Hello! 1.8T Basics please...

[Koomorph]

Hello everyone - just became a member of the club and picking up my Leon Curpa 1.8T on Tuesday! Can't wait!

Having come from a Ford Focus and being a regional co-ordinator of the FFOC, I know a fair bit about modifying cars and engines - although no expert, I know the basics and benefits of most mods. However I don't know much about the 1.8T Cupra engine compared to the Zetecs in the Focus, Puma and Fiesta and would apprecaite if someone could give me some pointers.

So here goes….

- What is the 1.8T unit in the Leon Cupra actually called? Does the engine have a name? (e.g ie. Zetec, Duratec etc..)
- Has the engine been unmodified since the launch of the car - or are there variations in the engine between different years?
- What are the differences between the Cupra 1.8T and the Cupra R engines? Where do the LCR boys get their extra 30/45 brake?
- What are the main modifications that can be done to the 1.8T engine to increase power? I've read about Revo, front mounted intercooler and Forge DV replacement. Is there anything else?
- Have induction kits been proved to provide any benefits? The gave zip all gains on the Zetecs and most cars suffered from heat soak…

I think that's it for now… thank you all for your time!

Cheers
Raf

 

[ALEX**]

LCR has k04 turbo

LC has Ko3s hence 40 bhp difference

skies the limit on mods mate i am getting 233bhp outtta my cupra with just a remap modded airbox.

i would stick to modded airbox im not convinced the induction gives any power gain just noise gain.

 

[Revo Kev]

The 1.8t engine was launched in A4's back in the mid 90's, that ran at 150bhp using a K03 turbo I believe.
They've done slightly differing specs putting out the following:
150bhp
156bhp
170bhp
180bhp
190bhp
210bhp
225bhp
240bhp

There have been different heads, cams, turbos, VVT, NVVT, etc.
Leon R runs a larger turbo (kkk04), different injectors, twin intercoolers, CR also differs.
Best improvements on a Leon Cupra would be:
software
DP and exhaust
FMIC
If you are going to run an induction kit try a CAI to prevent heatsoak.

Other mods to help would be:
DV
Dogbone mount
then the usual suspension. brakes and the like.

Not a very in depth response, but it might help a little bit!

 

[Revo Kev]

Welcome to Cupra.net btw!

 

[BlackFR]

LCR has twin SMIC's as opposed to the single found on the LC

Very early LC's had non VVT engines.

I dont know if they have a name but they have an engine code...

180 LC's are AUQ (not sure if the non VVT ones are still this code)
225 LCR's are BAM (not sure on the 210 engine code!)

 

[JBS Sales]

Hi Raf
These engines are just classed as the 1.8T or 20V
But there are variations in bhp.
150,180,210 and 225.
150bhp are the Non Drive Bt Wire.
These are the ones with the throttle cable.
The 180 have throttle sensors.
225 is the ones that are in the Cupra R.
210 in the early TT`s etc.
There are loads of tuning parts available for this engine.
We have a Skoda Octavia at the moment that is running 440bhp before the Nitrous is turned on.
We can help with ALL modifications on this engine and have done come transplants with these engines.
The Lupo was a good one.
50bhp to start then went up to 220bho IIFC.
www.jbsautodesigns.co.uk for more info on what we do.
We could also offer you a remap for your car this would be Custom-Code www.custom-code.co.uk is where you would get more info on that remap.
On your car I do believe you have 180bhp and the remap would give you 210bhp and the smoothest torque curve ever!
Anyway welcome to the forum , good choice of car
Sarah

 

[Koomorph]

Thank you for the quick and very informative replies everyone! I'm glad to be on board with the club!

Already quite a few things for me to do searches for. I'll definatly have a look through some of the links as well.

Thanks again - any more info - post below.
Raf

 

[Ruddmeister]

Hello everyone - just became a member of the club and picking up my Leon Curpa 1.8T on Tuesday! Can't wait!

Having come from a Ford Focus and being a regional co-ordinator of the FFOC, I know a fair bit about modifying cars and engines

I bet you tell all the Noobs to use the search forums too

- What are the main modifications that can be done to the 1.8T engine to increase power? I've read about Revo, front mounted intercooler and Forge DV replacement. Is there anything else?

You can keep going to circa 350bhp on std internals (if some of the boys on here are anything to go by) after that it's probably worth doing rods and valves etc which is muchos £££'s

You get to 350bhp with a Big Turbo (IHI) is popular, new injectors, exhaust, induction kit, fuel pump / presuure regulator, intercooler etc etc(there is a turbo tuning section on these forums which is worth a read )

Beyond 350bhp and it's bugger turbo's, possibly pe1280 (not sure) and the GT28rs-hybrids as used by JBS above

Thing is you'll also need a brake upgrade, suspension upgrade etc and maybe a Quiafe ATb ala Focus RS to put the power down

- Have induction kits been proved to provide any benefits? The gave zip all gains on the Zetecs and most cars suffered from heat soak…

Buy them for under bonnet bling, induction roar and when you lift off the DV you get an echo in the iduction kit.........not a Scooby style Pscccchht sound but nice......RAM AIR, Dynatwist and Carbonio all recommended

Heatsoak is a different issue and turbo cars tend to suffer more than NA as you are probably aware, intercoolers or charge coolers would helpetc etc

No direct heatsoak to induction link AFAIK.

 

[Dormouse]

Beyond 350bhp and it's bugger turbo's, possibly pe1280 (not sure) and the GT28rs-hybrids as used by JBS above

'bugger turbos'

Ouch

Dor.

 

[Ruddmeister]

'bugger turbos'

Ouch

Dor.

Because at the amount they cost they'll feck your bank balance

 

[Dormouse]

Because at the amount they cost they'll feck your bank balance

That's fine. As long as it's not turbo-buggering. We don't want to get Scott excited

Dor.

 

[ALEX**]

that and the blades may hurt

 

[Ruddmeister]

Sexwee in yer turbo blades....Ewwwwww

 

[tris]

raf u will have to come along to a meet check out south meets

 

[Koomorph]

Thanks again everyone - and I'll definately look to getting to one of the meets soon.

Anyone have an idea of how far the standard injectors can be pushed before they need swapping for larger ones?

Also, could you hit 250brake and similar torque without swapping the ko3 for somethign meatier? (That's target number 1.... at the moment.... )

Raf
PS - Yes - mine is the 180 version - 53 reg.

 

[ando]

welcome to the club, I came from the FFOC aswell

 

[Fl@pper]

(That's target number 1.... at the moment.... )

i like you already - welcome

ps- i dont suppose you know of any ford focus shells heavy front or rear ?

 

[Koomorph]

Sorry Fl@pper, can't help you out.

Hi Ando - good to see a fellow FFOCer on here...

RAf

 

[petay_pan]

Hey RAF i think your following me or vice versa lol. now we are both on the same engine...don't think a puma inlet will help us on these engines hehe. just sold my focus yesturday, sad moment but cupra gets picked up in a few days hehe.

(nurse from ffoc btw)

 

[Koomorph]

Hi mate!! It's the way forward - really don't think the puma manifold will do us any good

Good to have you on here mate - picked up the LC about 3 hours ago - blimey is it fun!!
Raf