Modding Questions

tim_o_boy · 29-01-2007, 13:00

First up, I appreciate a lot of this info is probably scattered around the forums, but it's so big and I'm worried some of it might be out of date. So hopefully nobody minds me asking the same questions again.

So I've had a MkI vRS from new in July 2004. Love the car so much that I plan to keep it (probably) for a good few years to come. I've always thought about going over to the dark side and modding it (particularly a remap), but decided against it whilst it was still under warranty. Plus I had a few 'issues' with my licence that needed to disappear before I hit the insurance company with mods.

Before answering these questions I need to point out I'm 37 with 2 kids and a wife who shares the car with me. From that point of view I'd say the car gets driven 'enthusiastically' only about 5 - 10% of its life. The wife drives real slow and I don't push it with her and/or the kids on board. Plus I'm not as suicidal as when I was younger. So here's the questions:

1. Will giving it a remap shorten the engine's life? The car's only done 14k so far and I'd maybe like to keep it for at least the next 10 years.

2. Will a remap improve fuel efficiency during normal driving?

3. I know we're talking about pushing the horses to about 225 with a remap, but what would this mean in say 0-60 times? I know it's not just about that, but it's an interesting indicator.

4. It seems a remap can be had for around £400 (?) - if I were to spend an extra £600 on extra mods, would it be worth the extra outlay and what would you get? Point being I have about £1000 set aside for this, but it'd have to be worth it.

Thanks in advance.

Snoopie · 29-01-2007, 13:26

1. The remap won't shorten your engines life, if the full potential is hardly used.

2. During normal driving, that can vary, if you were to overtake etc.

3. About 205-210 with a remap, somewhere in the 7 second barrier.

3. ABD Intake, Exhaust and Remap.

Check out Impossible Performance as there is currently a group buy on a remap.

KenONeill · 29-01-2007, 14:48

4) Pagid or Mintex fast road pads all round before doing anything to the engine!

**mannyo** · 29-01-2007, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenONeill

4) Pagid or Mintex fast road pads all round before doing anything to the engine!

Although standard pads are not that bad. I ran standard pads and disks on my remapped vRS without problems. Depends on the type of driving, and your driving style. My old vRS was still on the original disks and pads @54K when I sold it, this included nearly 200 laps of the nurburgring. When you think about it, your car will still need the same amount of braking power no matter how many BHP it has. More BHP just means you get upto speed quicker.

As someone has already mentioned, a remap if done properly should not really shorten the engine life. Manufacturers play it safe big time with BHP etc, the standard engine can safely manage 225BHP but it must be done properly.

KenONeill · 29-01-2007, 16:32

Manny, that's the thing I'm not impressed with, is the standard brakes on the Octy. Of course, I was maybe a bit spoilt by the Xantia I had before in terms of just how it stopped.

tim_o_boy · 29-01-2007, 19:23

Thanks for the replies. Some more Q's:

5. Is 225bhp not going to happen with just a remap then?

6. How much for the ABD intake, where from and is it something I could fit myself?

7. The exhaust - are we talking full thing including manifold (haven't a clue) all within my budget? Where to buy, how much and could I fit it easily enough - done exhausts before, any special considerations?

8. Where to get the best remap and how much?

9. Am I right in thinking I should have the intake and exhaust in place and have the remap after that?

Point taken about the brakes by the way. Thanks for your continued help.

**delcac** · 29-01-2007, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim_o_boy

Thanks for the replies. Some more Q's:

5. Is 225bhp not going to happen with just a remap then?

6. How much for the ABD intake, where from and is it something I could fit myself?

7. The exhaust - are we talking full thing including manifold (haven't a clue) all within my budget? Where to buy, how much and could I fit it easily enough - done exhausts before, any special considerations?

8. Where to get the best remap and how much?

9. Am I right in thinking I should have the intake and exhaust in place and have the remap after that?

Point taken about the brakes by the way. Thanks for your continued help.

5. Possible not.

6. Impossible Performance as they are the UK importers for ABD racing.

7. Cat back system wll not give any noticable power increase but will be the cheapest option. Sports cat and system much better but nearly doubles the cost.

8. Impossible Performance are doing a group buy at the moment, see Briskoda promotions.

9. Not really unless you are going for the sports cat or de-cat.

HTH

JezF1000 · 29-01-2007, 22:13

Don't worry at all about the engines, they are fantastically strong, albeit limited in performance by the std turbo in the Octavia. I know plenty of people with 1.8t VAG's in v.high states of tune who also drive them very hard on the track and they perform faultlessly.

Go to a reliable tuner and you won't have any problems. When I buy my Octavia, I plan to head straight to Jabbasport.

RobClubley · 30-01-2007, 00:39

You'll get loads of different opinions on the best remap - but hardly ever anything negative said about any of them!! JBS did mine and I'm very pleased with it.
The TIP - yes you can fit it yoursel but it's a pig to get on at the turbo end!

Loads of pics on my website of my mods includind them being fitted if you're interested. (Green link in my sig)

DORU · 30-01-2007, 09:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by JezF1000

Don't worry at all about the engines, they are fantastically strong, albeit limited in performance by the std turbo in the Octavia. I know plenty of people with 1.8t VAG's in v.high states of tune who also drive them very hard on the track and they perform faultlessly.

With the standard turbo (K03s) one cannot overcome ~240CP because otherwise the turbo will certainly fall. But with a bigger turbo (K04 or GT28) one could reach 300CP even more (and other internals, of course).

Stuart_J · 30-01-2007, 09:31

If you opt for a decent custom remap performed with the aid of a rolling road you will get the best from the car.

A custom map is where your car is individually mapped rather than someone just uploading a map & hoping its OK. The car will be run on the rollers before its mapped, this checks everything is performing correctly before you start.

Who to use realy depends where you are in the UK. I have always used Jabbasport in Peterbourough & feel its worth the drive from Hampshire.
You shoud see 215-225 bhp after the map but the car will be a lot quicker throughout & when driven normally the mpg should be as good & probably a bit better.
If your wifes worried about the extra power then I know Jabba can fit a boost controller, a small control in the car which enables you to turn down the boost.

The only other mod I would do is to fit better brake pads & better fluid, I personally favour Ferrodo DS 2500 & dot 5.1 fluid (it has a higher boiling point so will stop brake fade)

Re exhausts/Intake kits etc the trade off is often a noisier every day car, some exhausts can drone & become a pain on long journeys, especially for anyone sitting in the back so if poss bag a test ride in a car wityh the mod before you buy. You might also find your wife might not like the noisier car.

If you decide on any intake, Insurance or Engine mods get these done before the cars mapped to get the best out of them

Also check with your insurance co before you start, some have a zero mod policy & others charge various increases in premium

You should have some money left to book a weekend away to try out the improved car.

Have Fun

Stuart

WW_VRS · 30-01-2007, 09:41

Regarding brakes etc - Although the Fabia vRS has decent brakes, they lack feel, and combined with the standard nose diving it does (sorted with Eibachs & Koni FSDs) it really isn't too great. The performance is there though.

I personally disagree with the 'bhp doesn't impact on brake requirements' to some extent - mainly as you are able to get back up to a higher speed more quickly, say if you are 'between roundabouts' you will get up to say 20-30 mph higher before slowing down again. If you are driving 'hard' you will have the scrub off more speed every time (compared to standard), so more heat to get rid off too.

Personally I've not had brake fade on the Fabia vRS with the standard brakes but I feel more confident with the 312mm uprated ones and they won't fade on me the way I drive. No clue about 'on track' but I would imagine the ability to minimize fade, maximize braking power with maximum control (like say the Brembos give) will gain you valuable time.

Definitely check the insurance etc

tim_o_boy · 30-01-2007, 12:07

Can't thank you all enough for the input - I'm learning a lot.

Definitely going to check out the insurance before I do anything and I've been reading a few threads about that.

The rolling road remap sounds like the best option for me as I'm not fussed about spending a bit extra. I want the best I can get.

So, best remap and upgraded brakes are top of the shopping list. I'm just wondering about the exhaust and intake from a point of view of power. Are they going to be worth it for me? For instance, what sort of power gains will I get?

To be honest I'd rather keep the car understated from a noise point of view - my days of big amps and the windows down are long gone. But if the power gains are good enough I'd do it.

Stuart_J · 30-01-2007, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim_o_boy

Can't thank you all enough for the input - I'm learning a lot.

Definitely going to check out the insurance before I do anything and I've been reading a few threads about that.

The rolling road remap sounds like the best option for me as I'm not fussed about spending a bit extra. I want the best I can get.

So, best remap and upgraded brakes are top of the shopping list. I'm just wondering about the exhaust and intake from a point of view of power. Are they going to be worth it for me? For instance, what sort of power gains will I get?

To be honest I'd rather keep the car understated from a noise point of view - my days of big amps and the windows down are long gone. But if the power gains are good enough I'd do it.

re Zorst

My 4x4 (same engine as yours) was running 225 bhp with just a remap, I then changed the exhaust to a full blue flame with sports cat & added a front mounted intercooler, that raised it to 250 bhp, a small gain for the money, the bigger turbo later & a few other bits gave a lot more

I do find the noise a pain at times on long runs when Im cruising but I dont cruise that often

We have the benifit of other cars for family days out etc.

Oh and your not tooooooooooooo old, Im 50 this year & my Octys a mere 356 bhp

tim_o_boy · 30-01-2007, 12:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart_J

re Zorst

My 4x4 (same engine as yours) was running 225 bhp with just a remap, I then changed the exhaust to a full blue flame with sports cat & added a front mounted intercooler, that raised it to 250 bhp, a small gain for the money, the bigger turbo later & a few other bits gave a lot more

I do find the noise a pain at times on long runs when Im cruising but I dont cruise that often

We have the benifit of other cars for family days out etc.

Oh and your not tooooooooooooo old, Im 50 this year & my Octys a mere 356 bhp

Well in an ideal world I'd get the remap done first and think about other add-ons after that. But if you added your exhaust and intercooler after the original remap did you need to get a new remap to reach 250bhp?

356?

Never said too old by the way!

WW_VRS · 30-01-2007, 12:39

It all depends on how high you want to push the power, lowering back pressure does help, but for petrols my understanding is that it is all about having a balanced package of air/fuel going in and the gasses being able to get back out again.

I'd have a word with some of the tuners to seek advise for your particular demands, they may recommend certain combinations that they've worked with before

Quite sure you'll enjoy the result regardless though

Stuart_J · 30-01-2007, 13:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim_o_boy

Well in an ideal world I'd get the remap done first and think about other add-ons after that. But if you added your exhaust and intercooler after the original remap did you need to get a new remap to reach 250bhp?

356?

Never said too old by the way!

The car ran better after the exhaust was fitted but I still had it mapped to get the 250 out of it, some tuners wont charge you the full amount again to tweak the map so ask the question if you go that way

JezF1000 · 30-01-2007, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by DORU

With the standard turbo (K03s) one cannot overcome ~240CP because otherwise the turbo will certainly fall. But with a bigger turbo (K04 or GT28) one could reach 300CP even more (and other internals, of course).

I have a K04 on the Elise, hence 262bhp.

However, I know someone who has 430bhp AT THE WHEELS in their Elise running a 1.8t. Now, that is a lot of power!!

Snoopie · 30-01-2007, 19:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by JezF1000

I have a K04 on the Elise, hence 262bhp.

However, I know someone who has 430bhp AT THE WHEELS in their Elise running a 1.8t. Now, that is a lot of power!!

At the wheels? What's been done to that then?

JezF1000 · 30-01-2007, 22:22

Not quite sure, but I know it has had internal mods, including some pretty high lift cams & a massive turbo with plenty of boost, maybe 25psi from memory. I think it's also been bored out to 1.9l. Flywheel power is 550bhp. The guy is Australian and uses it for sprints. Here's a pic.

However, I know several people running 310-330bhp on hybrid turbo's with total reliability. Steve Guglielmi won the Tuner GP at Snetterton a few months ago in using a 330bhp VAG engined Elise.

Jez

RobClubley · 30-01-2007, 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by JezF1000

Not quite sure, but I know it has had internal mods, including some pretty high lift cams & a massive turbo with plenty of boost, maybe 25psi from memory. I think it's also been bored out to 1.9l. Flywheel power is 550bhp. The guy is Australian and uses it for sprints. Here's a pic.

However, I know several people running 310-330bhp on hybrid turbo's with total reliability. Steve Guglielmi won the Tuner GP at Snetterton a few months ago in using a 330bhp VAG engined Elise.

Jez

That's some big pipes!!

MC Bodge · 31-01-2007, 00:26

a re-map, a clean paper (or a cleanable gauze) filter and possibly some pikey improvements to the intercooling will give a good bang per buck. Anything extra and it will be a case of diminishing returns.

I'd estimate 0-60 to be sub 7 seconds on a good day, although standing start traction is an issue. Second and third gears are excellent. The small turbo gives good response and torque even if the peak power output isn't huge. Such a car won't be embarrassed for straight line pick-up sub 100mph by many others and you'll certainly slurp less super unleaded than most. My car's economy got better post-re-map too and still seems to be improving.

Snoopie · 31-01-2007, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobClubley

That's some big pipes!!

That's not the engine. That's his weekend golf clubs in the boot.

matchmaker · 31-01-2007, 10:50

A simple remap (from Star Performance) gave 216bhp. Later I fitted a Milltek cat, Supersprint exhaust and CAI and with a tweak to the remap now get 231 bhp, but more importantly 251 lbf of torque from about 2000 rpm which makes overtaking a breeze

As for age - I'm 50 this year

Still a hooligan

Stuart_J · 31-01-2007, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by matchmaker

As for age - I'm 50 this year

Still a hooligan

Perhaps we need to start the Briskoda Hooligans club for the 50+ members

29-01-2007, 13:00	#1
tim_o_boy Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Modding Questions First up, I appreciate a lot of this info is probably scattered around the forums, but it's so big and I'm worried some of it might be out of date. So hopefully nobody minds me asking the same questions again. So I've had a MkI vRS from new in July 2004. Love the car so much that I plan to keep it (probably) for a good few years to come. I've always thought about going over to the dark side and modding it (particularly a remap), but decided against it whilst it was still under warranty. Plus I had a few 'issues' with my licence that needed to disappear before I hit the insurance company with mods. Before answering these questions I need to point out I'm 37 with 2 kids and a wife who shares the car with me. From that point of view I'd say the car gets driven 'enthusiastically' only about 5 - 10% of its life. The wife drives real slow and I don't push it with her and/or the kids on board. Plus I'm not as suicidal as when I was younger. So here's the questions: 1. Will giving it a remap shorten the engine's life? The car's only done 14k so far and I'd maybe like to keep it for at least the next 10 years. 2. Will a remap improve fuel efficiency during normal driving? 3. I know we're talking about pushing the horses to about 225 with a remap, but what would this mean in say 0-60 times? I know it's not just about that, but it's an interesting indicator. 4. It seems a remap can be had for around £400 (?) - if I were to spend an extra £600 on extra mods, would it be worth the extra outlay and what would you get? Point being I have about £1000 set aside for this, but it'd have to be worth it. Thanks in advance.

29-01-2007, 13:26	#2
Snoopie Permanently banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Buckingham Palace Car Park Posts: 4,460 Thanks: 86 Thanked 85 Times in 52 Posts	Re: Modding Questions 1. The remap won't shorten your engines life, if the full potential is hardly used. 2. During normal driving, that can vary, if you were to overtake etc. 3. About 205-210 with a remap, somewhere in the 7 second barrier. 3. ABD Intake, Exhaust and Remap. Check out Impossible Performance as there is currently a group buy on a remap.

29-01-2007, 14:48	#3
KenONeill Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Normally somewhere in Scotland! Posts: 11,043 Thanks: 63 Thanked 548 Times in 536 Posts	Re: Modding Questions 4) Pagid or Mintex fast road pads all round before doing anything to the engine!

29-01-2007, 16:32	#5
KenONeill Briskodian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Normally somewhere in Scotland! Posts: 11,043 Thanks: 63 Thanked 548 Times in 536 Posts	Re: Modding Questions Manny, that's the thing I'm not impressed with, is the standard brakes on the Octy. Of course, I was maybe a bit spoilt by the Xantia I had before in terms of just how it stopped.

29-01-2007, 19:23	#6
tim_o_boy Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Modding Questions Thanks for the replies. Some more Q's: 5. Is 225bhp not going to happen with just a remap then? 6. How much for the ABD intake, where from and is it something I could fit myself? 7. The exhaust - are we talking full thing including manifold (haven't a clue) all within my budget? Where to buy, how much and could I fit it easily enough - done exhausts before, any special considerations? 8. Where to get the best remap and how much? 9. Am I right in thinking I should have the intake and exhaust in place and have the remap after that? Point taken about the brakes by the way. Thanks for your continued help.

29-01-2007, 22:13	#8
JezF1000 Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sussex Posts: 236 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Modding Questions Don't worry at all about the engines, they are fantastically strong, albeit limited in performance by the std turbo in the Octavia. I know plenty of people with 1.8t VAG's in v.high states of tune who also drive them very hard on the track and they perform faultlessly. Go to a reliable tuner and you won't have any problems. When I buy my Octavia, I plan to head straight to Jabbasport. __________________ MrsF1000's Fabia VRS Focus St-3 Elise S1 262bhp/279lb 1.8t 20v & hopefully soon an Octavia VRS! Last edited by JezF1000; 29-01-2007 at 22:16.

30-01-2007, 00:39	#9
RobClubley Ta moko! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Aotearoa - land of the long white cloud Posts: 6,904 Thanks: 149 Thanked 155 Times in 129 Posts	Re: Modding Questions You'll get loads of different opinions on the best remap - but hardly ever anything negative said about any of them!! JBS did mine and I'm very pleased with it. The TIP - yes you can fit it yoursel but it's a pig to get on at the turbo end! Loads of pics on my website of my mods includind them being fitted if you're interested. (Green link in my sig) __________________ Corrida Red 2004 Octavia vRS Estate - It's the bestest Skoda in New Zealand! Whaia te mātauranga, whaia te māramatanga - Pursue knowledge, pursue the wisdom of knowledge www.pimpmyskoda.co.uk www.clubley.org Facebook

30-01-2007, 09:31	#11
Stuart_J Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Winchester Posts: 5,678 Thanks: 39 Thanked 84 Times in 77 Posts	Re: Modding Questions If you opt for a decent custom remap performed with the aid of a rolling road you will get the best from the car. A custom map is where your car is individually mapped rather than someone just uploading a map & hoping its OK. The car will be run on the rollers before its mapped, this checks everything is performing correctly before you start. Who to use realy depends where you are in the UK. I have always used Jabbasport in Peterbourough & feel its worth the drive from Hampshire. You shoud see 215-225 bhp after the map but the car will be a lot quicker throughout & when driven normally the mpg should be as good & probably a bit better. If your wifes worried about the extra power then I know Jabba can fit a boost controller, a small control in the car which enables you to turn down the boost. The only other mod I would do is to fit better brake pads & better fluid, I personally favour Ferrodo DS 2500 & dot 5.1 fluid (it has a higher boiling point so will stop brake fade) Re exhausts/Intake kits etc the trade off is often a noisier every day car, some exhausts can drone & become a pain on long journeys, especially for anyone sitting in the back so if poss bag a test ride in a car wityh the mod before you buy. You might also find your wife might not like the noisier car. If you decide on any intake, Insurance or Engine mods get these done before the cars mapped to get the best out of them Also check with your insurance co before you start, some have a zero mod policy & others charge various increases in premium You should have some money left to book a weekend away to try out the improved car. Have Fun Stuart __________________ Speed is an addiction for which thankfully there is no cure Last edited by Stuart_J; 30-01-2007 at 09:42.

30-01-2007, 09:41	#12
WW_VRS Escorted Estate Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oxfordshire/Berkshire Posts: 9,861 Thanks: 45 Thanked 81 Times in 71 Posts	Re: Modding Questions Regarding brakes etc - Although the Fabia vRS has decent brakes, they lack feel, and combined with the standard nose diving it does (sorted with Eibachs & Koni FSDs) it really isn't too great. The performance is there though. I personally disagree with the 'bhp doesn't impact on brake requirements' to some extent - mainly as you are able to get back up to a higher speed more quickly, say if you are 'between roundabouts' you will get up to say 20-30 mph higher before slowing down again. If you are driving 'hard' you will have the scrub off more speed every time (compared to standard), so more heat to get rid off too. Personally I've not had brake fade on the Fabia vRS with the standard brakes but I feel more confident with the 312mm uprated ones and they won't fade on me the way I drive. No clue about 'on track' but I would imagine the ability to minimize fade, maximize braking power with maximum control (like say the Brembos give) will gain you valuable time. Definitely check the insurance etc __________________ WW --->> Project Journal (pic links in first post there) Lummox'/Ross thread on Unit18 Automotive progress on my car: here

30-01-2007, 12:07	#13
tim_o_boy Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Modding Questions Can't thank you all enough for the input - I'm learning a lot. Definitely going to check out the insurance before I do anything and I've been reading a few threads about that. The rolling road remap sounds like the best option for me as I'm not fussed about spending a bit extra. I want the best I can get. So, best remap and upgraded brakes are top of the shopping list. I'm just wondering about the exhaust and intake from a point of view of power. Are they going to be worth it for me? For instance, what sort of power gains will I get? To be honest I'd rather keep the car understated from a noise point of view - my days of big amps and the windows down are long gone. But if the power gains are good enough I'd do it.

30-01-2007, 12:39	#16
WW_VRS Escorted Estate Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oxfordshire/Berkshire Posts: 9,861 Thanks: 45 Thanked 81 Times in 71 Posts	Re: Modding Questions It all depends on how high you want to push the power, lowering back pressure does help, but for petrols my understanding is that it is all about having a balanced package of air/fuel going in and the gasses being able to get back out again. I'd have a word with some of the tuners to seek advise for your particular demands, they may recommend certain combinations that they've worked with before Quite sure you'll enjoy the result regardless though __________________ WW --->> Project Journal (pic links in first post there) Lummox'/Ross thread on Unit18 Automotive progress on my car: here

31-01-2007, 00:26	#22
MC Bodge Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: North West England Posts: 899 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Modding Questions a re-map, a clean paper (or a cleanable gauze) filter and possibly some pikey improvements to the intercooling will give a good bang per buck. Anything extra and it will be a case of diminishing returns. I'd estimate 0-60 to be sub 7 seconds on a good day, although standing start traction is an issue. Second and third gears are excellent. The small turbo gives good response and torque even if the peak power output isn't huge. Such a car won't be embarrassed for straight line pick-up sub 100mph by many others and you'll certainly slurp less super unleaded than most. My car's economy got better post-re-map too and still seems to be improving. __________________ Mk1 Octavia vRS. The thinking man's Hot Hatch. PS. Give Cyclists Room! We're quite vulnerable. If I can slap your window, you're too close Last edited by MC Bodge; 31-01-2007 at 00:49.

31-01-2007, 10:50	#24
matchmaker Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Stirling Posts: 2,788 Thanks: 24 Thanked 20 Times in 18 Posts	Re: Modding Questions A simple remap (from Star Performance) gave 216bhp. Later I fitted a Milltek cat, Supersprint exhaust and CAI and with a tweak to the remap now get 231 bhp, but more importantly 251 lbf of torque from about 2000 rpm which makes overtaking a breeze As for age - I'm 50 this year Still a hooligan __________________ Alan "Darth" - Black Magic Octavia VRS with Forge DV, BMC CDA induction kit, Milltek cat, Supersprint exhaust, Xenons, ESP, cruise, parking sensors and Kumho 225/45/17 tyres Been to Star sufficient bhp & ample lb/ft All time low - 7.8 mpg