Fabia Estate MK2, 1.9 TDI, PD105, but apparently the "less ****" version?

Im wanting more power, more gears, and an LSD. Will all be DIY installed on my driveway. Also would like to avoid blowing it up.

 

Power - Can I just bolt other PD stuff to it (e.g. PD130 injectors, PD150 turbo, headbolts, etc?) or alternatiely, can I fit a better version of the PD engine, without having to re-wire the whole car? A few other things will probably be aftermarket, like an intercooler, hard pipes, etc.

 

Gears - 6 speed gearbox from a MK1 VRS, that strikes me as being the obvious choice, or is there a better one, from a different car? (Either easier to fit, and/or stronger?)

 

LSD - Just whatever comes up when I google LSDs for whichever car I get the gearbox from?

 

I also suspect that after adding all that power, Ill need bigger brakes, whats the go-to? (Obviously good tyres and pads). And an uprated clutch?

 

Avoiding blowing it up - Ive been told since I was about 6 years old how reliable and strong PD engines are, but everything has its limits. Ive mentioned headbolts earlier, what else can I do? A bigger radiator? Boost and EGT gauges? 

 

Mapping - Can I do this myself? From what I understand its more difficult to completely mess it up than it is with a petrol engine, because it cant knock and destroy its self, ergo, if I keep my eye on the EGTs, can I just tune it myself? Its a 15 year old diesel Skoda with parts scavanged from a few scrapyards, it seems like a good a car as any to have a go at mapping. 

 

Thanks!

Edited 23 October, 20241 yr by Reeky

Yes, you can just change the turbo, injectors and headbolts then remap. I wouldn't bother with the gearbox, sixth is an overdrive and the five speed unit is more robust anyway, also you already have a SMF on the PD100 so just fit a stronger clutch and you'll be good to go. LSD will rush you a grand plus fitting and isn't necessary for the <200 bhp you'll be running.

You'll need the hubs and struts with the 288mm brakes already fitted from another VAG group car.

5 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

Yes, you can just change the turbo, injectors and headbolts then remap.

Can I drive it without remapping it for a bit? Will it just maintain its target AFR?

 

5 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

I wouldn't bother with the gearbox, sixth is an overdrive and the five speed unit is more robust anyway

Ill be doing lots of miles, so an overdrive gear would be great. How much less robust is the 6 speed, and is it less robust on all the gears, or just 6th?

 

5 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

you already have a SMF on the PD100

PD105?

5 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

LSD will rush you a grand plus fitting and isn't necessary for the <200 bhp you'll be running

Thatll be the last thing on my to-do list, unless I can get one 2nd hand from someone whos breaking a modded car. Are the LSDs the same for all the gearboxes?

Im coming from an AWD Subaru with 2 LSDs, and Ive nightmares of the "one tyre fires" Ive had on every single FWD car in the wet. I might try a reverse staggered wheel/tyre combo, we'll see.

5 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

You'll need the hubs and struts with the 288mm brakes already fitted from another VAG group car

Awesome, and will the original wheels fit over the bigger brakes? I presume the bolt pattern etc is the same?

 

Thanks!