Cupra ST Advice

[Carnifekt]

Hi all,

Looking at purchasing myself a Cupra Estate soon.

Ill cut to the chase. Would it be worth getting a newer one with the dq381 + gpf or an older one?

Ill be keeping it for a long time, and will be getting it mapped. Just stage 1 and an intake like.

Any advice/things to look out for would be greatly appreciated!

Cant wait!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

I drive the older one (2015 ST280, DQ250), but I dont have any driving experience with a newer one. I think the ST is so good, that I am hesitating to get it mapped haha Its only FWD (but with mechanical diff), more power only makes sense if you have the grip for it

See my build thread here btw: https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/nd-photo-nl-s-seat-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/

 

[SuperV8]

I think either would be nice - I would go for the best condition example in your budget.
I would try and drive both to see which I prefer.

Maybe it's my 'middle age' talking! - but i'm feeling less and less point in remapping 300hp road cars!! My 184 TDI is plenty fast for a road car and rarely have chance to give it the full beans!
Different if you intend to put it on the track - but on the road; blink and you'll be in license loosing speeds!
I say this having a 400hp 650kg car in the garage!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

@SuperV8 I'm 43, so I might have been affected by the "middle age" thingy you are referring to

 

[Craig.]

If you're looking to get it mapped anyway then getting one with/without GPF is mute as you can get it mapped out and remove it for better exhaust flow etc. So I'd buy based on spec, condition, mileage etc as mentioned by SuperV8.

 

[Mr Pig]

I had a 300 which came with an induction kit on it. I removed it and returned the intake to stock. The induction kit let you hear a little intake sook but that was it. There was zero noticeable improvement in power. You could probably get a similar result from knocking a big hole in your air box.

I'd get an older car if you can find a good one. The facelift is not an upgrade. Changes were aimed at making the car cheaper to build and saving polar bears, not making the car better.

 

[ChocoHR]

It depends. Dq381 can handle more power and torque and it's a better gearbox if in the future you want to do a turbo upgrade.
On the other hand, the older one comes with MPI so fueling upgrades are easier. I have a ST with dq381.

 

[tracktoy]

For your set of requirements I would agree go with the one that offers the best spec vs price.

I have run stage one upgrades on the DQ250 With no issues at all and I would just remind you to ensure the car has been regularly serviced on engine dif and dsg. Dont go manual if you are going to upgrade power as you will have to put in a better clutch.

Also check the water pump has been replaced (this is a common failure on these motors).