Hi,

Skoda Superb Mk3 280 4x4

I know that on the Golf R, the front subframe can be replaced from the steel one to an alloy one.

I seem to remember someone telling me that the Golf one won't fit the Superb.

I see there is an alloy version of the subframe for the Passat R and Arteon R

Are these the same as the Golf ones, so no alloy one from another model will fit the Superb?

Thanks,

Yes, it's possible. I did it on mine (MK3 280 hp 2021 DNFE). I bought a new subframe, I don't remember if it was from a Passat or Arteon (Ref. 3Q0199369E), and it fits perfectly. I don't know if the one from the Golf is suitable. It's a time-consuming operation, but it's relatively simple. You just have to be careful to replace all single-use bolts and respect the tightening torques. If you're going to do it, I recommend installing subframe centering devices, such as those from Racingline or 034, to ensure proper alignment of the subframe. These photos are of mine as recently installed.

Regards

Wonderful to hear someone has done this.

What was the drive like afterwards? And was it any quieter?

Thanks

I can't tell you if it affects the handling in any way (I assume it won't be noticeable), because I did it at the same time as installing Bilstein B16s, and of course, I'd say 99.9% of the change is due to the B16s. The reason for the change was (aside from the irrational part, because I loved the way this aluminum part was made) better access to the DSG filter and, above all, to be able to properly clean all the oil that spills when changing it, because with the metal subframe, it wasn't easy to access. After changing the oil and DSG filter, I noticed some stains that I wasn't sure if they were due to poor placement or debris that had been left on the top of the subframe. In the end, they were debris.

Regards

Edited 16 August, 202516 Aug by Jussepe

Apart from the frame and new bolts, was anything else needed?

Thanks

Depending on whether the subframe is second-hand or new, you will need the dogbone silentblock.

3 hours ago, Jussepe said:

I can't tell you if it affects the handling in any way (I assume it won't be noticeable), because I did it at the same time as installing Bilstein B16s, and of course, I'd say 99.9% of the change is due to the B16s. The reason for the change was (aside from the irrational part, because I loved the way this aluminum part was made) better access to the DSG filter and, above all, to be able to properly clean all the oil that spills when changing it, because with the metal subframe, it wasn't easy to access. After changing the oil and DSG filter, I noticed some stains that I wasn't sure if they were due to poor placement or debris that had been left on the top of the subframe. In the end, they were debris.

Regards

Sorry it’s off topic. B16 DTC? I’ve got them in a box waiting to go on.

How do they feel? And what ride height did you go for?

Few folk have had issues with clunking and banging after fitting these to other models that never came with them. If you search the Facebook groups there’s a lot reporting it and not able to find the issue.

I've only just found out that the frame fits lol

Got links to where people are complaining about them knocking plz?

1 hour ago, DrAvalanche said:

I've only just found out that the frame fits lol

Got links to where people are complaining about them knocking plz?

Search on the Skoda and Seat Facebook groups

I'm on a lot of skoda superb forums on fb and have never seen about this subframe swap, much less about issues afterwards.

Can you drop some links on here please?

2 hours ago, DrAvalanche said:

I'm on a lot of skoda superb forums on fb and have never seen about this subframe swap, much less about issues afterwards.

Can you drop some links on here please?

Can’t drop links from private Facebook groups.

13 hours ago, travs said:

Sorry it’s off topic. B16 DTC? I’ve got them in a box waiting to go on.

How do they feel? And what ride height did you go for?

Yes, they're the B16 DCCs. I just installed them and have only ridden very little, but the shifting is like night and day. I tried it in soft mode, and it's obviously harder than the stock hard mode, but it's still comfortable, at least for me. The floating sensation is gone. You just have to be a little more careful around speed bumps and potholes.

As for the ride height, I lowered the rear as little as possible, about 30mm, and the front about 25mm. Bilstein lowers the rear quite a bit. The front could have been higher, but I like how it looks.

Edited 17 August, 202517 Aug by Jussepe

11 hours ago, AMD87 said:

Few folk have had issues with clunking and banging after fitting these to other models that never came with them. If you search the Facebook groups there’s a lot reporting it and not able to find the issue.

As soon as I mounted them and went out for a test ride, I heard a noise coming from the front end at low speeds, while maneuvering or going over speed bumps. In my case, it was the spacer ring that sits at the bottom of the spring. In my case, with a little silicone lubricant, the noise completely disappeared in the few minutes I tested them.

6 hours ago, DrAvalanche said:

I'm on a lot of skoda superb forums on fb and have never seen about this subframe swap, much less about issues afterwards.

Can you drop some links on here please?

No Superb, but there are some Golf ones that have been made and on which I have based myself.

1 hour ago, Jussepe said:

As soon as I mounted them and went out for a test ride, I heard a noise coming from the front end at low speeds, while maneuvering or going over speed bumps. In my case, it was the spacer ring that sits at the bottom of the spring. In my case, with a little silicone lubricant, the noise completely disappeared in the few minutes I tested them.

Cheers for the feedback. Getting rid of the boat feeling is perfect tbh. Confort is fine on rubbish road surfaces but any actual weight shifting and the thing doesn’t stop moving. On a dual carriageway at speed it feels almost dangerous if you’re on a bed and there’s an undulation.

Just hope it’s not so stiff the Mrs (a) notices and (b) hates it.

I’ve got decent guys working on it so any little tips and tricks they’ll know for sure although I thought @AMD87 was talking about the subframe - or am I wrong? Can’t find on internet in general about B16 knocking except for a few instances of spring problems as you’ve mentioned Jusseppe

Edited 17 August, 202517 Aug by travs

36 minutes ago, travs said:

Cheers for the feedback. Getting rid of the boat feeling is perfect tbh. Confort is fine on rubbish road surfaces but any actual weight shifting and the thing doesn’t stop moving. On a dual carriageway at speed it feels almost dangerous if you’re on a bed and there’s an undulation.

Just hope it’s not so stiff the Mrs (a) notices and (b) hates it.

I’ve got decent guys working on it so any little tips and tricks they’ll know for sure although I thought @AMD87 was talking about the subframe - or am I wrong? Can’t find on internet in general about B16 knocking except for a few instances of spring problems as you’ve mentioned Jusseppe

Subframe

Well, I hadn't heard anything about the subframe noises. It's very unusual since it's a single piece. The only thing I can think of is that the torque values weren't met, even with new bolts (the subframe bolts are all single-use bolts), or that those who bought the subframe secondhand didn't have it in good condition (a dent, a crack, etc.).

1 minute ago, Jussepe said:

Well, I hadn't heard anything about the subframe noises. It's very unusual since it's a single piece. The only thing I can think of is that the torque values weren't met, even with new bolts (the subframe bolts are all single-use bolts), or that those who bought the subframe secondhand didn't have it in good condition (a dent, a crack, etc.).

Torque values were all met and some of these were on brand new subframes. More than welcome to have a look at all the Facebook groups and you’ll see it

Instead of links to fb posts, what about links to the fb groups plz?

What’s the benefit - lower sprung weight and increasing stiffness?

That part number in Autodoc seems to think it is the same part across VW models…but it’s also the same scattergun approach of thinking it’s not compatible for the Superb. So make of that what you will.

Although they are all MQB or MQBEvo, there must be some minor differences in parts; for example the resonator delete that you could get for the pre-FL Superb was a better fit for a Cupre Formentor rather than Golf. Where the differences are or what parts they are relevant to I don’t know.

16 minutes ago, DrAvalanche said:

Instead of links to fb posts, what about links to the fb groups plz?

There’s a search feature on Facebook. A pretty useful one at that.

On one Facebook group alone

1 hour ago, AMD87 said:

Se cumplieron todos los valores de par, y algunos de ellos se encontraban en subchasis nuevos. Les invitamos a visitar todos los grupos de Facebook y lo verán.

Another thing to keep in mind is to tighten the LCA in its resting position (car on the ground) and not extended.

Are they talking about aluminium as opposed to an alloy? Surely aluminium will flex more than steel naturally?