Project Apex Cupra: Part 1 | Intro, Maintenance and Parts Wear & Tear

[@11kainy]

As a Cupra 300 SC owner i almost jumped off my chair when i saw this video on my feed! I was so excited lmao. Finally some cupra content! Very informative video Misha. Thanks a lot! Edit: typo

[@rzurzolo]

Sunday morning in the U.S of A. Wake up...pour coffee...open laptop...straight to KZbin...Look for Misha ,Robert ,and Tim videos! Thank you for providing a safe haven from the bad news around the world, and giving us all some great entertainment, and automotive education!

[@rodneyyy95]

After seeing the Cupra from last week from xThilox, I am very interested to follow this project!

[@xthilox]

:-) ME TOO 👍🏼 It reminds me of "when everything began" ;-))

[@seanm.collins9888]

Misha doing nice content on a Sunday. More of George in the videos, please.

[@RobertMitchell]

George is a chopper.

[@wallstreetoneil]

Maybe some simple additional front brake cooling would be helpful. When the 997.mk1 GT3 was launched, the rear pad wear was insane (TC was separate from ESP). When the GT2 was launched shortly after, there were OE brake ducts on that car which were then ordered by ALL the GT3 guys who tracked - and it made an enormous difference. ESP off was the 'standard' goto track day mode, but many ran with TC still on as it was very unintrusive unless you were crazy fast or on wet track days with fun sliding - the ducts solved 90% of the problem

[@Tristan.R.J.M]

These type of comments is why I keep on comming back. New guy learning all the technotes. Love it!

[@martindeoliveira5128]

SEAT Cupras or just Cupra now as the brand has been "rebranded" are epic. I had an Ibiza Cupra 1.8T which, which we did a full forged build and fitted the K046-0064 turbo from the TFSI platform. It was way too much power for the chassis when we started doing circuit events, but for rolling runs it was epic.

[@tomhinchcliffe6879]

Cupra's have XDS wich uses the brakes to stop the wheel with least grip from spinning separate from ESP even when ESP is off. The way they come set from factory means they use the brakes alot like a differential... You can turn XDS down to weak then put the VAQ electronic diffetial in increased traction mode putting more hydraulic pressure onto the differential plates then you won't run through so many pads. and you'll feel how much stronger the diff will lock

[@D3JXY]

Misha - Bodywork for the Facelift. Maxton Design and TRC do splitters and things for this car. Wing that Thilox runs is from JE Design and i believe they do fit the Facelift. They do have Facelift parts for sale as well however. FLS Based in Germany also make parts for the car, interior and exterior :) Used to own a 290 myself.

[@fidelcastro9579]

Agreed on the power. Some people here in the UK have Golf R’s pushing 500bhp. Unreliable power and mapped so badly they smell like an old Ford Escort. Just a ticking time bomb. Great work guys, looking forward to the rest of the conversion. 👌

[@FranRuiz]

Thanks for the insight of the Cupra Misha!, George said that the engine oil is changed every 3000kms, but how about the gearbox oil?, how´s the DSG holding? Have your like good fella! Cheers! PS: I really like this project! (the mk4 too )

[@mgcharoudin]

Mentioning it in upcoming oil video!

[@jakemalinowski1397]

Hmmmmm, I wonder what the stock dyno number was? Perhaps it was around 303 HP to the front wheels 🤷‍♂️😉. Volkswagen sure does love to under-rate their cars--just like every other main stream manufacturer out there. It is completely understandable, coming from a litigation perspective at least. The inline-four cylinder turbocharged engine in the Cupra is a great bit of engineering. Get rid of the down pipe cat, (and maybe some other exhaust restrictions😁), install some suspension mods, a little bit of weight reduction, obviously some sticky tires, and it will be a fun car. That same engine is found in the Audi S3, the Cupra 300, the Golf R, and a couple other models, as you guys already know. It is definitely a track worthy car--if you know the limits; obviously the Apex team definitely knows what they are doing. I cannot wait to get out there and meet all of you one day, but most of all I cannot wait to drive the, "Green Hell." Be safe and continue to post videos, you are doing great work Misha, I only see growth in your future.

[@MrE30]

Afternoon Misha thanks for showing the maintenance guide on the Cupra

[@flatsix666]

Really interesting to see the inner workings of the rental fleet maintenance. Can't wait to see the planned upgrades for this already very capable car!

[@dariok9118]

These are my favourite Apex Videos 😋

[@JDR1971]

The barn/shop is looking so good, great lighting in there.

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

Nice video Misha🎖 especially when it comes to Cupra, which is my favorite car atm amongst my other ones in the garage. Will follow this video and see the car grow. What I’ve done to mine, and maybe it also can be there to help you along the way, is: I tuned it and detuned it right away, it ruin the car and was to much hp. BUT I highly recommend a soft-tune after the full milltek, which I also have, so the car don’t run so fat AND very important to match the tune for the DSG gearbox (stage 2)((less slip, faster changes, no stupid gear changes in manual mode or kick down🤬😂😂)) Then let the car breathe, VW has put many chokes on it and I removed and changed these; charge pipe, turbo inlet, turbo muffler..all is from forge and make a big difference in the heatsoak-department, spool up and with the full milltek it makes the car breath much better. I went with ITG open filter but the inlet temp was 5-7 degrees higher so I put stock back on but removed the “snow catcher” inside the box!! Some extra holes in the front grill won’t hurt the ram-air effect either 😉 Last but most important on the track, a bigger oil cooler. If you having problem with high temps inside the engine bay, I recommend you take away the rain-guard under the bonnet, it’s the seal right in front under the bonnet and made a big difference for me. You guys are expert’s and probably know all this but I just wanted my humble little experience and help. I have the Mk1 Cupra since I don’t want a electric handbreak driving it on the track like yours have, just a stupid OCD safety thinking on my behalf 😂😂 Good luck with the build✌🏻

[@brianopc2586]

Hello, I have broke my leg at work. Can you please release one more video for me to watch. Many thanks

[@thomasbryce1716]

Hi Misha.. Great to see how Apex maintain their cars! 👍🙂👍 Just like any trade if you dont look after & maintain your tools it makes the job ALOT HARDER! Cool stuff bro..LOVE Ya Work💕 Godbless hava great week 🙂

[@angeloah]

Saw my first Seat Cupra in Sweden in 2006. Unassuming, but if you know, you want one. I live in the US so not available here. There’s a Suzuki that resembles it, but not a good car. Good content thank you for your efforts. 🤘🔥😎🔥🤘

[@elcasho]

Torch looks like a prop from the movie Aliens

[@nunolopes969]

CUPRA is top I had one in 2008 2009, with 380 hp in the engine, 0 problems very good for track day and hight speed road tripes kkkk

[@mmejak]

Just a couple of notes :) - Compared to Golf R, there is also one important difference - Cupra is more than 100kg lighter. Besides that, it also has slightly different suspension tuning, different bushings etc and that is why it is faster on track and more engaging and fun on the road. The whole package is actually closer to GTI Clubsport (S) than Golf R. - I think I have seen that front bumper extension that Thilo is using also on a facelift model. Besides that, Maxton has some options, I have Rieger on mine, and then there is Cupra R carbon splitter, rear spoiler and fender extensions. Can't wait to see the final product and hopefully renting it in 2021 to compare it to my stock-ish 5dr 300 :)

[@davidsmall7676]

Misha, great share! Looking forward to the series updates. The Ring Tracktor build is another project that would be fun to participate in!!! Thanks

[@NStein-si3dr]

You forgot to mention that the car comes with a mechanical limited-slip differential... which is (in my opinion) one of the greatest things about this car :P Especially for the Ring it's perfect!

[@winorbin]

Love the Mac tools Suzuki MotoGP tool box, a man of taste

[@ZanicL3]

Love these technical videos

[@boblast5582]

for brake disc cracks, I like to go by the rule that if your fingernail gets caught in the crack its time to change. or if there's a crack that goes to the edge of the disc.

[@dennisr1167]

Great car! The leon Sportscoupe is like a addiction.. I drive the Leon SC FR 1.8T (180HP) and even that I have the Cupra Ateca (300HP) the handling always impressed from the SC.. And that for a fwd

[@Ariskot007]

Never saw an oil in a KEG beer barrel before :-) Regarding oil specs I suppose you can go along the lines of "don't fix it if it ain't broken". But one thing in particular which indicates suitability for hard use is HTHS viscosity @ 150°C. Toptec 4200 has >3,5 mPа*s in the datasheet, which is about as high as it gets for xW-30 and also a threshold for normal vs lowered viscosity oil. So it will be on par with many xW-40 as they have >3,5 as a minimum requirement. But you can find for example Rowe or Ravenol (and some other) 5w-40 oils with HTHS about 4,0 and comparable range of approvals. Or RCS 5w-40 with 4,26 and no approvals at all :-)

[@ohhZiiwho]

I've got Pole Postions in my car and I kinda regret not choosing the SPGs. For a track car I'd say that SPGs are definetly the move.

[@fredvallenet]

Really interesting content. You should get paid by manufacturers for this kind of testing and data. Really looking forward to the new Leon Cupra.

[@kamidphish]

These style videos are cool. Really enjoy them.

[@Banana-Joe007]

Ihr seid echt sympathisch Team apex. Irgendwann komm ich vorbei mit Kiste bayerischen Bier und a Flasche Wodka für Boris 😉 😁 Great Video 👌 Good evening ✌😊🙌

[@FlixRacing]

This is sick man!!! Keep up the good work at the Nurburgring and the channel. It’s my dream to live there:)

[@kingcarrot6355]

Renault Spider would be very cool to see. Same with Clio Williams 2.0

[@tomg1216]

Thank you for the interesting content Misha! Amazing car!

[@RDSAlphard]

I want to see one with GT86, history of it, how many accidents it had been through, and so on... but then, I want to see that one with Robert's opinion, too.

[@mgcharoudin]

Coming!

[@overpower1000]

Love these technical videos!!

[@Truffel12]

2 laps with Thilo was enough to want a Cupra like that in your life huh 🤣😂

[@mgcharoudin]

0 laps was enough 😬

[@derekvazquez3908]

Superb spanish german car!!! Look forward to see it on the track!!

[@Nathan-cd6gu]

The sound was interesting when Tom started talking as he did not have a mic as you walked closer to him the sound became ok interesting

[@raulio81]

Why is that interesting? :)))

[@lukep6017]

Excellent video

[@MikelDog]

Uniroyal rainsports for the wet, highly rated tyre here in the uk. Ps4s are best for an all year tyre

[@stevenboyd5044]

After the other cupra video, im well looking forward to the VAG content!

[@Wolfpack310]

I also use a 5w30 vw 504.00 and changed around 12-15.000 km road use.

[@st1950]

I would also go with thicker sway bars and powerflex dogbone mount 😏

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

This is on my list of cars to drive whenever I can get to the Nürburgring. For an American driving a VW Golf would be kind of boring, since I drive one of those everyday. Hopefully you add a Clio or Meganne before I get there.

[@jetu82]

You guys should get TVS Engineering dsg software, it is the best and changes the whole feel of driving so much better. Also, 280, 290 and 300 have the same is38 turbo. Same as in mk7r and s3.

[@motojojo_]

Car for the next video? Ring Tracktor2! Cool video with good info. Do love the Cupras

[@JKRmsrt]

Yo misha . There is a factory more aggressive front bumper splitter/and also the carbon r versions too. I have the STversion and I'm looking to get the cupra R wider kit from the SC to fit . Just a heads up as I know all your mods have to be TÜV compliant

[@numptyadventures9207]

New follower. Was thinking haven’t seen R35 Gtr in you videos or rentals.. would like to see 😎😎

[@martinchapman2168]

Good video

[@MacheteK]

Good comment

[@richardheaton2607]

Can we wrestle in this later...... Is that what apex do in the evenings 😂😂😂😂, great content as ever 👍👍

[@KekzEdition]

putting the x in apex :P

[@richardheaton2607]

@@KekzEdition 😂😂😂

[@DK-fs9jm]

I'm impressed that the wheel weights stay on for you guys. Are they some kind of Super Duper weights?

[@yanncko2639]

Very interested in this project 🙌🏼 maybe I can use some ideas/ changes on my own cupra

[@ronbarker6075]

Take a look at underbody aero. There are lots of OEM MQB parts that will crossover I'm assuming. I've added some bits to my Alltrack.

[@ArKritz84]

Looking forward to the teardown video!

[@arjunvinod4516]

Please talk about the Polo GTi

[@boryswwa]

Heh. I'd like to see the faces of the owners of all those companies that declined renting Kubica a car now, after seeing how this channel grew after that vid with Him :) Congrats and looking for more vids on that Cupra :) I have a 2019 one myself and can''t wait to see, what how Yours will perform after the updates :)

[@JJJinez]

Nice Cupra! You guys should take a look on the JE DESIGN website, great aero and even a widebody kit for it!

[@gbass7328]

Misha great sh** man. Keep this info coming. A little unclear on which pads have worked on the Cupra 300. Can you clarify plz?

[@elvirzubovic]

Great content as usual, and this time the car that interests me the most. You can find very good body parts on Reiger even for face-lift, but you probably know that. I have a Cupra 300 manual as a daily and occasional track day car. Can you cover the issue of a weak stock clutch on manual models, also what is you opinion on installing the oil catch can?

[@kenj1424]

These engines can handle more than 300 hp without any problems. Just think of how many stage 2 350-380 hp Golf R, GTI Clubsport, Cupra etc. that run out there without problems. Running on the track is another matter, but with regular oil changes and maybe an oil cooler, it will surely work on the track as well.

[@thomschraa2001]

A week ago I bought a cupra 290 with the sub8 package! These cars are just mad. Quick question, I noticed the protective cover under the oil pan, did that come as stock? (I am looking for one)

[@lambrosstamos4494]

Go Racetech 4100 seats. Do you consider a Verkline subframe treatment? Does SEAT Sport offer a body kit? I have a mk1. Love them.

[@NippyMoto]

That 620R is so fucking beautiful, please do a lap with Robert where he is going hard!

[@andrewdavis2325]

Hi Misha, what size are the brakes on the 18? Good to see George. Looking forward to seeing this project from start to finish. As always great video guys. 👍

[@protrackwheels3546]

374mm disc, BREMBO 4 piston caliper. It´s the OEM/standard brake of Cupra 300.

[@andrewdavis2325]

@@protrackwheels3546 Cheers for that, I have got a VW Mach 7GTD and looking at putting that set up on the front. Do you think it’s worth it. Or should I just go with a different pad.

[@xXxH8TERxXx]

Enjoying this alot 👍🏻

[@JJsAutomotive]

LONGLIFE - the bane of the 5th+ owner.

[@assolutobisonte7040]

Super useful information. Would you be willing to share the oil consumption on the Cupra? Would be interesting to see it under Ring conditions.

[@mgcharoudin]

It doesn't seem to consume oil afaik, just a change every 3k

[@snape1464]

Have you thought about a mechanical diff so you don’t need the traction control as much? Would potentially save tires and brakes

[@billmanello]

It has a mechanical differential which is electronically controlled. It is actually the haldex differential found for example on the MK7 Golf R, but on the cupra it is used in the front axle.

[@vollcare4076]

Why don’t you go for some heat resistant viscosity like 5w40 or 10w50 if the car is only driven hard on NOS ?!

[@mgcharoudin]

Explaining next vid

[@laboiteamusiques1646]

@Misha Charoudin I guess I saw brake cooling duct installed at the front. Could you tell us more about it ? Have you also got the ventilated brake dust shield from the RS3 installed ?

[@jeanettenorth2023]

Gt300s definitely

[@futte2303]

Great video Misha. Did you and Robert not say it made a lot more power after The remap. ?

[@mgcharoudin]

We didn't remap it

[@kevladden9460]

I thought they were surprised because it made more power at the wheels than the factory crank horsepower figures.

[@demarcogayle1114]

Isn't this just another Golf R and Audi S3 alternative because they share the same platform don't they?

[@drazgul1]

Kinda but it's FWD, a bit lighter in return too. Cheaper but same exact EA888 engine with a different tuning, same turbo too.

[@mudja9]

nice video and info

[@fromthegods78]

The cracks on the disks are from thermal stress. They are microscopic cracks that form from heating up too fast. It happened on my car too after buying new discs. I thought that I ruined them, but it's actually nothing. Question: Do the cars use up oil between oil changes? I know that they are fairly new cars, but most use a little by design, and/or might start using with this kind of driving. If so how much? And wouldn't you use a bit thicker oil because of the higher temperatures all the time? Oil tends to get runny when it's that hot. A thicker oil might protect the engine better with that kind of driving.

[@benfl9636]

Just came from a merc cla45 video and the cupra's tail lights look so similar lol

[@badboymorales]

Misha i saw u in the Nico Rosberg and rimac colab in the background. And nico and mate talked about rimac on computer sim of NURBURGRINGGGGGG. Plz let me know when they're gonna take it to NURBURGRING. I would love to see all the content

[@RobertMitchell]

Rimac not on Nürburgring

[@badboymorales]

@@RobertMitchell robert don't jynx it lol

[@flyinglow76]

The Apex Cupra is amazing! So far it is my favorite track rental. Best braking car I've ever driven. I'm shocked to hear the exhaust is stock. The pops you hear during shifting is addicting. Look forward to many laps in it next season after the upgrades. How do you track the laps? Does George just get a note after the number of rentals hits the proper numbers?

[@mgcharoudin]

With not too big of a fleet it's easy to keep track of it in person. In addition we can see how many laps of TF the car has done on its dedicated lap ticket. Finally, you can just divide the mileage by 20 and get the number of laps :)

[@picklediddy]

Great informative vid. Thanks Mate.

[@MrArt69]

Go to a chiptuner and ask to make the engine run cooler and a bit richer...no power increment just that. Thank me later ;)

[@reno9k]

"chiptuner"

[@peterbennpan7288]

Have you checked for play in the turbo shaft on this car? If so is it ok? Have they revised the turbos on these newer cars that have the is38 turbo?...... i know the early ones had turbo play issues

[@USSRxALEXER]

Михаил подскажите, на Купре тоже по заводу ESC OFF нет значения как и в GTI MK7 Performance с блокой(ASR OFF, ECS Sport)? Тоже нужно в ваг коме ставить в блоке АБС значение, что бы появилось ESC OFF вместо ASR OFF? Но оно ж все равно даже с офф, остается вмешиваться в работу машины, единственный вариант именно полностью избавиться от ESC это блок ABS убрать получается, лишившись и ABS и ESC полностью?

[@OfficeLinebacker]

Wait, why don't you just put the weights in the same place (appropriate for the front wheel) for all 4 wheels? That way you could rotate. Is there some drawback to putting the weights in that position in the rear?

[@peterceulemans1188]

More of this misha👍🏻 what pressure do you run with ns2r?

[@zizogaucho9035]

God! This car is so fun i fucking love it #cupra USA petrolheads are missing big time

[@edmurth]

I really like the Cupra’s, when we going to see more on the Supra, Misha?

[@mgcharoudin]

Soon!

[@LeonCupra5F]

How are you finding the standard OEM discs? I’ve heard they’re pretty easy to warp. I’m currently running the same callipers but on the stock 340mm cupra discs. Also interested on which pads your running. Currently got some PFC in mine.

[@MrTchou]

I’d like to see the history of the GT86, i heard you had issues with engine and gearbox (but are those reliability issues or was the issue between the steering wheel and the seat ? )

[@mgcharoudin]

Not reliability :)

[@MrTchou]

I was expecting that answer tbh ;-)

[@brentpletinckx6668]

Cover the gt86 especially the mods to make it track reliable!

[@chewdoobautomotivedetailtm2883]

Good morning commrads.😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@dalulsgodyeet1048]

Nice

[@peterbennpan7288]

What so from the Cupra 280 that has the is38 turbo the Cupra 300 has a different turbo to the is38? What about the current 290 the one after the 300?

[@renderflash]

300? This is Cupraaaaaaa!

[@g000dz]

Hey Misha!! I see 235 40 18 in the front? Do you think it's enough if you tune the car? About 500nm. 9x18 Protrack?

[@mgcharoudin]

We may go larger, but the power will remain stock

[@protrackwheels3546]

@@mgcharoudin If you want to go, PT is on your side. 9x18 ET 52 will come in around Christmas. If you go for 265 in front. 9.5 could also be an option.

[@slartybartfast666]

@@protrackwheels3546 what's the exact spec and model number of your alloy wheels on the car? I've got a cupra 290 st with the brembo pack and I've been looking to go to 18" without spacers from the stock very heavy 19". Yours look 👍

[@protrackwheels3546]

@@slartybartfast666 8x18 ET45 (like on the apex Cupra 300) fits plug&play. Check out our last insta post about Cupra with Brembo/OEM brake. Wheelweight is around 8.7kg.

[@miguelangelestrella6371]

Hi, Misha. 18” 0r 19” inches on the Cupra? Thanks.

[@boblast5582]

do you guys ever add oil coolers to your rental cars? or do most customers not drive them hard enough for it to really be an issue?

[@piotrpe01]

Mischa great idea to make same video with technical infos! Can You tell me if this tires (ns2r)are a good choice for daily/occasionally tracked car ? Just city diving, no long autobahn trips and same short racetracks. Thanks.

[@mgcharoudin]

I'd go for Michelin PS4(S)