Ibiza 2.0 GTI 8v Tuning/Servicing

[Nick Nick]

*Newbie Post*

Hi all,

Just discovered my beeza has (what appears to be) a power steering fluid leak somewhere. Just had the exhuast cheked 'cos it was blowing and noticed nasty green fluid all over the chassis near the power steering fluid pump :cry:
Incidentally, I've only owned this car since November (an R Reg with 35K on the clock), and a couple of weeks ago the power steering whinged because it was out of fluid (I thouht that was becuase it had done v little miles each year (e.g. last year < 4K), and in 3 moths I've put 7K on it :), so I thought fair enough and topped it up and the whinging noise stopped. I've just checked the reservoir level and it is very low - so there is a leak somewhere.
I really don't fancy taking it to a Seat dealer (even though I live literally a stones throw from Kings in Baddesley) becuase they quoted me over £1K for new exhuast (needed from downpipe to tailpipe) on 23rd Dec (cheeky f**kers). Needless to say i laughed at them and took it to Kwik Thick ('cos I was desperate to get to Devon for Xmas) and got it done for £506. So my question is:

Does anyone know a TRUSTWORTHY and INEXPENSIVE place to get my car repaired near Southampton, and then tuned so I can ragg it some more?

I love this little car, and am considering some performance upgrades soon too so any advice on where to go would be helpful. (Yes I know i've just had the standard exhuast replaced, but its very difficult to get any exhust fitted for a 2.0 gti beeza 2 days before xmas, let alone an aftermarket one).

Thanks

Nick

[Smithy]

Welcome in...

Sorry I don't know any places in Southampton, why not ask friends / family if they know of any local mechanics that can have a look for you, I've never let the stealership touch mine.

I got my mid-section and backbox done for about £130 or so, and the down pipe just needed a spot weld to sort rattling out, that cost me about 4 pints for the appreciation. If yours had a big hole in it then fair play, horrible part to replace so large labour costs. Got mine 1.5yrs ago with 32k and had the rattles from then, not anymore ;)

[Nick Nick]

Hi Smithy,

Thanks for the reply, yeah there are a few local mechanics around that I can use, ideally I'd like to find a garage that isnt the dealership but does speacialise in Seat's. Tried a bit of googling, but not much joy. I did read a few posts that mention VW specialists as an alternative, since its an old-ish beeza and they are pretty much the same as a golf, but I was hpoing that someone would say 'Yes, XXX are superb...'

Think I'm gonna go to the pub and see if anyone has any ideas... If any one else knows a good garage, please shout.

[edc]

I've used Autotechnik in Totton in the past but IIRC they have changed ownership

[Small]

I've used JKM in Copnor, Portsmouth. Very competent and friendly bunch of people. Family run place.

[Nick Nick]

Hi,

Thanks to Small and Ed, I will check out both of these Garages - they sound good having done a little looking. I found JKM's site, but havent found one for autotechnik (if there is one).

Thanks again to all

[Small]

I don't think Autotechnik have a website, or at least they didn't used to.

[edc]

Who needs a website, you can find their number on the net easy enough. It's actually on my mobile - which I don't have here!

[Cupra Kid]

Performance upgrade wise, i wouldnt bother with the exhuast or induction as its relatively little gain for big money. You can see 130bhp with a custom code remap http://www.custom-code.co.uk/content/view/1380/198/ and these are around £500

[Nick Nick]

Thanks Paul,

Apologies for the late reply, little bit hectic atm... :censored: ing Taxman.
I've seen something like this recently, although I think it was made by someone else (Revo I think). Do you know if there is much of a difference between the various companies offering these, or is it down to personal preference? (please forgive my ignorance)
Thanks for your advice, most of the forums suggest a remap as a good place to start.

Nick

[Cupra Kid]

yup i daresay revo one for it too, havent checked tbh. There all much of sameness these remaps and chips. Just go for the one that gives you the most amount of gain for your car for the best price. I know people with custom code and people with revo and they all seem equally as pleased.

[m0rk]

115-140bhp on a 2.0 8v with just a remap is pretty ambitious though....

helps that they start at 125bhp normally, so does that mean 150bhp?

[ryand]

:no: Autotecknik :rifle: