Leon FR / Cupra 150 Tdi - chip and clutch qu

[Husbandofstinky]

Personally I would still go with an exhaust. The resonated Milltek I have looks and sounds totally standard (bar the two pipe ends are slightly larger). Hardly noticable.

My reasons being. Free flowing exhaust will up the figures - 5-10bhp? Also I had a cat back version until very recently. The cat in the system had constant soot build ups causing regular and embarrassing puffs of smoke. A decat pipe has now been installed and now the puffs are gone.

Ideally I should have had the decat pipe installed at the time of the map in order for the mapper to optimise the set up (I did think that at the time).

It is possible that you could also end up with puffs of smoke following a map due to the cat. Food for thought hopefully.

 

[mr_merc]

I appreciate that, and having modified cars in the past I know the potential benefits and negatives and so on (used to have great fun running around in a standard-looking Punto GT, but with lots of toys, for example).

The problem is that I'll be spending £1k on the mapping and clutch alone, it's a case of drawing the line somewhere. That and the fact that this car is intended to be a daily run about, not a toy for modifying and so whilst the exhaust might be a consideration for the future, I cannot reasonably justify it at the moment.

Likewise a decat, which may have been an option with the standard system, I'll only have to muck about putting the cat back on for the MOT and that was not the point of the car unfortunately.

Thanks though, certainly food for thought.

 

[Husbandofstinky]

I'll only have to muck about putting the cat back on for the MOT and that was not the point of the car unfortunately.

No you won't - its a diesel - smoke test only.

I understand with the budgets and a like as we all have them. Just that if you were going where i think you were going i.e. custom map, then an exhaust would be preferable first. If it were a simple case of budgets then my advice would be panel filter and exhaust first. You would then have a better map than a map and panel and exhaust later. Ultimately you would spend the same amount of money with better results - call it foundations.

Lastly I think that the vast majority of owners here use there Seat's as an everyday form of transport and not really a toy in the context you implied.

Have fun, at least you have the foresight to uprate the clutch as many members do not and wonder why they have clutch slip. Clutches though are a bit of a dark art, some survive a map but many fall by the wayside. Why??... no one knows.

 

[mr_merc]

Ah, I hadn't considered that. Yes, cat removal would be fine, I guess.

I think though that if I were to get everything I wanted (arbs, for example!) then I'd be spending well over £2k and I'd originally only budget £400 for a map!

The clutch is a must do in my opinion, because otherwise I'm not getting the most from a map and that is what gives the most 'bang per buck' and will help with the mpg as well.

I think a custom map would be better as it's tailored to the car. Even if the car didn't have any modifications, each car is different (different mileages, different ways of driving and so on) and so a custom map makes more sense to me. If push comes to shove and I want more than a clutch, map and filter then I can have the map adjusted, for a reduced price as I understand it.

As I see it, I could nurse a standard clutch gently for a few miles and have a reduced map (165-170 bhp and <290lb/ft) or I could have a decent clutch and get 300+lb/ft and 190 bhp ish. No brainer really for me.

Just hoping that a remap and clutch really will turn a warm hatch into something quite quick. Not had a diesel for years (previous cars are Punto GT, Saab 900, Valver, 1.8is Mx5...) and always been attracted to the torque/laziness/just works theory.

 

[Husbandofstinky]

You will be happy with just a clutch and map. Just didn't want you to do that first then exhaust/panel filter in a few months time. That's of course if you were going down that route. Although I think that you will be going down that route after the map. The bug as they say.

You should get more than 300lb/ft with a custom map and around about the 190 bhp mark. I know there have been those with torque down the 270/280 level and the standard clutch still failing.

ARB's are also a great mod and they do make a difference. The list goes on and it all depends on how long you are intending on keeping the car. Had mine from new and intending on keeping it for a few years as the mileage is still low (39k).

I've been driving td's for years and love them. Had many Pugs before the Seat (15 or so years worth). Its the torque and the running costs - just suits everyday driving. 350 miles on a tank in the Accord or 500-600 in the Seat or 600-700 in the Peugeot. No brainer really.

 

[mr_merc]

So then...

The next question is, in your opinion, where is the cheapest (and ideally still good!) place to go to get the custom remap, panel filter and clutch done?

I am wondering whether I'm better sourcing a Sachs clutch myself from somewhere (I know not where!) and getting that fitted by someone I know and trust for not very much (£150 ish) and then sourcing the panel filter myself too and fitting that, then sending it somewhere for the remap (e.g. Jabbasport).

Want to (doesn't everyone!?) spend as little as poss, but still get a decent map and a clutch that works.

 

[ben@amdessex]

Mr Merc,

Some price for you Sir,

Sachs Uprated Clutch - £ 524.19 inc vat

DMF - £296.10 inc vat

Release bearing - 5 Speed is £30
- 6 Speed is £60

We have a special offer at the momment, when having a Sachs Clutch fitted and supplied by us we are only charging £117.50 inc vat.

The Re-map for your car is £399 inc vat. this will include a full diagnostics, before rolling road and after.

A uprated panel filter is £34.99 and we do not charge for fitting these when you have a re-map.

As for weather a DMF will be needed. I have known these to go within a thew thousand miles of people JUST changing the clutch. When this happens you then need to have a whole new clutch, flywheel and obviously the labour again to change it all over.

Having done 33k means nothing to the life of a flywheel. We had a Mk5 Gti in 2 weeks ago with less than 5k on the clock and the flywheel was knackered. Having worked in a dealer, I have seen lots of flywheels give up at very low mileage.

We would adivse changing it as its an expensive mistake to make if you don't but at the end of the day its your decision if you do or not, we can only advise from our experiance and knowledge.

If you have any further questions please don't hesistate to contact me.

Ben