Hey people. im after converting my 2001 octavia vrs into 4 wheel drive. now i have a possible doner so getting everything wont be an issue but i need to know has anyone else attempted it? i know some would say its easier to get the 4x4 and turn it into a vrs but ive had a fair bit done to mine and i love it too much. so i need to know weather it will all fit or almost bolt straight on. im almost certain the chassis are going to be the same but not 100% sure. so i want to start doing it soon but if i need to fabricate anything etc then ill have a re-think. if tired to do research but google doesnt seem to tell you everything lol. so has anyone else done it can you help please or if you know any info anything would be very much appreciated. thanks guys. Grant

The chassis isn't the same, the floor pan from the back seats rearwards is different to mount the independent rear axle. If you want to convert the vRS to 4x4 you would need to cut the floor pan out at the correct point and weld the 4x4 floor pan into it. For this reason it would be far easier to swap the few vRS parts over to the 4x4.

But having had a 4x4 and trying to put a vrs engine in it that isnt an easy option either.

As said because of the floor pan you need to make a lot of modifications. the exhaust being the easy one.

Also the petrol tanks on the 4x4 are totally different as well as the drivetrain.

Its defo easier to turn a 4x4 into a vrs than the other way round but even thats a lot of work and with current prices its a non starter unless you are just doing it for fun and to do it "just because"

Seeing as the 4x4 engine and the vRS engine are near identical then that's an easy enough swap over, in fact if the 4x4 is post 2001 anyhow aside from ECu they are just about the same anyhow so should map to the same so just swap the bumpers and interior to make a 4x4 vRS.

Seeing as the 4x4 engine and the vRS engine are near identical then that's an easy enough swap over, in fact if the 4x4 is post 2001 anyhow aside from ECu they are just about the same anyhow so should map to the same so just swap the bumpers and interior to make a 4x4 vRS.

Yeah the engines are the same but the exhaust manifold is different and the exhaust fitment and route through the centre tunnel all need quite a lot of modification. Just keep it in mind. It is NOT a straight swap, trust me I know :p

Anythings possible, just look at the fabia vrs estate but with current values on the mk1 you need to be doing it for "LOVE"

The exhaust manifold (and turbo) is the same, the down pipe and cat is different along with the rest of the exhaust as far as I know.

This topic has been covered several times.

Buy an Octy 4x4 (cheaper than a vRS in the first place)

Put R32 springs, shocks , ARB's ( or better ) and wishbones on ( the wishbone thread )

With the money that you'll save on insurance buy a vRS front bumper, seats and doorscards ( or better ).

Remap to exactly the same power output as a vRS.

You'll probably save £200/yr insuring a 4x4 over a vRS

Where to start on a 4x4 1.8T Octavia