Nasty brake pedal + no Sunroof [Archive] - SEAT Cupra.net

Bigtim

31-05-2001, 13:26

So I test drove a leon cupra, liked the interior, styling and value but...

Found the power delivery a bit diesel-like(surge on 2000 rpm with just a whistle and no snarl, could have been as it was a new demo car, not run in?)

Very much disliked the brake pedal becuase the travel was so long making heel and toe just about impossible. (anyone know any fixes?)

Was told you by the dealer, can't order a UK Leon with a sunroof (see my e-mail exchange with Seat UK below to confirm this).

Also couldn't try out the cloth seats as they only had a leather equipped one...

Hmm seems if I'm going to get one it'll have to be an import so I can have the sunroof and I'll need a "fix" for that brake pedal.

Does anyone know if I can get a Seat UK extended warranty on an imported car and how much it might cost?

Email exchange with Seat UK (scroll to bottom to get the start)

Thanks for your time and your reply.

I was a little perplexed by your answer that the sunroof is not offered as an option as it may effect the efficiency of the Autoclima air-conditioning. I don't suppose that you have prevented the windows being opened for the same reason?

I've looked a little further into this and it seems the Leon range is available with a sunroof in all other markets except Britain. I've found an importer that is happy to supply me with a 20VT leon to UK spec and the electric sunroof is a mere £300 extra.

I'm considering this route to a sunroofed Leon now (though the 12 week wait puts me off a little, there is a saving over the UK price to sweeten it a bit) and my new question is:

Can I purchase an extended warranty for an imported car from Seat UK to match that offered with UK supplied cars? If so, how much would this cost me?

Thank you again for your time.
Tim

-----Original Message-----
From: SEAT Customer Care [mailto:customercare@seatcars.co.uk]
Sent: 09 May 2001 16:14
To: bigtim
Subject: 040501/42670el/

Your ref: No sunroof on Leon?
Code: CC/rs
Our ref: 040501/42670el
Date: 08/05/01

Dear Mr Bigtim

Thank you for your e-mail dated 3rd May 2001.

We thank you too for your interest in the SEAT Leon that is receiving
excellent reviews in the press. As to the sunroof, it was decided shortly
after the initial production that the sunroof would not be fitted to any of
the SEAT range where Autoclima air-conditioning was also fitted. It is felt
that the open sunroof diminishes the efficiency of the air conditioning
facility.

Our latest brochure on the SEAT Leon does not include in any of its images
the sunroof even as an additional accessory.

We hope we have answered your enquiry to the full.

Yours sincerely

rs
for Gordon Sutcliffe
Customer Care Controller
SEAT UK

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BigTim

ZBOYD

31-05-2001, 21:44

Hi Bigtim,

I got one of the first Leon Cupra's in the UK, the ones that came with pratically everything and cost 18k, and a SUnroof was a build option, i never bothered and to be honest havn't really missed it, the air con is first rate.

I suppose the only nice item was to have a glass roof, but i had a Ibiza Gti 16v with sunroof and aircon, I think i opened it once or twice while i had the car.

The power gets better as they do more miles, they are a very well screwed together engine, so need a bit of relaxing to get the full benefit, mines only done 4000 miles in 9months, but its recently really started to surge in speed. Still though i've never identified myine with a diesel in anyway, other than when i start it up it has a rather wild diesel sound that then goes away.

BUt as for overall power, i've found it to be really quick, it doesn;t lag at all.

They are cruisers though really, and if you want a racer you need to modify things, for one i've just replaced the standard Dump Valve for the Turbo, to a Full Alloy Forge one, recirculating, so it doesn't make a daft farty noise like an RS Turbo, this has really made the car much more responsive and it gets off and holds its boost much longer.

If you want them to sound better, they need a nice sports backbox, i've just gone for the Oettinger backbox.

Not sure what your getting at about the brake pedal find the brakes to be first rate, and massive for a car of its size, and travel is not excessive, maybe that was faulty the car you drove.

The extended 2 years on a normal 3 year warranty is a service supplied to UK buyers by the SEAT Dealerships, unsure on cost, but i know my dealer though he will service imports and honour warranty claims on cars in the 1st year and that are registered with SEAT UK when entering the country, they dont like imports, as its effecting their livelyhoods.

People are buying in Europe, but still expect SEAT Dealers in the UK to service them, though they will do this, if it keeps up over a sustained period of time, most of the dealers will have to look towards other car makes, or even close due to losses.

The bottom line is who would service an import car then, other than a corner street grease monkey who has no SEAT experience what so ever. And the UK buyers like myself will also lose out.

Even though it cost me more, and in some respect annoyed me, im a supporter of UK business, especially good ones like my own dealer. Its the manufatcurers that are capping prices in this country and the government know it.

Europe will always get better options until our gorvernment make it easier for dealers in this country to bypass manufacturers.

SEAT UK themselves are just importers, but they alone decide what we want, and we have to lump it. The dealers get the flak but they are as much in the dark as the public.

Mark

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antonye

31-05-2001, 22:13

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bigtim:
Very much disliked the brake pedal becuase the travel was so long making heel and toe just about impossible. (anyone know any fixes?)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't heel and toe it?

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http://www.horrible.demon.co.uk/

Bigtim

01-06-2001, 09:19

Thanks for the replies,

I did really like the car and always turn my head for a better look when one passes and think "hmmm maybe"

Sunroof is non-negotiable really, I hate being stuck in a dark box on a sunny day however cool it is in there. I want to feel the sun on my face. I'd be quite happy to buy from any UK dealer that can supply me a proper factory sunroof (the dealer told me they could wheel the car round to a local sunroof fitter and have the brand new car hacked up but that didn't appeal). Otherwise, what option have I got but to import (if I do get a Leon)?

Annoyed that Seat UK are denying us this option.

And as for "don't heel and toe" as long as I'm young enough not to want to drive and auto, this is what I'll do. 70-90 on the motor way doesn't interest me half as much flicking up and down the box on a sunny day down a country lane or B road (though motorway cruising is a necessity for my weekly commute). The brake pedal is very long and spongy, in common with other VAG brakes I've tried (MK3 Golf was worst) I here it's to do with poor conversion from left hand drive and that European models don't suffer the same way.

I guess I'm just too picky, but the car is so close to being just what I want!

Cheers guys,
Tim

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BigTim

antonye

01-06-2001, 13:13

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bigtim:
And as for "don't heel and toe" as long as I'm young enough not to want to drive and auto, this is what I'll do.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You forgot to add the bit about "or until I stack it and kill myself/someone because I'm not driving the car within the safety limitations imposed by driving on the public highway"

Can I just ask how long you've had your full driving licence Tim?

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http://www.horrible.demon.co.uk/

Olly1

01-06-2001, 13:23

Perhaps high-heeled shoes would compensate for the brake pedel travel!
Didn't synchro-mesh mean that toe and heeling was unnecessary? I'm probably wrong.

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Olly

Bigtim

01-06-2001, 13:54

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by antonye:
You forgot to add the bit about "or until I stack it and kill myself/someone because I'm not driving the car within the safety limitations imposed by driving on the public highway"

Can I just ask how long you've had your full driving licence Tim?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No need for that old son, heel and toe is used to make a smooth change so you don't wear the synchromesh and you have more revs when you arrive at the corner/braking point. It means you don't have a drop off in power and have the car under better control within it's "limitations". Other wise it's brake/juddery change as the synchro fights to bring the gearbox down to the engine speed (rather than vice versa). This unsettles the weight balance of the car (transferring weight to the front) only for it to be unsettled again as the turbo spools up (transferring it to the rear).

You needn't be going fast for this to happen, normal legal speeds on a twisty road will cause it and even around town a little throttle blip (little as in 400 rpms not Vrooom!) Makes the change that much smoother.

The problem with the pedal box on the Leon seems to be that the linkage converting the system to Right hand drive means the pedal is less firm with greater travel so you can't tickle the throttle with the side of your foot as you downchange and brake.

I take umbrage with the insinuation that I may be driving dangerously, just because I'd like a firmer brake pedal as peugeot and other manufacturers supply (and which I suspect VAG/Seat do on the orginal left hand drive models).

For the record I have had a full licence for 8 years (passed at age 19) have none and have never recieved any points whatsoever.

Look, stop being so defensive, I like this car I just wondered if you guys knew any ways to get around these 2 minor shortcomings so I could join the club!

Peace.

Conciliatorily yours,
BigTim

antonye

01-06-2001, 14:43

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bigtim:
No need for that old son, heel and toe is used to make a smooth change so you don't wear the synchromesh and you have more revs when you arrive at the corner/braking point.
It means you don't have a drop off in power and have the car under better control within it's "limitations". Other wise it's brake/juddery change as the synchro fights to bring the gearbox down to the engine speed (rather than vice versa).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No - this shows that you're changing gear at the wrong point compared to the engine revs. You either need to wait longer before changing gears to synch the engine revs or miss that gear completely when changing down through the box.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
This unsettles the weight balance of the car (transferring weight to the front) only for it to be unsettled again as the turbo spools up (transferring it to the rear).
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is a sign of non-fluid driving and will wear your engine out faster than the brake pads and disks!

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
I take umbrage with the insinuation that I may be driving dangerously, just because I'd like a firmer brake pedal as peugeot and other manufacturers supply
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wasn't insinuating anything, I just pointed out that the public road is not a place for "heel and toe" and modern car engines are designed not to need this anyway.

Take any form of advanced driving lessons (IAM, RoSPA, Police Class 1, etc) and they will teach you exactly why it is not a good idea - you may be faced with a hazard that requires full pedal force which you will take longer to apply using the "heel and toe" method. That split second could even mean a difference of a few hundred yards at road legal speeds.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>
Look, stop being so defensive, I like this car I just wondered if you guys knew any ways to get around these 2 minor shortcomings so I could join the club!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was trying to provide you with a solution but obviously you're taking it as personal critiscm. If you're not concerned about your personal safety then that's fine, but don't expect others to feel the same way!

No offence intended!

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http://www.horrible.demon.co.uk/

Bigtim

01-06-2001, 15:49

None taken, none intended and I do intend to drop this subject after this post but I disagree .

Letting the engine revs drop or missing out a gear completely when changing down will actually increase the speed differential between the engine and gearbox. And therefore make the change worse. http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif

The engine needs more revs to do the same road speed in a lower gear not less. (obviously, just check the rev counter at 30 in 1st and 30 in 2nd). The new semi auto boxes on Fiats, Ferraris auto blip the throttle on downchanging for this very reason.

Of course, missing a gear out when changing up (short shifting) or allowing a little longer before engaging the gear results in a smoother shift and a better ride, which is exactly why I do it. http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif

On my test drive I found swapping straight from 3rd in to 6th in the Leon was particularly good and would prob result in improved MPG.

I do know about advanced driving and it's difficult not to take a remarks like:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>"or until I stack it and kill myself/someone because I'm not driving the car within the safety limitations imposed by driving on the public highway"

Can I just ask how long you've had your full driving licence Tim?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As anything other than personal criticism or an attack isn't it?

Other folk on the forum are talking about increasing turbo boost and modifying their cars and you haven't attacked them for being dangerous.

And I don't think you've provided any solutions other than "live with it"

I haven't been disparaging to you and shan't be now, I'm sure you're a nice guy.

Let's just chill out eh? I like this site and forum you've put together and if I can get hold a sorted leon I'd love to join your guys in discussions about our cars http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif

Best,

------------------
BigTim

antonye

01-06-2001, 16:36

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bigtim:
Letting the engine revs drop or missing out a gear completely when changing down will actually increase the speed differential between the engine and gearbox. And therefore make the change worse.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think we misunderstood each other!

By blipping the throttle with your H&T action, you said up there ^^^ that you were trying to match the engine speed to the gearbox. What I was trying to say was that this is a worthless action because you need to be in the right gear for the engine speed - blipping the throttle has no effect whatsoever in making pulling away or changing down more smooth.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>The new semi auto boxes on Fiats, Ferraris auto blip the throttle on downchanging for this very reason.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No - the throttle blip on a Ferrari is purely cosmetic due to the engine sound.

The throttle "blipping" is a hangover from racing where it's very easy to stall an engine due to the large carb inlets and ingnition timings involved. Taking your foot/wrist off the power and applying the clutch is a very easy way to stall the engine with something that is highly tuned. Blipping the throttle helps to keep the engine running and stops it from stalling whilst changing down, especially if you're braking and using engine braking as well.

Modern fuel injection makes it virtually impossible to stall a car, so apart from playing at boy racers, it's not that clever!

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I do know about advanced driving and it's difficult not to take a remarks like <snip> As anything other than personal criticism or an attack isn't it?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, it's very easy (due to the anonymous nature of the internet) to get someone completely wrong. You can end up talking to complete newbies or trying to teach your gran to suck eggs - I was trying to feel the ground here and see why you're using H&T. If you had said "well actually, I've been racing F3000 for the last X years" then maybe using H&T on the road isn't that much of a crime, but for someone who has just passed their test then I certainly wouldn't recommend it because it is a dangerous habit, at least that's the way we teach it http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Other folk on the forum are talking about increasing turbo boost and modifying their cars and you haven't attacked them for being dangerous.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

But tuning a car isn't being dangerous. That's the same assumption as saying Speed Kills which is also incorrect - it's the inappropriate use of speed that kills. There is a big difference between the two, something else that hopefully you are aware of.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>And I don't think you've provided any solutions other than "live with it"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Life is harsh and then you die http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Let's just chill out eh? I like this site and forum you've put together and if I can get hold a sorted leon I'd love to join your guys in discussions about our cars<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Please, don't let me put you off!

I just wanted to point out, from an advanced motorist (and advanced motorcycle trainer), that there is a danger you could get yourself into all sorts of trouble with H&T and, again to be honest, there really is no real need for it on the public road.

Hope you find the car you're looking for...

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http://www.horrible.demon.co.uk/

Shaggy

01-06-2001, 16:46

Phew http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif

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Lee Shand
www.seatcupra.net (http://www.seatcupra.net)

Bigtim

01-06-2001, 17:02

OK,

Phew, I guess we understand each other. You're right, it is hard to guage mood on the board. The smilies help http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/wink.gif

I still think you think you need to match engine speed to gearbox speed when changing down - try changing into 3 from sixth and quickly lifting off the clutch to see what I mean. A driver will subconciously get back on the throttle to raise revs when doing so and this doesn't always coincide with H&T braking (e.g. when changing down on the motorway to get more acceleration for overtaking).

I happy to agree to differ on this. I learnt heel and toe years ago when I had a mini with no synchromesh on 2nd gear - heel and toe was the only method to match the engine and gearbox speed and avoid a crunching change! http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif (Yes it was safe and road worhty with exceelltn brakes)

I suppose you got the idea I was a tyre smoking hooligan throwing my car into bends and putting other road users at risk http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/rolleyes.gif

I too think that fast cars are safe cars in the right hands and the tuning comment was only as I had the idea you were singling me out.

All forgiven/forgotten.

Hey ho,

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BigTim

antonye

01-06-2001, 17:07

Oi! You said that was your last post! http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bigtim:
I learnt heel and toe years ago when I had a mini with no synchromesh on 2nd gear<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Why the hell didn't you say that then? That explains everything http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I too think that fast cars are safe cars in the right hands and the tuning comment was only as I had the idea you were singling me out.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Again, apologies if it appeared that way.

You are, of course, perfectly correct. Any vehicle can be a lethal weapon if it's not treated with the respect it deserves and driven/ridden within both the driver's/rider's ability and the conditions of the road.

I'll dig out some links for Advanced tuition and stick it in the newly created links section on the menu, if anyone else fancies getting a bit more knowledge and making themselves safer - you may even get an insurance discount!

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http://www.horrible.demon.co.uk/

ZBOYD

01-06-2001, 18:25

I would agree to disagree Tim, im not sure there is a brake problem you describe, but i obviously dont drive the way you do, so i can't really offer you a fix to that problem, not knowing what it is.

On the Alconbury Track Day last year i tried some toe and heel, but im a bit big footed, doesn't really work for me, you have to be nimble toed, racing drivers do it and wear very thin racing boots for the purpose.

I often flick thru gears and miss out gears as you've described, i find the gearbox very usable, and often as you have said move from say 3rd straight to 6th, its a very reponsive gear and is quite happy running at 2500rpm to 3000rpm doing 60mph, but tickle that peddle and it soon climbs, even without changing down.

As for Turbo spin down between gears, i've just had a recirculating Forge Dump Valve fitted, this totally does away with this Turbo Lag or spindown between gear changes.

The standard Bosch ones are very nasty plasticy things that do nothing but fail, for £80 fitted, a Forge Dump Valve really does make your boost more usable and the car drive so much better.

Overall a great car, i dont think there is much out there for the same money or level of equipment, that does the job so well.

Mark

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Bigtim

06-06-2001, 16:21

Hey folks,

got another reply from Seat UK, you may remember I asked about the lack of a sunroof and whether I could buy a warranty for an imported model (with sunroof). Here's their final word on the subject. Frustrating, because I'd be happy to buy from my local dealer but for the prospect of no/aftermarket sunroof.

Your ref: ------
Code: CC/rs
Our ref: 210501/42670a-el
Date: 05/06/01

Dear Mr Bigtim

Thank you for your e-mail dated 21st May 2001.

Whilst we appreciate the comment about not being able to open the windows
because of the Autoclima, we have to advise that the decision to not include
the sunroof was based on the principle of the need to keep the efficiency of
the air-conditioning unit to its maximum.

With regard to the warranty offered by SEAT UK, we regret that the extended
2nd and 3rd warranty is only offered on vehicles sold through the SEAT UK
dealer network, and is not available for sale for any personal imported
vehicles. Your local SEAT UK dealer however does offer a dealer warranty
scheme for one year that can be taken at the end of the first year
manufacturer warranty.

To enable your vehicle to be registered for warranty in the UK, you will
need to visit your nearest SEAT dealer with the vehicle's registration
documents. The dealer will then register your vehicle with our Warranty
Department, and you will then be able to visit any SEAT UK dealer for
warranty work during the first year. We would add that the first date of
registration in the country of supply is used to establish the date of
warranty.

Yours sincerely

rs
for Gordon Sutcliffe
Customer Care Controller
SEAT UK

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BigTim

20VT

21-06-2001, 12:45

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>The bottom line is who would service an import car then, other than a corner street grease monkey who has no SEAT experience what so ever<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

sorry m8 but that's complete bollox - my locall dealer has even fixed a problem with my ESP.
The dealers couldn't give a frig where your car comes from as long as they get paid for any work that they do.

BigTim - apparently the ESP equipped cars have better feeling brakes http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif Mine's for sale if you're interested - sunroof is a waste of extra weight, m8

20VT

21-06-2001, 12:53

Another thing this extra warranty on UK cars. If you're really bothered there are companies on the web who'll sell you one for not a lot of money.
But to be honest these things are so well screwed together do you think you need it?
The engine is bullit proof for a start!
Me, I'd save over £4k and go the import route - that's a lot of money to spend on mods and dealer visits if the radio knob does fall off http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/biggrin.gif

ZBOYD

22-06-2001, 11:44

Wouldnt say its complete bollox, but you pays your money you takes your choice http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/wink.gif

Mines had a few issues that within 12months have required warranty, you mention a problem with the ESP, what was it.

Cause im getting an intermittant fault at the moment, where my ESP light comes on and stays illuminated (and no the switch isnt on) just before you said http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/wink.gif

Im just happier with my dealer who has years of experience with SEAT's, and to be honest new cars are becoming so computerised, i think they are more prone to problems than they ever were in the past.

Computers are very finicky things, just look at Windows http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/wink.gif

Mark

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20VT

22-06-2001, 16:43

The ESP had a problem ever since I picked the car up from Holland. Turned out to be a wiring problem that one dealer couldn't fix despite 4 visits, and another had the car for over 2 weeks before he got to the bottom of the problem!!!
The car came out of the factory like that - obviously Seat quality control still sucks unfortunately.
Like you say, these cars are so complicated now even the dealers have trouble fixing them!!!

steve.leon

12-09-2001, 21:47

try this if you don't think matching revs on a down shift is worthwhile (heel and toe braking)

Find a good long bit of empty road, hit 60mph (or there abouts) in top (6th) now work your way down the box to 3rd whil emaintaining 60mph - each down change slows you down due to gearbox and engine braking.

Now do it again but this time each time you down shift, blip the throttle whilethe cluth is down (this takes a little practice) you only need to blip it. What you are trying todo is match the revs of the enginein the next lowest gear to the road speed you want e.g. at 60mph in 6th you have (say) 3000rpm, in 5th you need 3500rpm, in 4th 4000 rpm, in 3rd 4500 rpm (or something like that).

This time you maintain 60mph without inducing any gearbox or engine braking.

Heel and toe braking applies this to slowing down on the brakes while maintaining the engine revs and hence ability to exit the obstacle (corner) quicker because you are back on the power with the engine already singing.

PLUS - its great to get it right http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/cool.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/cool.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/cool.gif

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Steve

Mosser

13-09-2001, 19:19

I didnt think heel and toe was possible on the Leon's ?,

Because when the brake pedal is pressed the engine management disables the accelerator pedal until the brake is released!!,

That should put an end to the heel and toe debate cos its not possible in a Leon !!! http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif

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Flash red Seat Leon 20VT Cupra 2001 model

steve.leon

13-09-2001, 19:48

is this right about brake pedal disables throttle ?

Will try it later (presume I can kick it into neutral git the brake and see if I can rev it)

If it is true I am pretty sure I do not like the sound of it at all (not sure why yet but I'm thinking about - probably goingto be a pain driving in the snow but its a long time since Ive been in 2wd - ex impreza so 4wd) http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif

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Steve

Mosser

13-09-2001, 22:17

I only know this because when i wash my car i always used to drive down the road at full throttle but with the brakes on so i wasnt going fast,

This used to warm the brakes up very fast and dry them out as on my old citroen XM, if you left water on the brakes, the pads would seize onto the discs by the following morning!!!,

When i tried this with my leon (force of habit drying the brakes!!), Every time i applied the brakes and tried to rev the engine i couldnt, so with a bit more testing i concluded that the ECU must disable the throttle whilst the brakes are applied!

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Flash red Seat Leon 20VT Cupra 2001 model

steve.leon

15-09-2001, 14:00

tried this in netral and you can rev and brake, will try again in gear and see but I doubt very much it does cut the throttle, will report back - does it mention it inthe manual ?)

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Steve

Mosser

16-09-2001, 18:52

I tested it in gear just to make sure i wasnt dreaming it and it definitly cuts the throttle if you brake then try to blip the accelerator, and whats more, if you do that, there's a 2 second delay before the power comes back in !!, Doh http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/frown.gif

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Flash red Seat Leon 20VT Cupra 2001 model

ibizacupra

16-09-2001, 19:48

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Mosser:
I tested it in gear just to make sure i wasnt dreaming it and it definitly cuts the throttle if you brake then try to blip the accelerator, and whats more, if you do that, there's a 2 second delay before the power comes back in !!, Doh http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/frown.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It does'nt do it on an Oettinger converted Ibiza cupra thankfully. Mines fine thank God.
I always heel and toe, and left foot brake when on track... (not tried that yet in the Ibiza)
Hope I am not imagining this.
regards
Bill

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/cool.gif

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http://www.badger5.co.uk

PipSqueak111

18-09-2001, 09:55

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by 20VT:BigTim - apparently the ESP equipped cars have better feeling brakes http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/smile.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm running a 2001 Leon Cupra (ex-Sport) without ESP, and the pedal feel is fantastic. Really solid, needs only a slight touch to induce gentle braking - spent the first couple of weeks almost doing emergency stops every time I tried to slow down for a roundabout or junction! Hard braking requires an inch of travel at most, and the ABS is kicking in on an emergency stop at less than two inches of travel.

The pedal has felt a little softer since I (and Dave Clarke, a GT racer) drove my car at the Alconbury track day, but it's still very high up the brake travel.

Last Monday I drove a SEAT UK demonstrator at Rockingham, and the pedal travel had gone down a fair way on that. I suspect that the pedal goes down over time due to hard braking. The demonstrator bigtim drove had probably had a rough time on the brakes like this demonstrator, so I reckon a brake fluid change could well rectify the problem.

And yes, it is possible to heel and toe the Leon. I agree with other posts that it isn't really necessary on the Leon though. (Before people get on my case as to whether I'm qualified to say you can or can't heel and toe; I used to drive a Lada rally car without synchromesh, and I'm currently trying to qualify for the Michelin Renault Scholarship with Tim Sugden Motorsport http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/tongue.gif )

Agree with Zboyd that a sunroof is unnecessary due to the fine climate control. You say you don't like being in a dark car on a sunny day bigtim, but I find it quite light thanks to the pale grey/cream rooflining and pillars.

That's my two-penneth anyway,

PipSqueak111

ibizacupra

18-09-2001, 13:22

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by ibizacupra:
Originally posted by Mosser:
I tested it in gear just to make sure i wasnt dreaming it and it definitly cuts the throttle if you brake then try to blip the accelerator, and whats more, if you do that, there's a 2 second delay before the power comes back in !!, Doh http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/frown.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It does'nt do it on an Oettinger converted Ibiza cupra thankfully. Mines fine thank God.
I always heel and toe, and left foot brake when on track... (not tried that yet in the Ibiza)
Hope I am not imagining this.
regards
Bill

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/cool.gif

Heel and toe works but left foot braking does not!!!! Ahhh Bugger!
Blummin ECU spoils the fun, killing the throttle if the brake is pressed for more than a couple of seconds whilst the throttle is open.
What bright spark thought of that eh??

Bill

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/mad.gif

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http://www.badger5.co.uk

steve.leon

19-09-2001, 19:12

my god its true, it does kill the throttle http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/eek.gif

So no left foot braking, not really an issue at all on the road and not great for the gearbox anyway, but heel and toe is fine (as you blip the throttle while the clutch is down

what else does this damn computer do that going to anoy me http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/confused.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/confused.gif http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/confused.gif

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Steve

PipSqueak111

21-09-2001, 12:30

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by steve.leon:
my god its true, it does kill the throttle

what else does this damn computer do that going to anoy me

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's not really the computer, or not the ECU as such anyway. I've spoken to the guys at my dealership, and apparently it's the traction control system that's killing the throttle. That's why when you're stationary you can't reproduce the effect.

PipSqueak111

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Ovni yellow Leon Cupra 2001 model, north London.

ibizacupra

21-09-2001, 14:14

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by PipSqueak111:
It's not really the computer, or not the ECU as such anyway. I've spoken to the guys at my dealership, and apparently it's the traction control system that's killing the throttle. That's why when you're stationary you can't reproduce the effect.

PipSqueak111

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
On my Ibiza, with its switchable TCS, it makes no difference. It won't let me play either way http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/frown.gif

DOH!

Bill

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http://www.badger5.co.uk

nikos

29-09-2001, 03:58

Can you turn off TCS just like ESP?
I think in Greece there is a button right next to the ESP one... Not 100% sure though..

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ibizacupra

29-09-2001, 09:14

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by nikos:
Can you turn off TCS just like ESP?
I think in Greece there is a button right next to the ESP one... Not 100% sure though..

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I have the button and the light on the dash comes on, but it will not let me play.
someone said that the car has to be stopped before pressing the TCS off.
Not tried that yet.
Will have to wait for another track day to play, but by that time I will have the PSS9's on, so it should be behaving better I hope!
Bill

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http://www.badger5.co.uk

Bigtim

03-10-2001, 13:20

Just looked back in here and seen a few folk replying to this old topic.

I did buy a new car in the end and ate a few of my words by buying a dark coloured one (black) and not having a sunroof (still wanted one bu the expiry of http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/redface.gif

It's a normally aspirated model and can be heeled and toed delightfully, gearshift and clutch feel also a bit better than the cupra I drove. http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/tongue.gif

Yopu guys will hate me, but I went for residual values (making excuses here).

It's...

A Golf V5 170hp

Very nice car and though perhaps not as good value as the leon and a bit less overtly sporty it is quicker, has better brakes feel (amazing how important this is to me) and perhaps has a better image (though that is a very shallow statement I concede). Interior plastics and fit better too, though stereo not as good (yet).

So long folks, sorry I didn't join the party but enjoy your cupras (with or without heel and toe).

Tim

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BigTim