ND-Photo.nl 's - Seat Leon ST Cupra 280

[nd-photo.nl]

Decided to get the Cupra mapped in July 2025. Went to a smaller company called Performance Base, which is located 20 minutes from me. He was recommended to me by some people I know.

I didnt want anything extreme and went for a Stage 1+ map combined with a Stage 2 DSG map.

Results:
296 BHP > 381 BHP
378Nm > 524Nm

He mentioned that the bigger downpipe resulted in the horsepower bump to almost 300 BHP in stock form It'scrazy how a bit of adjustments in the software can result in such big changes

Getting the Cupra ready

His mapped Audi S3 limousine in front (about 420 BHP)

He uses DynoPro, so the car is tuned on the streets. This device on your wheel bolt is combined with OBD data to get to the results

He noticed that there was some irratic behaviour sometimes and asked which plugs I used (Bosch). I was recommended these NGK plugs, which I ordered off course.

Type: NGK Laser Iridium ILFER7C8EG 91898

I posted this on Instagram hehe

Its crazy once you get the results visualized

 

[nd-photo.nl]

At a local gas station to get some lunch

 

[tracktoy]

Well done welcome to the Stage 1 Club you wont regret it.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Well done welcome to the Stage 1 Club you wont regret it.

Many thanks! It's crazy how much the car changes with just some software adjustments

For anyone contemplating a stage 1 chip, do it!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

To replace the plastic intercooler pipes, I bought a aluminium hardpipe kit, which looked like a quality bit of kit

Quality of the bungs looking good

MAP sensor bung

 

[nd-photo.nl]

And then a little bit later, I received the NGK ILFER7C8EG 91898 Laser Iridium spark plugs that the tuner recommended

The difference in the center electrode is clearly visible. The NGK has a sharper electrode

This is how the Bosch spark plugs looked

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Replaced the "over the airbox" coolant line with a silicone "under the airbox" replacement. It also has a check valve like the original

The check valve

Remove the intake snorkel for easier access

Fitment was alright, but could have been better. This is a no-name version, the brand-stuff will probably have better fitment

Still happy with the upgrade

 

[v11boy]

And then a little bit later, I received the NGK ILFER7C8EG 91898 Laser Iridium spark plugs that the tuner recommended

The difference in the center electrode is clearly visible. The NGK has a sharper electrode

This is how the Bosch spark plugs looked

Those Bosch plugs look like they have been super hot… how many miles had they done?

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Those Bosch plugs look like they have been super hot… how many miles had they done?

About 6000km. If I look at the NGK guide, they look ok to me ? It does not look like the spark plug which is overheating. Let me know what you think of this

How do I "read" a spark plug? - NGK Spark Plugs

Learn how to analyze your engine's overall operating condition just by looking at your spark plugs. Find this and other DIY tips on our resource page.

ngksparkplugs.com

 

[v11boy]

About 6000km. If I look at the NGK guide, they look ok to me ? It does not look like the spark plug which is overheating. Let me know what you think of this

How do I "read" a spark plug? - NGK Spark Plugs

Learn how to analyze your engine's overall operating condition just by looking at your spark plugs. Find this and other DIY tips on our resource page.

ngksparkplugs.com

The tips look good according to the ngk guide (number 2 going left to right 1-4) has some white deposits but all good - the threads looked like they had been hot, although I’m comparing to old air cooled Honda bikes!!

Not changed plugs myself in an E888 yet, but I expect yours are normal

 

[nd-photo.nl]

@v11boy Fortunately, its an easy job I highly recommend the earth wire modification for the coil packs if you are going to change out the spark plugs. It makes for a cleaner look and a more robust setup

Click:

ND-Photo.nl 's - Seat Leon ST Cupra 280

Bought the Audi RS3 8V brake ducts / deflectors. They are by no means a straight fit and you need to hack away most of the material. I still need to fit them, as I have other priorities. Partnr : 8V0407811 / 8V0407812 I have to say (and it was a very long time ago) I fitted them when I had...

www.seatcupra.net

 

[Loadmaster748]

Quality photos and a fantastic looking ST!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Quality photos and a fantastic looking ST!

Thanks a lot

 

[Loadmaster748]

When I follow mod threads like this (one of the best), I do find it a little frustrating that my Leon has four years warranty left to run!

 

[tracktoy]

Back in the day (before OTA updates) I would have said why wait just get on with your updates (I did from day 1) but I have to agree with the issues that modern car software are having it's not worth taking the risk.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

When I follow mod threads like this (one of the best), I do find it a little frustrating that my Leon has four years warranty left to run!

Thanks my man, I appreciate the kind words

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Bought the engine bay LED light, which is a game changer. This will also help me out with the POV videos Its a rechargeable unit

Paid about 70-80 euros if I remember correctly

 

[nd-photo.nl]

After replacing the dogbone, why not change out the remaining 2 engine mounts ? And I am glad I did! Both units are hydro mounts, meaning they are filled with fluid to dampen any movement. The right side was beginning to leak, and the left side was totally empty. This explained the grime I found...

Right side engine mount, old vs new

Some documentation of the installation date

Evidence of some leakage

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Onto the left side. This was more work than I anticipated. You need to remove some things to gain access, and then the access to the rear bolts is still pretty limited. The wire harness runs directly over the mount.

Almost everything removed to gain access

ECU removed

A better look

I think more of you work this way, with some template so you know which bolt goes where

Old vs new

You can not see this unless you actually remove the mount. I was able to see some crud in the wheel well, behind the strut (no picture). If you see the same color crud in the wheel well, your engine mount is shot

Yuck!

Looking a lot better again I didnt take pictures after the installation