Tuning a Cupra 280

[rryans11]

Been considering this for a while and have finally finished with mods to the exterior of the car, but would be interested in some feedback from Cupra owners with regards to engine mods.

The car's completely standard atm and have a BCS powervalve catback on order so that'll change pretty quickly.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to the best intake system for the cupra? I've been doing some research and I think I've narrowed it down to either the VWR R600 or APR Carbon intake.
I've also seen one from 034 Motorsport, but not quite sure which one's best to go for.
I've read up great things about the VWR intake but that it involves cutting to fit properly, anyone care to share how much cutting's involved?

I'm not that bothered about intake noise or looks, this is purely performance based. I am planning on upgrading the stock intercooler when funds allow and after that I'm considering a stage 2 map from APR; will look into downpipes etc. when the time comes.

Thanks in advance.

 

[paddy6789]

I have the R600 on my 290, it only took a small modification to the front left screw hole near the front grill to get it to fit - it's a small triangular piece to cut off. 30 seconds with a Stanley knife. The rest was just a direct fit. I recommend getting the inlet pipe and turbo elbow with it too. I replaced all that and the muffler delete. A tad expensive for all of it (£700ish) but the turbo and air auction noise is much nicer, throttle response is amazing and my mpg also increases. I get avg 30mpg in Cupra mode without even trying now. And that's driving in giddy mode at every opportunity!


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

 

[rryans11]

I have the R600 on my 290, it only took a small modification to the front left screw hole near the front grill to get it to fit - it's a small triangular piece to cut off. 30 seconds with a Stanley knife. The rest was just a direct fit. I recommend getting the inlet pipe and turbo elbow with it too. I replaced all that and the muffler delete. A tad expensive for all of it (£700ish) but the turbo and air auction noise is much nicer, throttle response is amazing and my mpg also increases. I get avg 30mpg in Cupra mode without even trying now. And that's driving in giddy mode at every opportunity!


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

Much appreciated mate, I'll be sure to look into adding the muffler delete and intake pipe to the shopping cart. If it's only a small modification to fit the R600 I think I'll go for it

 

[paddy6789]

It's a pretty obvious modification to see when you're fitting it - it's the only screw hole that doesn't sit flush I got the R600, turbo inlet, turbo elbow and muffler delete from Venomsport near Preston for like £680ish.


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

 

[mardon]

It's a pretty obvious modification to see when you're fitting it - it's the only screw hole that doesn't sit flush I got the R600, turbo inlet, turbo elbow and muffler delete from Venomsport near Preston for like £680ish.


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

How are you finding turbo spool? Any faster?

 

[paddy6789]

The lag is certainly a lot less and the boost kicks in lower down the revs. Loving the sound of the air suction and turbo whistle when it winds up and then runs down. There is certainly a noticeable difference from the stock intake. Highly recommend it.


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

 

[mrbugle]

How do VAG justify having such a restricted air intake system? Sounds like eve the factory turbo inlet has baffles inside it..

Even though my car is financed I'm considering those mods. They look easily reversible (except the muffler delete), I have my own plans for an exhaust anyway.

 

[rryans11]

How do VAG justify having such a restricted air intake system? Sounds like eve the factory turbo inlet has baffles inside it..

Even though my car is financed I'm considering those mods. They look easily reversible (except the muffler delete), I have my own plans for an exhaust anyway.

It's the same with how restricted the standard exhaust system is in the cupra. Good old VAG and their snobbery towards the poor man's golf lol.

 

[mrbugle]

It's the same with how restricted the standard exhaust system is in the cupra. Good old VAG and their snobbery towards the poor man's golf lol.

So the Golf R is less restricted? I've never been in one to know how it sounds. My Cupra is the only car I've ever owned ( and I've had a few) that makes engine noise only.

 

[rryans11]

So the Golf R is less restricted? I've never been in one to know how it sounds. My Cupra is the only car I've ever owned ( and I've had a few) that makes engine noise only.

Never seen the golf's standard system but I think it's less restricted than the Seat. The exhaust on the 280 was very quiet, Seat improved the exhaust on the 290. I remember reading that the standard exhaust on the 280 has different diameters in different sections of the system. I've removed the centre silencer from mine and it sounds much better but have ordered a catback system that will help improve flow and hopefully add some bhp.

Someone on here will be able to provide you with a much more technical answer, I'm no mechanic

 

[Liam0161]

Never seen the golf's standard system but I think it's less restricted than the Seat. The exhaust on the 280 was very quiet, Seat improved the exhaust on the 290. I remember reading that the standard exhaust on the 280 has different diameters in different sections of the system. I've removed the centre silencer from mine and it sounds much better but have ordered a catback system that will help improve flow and hopefully add some bhp.

Someone on here will be able to provide you with a much more technical answer, I'm no mechanic

Was removing the silencer worth it? Did it make much difference to the noise as standard they are very quiet

 

[mrbugle]

Mine's an ST290 which I believe is quieter than the normal SC/5 door anyway.

 

[Cupra jonny]

How much did the powervalve exhaust set you back? Was looking at their website but there doesnt seem to be much info on there.

 

[rryans11]

How much did the powervalve exhaust set you back? Was looking at their website but there doesnt seem to be much info on there.

Their website was getting redeveloped as far as I remember, it mightn't be fully finished.

Got quoted around £820 for the quad tipped power-valve sport cat back system (That includes delivery to NI).
A non power-valve system is slightly cheaper but the power-valve is still a good bit cheaper than a milltek so I thought it was a no brainer. They also do a "Prestige" version that has a bigger silencer and makes it slightly quieter than the sport model.

 

[mrbugle]

It's a pretty obvious modification to see when you're fitting it - it's the only screw hole that doesn't sit flush I got the R600, turbo inlet, turbo elbow and muffler delete from Venomsport near Preston for like £680ish.


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

was the muffler delete easy to fit?

Astonishingly, I've been given permission to purchase all of these.

 

[paddy6789]

It wasn't too difficult; what made it harder was the fact the jubilee clip screws were in an awkward position.
Be aware that the screw holes are slightly offset, so although they look like they could just fit on any way round, but in fact they only go on one way (took three attempts to get it right for me!) and the seals it comes with are a bit flimsy. Before installing, I suggest getting a couple spare just in case. I snapped one and had none spare.


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

 

[rryans11]

Was removing the silencer worth it? Did it make much difference to the noise as standard they are very quiet

It's certainly a cheaper solution if you want more noise out of the car. A proper system will help gain performance, but the silencer removal definitely made a difference in terms of sound.

 

[mrbugle]

It wasn't too difficult; what made it harder was the fact the jubilee clip screws were in an awkward position.
Be aware that the screw holes are slightly offset, so although they look like they could just fit on any way round, but in fact they only go on one way (took three attempts to get it right for me!) and the seals it comes with are a bit flimsy. Before installing, I suggest getting a couple spare just in case. I snapped one and had none spare.


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

Cheers, I'm seriously considering ordering all the 4 parts.
Does it technically improve BHP? I told directline it doesn't but I'm not too sure.

 

[paddy6789]

Cheers, I'm seriously considering ordering all the 4 parts.

Does it technically improve BHP? I told directline it doesn't but I'm not too sure.

I've not had it on a rolling road or anything to confirm if there is a BHP increase. If there is, must only be around 10 or so. It makes it more lively that's for sure. And you can hear the air intake and turbo working away a lot more. Surprisingly my insurance premium didn't go up with it, but my black exhaust tips put it up by £2 a month!


Seat Leon Cupra 290 DSG Black Edition
Racingline R600 intake

 

[AndrewJB]

Cat-Back is useless while still keeping the standard downpipe in place!