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

[nd-photo.nl]

And then I went to work with the hardpipe kit. Everything looked very promising. A new muffler delete with a bigger diameter But, when I got to connecting it to the intercooler, the hardpipe kit was....smaller in diameter. In other words, everything was sent back hahah

I was unaware that differences exist. If I remember correctly, the Cupra uses 60mm piping on the intercooler side and this was smaller...

Comparison shots

The muffler delete looks way bigger

41mm original

52mm aftermarket

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Because I was working on the intercooler piping, I also replaced the second MAP sensor. This MAP sensor is situated in the intercooler pipe from intercooler to throttle body. Space is fairly limited if you replace it while leaving the pipe in place, but its not horrible.

Replaced it with a Bosch unit, made in Germany like the OE MAP sensor

Partnr: 0281002976

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Bought some hubcap stickers in black/chrome with the Seat logo. Unfortunately, I could not find the correct size, so I went with a smaller size which I needed to stick on the MM hubcap perfectly centered. I think I did fine with my eagle eye vision

Looks a little bit cleaner if you ask me

 

[tracktoy]

Like that very much and also much prefer the SEAT sign on our motors rather than the Cupra one but that is just my personal preference.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Like that very much and also much prefer the SEAT sign on our motors rather than the Cupra one but that is just my personal preference.

Likewise, the Cupra logo fits the newer models more. I do have it on the flag in my garage, but I prefer the "older" Seat logo on my car as well

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Added the Audi Sport S3 brake air guides/deflectors. I thought they needed modification, but they are a plug&play fitment. Everything to help get cool air to the brakes

Partnr:
8V0407811
8V0407812

Instead of taking my time, I butchered one thinking it would not fit But again, they are plug&play!

And this is how they look. Highly recommended addition for your Leon MK3!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

I wanted to buy the DO88 intake, but I adjusted my goals a little bit. I want to see how well the Cupra responds to budget friendly mods. In the end I can always buy the more expensive "tried and tested" products right?

I found this type of intake on Aliexpress, but it seems I could also order it on a known dutch webshop. So I got it within a number of days and only cost me about 115 euro, which is a steal if it works well

Filter looks and feels pretty cheap. Unfortunately no builtin velocity stack, which is to be expected at this price point

The tube looks great from the outside! Its a 3.5" tube, which is big

But the insides show a big ridge on both sides where the pipes were welded together. Again, this is not a surprise at this price point. This might have some effect once you remap it, but I don't expect this to have negative impact on my stock Cupra. I wanted to grind it down, but there is way I could achieve this, not even with my smallest dremel accessoires...

Overall quality looks nice, especially for only 115 euro

Look at the major difference compared to the original intake tube

Posted the unboxing and installation video for this cheap intake kit

 

[Mo_86]

Posted the unboxing and installation video for this cheap intake kit

Fantastic work, now just need a sound test!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Fantastic work, now just need a sound test!

You are 100% right, I will have to see if I already shot that movie

 

[nd-photo.nl]

As you might now, you need to pressure bleed the brakes on the MK3 (with 2.5 BAR), so I bought myself a better pressure bleeder. I haven't tested it yet, so we will see haha

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Bought the correct materials for servicing the factory LSD (Limited Slip Differential)

2 New plugs (you need to replace them every time)

Partnr (2x): WHT007168

Febi Bilstein 101172 Haldex oil (0.85 liter)

You only need about 400ml if I recall correctly. This is the identical oil that VW sells in their own branded bottles.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

The first tour ride of the year has been a fact! Went for a tour with some like minded people in the south of the Netherlands. Around the Maastricht / Valkenburg area with all the small villages along the way (province of Zuid Limburg).

I chased a stage 1 Ford Focus RS MK3 from 50-140 km/u and he didn't walk out on me Should have the same power levels, although the Focus has AWD.

At the first stop in the morning (grey, foggy, cold)

And this is more like it, somewhere in the hill area around Valkenburg (sunny & warm!)

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pwLNiGW2WnW7rsdx5

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Replacing the Haldex/LSD oil was easier than I expected. Clearence is pretty good, only the angles are a bit weird. I used a funnel with some hose to fill it from the top. Next time, I will probably use a big syringe.

New vs old filler/drain plugs

The filler plug is on the back of the engine, close to the downpipe. I used some long extensions + wobble extension

And the view from the bottom. The subframe gets in the way a little bit, I used a piece of carton to redirect the oil away from the subframe

 

[nd-photo.nl]

I think this looks so cool