Pabs Platinum Grey mk4 Ibiza Cupra - Stage1 OEM++

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
I've been ultra lazy - I STILL haven't got the sensor fitted. Oops!

As for any updates, I'm pretty sure I need some new front tyres very soon, I'm noticing a distinct lack of grip, especially in this weather, so I'll get it sorted soon.

I have also noticed an annoying knock/tap from the front N/S of the car, it almost sounds like 2 bits of wood knocking together, ie a semi-quiet tapping noise, definately suspension related but unsure what at the moment. I think I'll have to get the top mount & bearing checked, as well as other mounts in that area. Anyone got any tips for finding the source?
It's getting worse lately, and is becoming more and more annoying, so I think I'll have to get it checked out.

Otherwise, car running great - slowly clocking up the miles in her, although still on 45/46k I think! Can't wait for the better weather to give her a proper clean & tidy :)
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
Well I've had the suspension looked at and sorted, thankfully an easy fix in the end :)

However, I've decided that I'm going to get rid of the oil temp gauge as I'm never going to get around to fitting it properly, so I'm making up another DIN blanking plate for the 1 gauge, and then I'll swap it out and sell the gauge/sensor.

I also need to figure out if the speaker grille in the front door cards comes off without removing the whole card, as one is vibrating quite a lot when listening to music.

Cleaned the car inside and out today, and she looks good again! Can't wait for the weather to improve so I can get some more updated pics and drive with the windows down :)
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
Yes mate it's well worth doing - feel so much better about my car when it's done :)
Hope your car is going well?

I'm not doing too much more to my car now, happy with it as is - need a couple of front tyres in the next few months but otherwise I will just enjoy!
 
Mar 20, 2009
1,707
0
Largs Scotland
My car is coming along check out the RR mate just got some new wheels :)

Turbo is coming off tomorrow hopefully and get the hybrid one on. I noticed i had a slight hole in the tip which must have been causing limp mode so im on the lookout for a blue tip but nowhere seems to have them and Forge wont get them in for 3 weeks :|
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
Latest update a bit boring, but car still going very well! :)

Due to never getting around to installing the oil temp sensor, and the fact I didn't really feel like I needed it, I've removed it from the car. I've now dropped to 1 gauge in the single DIN, made up a new plate with the 1 hole and it looks great.

If anyone is interested in the SPA oil temp gauge then let me know, otherwise it'll be going on ebay.

Still not got around to new tyres on the front either, but the current ones still have a little bit left in them.
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
Well the selling of the SPA gauge managed to fund the aquisition of some facelift wiper arms and blades, which will replace the now knackered retro-fit blades I currently have. Can't wait to get them fitted, should look much better, and do a much better job of cleaning the screen too!

STILL on the old tyres, the joys of not doing many miles each day (<15) means that they just don't wear down very quickly. I'm going to replace them next month though.

I've got a good 11 days off coming up (thanks to the lucky fall of bank holidays) so I am hoping the car will get a decent clean. Unfortunately I've found a new carpark "ding" in the drivers-side door which is most annoying.

I'll try and get some latest pics up to show off the latest changes when I can.
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
OEM Aero Wiper arms and blades fitted - 100% improvement in both ability to clean screen properly, and also in looks - sit much more flush to the windscreen.


Result :)
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
lol, well mate, when I remember to take the camera out I'll do it just for you :) Hope you're doing well, it's been AGES since we last spoke!
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
As promised, here are a few updated pics of the motor as it is now. Photos taken shortly before the trip to Thruxton for rounds 7,8 and 9 of the 2011 BTCC :)

Facelift aero wiper arms and blades now fitted:


Single gauge in DIN:


And a couple of overall shots:

 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
Finally got 2 new front tyres on the car today - went for Falken FK452's as I have them on the rear already.

Even the missus commented at how much quieter than the Yoko's they are!!! No constant droaning road noise :)

More expensive than I remember, but in this country everything is expensive these days.
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
Not got too much to update really, but I'm starting to think about removing some of the mods and sell them to reduce my insurance premium, and I'm not really getting the benefit as hardly doing the miles anymore.

I will probably only remove the stuff that's easy to replace like the induction kit and strut brace/ARB, and hopefully I won't fall out of love with the car :)

I think I may have a split cv-boot or something too, as I've started to notice a louder-than-normal vibration when braking and at certain speeds. May have to get the car to JKM for investigation at some point.
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
Well I had made my mind up, so tonight I whipped off the Jetex cone filter etc, and have refitted the OEM airbox. Took for a quick test drive and it's much quieter, but hey, that's what I wanted. Will need to get this up for sale at some point.

Need to get some time to remove the whiteline rear ARB and maybe even front strut brace too. Then my insurance premium might drop to a better figure :)
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
Well last year it was £660 ish I think, but suspect this year with increased premiums throughout, expect over £700. However, removing the mods gives me more options and hence the chance to barter and get it cheaper. Did find confused quote of sub £600 which i was happier with. 2012 should see me with a cleaner license too, so start some saving then :)
 

Damoegan

Sir Bob,a geordy legend..
Oct 15, 2007
8,993
3
Newcastle
I think thats quite high, Paul. How many poits you got?

I'm sure I was only paying circa £400 for the cupra with all mods and 3 points (I is a old got though :redface:)...

The ED30 is only £500 for me and the Mrs :D
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
I got a 28 day ban, annoying as hell as just an accident where lost control, but not in my opinion, worthy of the ban. That was 3yrs ago now too!
Seriously thinking of a sporty-exec car to replace this, maybe s5 or similar.. But may yet be persuaded to the dervs depending on a few things. Doubt I will get rid of the Ibiza yet tho, no money and still love it :)
 
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