A Few LCR 225 Questions

[GazMac]

Hi all,

I bought my car around October and due to my job havent been able to spend to much time with it(im in the army so always away). It is a 2004 platinum grey lcr225. i have done a few bits here and there but nothing too major. now that i have some time at home want to give her some much deserved tlc and some changes.

I live in hereford at the moment and was wondering if there are any specialists when it comes to vagcom and SEAT around my way.

Been reading through the forum and have seen alot of people saying about certain things that should be done to the above car. to that end here are a few things i am thinking of doing and questions concerning each.

1. N249 Bypass - What does it actually do and is it as easy as it seems?
2. Uprated ARB - Is it just the rear recommended to change on the lcr225 if so whats a good one?
3. Strut Braces - I have heard about doing front upper, lower and rear, is this true and how much difference does this make and what are good investments?

Anything else that should be done that wont cost a bomb just yet. forgive anything that seems like a silly question but this is my 1st vag car and im not 100% sure on all the workings etc.
All advice is much appreciated

Cheers

 

[8bit]

Nice car

N249 bypass - I'm not sure but I'd do plenty of reading on this as I've read that this can cause problems.
ARBs - Your choices are a bit limited on the rear if you've got a standard exhaust as some of them will bash against it - Neuspeed is one option and Whiteline is another (altho the latter can be tricky to get hold of). I've got a Mk4 Golf R32 front ARB (23mm) waiting to go on and will probably put a 24mm Whiteline rear one on when I get the funds.
Strut Brace - the Audi S3 upper one can go on the front but you have to drill holes in the suspension turrets. The lower one may just bolt on. Rear-wise, Hughes Engineering do one which is apparently quite easy to fit.

Enjoy the car, and having some free time with it

 

[Faisal]

if you're looking for bang for your buck, get a stage 1 remap, transforms your car into a fire breathing dragon (well almost), you'll love the difference. takes you straight to around 260bhp

 

[godber225r]

Loads of info about the n249 bypass make sure you use the search function alot!!

Dont know much about ARB's never really thought about using them the standard one is good enough

Get the audi S3 upper strut brace you have to drill strut tops but its so easy to fit as long as you measure twice cut once!! The LCR already has a lower strut brace as standard by the way.

 

[GazMac]

thanks for the replies, will have to read into the bypass a bit more then i think. where is a good place to go for a remap and whats the damge?

 

[Faisal]

revo or custom code for te remap, around £350-450 for the map and bobs your uncle/fannys your aunty

 

[AndyHazza]

Hey don't forget about us Faisal

Where abouts are you based Gaz? We can help you with the lot

 

[sambryant]

n249 bypass, 2 min job. car should pull better and dump valve a little louder. as i understand by doing this the dump valve is under your control so in other words its more sharper. mines been done for 18 months with no problems.

 

[Ape]

N249 - I've done it, no ill effects other than an occasional surge at 2500rpm when letting off, by occasionaly I mean twice since last October.

I've got a 25mm Neuspeed Adjustable ARB. Turns the car from a wallowy tank to something super sharp by comparison. It's probably one of the best modifications I've done on mine.

Strut Braces are worth doing if you're beefing up the ARB's, but not so sure they're worth it on their own.

 

[andycupra]

LCR has a lower strut brace as standard so dont buy one of those

N249 - I've done it, no ill effects other than an occasional surge at 2500rpm when letting off, by occasionaly I mean twice since last October.

this may not even be the bypass, ive had an LC and LCR, both have given me the odd surge when lifting off aggressively, probably 5 times in 7 years..

ARBs, well the LCR has a front but no rear as standard, but i would recommend fitting these in pairs (ie front and back).

I would say that remap and ARBs are the two things that make the most difference to the LCR and will transform the car.

When it comes time to replace the front pads, look into ferrodo DS pads, sold on here by badger 5. More track orientated pads with less fade than stock pads and should last longer too.

 

[coops10]

LCR has a lower strut brace as standard so dont buy one of those

this may not even be the bypass, ive had an LC and LCR, both have given me the odd surge when lifting off aggressively, probably 5 times in 7 years..

ARBs, well the LCR has a front but no rear as standard, but i would recommend fitting these in pairs (ie front and back).

I would say that remap and ARBs are the two things that make the most difference to the LCR and will transform the car.

When it comes time to replace the front pads, look into ferrodo DS pads, sold on here by badger 5. More track orientated pads with less fade than stock pads and should last longer too.

But the 23mm MK4 Golf R32 front ARB that fits is thicker and stiffer

 

[andycupra]

But the 23mm MK4 Golf R32 front ARB that fits is thicker and stiffer

yes

i should clarify, i recommend upgrading front and rear. so this could be for example neuspeed front and rear, or i guess R32 front and neuspeed rear on softer setting.

 

[GazMac]

oh right interesting. so what diametre is the standard arb. so are you saying if i want to change arbs and add struts its best to do it in a oner to notice the difference?

i live in hereford at the moment well at least till the army move me again but that shouldnt be for 2 years i hope. dont see many leons round my way if im honest. only 2 in a year i think

 

[GazMac]

also i should mention my car is my daily driver so dont want to make it to hard for daily use

 

[Ape]

The LCR does have a rear ARB but it's tucked up inside the rear beam. I've fitted another one as mentioned and it's increased oversteer massively and I should set it to a softer position but it's too much fun lol. It's sorted the understeer though

 

[GazMac]

hmmmmmmm even more to think about now.

with regards to brakes andycupra i have just purchased 8 groove ebc discs(zinced) and yellow stuff pads all round. was told these were probably best for my style of driving! i got them from crn and apart from the 5 week mess around they look spot on. havent had chance to fit them yet as weather has been crap. wanting to refurb my calipers at the same time so waiting for some dry weather. with regards to this is there anything that stands out to anyone that i will need to know when changing discs and pads on a lcr.

should also mention i have done a few bits to my car:
-changed the stock cd multi changer for a jvc ipod one
-bought some new mats from ebay (well impressed with them for 40 quid)
-angel eyes with hid kit
-new splitter
-new r badges on wings and side repeaters
-panel filter
-had the wheels powder coated gloss black at wicked wheels, birmingham
-brakes waiting to go on

thats about it so far of the top of my head. thats a point while i remember, i have removed the changer from the glove box is there anything i can buy to fill the hole??

 

[Seat Gooner]

You are in the army mate

We got a hero lads

Keep sorting out the terrorists mate

now the car lol

Have you done a D.v Change and air filter ??

 

[GazMac]

if only it was that easy gooner my job would be a lot easier. i have upgraded the panel filter yes but no dv as of yet do need this to do the bypass?

 

[Pyro]

if only it was that easy gooner my job would be a lot easier. i have upgraded the panel filter yes but no dv as of yet do need this to do the bypass?

cant you steal a nuke and drop it on there heads???????????? lol congrats on the car mate

 

[Seat Gooner]

well ill support you mate

upgrade the stanadard d.v to a forge 007p or if you want some woooossh then get a gfb 50/50 or turbosmart but a word of warning these can cause problems on some engines ~(not the 007p)~

well i did the n249 and it seems to make it boost a bit better all you need mate is some silicone pipe off of ebay i think 4mm