Dooge said:

 

Yeh, that's more than enough power. I think I'll be happy when I eventually get mine mapped. Just comes down to outright cost at the moment! My son has started nursery and our mortgage goes up in September so alot less disposable income.

 

Also still not sure on which company to go with for mapping. I was fairly set on Racingline but have been following R-Tech for awhile on Facebook and they map ALOT of cars, including alot of Golf GTi's and R's. The only thing I am unsure of is what their 'DSG calibrations' are, this clearly isn't the same as a 'map' so. Not sure what would I be missing out on. 

 

I've just bought Bilstein B4s for front, Bilstein topmounts, Meyle HD droplinks along with previously bought Racingline springs, hopefully fitting on Sunday. I'll sort the rear and maybe look at a thicker rear ARB to upgrade it although I need to do some research. I think a Golf R ARB is generally the recognised way to go short of aftermarket.

 

I've also been thinking about and looking at dogbone inserts, probably an aluminium/steel insert instead of a replacement bush to minimise vibrations.

 

This is on top of new centre caps for the wheels, some Kufatec LED boot and glovebox lights and replacement rear light clusters as mine are both sun damaged.

 

Plenty on the list! Beauty of a project is small and subtle changes.

Oh wow, kids are amazing - one of mine is in pre school and the other at primary school...goes without saying that they eat their way through disposable income! Enjoy every moment though

 

It does seem a minefield the different maps that are out there. One reason I think I will go with the TVS on the DSG is that the consensus across all the VAG groups is that it seems to be incredibly well regarded, the only negative people seem to say is during the uploaded waiting on new files to come back from the Netherlands if you are making changes to the map or after the first drive if something needs tweaking, but still that's normally a couple of hours.

 

Good luck for the weekend with the fitting of the shocks, should be solid once sorted. 

I am still in two minds, I bought a set of Koni SA's but may send them back as keep seeing comments pop up about their quality and longevity. 

 

The ARB I did the same, a H&R Golf R style.

 

it is never ending the small changes.

4 hours ago, Bobodaclown said:

Oh wow, kids are amazing - one of mine is in pre school and the other at primary school...goes without saying that they eat their way through disposable income! Enjoy every moment though

 

It does seem a minefield the different maps that are out there. One reason I think I will go with the TVS on the DSG is that the consensus across all the VAG groups is that it seems to be incredibly well regarded, the only negative people seem to say is during the uploaded waiting on new files to come back from the Netherlands if you are making changes to the map or after the first drive if something needs tweaking, but still that's normally a couple of hours.

 

Good luck for the weekend with the fitting of the shocks, should be solid once sorted. 

I am still in two minds, I bought a set of Koni SA's but may send them back as keep seeing comments pop up about their quality and longevity. 

 

The ARB I did the same, a H&R Golf R style.

 

it is never ending the small changes.

 

It's been an amazing and stressful experience. It's a dramatic change to life and I love it. My wife and I are lucky we earn a reasonable wage each that we can afford what's needed and more, I don't know how families on basic incomes manage it.

 

In comparison, the car is a small hobby but also a welcome distraction at times. Spending a few hours cleaning or tinkering here and there is a break.

 

Interesting about the TVS map, I need to do a bit more digging into it. I am definitely sold on getting a gearbox map with an engine map.

 

I wanted to buy something a bit nice but as long as the B4s last the same as the OEM shocks I can't complain.  I've only heard good things about Koni's though. 

 

I think I remember reading the stock ARB is 16 or 18mm and the Golf R ones are 22mm. I seem to remember someone saying don't bother with a Golf GTi one, not sure why. I do find mine very wallowy at the rear so it will be welcome improvement. I don't mind if the suspension becomes stiffer as long as there's a bit more control, reduced bodyroll and not so crashy. I suspect the crashiness is due to knackered 8 year shocks that have done almost 90k though.

 

Another upgrade that I've seen a few complete is alloy subframes to replace the steel ones. Apparently certain Audi ones are a replacement and have the benefit of dropping weight and not rusting. On top of that subframe alignment kits is another cheap option which some say is worth it.

Great read mate, good to see a real life account with ups and downs.

Love your car as well, that's my end game as I've currently got a mk2 vrs tfsi but love mk3 estates.

 

12 hours ago, LambSouvla said:

Great read mate, good to see a real life account with ups and downs.

Love your car as well, that's my end game as I've currently got a mk2 vrs tfsi but love mk3 estates.

 

 

Thank you very much, alot of it is fairly run of the mill and changes are slow but if I chucked a credit card at all the mods where's the fun in that! 

 

I looked at MK2's but budget allowed a MK3. I had the same engine as the MK2 in my GTi and had spent £1300 on getting the timing chain sorted which put me off a MK2. I like the look of the MK2 as well, it's an attractive car but the interior in the MK3 is a good step up. 

 

Any plans to change anytime soon?

 

4 hours ago, Dooge said:

 

Thank you very much, alot of it is fairly run of the mill and changes are slow but if I chucked a credit card at all the mods where's the fun in that! 

 

I looked at MK2's but budget allowed a MK3. I had the same engine as the MK2 in my GTi and had spent £1300 on getting the timing chain sorted which put me off a MK2. I like the look of the MK2 as well, it's an attractive car but the interior in the MK3 is a good step up. 

 

Any plans to change anytime soon?

So my plan is to have fun with the mk2 until early next yeah and then start the hunt for a mk2 estate.

Mine is a pre facelift, mapped with a downpipe and decat and bolt on spacers for the rear and hubcentric on the front.

Suspension is next but I just can't seem to find a lowering spring that offers the same comfort as OE springs. I live in North London and I'm past the days of slammed super stiff cars.

21 hours ago, LambSouvla said:

 

So my plan is to have fun with the mk2 until early next yeah and then start the hunt for a mk2 estate.

Mine is a pre facelift, mapped with a downpipe and decat and bolt on spacers for the rear and hubcentric on the front.

Suspension is next but I just can't seem to find a lowering spring that offers the same comfort as OE springs. I live in North London and I'm past the days of slammed super stiff cars.

 

There always seems to be MK2 estates coming up on Facebook, whether prices and conditions are good enough is a different story though. Does the MK2 have independent suspension or is it torsion beam like the base models?

 

I'm just about to go to these, my experience of B4s is they are basically OE equivalent. Not sure on the springs, but my general experience is the bigger the drop the less comfort there is.

 

I can't deal with rigid lowered cars anymore either. I went in a mates 500 Abarth which is lowered and I couldn't believe how hard it was. I don't live in a particularly bad area for potholes but occasionally have to use country roads so want something practical too. Changing tyre profile can help massively, same with arch gap I find and going from 225 to 235 width made a difference to how the wheel looked in the arch.