Summer's coming, and I fancy having a go doing some work to my car

My first car, and won't be keeping it forever, so dont want to spend a lot. Having said that, I will have it for another year or two, and want to get a bit of enjoyment out of it.

Are there any cheap, simple mods you can recommend ? Don't want anything that pushes insurance up, nor anything that could go disastrously wrong

Any ideas ?

Things along the lines of changing filters, weight reduction etc Nothing extreme (ie ripping rear seats out) or anything that compromises safety. Preferably things that don't push insurance premiums up too much.

I am happy with current audio system, and don't want any new form of ICE. Would like some new wheels, but too expensive at the moment, and will save the cash and get some for my next car, which will hopefully have a bit more oomph, and something i will keep longer.

00 Fabia 1.4MPI Classic - totally stock, apart from new head unit.

Preferably things that don't need declaring to insurers.

Just about anything requires declaring to your insurers.

Panel filter, exhaust, wheels brakes and suspension certianly do.

Just about anything requires declaring to your insurers.

Panel filter, exhaust, wheels brakes and suspension certianly do.

OK then, I dont mind declaring, so long as it doesnt push premiums up too much

Bear in mind im on my first year :thumbdwn:

Its kinda a big question without specifics/

Styling? Performance?

I would think updating the interior a little could be a good first step. Seen a few interiors for sale on ebay recently, even a Sport one.

A Seat Leon Cupra R splitter, is a nice touch to a Fabia. There about £20.

Lower it somewhat, and possibly plant some Octavia vRS or Fabia vRS wheels on it?

Ever fitted one to a non vRS? Not sure what that would look like.

There was/is a full OE bodykit for sale in the classifieds, that would look good.

What about chaning headlights ? Xenons ? Different bulbs ?

Don't want to go to the expense of changing bumpers (resprays etc)

What is required to lower the car ? Does it require previous mechanical experience ? I'd have access to a pit (my uncle has one and is fairly technically minded, so id have some experience there... he has his own lorry business and yard etc, constantly fixing old vehicles ) which would maybe make things easier

Id be interested in wheels, but only if some come cheap, dont fancy dropping £700 on some wheels for a £1500 car.

Something like this : eBay.co.uk: SKODA FABIA & ESTATE 00 ON XENON HEADLIGHT BULBS HID UP (item 250100610166 end time 08-Apr-07 18:49:35 BST) but i assume those aren't great ?

To lower the car you'll want some lowering springs (I ran the Eibach Pro-kit - springs and dampers on my Fabia), but you'll want to discuss with your insurance company how much they'd sting you for them. Completely transformed the handling of the car though and a very worthwhile mod!

Sets of Fabia vRS wheels often come up on here too as people move up to bigger wheels, but again, you'll need to chat to your insurance company about costs. Also remember tyres are likely to cost more and fuel economy and acceleration will be less....

If you want instant weight saving, you could replace the spare wheel with a can of tyre weld and also remove any clutter from the car

Chris

POTN Cobra Lowering Springs SKODA FABIA 1,4 /1,4-16V/2,0* INCL. REARTCHBACK / SALOON / ESTATE Type(6Y*) (1999-) Spring Set Lowers By (50MM) (709903)

So for example, those, and then its just a case of fitting ?

Might be something for the warmer months Depending on insurance costs...

Is 50mm too much ? Not enough ? Are the Eibach springs much better ? Can't say ive ever heard of Cobra lol ... but just an example (eibach are £30 more) Im on 15" steelies atm, looking to possibly change to 15" or 17" alloys.

Brakes are something else i'd consider changing.

While im on, does an air filter offer much of a change ? Induction kit ? Or is this all pointless given we are starting from a base model ?

Air filter won't buy you anything imvho. 50mm should be a fine drop - think the Eibachs on mine were 40mm and it could have easily dropped a little more - fitting is easy enough but invest in the VAG hub-opening tool to make popping the front struts in and out much easier!

Chris

I'd steer clear of Cobra and go with something tried and tested. If your dampers are originals then I would recomend changing them also.

There is a guide on here to changing the suspension if you search.

Do I HAVE to change dampers ? Im not looking for something out of this world, just a little better than atm, I dont see this car as long term, so it would be silly for me to plough a lot of money into it.

I can live with £130 for the better ride and handling (i'll be the first to admit this car is a bit wallowy), but add £400 for the dampers (unless im looking at the wrong things - POTN Eibach Skoda Fabia (6Y2) 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 2.0, 1.9 SDI, 1.9 TDI, 1.9 TDI RS Pro-Dampers (60-79-001-01-22) (60-79-001-01-22) ? ) and its a complete no go. Once my insurance drops and i've saved, i plan to get something a bit sportier .

You can call me silly here - but do spark plugs make a difference ? Ie is it a case of they work or dont ?

Depends on mileage I suppose. Changing dampers is not essential.

Its at circa 70k miles atm, I dont run many miles at all, doubt it'll be over 90k when i sell it ... ok to keep dampers ?

Put lowering springs on 7 year old 70k dampers and I can pretty much gurantee if they aint knackered they will be pretty quickly meaning the job will have to be done all over again.

Put lowering springs on 7 year old 70k dampers and I can pretty much gurantee if they aint knackered they will be pretty quickly meaning the job will have to be done all over again.

Will have to have a LONG think about it then

This looks interesting eBay.co.uk: KONI SUSPENSION SKODA FABIA ADJUSTABLE SHOCKS+SPRINGS (item 8050828531 end time 19-Apr-07 13:29:31 BST) - Is that springs and dampers together ? IE all i'd need ?

Speak to awesome. You might find they can get you the koni kit cheaper. And yes it includes both springs and dampers. I'd expect it to transform your handlings. Also invest in a Jabba sport rear anti roll bar. Should be pretty sorted then.

front/rear strut? As for the splitter....... well......! it needs alot of bending.. lol it looks ok from the front but it doesnt really blend in with the car from the side.. (hehe) :P

could always buy second hand wheels?