Octavia Tdi Estate Suspension Options

pikestan · 02-07-2003, 12:23

Read most of the posts about the suspension options, most seem related to RS.
Whats available for the Octavia estate tdi 2002 model, thinking the eibach springs with original dampers, as have previous experience of these on another car.
Anyone actually have these fitted and if so comments please.
Also the usual cheapest source.
Regards

**TaviaRS** · 02-07-2003, 12:52

If it was me, I'd get the KW Variant 1 or 2, no questions.

I spent Sunday with the guys from KW (Germany) and having heard how the product is developed and tested, and now having a set on my car, I'd say they are by far the best suspension I've ever had.

Hmm, better start a new thread on my thoughts on them.

SkodiRS · 02-07-2003, 12:56

Check out Impreziv.co.uk

Colin has fiited variant2 (I think) and is well pleased. He has 4x4 estate. Check the "KW suspension" thread.

Probably better mail Disco (John) as I'm not sure how the TDi suspension differs from the petrol due to the extra weight (due to engine) over the front.

After this it's the usual suspects; AmD etc.

Cheers.
Adrian.

SkodiRS · 02-07-2003, 12:57

Jon (sorry to go slightly off topic),

how's the engine mods coming along or is it still top secret?

Fabpreza · 03-07-2003, 10:11

Found these on eBAY but they are only listed for the 1.6/1.8

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...&category=9886

**TaviaRS** · 03-07-2003, 10:44

They look like Bilstein or H&R springs to me. As I recall, TUV don't make springs, they just test them.

Go on, get in touch with John (Disco@impreziv). He'll talk to you about the KW kits (as I say, Varient 1 or 2 if you want anything other than height adjustment) plus if you don't want to spend quite as much he also does Eibach spring kits IIRC

Disco@Impreziv · 04-07-2003, 19:46

The KW's are the same kit as per the RS etc, but with slightly more preset damping from the factory to compensate for the extra weight of the engine.

Again the Eibachs are the same part for the TDi as for the RS and Autos, I'm not sure what the exact weight difference is but this does surprise me slightly.

pikestan · 25-07-2003, 15:31

finally fitted the springs on standard dampers (tdi 110 estate)
very impressed, took out the vast majority of the body roll and firmed things up generally.
Excellent value at £128.73

It also appears from the US vw site that Eibach are the suppliers of the VW sports suspension kits should you order through a VW dealer. (Interesting) and to most people very important for warranty issues.

JayTee · 26-07-2003, 00:54

Hi Pikestan,
Thanks for the report on Eibach spring fitment on your TDi Estate - just what I intend to do as there is too much body roll on my L&K TDi Estate and you have confirmed just changing the springs improves it .
Wonder what spec your car is and do you know if there is any difference in shocks/springs between L&K, Elegance etc?
John.

pikestan · 28-07-2003, 12:43

John,
mine was the elegance 2002 tdi model. Its the only one with 110hp. Same as the L&K in so far as the important suspension parts are concerned.
My investigations with Eibach UK and www.tdiclub.com (specifically Eibach UK) led me to the following.
The springs I bought 7909-140 are apparently the same for all Octavia estates, I would have thought that the tdi would be different but its not. The tdi being heavier.
Body roll, turn in, handling all much improved, good value at 128.00.

Easy to change on your own as the rear springs are seperate from the dampers, fronts fairly easy with a few metric spanners a good lump hammer and coil spring compressors. Try this link for some pics, its a bit sketchy in parts but covers most of it.
try abella.net for info (appears to be down at the moment) may be http://abella.net or www.abella.net can't recall

previously used the same manufacturer springs on a subaru impreza, same excellent result

1inch drop in height by the way
hope the info helps

***ncarring*** · 28-07-2003, 12:49

Pikestan how did you get the nuts off the top of the dampers while stopping the shaft from rotating? Tried to do mine Saturday, defeated by this problem and had to put existing one back.

pikestan · 28-07-2003, 13:06

try this for some info,
http://www.jwelty.com/dubtuning/install-all.html

its an allen key about 6 or 8 mm plus i think a 21mm ring, I used a socket with the allen key passing down the middle, once this is off (undo the bottom part first, abella.net is good for pics, ignore the mk1v references remember the octavia is a golf chassis) it releases the cup shaped washer and the spring and damper assembly come out/down, slap on the spring compressors (strap with rope as well to be sure unless you have good compressors) take the weight of the spring with the compressors and undo the second nut. This is the one that was obscured by the cup washer when installed in the car. Change the spring. The damper is located by the small plate at the rear with a cutout for the pinch bolt to control height.
abella.net is good for pics.

cheers

***ncarring*** · 28-07-2003, 13:47

Thanks...

It was the second nut I couldn't get undone. The Allen key is 7mm - no prob as I had one from an old job on Escort calipers. 21mm is correct but the nut is so shallow and the bump stop sticks up so much I could not get any purchase on the nut to turn it with the ring spanner I had.

Have you got a through (hollow) socket set then, up to 21mm?

abella.net is still dead....

pikestan · 28-07-2003, 15:07

I used an imperial one (showing my age here) socket has in addition to a 1/2 sq drive a hex head so it also accepts a spanner. Quite tight but goes eventually. You could try grinding the ring spanner to suit.

Best bet is to buy a socket that has a hex head, not sure what the correct name is.

Sorry can't help anymore.
All the best.

***ncarring*** · 28-07-2003, 16:03

Aha - good plan. Thanks. I'll confess I was using a 13/16 ring spanner too

02-07-2003, 12:23	#1
pikestan Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Octavia Tdi Estate Suspension Options Read most of the posts about the suspension options, most seem related to RS. Whats available for the Octavia estate tdi 2002 model, thinking the eibach springs with original dampers, as have previous experience of these on another car. Anyone actually have these fitted and if so comments please. Also the usual cheapest source. Regards

02-07-2003, 12:52	#2
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	If it was me, I'd get the KW Variant 1 or 2, no questions. I spent Sunday with the guys from KW (Germany) and having heard how the product is developed and tested, and now having a set on my car, I'd say they are by far the best suspension I've ever had. Hmm, better start a new thread on my thoughts on them. __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

03-07-2003, 10:11	#5
Fabpreza Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: SE Posts: 1,515 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	eBAY ad Found these on eBAY but they are only listed for the 1.6/1.8 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...&category=9886

03-07-2003, 10:44	#6
TaviaRS Dinosaur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North of the Watford Gap Posts: 14,918 Thanks: 19 Thanked 42 Times in 38 Posts	They look like Bilstein or H&R springs to me. As I recall, TUV don't make springs, they just test them. Go on, get in touch with John (Disco@impreziv). He'll talk to you about the KW kits (as I say, Varient 1 or 2 if you want anything other than height adjustment) plus if you don't want to spend quite as much he also does Eibach spring kits IIRC __________________ A jolly sensible Mercedes E class saloon in a rather fetching bluey grey colour. No it isn't fast, no it isn't modded, and yes, it will still eat your Fabia for breakfast. Official mobile chicane for Briskoda trackdays

04-07-2003, 19:46	#7
Disco@Impreziv Briskodian Join Date: May 2003 Location: Essex Posts: 88 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	The KW's are the same kit as per the RS etc, but with slightly more preset damping from the factory to compensate for the extra weight of the engine. Again the Eibachs are the same part for the TDi as for the RS and Autos, I'm not sure what the exact weight difference is but this does surprise me slightly. __________________ Naughty Scoob specialist, helping develop the thinking mans performance car!

02-07-2003, 12:56	#3
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Check out Impreziv.co.uk Colin has fiited variant2 (I think) and is well pleased. He has 4x4 estate. Check the "KW suspension" thread. Probably better mail Disco (John) as I'm not sure how the TDi suspension differs from the petrol due to the extra weight (due to engine) over the front. After this it's the usual suspects; AmD etc. Cheers. Adrian.

02-07-2003, 12:57	#4
SkodiRS BRISKODA Staff Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: darkest Hampshire Posts: 8,650 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Jon (sorry to go slightly off topic), how's the engine mods coming along or is it still top secret?

25-07-2003, 15:31	#8
pikestan Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	finally fitted the springs on standard dampers (tdi 110 estate) very impressed, took out the vast majority of the body roll and firmed things up generally. Excellent value at £128.73 It also appears from the US vw site that Eibach are the suppliers of the VW sports suspension kits should you order through a VW dealer. (Interesting) and to most people very important for warranty issues.

26-07-2003, 00:54	#9
JayTee Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hemel Hempstead Posts: 343 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Hi Pikestan, Thanks for the report on Eibach spring fitment on your TDi Estate - just what I intend to do as there is too much body roll on my L&K TDi Estate and you have confirmed just changing the springs improves it . Wonder what spec your car is and do you know if there is any difference in shocks/springs between L&K, Elegance etc? John. __________________ John Thomson Seat Toledo Sport DSG TDi - Platinum Grey Sunroof, Bi-Xenons, 17" Alloys, Park Sensors, Bluetooth, Heated Seats, Rear Sliding Seats, Spare Wheel! (yes, it is optional )

28-07-2003, 12:43	#10
pikestan Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	John, mine was the elegance 2002 tdi model. Its the only one with 110hp. Same as the L&K in so far as the important suspension parts are concerned. My investigations with Eibach UK and www.tdiclub.com (specifically Eibach UK) led me to the following. The springs I bought 7909-140 are apparently the same for all Octavia estates, I would have thought that the tdi would be different but its not. The tdi being heavier. Body roll, turn in, handling all much improved, good value at 128.00. Easy to change on your own as the rear springs are seperate from the dampers, fronts fairly easy with a few metric spanners a good lump hammer and coil spring compressors. Try this link for some pics, its a bit sketchy in parts but covers most of it. try abella.net for info (appears to be down at the moment) may be http://abella.net or www.abella.net can't recall previously used the same manufacturer springs on a subaru impreza, same excellent result 1inch drop in height by the way hope the info helps

28-07-2003, 12:49	#11
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,867 Thanks: 15 Thanked 86 Times in 74 Posts	Pikestan how did you get the nuts off the top of the dampers while stopping the shaft from rotating? Tried to do mine Saturday, defeated by this problem and had to put existing one back. __________________ Nick

28-07-2003, 13:06	#12
pikestan Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	try this for some info, http://www.jwelty.com/dubtuning/install-all.html its an allen key about 6 or 8 mm plus i think a 21mm ring, I used a socket with the allen key passing down the middle, once this is off (undo the bottom part first, abella.net is good for pics, ignore the mk1v references remember the octavia is a golf chassis) it releases the cup shaped washer and the spring and damper assembly come out/down, slap on the spring compressors (strap with rope as well to be sure unless you have good compressors) take the weight of the spring with the compressors and undo the second nut. This is the one that was obscured by the cup washer when installed in the car. Change the spring. The damper is located by the small plate at the rear with a cutout for the pinch bolt to control height. abella.net is good for pics. cheers

28-07-2003, 13:47	#13
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,867 Thanks: 15 Thanked 86 Times in 74 Posts	Thanks... It was the second nut I couldn't get undone. The Allen key is 7mm - no prob as I had one from an old job on Escort calipers. 21mm is correct but the nut is so shallow and the bump stop sticks up so much I could not get any purchase on the nut to turn it with the ring spanner I had. Have you got a through (hollow) socket set then, up to 21mm? abella.net is still dead.... __________________ Nick

28-07-2003, 15:07	#14
pikestan Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 31 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I used an imperial one (showing my age here) socket has in addition to a 1/2 sq drive a hex head so it also accepts a spanner. Quite tight but goes eventually. You could try grinding the ring spanner to suit. Best bet is to buy a socket that has a hex head, not sure what the correct name is. Sorry can't help anymore. All the best.

28-07-2003, 16:03	#15
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,867 Thanks: 15 Thanked 86 Times in 74 Posts	Aha - good plan. Thanks. I'll confess I was using a 13/16 ring spanner too __________________ Nick

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