Arragonis' Fabia Mod Thread
 

Hi,

After a year of being here and 'planning' I have finally got off my backside and started to get on with some actual, read mods.

Mod1
The one behind the wheel, I EO(n)C (apologies, I know there is a thread about it) where I can more and more, I drive more for economy than I have before and even compare averages on my SG2 over the same routes using different techniques. My best tank is about 54 (imp) but my best trip was 67 on the on-board MPG, 60 on the SG2.

I also choose routes based on elevation and traffic where I can, e.g. coming home from Argyll via Stirling instead of the M8. Longer route but far fewer jams.

Mod2 - Tyre Pressures
I've resisted going for narrower tyres as the ones I have struggle anyway with the torque and the DPO (MG owner speak for Dreaded Previous Owner) has fitted 17 inch wheels and low profile tyres - original sized wheels are spendy.

I have boosted pressures to 40+ (max is 55). I may go higher. This certainly made me feel that coasting distances were longer but I have no A-B-A to back this up. Going over 40 made the ride quality worse enough that passengers noticed but 90% of the time its just me so I don't really mind.

Mod 3 - Grill Block
I made my first one last year but never got round to fitting it as I was thinking about changing cars. The tax man has, this very weekend, fixed that idea so a-modding we will go.

My block is not pretty - it is made from foamboard type stuff wrapped in gaffer tape. Ths is a shot of the reverse side.
http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...5&d=1289155606

The foamboard is not great (waterproof) but it is flexible enough to go over the grill shape which curves quite sharply in both directions. This block is for experimental purposes only, if it works or can be refined then I will replace it with a correx (aka coroplast) one in the near future. I also have some acrylic clear plastic I may use too. In terms of cost the foam board cost me £7 at my local office place, and the tape I already had.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...6&d=1289155606

I'm attaching it with the gaffer tape for the moment. I know it may affect the areas around the grill but I'm not too worried as the chrome (plastic) part is pretty grotty anyway - loads of stone chips not visible in the photos. I have kept it off the paintwork for now in case it peels.

The two highlighted parts are - On the left this cutout is where the bonnet release pokes through, so I need to leave a gap here. On the right is the air intake to the engine. I may experiment with the size and position of this hole.

You can also see the funny shape of the grill here with the badge in the middle which is a pain.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...7&d=1289155606

Fitted and sealed. A quick blast round the block and up to 60 confirms it stays there. Air intake temps are up and down, we shall see what happens. Temp gauge stayed fine as did the SG2 intake temps.

I may open the intake gap and go for the PD160 mod (bigger air intake) to get the cooller intake / warm engine balance a little more in my favour.

Comments and/or abuse welcome. :thumbup:

EDIT - Hopefully the pics work ?

Another one who's got the bug ;)

The attachment seems to be missing.

It's fixed now. :thumbup:

I'm seeing all images myself, whats the bug ? e.g. the link to the last image is

http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1289149832

EDIT and my tag is

"http://ecomodder.com/forum/attachmen...1&d=1289149832"

EDIT 2 - Nnnngggaaaaa

EDIT 3 - I think the pics work now. 'ruddy internet.

I can't see the pics either. Modern technology is great til it messes up :P

Isn't it amazing how the gov't can dictate the little things in life?

I'm seeing pics now....

...except when I log out.

OK then, how do I fix that ? My pics have appeared before, they are in as attachments ?

*runs off to hills screaming and swearing to become a monk. Realises that means no beer, unless a trapist and so returns to normal life...

The images are fine. If you use EcoModder.com to host images, people have to be logged in to see them. That's why I've migrated to Flick'r.

Your grille block, otoh...

Well, it's also fine. But why do you want to keep the factory cold air intake? I'd be inclined to block off the grille completely and let the engine breathe warm air from the middle of the engine bay.

I have been told with the TDI that the intake should be cold and the engine warm.

EDIT - the Intercooler intake (next to the driver's side fog light - aka right hand side as you sit in the driving seat) is also unblocked. I was even considering a front mounted intercooler kit.

I've been waiting for this thread.
The grille block looks nice:thumbup:
I hope it helps, now that winter's close.
Waiting for more mods...