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

[nd-photo.nl]

Performed spark plug change and went with Bosch OEM replacements. The spark plugs looked ok to me, but the 2 middle ones had some soot on them. After swapping them out, the engine feels just that little bit smoother. I used a very light coat of ceramic paste on the outside, to keep the coil boot from sticking.

Partnr: Bosch FQ5NPP332S 8160 Double Platinum

New vs old

The soot I mentioned

 

[mjj4]

Just read through this, you've done so much already! Looks awesome. I like the standalone exhaust valve setup - even if you haven't managed to get a replacement unit yet (or sorted the constant vacuum pump running issue).

 

[nd-photo.nl]

@mjj4 Much respect for going through my topic!

Unfortunately the standalone valve pump was a bust. I tried 2 pumps and both showed the same behaviour more or less. I decided to use the solenoid which was already on there, but not split from the brake booster hose.

I already did some more things in the meantime, and most of the things I documented with pictures and video. But video editing takes a lot of time (unfortunately). Stay tuned!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Upgraded the underwhelming exhaust tips with slash cut oval tips. Already looks way better!

If you buy 51mm inlet, then you are able to use the small lip on the original mufflers to clamp them on.

Partnr: https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006120058825.html

 

[nd-photo.nl]

The stock exhaust tips

The smallest part is 51mm. Cut them off properly and you have enough "meat" to clamp them on

 

[nd-photo.nl]

The difference is night and day! This is how the exhaust tips should've looked stock

Partnr: https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005006120058825.html

As they are slash cut, they don't stand out too much, which can be either a good or bad thing. You decide

I used 52mm U-bolt exhaust clamps, they work great.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Replaced the boot struts with new Stabilus boot struts. No "auto open" functionality, but the boot lifts way easier now. People tend to forget these little maintenance items, which make life that much easier

Partnr: Stabilus 630499

Apparently, Stabilus 017468 will enable the "auto open" functionality, see: https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/boot-struts-mod-for-sc.478015/

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Some more pictures of the oval exhaust tips

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Replaced the dogbone with a new Lemforder dogbone. I didnt expect this to have a lot of impact, as the bushing is very small. But I was suprised as this makes the shifting almost feel seamless, wow

I also replaced all 3 bolts. Highly recommend if you have a 2015/2016 car, as this item will be around 10 years old.

Old vs new bolts

Old vs new dogbone

Production date 01-06-2015

Torque specs dogbone mount bolts

16mm: 50Nm + 90 degrees
21mm: 130Nm + 90 degrees

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Seems I forgot to post this small modification. Even though I like the interior, I miss some dabs of color here and there. I added some red in the DSG shift knob. I like these small mods which add some flair

Its impossible to remove the shift surrounds and keeping the locking tabs intact. They are fragile by design, so buy new ones whenever you need to remove them!

All ready to go in

The one I had mounted in the car. Looks quite chique, but lacks some spice

Halfway done

This is how the interior looks when you remove the surround. I also bought a new button and top surround, but I didnt replace them as they were identical (gloss black in my case)

Adding some more light to it

All done, I'm very happy with the results

Blends in nicely with the red from the small Cupra logo

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Replaced the MAP sensor on the intake manifold. It was quite dirty when I removed it for the boost tap, so another good excuse to buy new parts

OE Valeo vs OEM

Documentation updated

 

[Michael_LeonV]

Hiya,
Whilst fairly new to Cupra & the VAG family, still love the idea of tweaking the performance of my 2024 Mk4 Leon Cupra that has the 140kW DNNA EA888evo 4 engine.
I'v found though, that there is few and far between mods available for this model so far, so have only been able to upgrade the brakes to the Golf Mk7.5R PP units (340/310mm) units, and that's as far as I got.

There are a few posts from your upgrade that I'd like to get some additional info on re parts source, impact and general queries as follows please ;

Post #37 : https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/nd-photo-nl-s-seat-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/post-5069686
The 'turbo muffler' confuses me a bit as it's probably a translation issue, but what does the replacement part do differently compared to the original ? Is there a performance benefit, or more of a 'it just runs better' impact ?
Do you have a link to the part you purchased ?

Post #39 :

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

Swapped to the dynamic indicators, which are a major improvement over stock. Very happy with this cheap & easy modification! Looks way more modern (y)

www.seatcupra.net

The "turbo elbow" seems to be a simple thing and just improves the inlet into the turbo, along with the silicone hose (Post #40). You mention the silicone intake hose, but removed it as it may 'collapse', is that because it was a poor quality part compared to the Do88 part ?
I've looked into similar parts from my engine/car combo, and seem to be SOL at the moment.

Post #41 : https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/nd-photo-nl-s-seat-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/page-3
The "Diverter valve" - per the query re the turbo muffler, what is the prime benefit of doing this mod ?
Is there a good supplier/brand for these ?

and finally ...

Post #69 : https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/nd-photo-nl-s-seat-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/post-5070454
The spacer block for the boost gauge tap, is there any difference between the evo3 & 4 engines ? And best supplier fopr one of these ?

Many thanks

Michael from Oz

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Hi @Michael_LeonV , thanks for your reply!

I'm also pretty new to my generation Cupra, so things can be hit and miss. I adjusted my plans a little bit in the meantime. I want to see how far I can get with budget solutions. If the budget solutions are not satisfactory (can be either quality/fitment/performance/etc), then I will buy the tried & tested solutions.

I like to do things a bit differently here and there, instead of following the known paths.

Post #37 :https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/nd-photo-nl-s-seat-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/post-5069686
The 'turbo muffler' confuses me a bit as it's probably a translation issue, but what does the replacement part do differently compared to the original ? Is there a performance benefit, or more of a 'it just runs better' impact ?
Do you have a link to the part you purchased ?

I believe a (small) performance benefit as it flows a little better, and allows for a little bit more turbo sounds. The name muffler implies the last bit off course

Check this website, this guy tested a lot: https://mygolfmk7.com/mk7-gti-turbo-muffler-delete/

I bought this set:

Car Turbo Inlet Outlet Upgrade Pipes Intake Tubes Turbo Muffler Delete For Golf 7 Audi A3 EA888 Gen3 - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

aliexpress.com

Post #39 :

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

Swapped to the dynamic indicators, which are a major improvement over stock. Very happy with this cheap & easy modification! Looks way more modern (y)

www.seatcupra.net

The "turbo elbow" seems to be a simple thing and just improves the inlet into the turbo, along with the silicone hose (Post #40). You mention the silicone intake hose, but removed it as it may 'collapse', is that because it was a poor quality part compared to the Do88 part ?
I've looked into similar parts from my engine/car combo, and seem to be SOL at the moment.

Yes, it boils down to cheap silicone hose. The known brands have better solutions and will have reinforced silicone hoses, which withstand pressure differences. Also the fitment is better for the known brands. In the meantime I went with another intake (with 3.5"hardpipe), which solved the intake hose issue for me. I will post this soon, so stay tuned

Post #41 :https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/nd-photo-nl-s-seat-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/page-3
The "Diverter valve" - per the query re the turbo muffler, what is the prime benefit of doing this mod ?
Is there a good supplier/brand for these ?

I can highly recommend the GFB T9381, which is an all-in-one replacement. GFB also has the one where you upgrade the existing DV. This makes the solution "bulkier" and didn't want to have a dependency on the stock DV. Prime benefit is reliability for me.

Post #69 : https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/threads/nd-photo-nl-s-seat-leon-st-cupra-280.477591/post-5070454
The spacer block for the boost gauge tap, is there any difference between the evo3 & 4 engines ? And best supplier fopr one of these ?

I don't think so, but I don't know the Gen4 that much. I bought this unit from Aliexpress, the only thing I changed is the screw being used:

Car Tuning Boost Gauge Tap Adapter For Aud VW EA888 Gen3 1.8tsi 2.0t Golf 7 MK7 MK6 B7 Adp07 - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

aliexpress.com

 

[Michael_LeonV]

Cheers, much appreciated

 

[nd-photo.nl]

@Michael_LeonV You are very much welcome!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

Added a front upper strutbrace from TA Technix. The difference is definitely there, steering has become a bit sharper and it seems to tilt a little less in corners. Not bad for about 50 euro. Fitment is pretty good.

Our little doggo Nina doing a final inspection & thanks to @tracktoy for some advice before I bought it

Build quality is good

Work in progress

I forgot to create a picture where its hidden under the trim, I will create that at a later time.

 

[Michael_LeonV]

...


I don't think so, but I don't know the Gen4 that much. I bought this unit from Aliexpress, the only thing I changed is the screw being used:

Car Tuning Boost Gauge Tap Adapter For Aud VW EA888 Gen3 1.8tsi 2.0t Golf 7 MK7 MK6 B7 Adp07 - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

aliexpress.com

Grabbed one of these, but without the logos. Now just gotta find a suitable discreet boost gauge that I can install somewhere.

 

[nd-photo.nl]

@Michael_LeonV Let me know which gauge you picked

 

[erminio]

So here you are
This way i can still follow you're progress of the Cupa

 

[nd-photo.nl]

@erminio Good too see you here

Small modification, bought a red cover for the keyfob. Was pretty happy, but I bought another white one, which looks a little bit more stylish and fits the white of the Cupra better as well.

The red cover is put on the spare key. A cheap and easy way to pimp up the worn black keyfob