Why all the modifications?

Poolman · 24-04-2006, 10:23

I am still waiting for delivery of my first Skoda (Elegance) after 7 weeks, and have been reading various threads in this forum with interest.

What strikes me VERY forcibly is this: the Fabia is supposed to be a marvellous car, and the general feeling of owners is pride and satisfaction, yes? So why are so many people talking about all the various modifications they have made to it? So it's not so damn perfect after all, is that it? And does this mean that I ought to be spending out even more money after I have it?

(And by the way, what is a remap?)

landwomble · 24-04-2006, 10:29

...because we like tinkering. it's nice to have something unique - improving on something and making it perfectly suited to you. you don't have to!

a remap is a software change to the engine management computer. it plays with boost, fuelling, timing etc - usually done to get extra power from the engine. on turbo cars (petrol or diesel) this usually produces a pretty massive gain, with no real downsides apart from maybe invalidating your warranty.

PD130 will remap from 130BHP up to about 180BHP for around 400 quid, with corresponding massive increase in torque. end result: very very very quick supermini!

ScoobyChris · 24-04-2006, 10:29

A remap means replacing the code in the ECU to increase fuelling and boost and as a result, increases performance from 130 to 160bhp for <£500. I modded my Elegance because the suspension didn't suit my driving style and also it was a bit gutless (after my Impreza turbo!). Coming on any enthusiasts site, you will be inundated with people who want to improve every aspect of the car, so if you're happy with the car you bought, then you'll be fine (there are plenty of standard cars on here too!)

Chris

jonny boy · 24-04-2006, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poolman

the Fabia is supposed to be a marvellous car

...and it is.
A remap makes it SUPER MARVELLOUS !

Mike Wrightson · 24-04-2006, 10:42

As others have said it's just to get what they want from the car. Probably only a very small percentage of owners will ever modify their cars.

I'm not anti-modding but I don't really see the point and I can't be bothered to do it. I like the car as it is

The Fabia goes, rides and handles well enough without modification but any change made will have a benefit and a downside:

Remap - more power

but more wear and tear on engine, clutch and gearbox

Lower and stiffer springs - sharpens the handling with less body roll

but the ride quality goes out the window

Bigger wheels and low profile tyres - see above.

Enjoy your car, I hope you will have as good an ownership experience as I have over my 3 Skodas

**TaviaRS** · 24-04-2006, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Wrightson

As others have said it's just to get what they want from the car. Probably only a very small percentage of owners will ever modify their cars.

I'm not anti-modding but I don't really see the point and I can't be bothered to do it. I like the car as it is

The Fabia goes, rides and handles well enough without modification but any change made will have a benefit and a downside:

Remap - more power

but more wear and tear on engine, clutch and gearbox

Lower and stiffer springs - sharpens the handling with less body roll

but the ride quality goes out the window

Bigger wheels and low profile tyres - see above.

Enjoy your car, I hope you will have as good an ownership experience as I have over my 3 Skodas

Any of the above; increase in insurance costs

RallyRed · 24-04-2006, 11:45

It's a personalising thing.
It is a great car but it looks like every other new fabia when you get ir.
99% of people to something to make it theirs even if its just a Magiz tree or a National trust sticker or those ghastly door edge protectors.

But its also down to this. Fabias like al cars are built as a compromise comfort and practicality vs performance.
The mods people do change charecteristics in favour of performance be it handling or power.

WW_VRS · 24-04-2006, 11:54

I modified mine as it seems well-suited to it. It has improved the car, ride quality hasn't suffered IMHO and my wife would have had words with me otherwise

Left the wheels standard though.

The standard car is a fine compromise but I wanted to take it a step further. This is the first and probably only car I'll modify though, I've had several cars before this and I've never bothered.

In fairness, it's unlikely I'll bother again due to circumstances changing etc etc.

There is a lot to be said for leaving it standard, but a site like this will show a relatively high number of tweaks as that's one of the reasons for it's existence I suppose.

andy2407 · 24-04-2006, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poolman

What strikes me VERY forcibly is this: the Fabia is supposed to be a marvellous car, and the general feeling of owners is pride and satisfaction, yes? So why are so many people talking about all the various modifications they have made to it?

Perhaps its because they didn't get an Octavia

devonutopia · 24-04-2006, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy2407

Perhaps its because they didn't get an Octavia

For me it was just a desire for something unique and the furby has that potential, like most cars really. It still retains its core standard bits which is why I got one in the first place. I'm struggling to think what that might be though - aircon... I've modded everything else.

GazTheHat · 24-04-2006, 13:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poolman

I am still waiting for delivery of my first Skoda (Elegance) after 7 weeks, and have been reading various threads in this forum with interest.

What strikes me VERY forcibly is this: the Fabia is supposed to be a marvellous car, and the general feeling of owners is pride and satisfaction, yes? So why are so many people talking about all the various modifications they have made to it? So it's not so damn perfect after all, is that it? And does this mean that I ought to be spending out even more money after I have it?

(And by the way, what is a remap?)

Why paint your house a different colour? A lot of people do it personalise their car, others do it to improve on certain aspects, some just do it to keep up with the "jones's".

I mod most of my cars, more because i want to build on an already good car, improving the parts i feel matter. There's too much body roll for me on the vRS, so ARB, suspension and strut braces are planned for my little black beast. You might well be happy with the handling though.

A remap on the vRS comes recommended from me.

MikeW · 24-04-2006, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy2407

Perhaps its because they didn't get an Octavia

Berk!

chris_newell41 · 24-04-2006, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyChris

A remap means replacing the code in the ECU to increase fuelling and boost and as a result, increases performance from 130 to 160bhp for <£500. I modded my Elegance because the suspension didn't suit my driving style and also it was a bit gutless (after my Impreza turbo!). Coming on any enthusiasts site, you will be inundated with people who want to improve every aspect of the car, so if you're happy with the car you bought, then you'll be fine (there are plenty of standard cars on here too!)

Chris

why did you get the car in the firts place if it didn´t suit your needs?

thats what this guy is talking about!

Lummox · 24-04-2006, 21:19

Its about being an individual.

Its not all about needs, sometimes you just want.

andy2407 · 24-04-2006, 21:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeW

Berk!

Thank you

ChrisRs · 25-04-2006, 07:25

Quote:

It is a great car but it looks like every other new fabia when you get it.
99% of people to something to make it theirs even if its just a Magic tree

I have a Magic Tree (New Car Scent)

ScoobyChris · 25-04-2006, 09:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris_newell41

why did you get the car in the firts place if it didn´t suit your needs?

Because I was sold on the fact it was cheap (and cheap to run), reliable and economical car. As a result, I had a bit left in budget to try and make it a bit more enjoyable to drive.

Unfortunately, as it turned out, it was neither cheap to run nor reliable

Chris

des_pd_ tdi · 25-04-2006, 09:53

All I've done is add a sun glasses holder and an elegance tray. I'm not bothered about performance mods really.

But everyone is entitled to do what they want, however Briskoda I'd say is performance orientated, which is not a bad thing.

Des

MikeW · 25-04-2006, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy2407

Thank you

Sorry about that....

vindaloo · 25-04-2006, 12:40

Well we are on briskoda.net, not a more general pipe and slippers forum.

Whilst the Fabia is a good car, the VRS has handling issues as standard and the engine remaps easily to give a large power increase, improving driveability.

As for styling etc. I quite like some of the mods. Trying to achieve a classier, cleaner looking car is high on my list of things to do.

J.

jonny boy · 25-04-2006, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy2407

Perhaps its because they didn't get an Octavia

And change their proffession to a cab driver !

Dmac1969 · 25-04-2006, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbo51

I have a Magic Tree (New Car Scent)

So do I! It's colour-coded to match my car!

It aint no taxi · 25-04-2006, 22:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny boy

And change their proffession to a cab driver !

Thats not funny

the vRS to taxi ratio up here is about 1 vRS to every 5000 tdi's

devonutopia · 25-04-2006, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by It aint no taxi

Thats not funny

the vRS to taxi ratio up here is about 1 vRS to every 5000 tdi's

[michael winner] calm down dear [/michael winner]

It was just a friendly bit of banter.

Back on topic - I guess I'm just a speed freak, and being on a budget means I try to get the best I can with what I've got. And to take a TDI to 250hp will be like a dream come true for me.

jonny boy · 26-04-2006, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by It aint no taxi

Thats not funny

the vRS to taxi ratio up here is about 1 vRS to every 5000 tdi's

The post I responded (well joked about) dodn't even mention an Octavia vRS so wind your neck in and take a chill pill

24-04-2006, 10:23	#1
Poolman Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 8 Members Car: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Why all the modifications? I am still waiting for delivery of my first Skoda (Elegance) after 7 weeks, and have been reading various threads in this forum with interest. What strikes me VERY forcibly is this: the Fabia is supposed to be a marvellous car, and the general feeling of owners is pride and satisfaction, yes? So why are so many people talking about all the various modifications they have made to it? So it's not so damn perfect after all, is that it? And does this mean that I ought to be spending out even more money after I have it? (And by the way, what is a remap?)

24-04-2006, 10:29	#2
landwomble Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North West UK Posts: 459 Members Car: Skoda Superb PD130 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Why all the modifications? ...because we like tinkering. it's nice to have something unique - improving on something and making it perfectly suited to you. you don't have to! a remap is a software change to the engine management computer. it plays with boost, fuelling, timing etc - usually done to get extra power from the engine. on turbo cars (petrol or diesel) this usually produces a pretty massive gain, with no real downsides apart from maybe invalidating your warranty. PD130 will remap from 130BHP up to about 180BHP for around 400 quid, with corresponding massive increase in torque. end result: very very very quick supermini! __________________

24-04-2006, 10:29	#3
ScoobyChris Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Andover Posts: 18,198 Members Car: Fiat Panda Thanks: 15 Thanked 337 Times in 290 Posts	Re: Why all the modifications? A remap means replacing the code in the ECU to increase fuelling and boost and as a result, increases performance from 130 to 160bhp for <£500. I modded my Elegance because the suspension didn't suit my driving style and also it was a bit gutless (after my Impreza turbo!). Coming on any enthusiasts site, you will be inundated with people who want to improve every aspect of the car, so if you're happy with the car you bought, then you'll be fine (there are plenty of standard cars on here too!) Chris __________________ Holding up the traffic in a little Italian..........

24-04-2006, 10:42	#5
Mike Wrightson Briskodian Join Date: May 2004 Location: Carlisle, Cumbria Posts: 730 Members Car: Hyundai Coupe SIII 2.0 Thanks: 11 Thanked 35 Times in 33 Posts	Re: Why all the modifications? As others have said it's just to get what they want from the car. Probably only a very small percentage of owners will ever modify their cars. I'm not anti-modding but I don't really see the point and I can't be bothered to do it. I like the car as it is The Fabia goes, rides and handles well enough without modification but any change made will have a benefit and a downside: Remap - more power but more wear and tear on engine, clutch and gearbox Lower and stiffer springs - sharpens the handling with less body roll but the ride quality goes out the window Bigger wheels and low profile tyres - see above. Enjoy your car, I hope you will have as good an ownership experience as I have over my 3 Skodas __________________ Hyundai Coupe ! Fabia vRS - "Beastie" - A fond memory Me @ YouTube

24-04-2006, 11:45	#7
RallyRed Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: scotland Posts: 443 Members Car: Fabia 16v Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Why all the modifications? It's a personalising thing. It is a great car but it looks like every other new fabia when you get ir. 99% of people to something to make it theirs even if its just a Magiz tree or a National trust sticker or those ghastly door edge protectors. But its also down to this. Fabias like al cars are built as a compromise comfort and practicality vs performance. The mods people do change charecteristics in favour of performance be it handling or power.

24-04-2006, 11:54	#8
WW_VRS Escorted Estate Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oxfordshire/Berkshire Posts: 9,874 Members Car: Ford Escort 1.6LX + Fab Estate Thanks: 46 Thanked 86 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Why all the modifications? I modified mine as it seems well-suited to it. It has improved the car, ride quality hasn't suffered IMHO and my wife would have had words with me otherwise Left the wheels standard though. The standard car is a fine compromise but I wanted to take it a step further. This is the first and probably only car I'll modify though, I've had several cars before this and I've never bothered. In fairness, it's unlikely I'll bother again due to circumstances changing etc etc. There is a lot to be said for leaving it standard, but a site like this will show a relatively high number of tweaks as that's one of the reasons for it's existence I suppose. __________________ WW --->> Project Journal (pic links in first post there) Lummox'/Ross thread on Unit18 Automotive progress on my car: here

24-04-2006, 21:19	#14
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,498 Members Car: Mk2 Golf GTi 16v and building a 20VT MK2. Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 760 Times in 638 Posts	Re: Why all the modifications? Its about being an individual. Its not all about needs, sometimes you just want. __________________ www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details.

25-04-2006, 09:53	#18
des_pd_ tdi Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ruislip, Middlesex Posts: 711 Members Car: Thanks: 5 Thanked 13 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Why all the modifications? All I've done is add a sun glasses holder and an elegance tray. I'm not bothered about performance mods really. But everyone is entitled to do what they want, however Briskoda I'd say is performance orientated, which is not a bad thing. Des __________________ Tiguan Sport Auto Gone but not forgotten, Roomster Scout, Fabia VRs.

25-04-2006, 12:40	#20
vindaloo Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: South Bucks Posts: 1,194 Members Car: Fabia vRS and Impreza P1 Thanks: 15 Thanked 19 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Why all the modifications? Well we are on briskoda.net, not a more general pipe and slippers forum. Whilst the Fabia is a good car, the VRS has handling issues as standard and the engine remaps easily to give a large power increase, improving driveability. As for styling etc. I quite like some of the mods. Trying to achieve a classier, cleaner looking car is high on my list of things to do. J. __________________ Slowly turning the planet sooty. Last edited by vindaloo; 25-04-2006 at 12:43.

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