Meet the Mule: '02 Skoda Fabia 1.9TDi Estate

[RunningStrong]

Long time lurker, and after 2 years of madness (Alfa GT 2.0), I've returned to the eco side, with a '02 Skoda Fabia 1.9 TDi Estate (PD100).

So part of this comes down to a change of commute, so I now I do 70 miles a day of mostly motorway, dual carriageway and by-pass. The fact I managed to squeeze 35 mpg out of a 2.0 JTS Alfa unit gives you and idea that's it's a pretty smooth run.

Jobbies done so far:
- 3/4 Grill block (It's winter)
- Thermostat replaced (these engines take an age to warm up, an old thermostat was clearly on the blink).
- Tyre Pressures +5 PSi on user manual
- Door leak fix.
- New front end bulbs.
- Dash Cam fitted.
- Toothpaste Headlight Refurbish.
- Oil and Filter.

Jobbies to do:
- GTechniq Glass Treatment
- Passenger window mechanism replace

Want to do:
- Remap. It's very common to get an extra 30% power out of these VAG TDi engines. That would hopefully allow me to cruise at 30 in 4th, and 40 in 5th without the engine labouring.
- Suggestions welcome!

So last two tanks have already been pretty good, I'm averaging around 65 MPG (Imperial) and that's with sensible speeds, fast-down-slow-up and a few neutral-coasts down the longer hills.

The under-tray is already well, but not completely, covered with dimpled plastic, so I'm wondering what else I can get up to.

[RunningStrong]

So it's been busy few months for the Panzer Wagon and I've put a few thousand miles on a just a couple of months.

The Ups - 1000 km tank and 56 MPG US.
The Downs - Gearbox failed. Replacement wasn't cheap but had clutch and timing belt at same time.

All in all I think a 1000 km tank and a consistent 65 MPG (Imp) economy is a great start with just some moderate tyre pressures, moderate eco driving and a 75% grill block.

As the weather gets better, things like rear wheel covers and (as discussed elsewhere) a box-cavity rear are distinct possibilities. I'd truly like to see 70 MPG (Imp) across a tank, that's my aim for the end of 2015.

On the todo list -
- Replace front drop links
- New Tyres and tracking
- Millers Diesel Fuel Engine Treatment

[RunningStrong]

I certainly haven't reached the 70 MPG across a tank that I have been hoping for, but then again I haven't made any major modifications to the vehicle.

Front tyres are now Michelin Energy Saver Plus, rears are soon to follow along with fresh oil and filter. The Millers Ecomax Diesel has helped, and certainly makes cruising at 30 mph in 4th, and 40 mpg in 5th a lot easier. This will soon be swapped for Diesel Rhino, similar additive but highly recommended on the TDi forums these days.

Moving home soon, and getting a garage. Which will mean a) I'll have somewhere dry and well lit to work on the car, and b) my tools and materials won't be located at the other side of house. Fingers cross wheel covers and rear box section can then progress.

Anyway, this picture made me happy. ~35 mile trip home. Imperial, obvs.

[BabyDiesel]

Impressive imperial mileage!

Post some pics of your ride. We love pictures around here

[Arragonis]

+1 for pictures.

I would avoid the remap - it killed my clutch (VRS 6 Speed) although you have a new one courtesy of your broken gearbox Also it costs the same as at least 3 tanks.

I found no difference on additives with my PD130 but my driving is mainly town only so that might have made a difference.I blocked the upper grill with one from Superskoda (after trying tape / plastic) and the lower one - fast warmups definitely.

One other mod is ventectomy - block the vent which makes filling up a pain. Some claim it means you will over fill and spill Diesel but it never happened for me, the paintwork was always clean afterwards.

[Arragonis]

PS found the link for my block.

Skoda Fabia I - front grille cover : superskoda.com

I left it in my car when I sold it, if I had known another ecomodder from the UK would have been on here I would have sent it to you.

[RunningStrong]

Originally Posted by BabyDiesel

Impressive imperial mileage!

Post some pics of your ride. We love pictures around here

Thanks! Ask and you shall receive...

Originally Posted by Arragonis

+1 for pictures.

I would avoid the remap - it killed my clutch (VRS 6 Speed) although you have a new one courtesy of your broken gearbox Also it costs the same as at least 3 tanks.

It's a toughy, because while I'm happy the clutch will survive (I'm unlikely to be doing any hard launches...) I worry that my turbo will the next thing to pop!

I found no difference on additives with my PD130 but my driving is mainly town only so that might have made a difference.I blocked the upper grill with one from Superskoda (after trying tape / plastic) and the lower one - fast warmups definitely.

One other mod is ventectomy - block the vent which makes filling up a pain. Some claim it means you will over fill and spill Diesel but it never happened for me, the paintwork was always clean afterwards.

I'm confident the additives are making a difference to the supermarket diesel I use. But compared to something like Shell super diesel it won't make any difference, but it is much more cost effective.

I'm running a correx and cable tie block that sits behind the grill. I've seen the SuperSkoda grill (it's pretty swish!) but didn't seem worth the money when all I've got is a beat-up old non-VRS!

Yeah I've heard about the vent but it doesn't seem to be holding any pressure on mine. Only a certain supermarket's pumps seem to have an issue filling up correctly.

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One thing I did spend a few hours doing today, was trying to find some decent, aero-ish lightweight wheels. 5x100 14" Aluminium but looks-like-steelies would be ideal. Sadly, don't seem to be able to find them...

[Arragonis]

I only ever use supermarket diesel. It comes from the same refinery here - there is only one in Scotland

[RunningStrong]

MOT - PASSED. It did fail the emissions test first time, however that turned out to be because of the filthy soot from the previous car clogging up the test device!

Car is now sitting on Michelin Energy Savers on all 4 corners. Tyre pressures corrected after they were fitted, incredibly low as per usual.

Spare tyre has been removed. 4 new-ish tyres and some tyre repair junk, and a good recovery package mean I'm willing to go it alone. Tempted to remove the rear seats too as I so rarely use them, and I'm doing alot of trips to the recycling centre with rubbish having just moved house.

Moving house means I'll finally have somewhere to work on the cars and have my tools in close proximity. I'm not promising miracles but I'm hoping to make atleast some aero mods.

[Arragonis]

Congrats on the MOT

The rear seats don't weight a lot so I'd leave them plus a lot quieter.