Clio 172 Cup - Track Project

williamsclio1 · Sep 26, 2015

25/09/2015

Okay successful day today.

I received what I believed to by the correctly sized harness bolt to replace the standard seat belt bolt, however yet again it doesn't fit

I will check which sizes I have now tried to no avail, does anyone know the exact fitment?

V6 Airbox fitted as best as I could get it, can anyone advise what I should do with this breather pipe?

Resolved the rear brake issue, just needed to take hand brake off and shift the whole unit over

I then had another go and drilling out the holding nut on the drivers side disc, can't shift the ******* so going to lend some better drill bits

See the nice flower pattern :/

Fitted the new arch liner, I need to drill the holes to fit the pipe from the back of the brake duct but I will do that once I fit the refurbished the spare set of callipers and braided lines.

Started cleaning up the pistons

Had the tyres refitted to the freshly powered coated alloys

Nipped a bit of silver over the dirty bolts

Almost there:

Cut a deal with black sheep flocking to have my steering wheel cowling flocked in black in exchange for my old dash.

Left to do:

Nitomorse the centre caps to get them silver again
Drill out front disc to replace and refit wheel
Fit drivers side rear 10mm hub spacer
Calliper shot blast and powder coat
Fit braided lines
Change brake fluid
Piping from brake duct to arch liner
Spray brake ducts black

MarkX · Sep 26, 2015

What size eye bolts did you get? M10 fitted in that position on mine

williamsclio1 · Sep 28, 2015

28/09/2015

Badges removed from centre caps in order to strip the paint

All done, need to throw a bit of paint over the centre caps as they are patchy and to cover up the black marks on them.

Indication as to the location of the lap harness belts as requested:

Refitted the straps correctly

Hoovered out

williamsclio1 · Sep 29, 2015

29/09/2015

Big day and the car was back on the road, anyway down to the build up of todays events.

Cleaned up and sprayed up the centre caps

Blanked of the pipe to the canister (8mm)

left the top sensor off the canister attached as not to get engine light on dash

Wrapped up the power cables properly and fixed securely

Finished cleaning pistons for the calliper rebuild

Cleaned up pads and seals

Loads of meat left on them as well as the set that are on the car

Filled up the piston holes with card then added plasticine ready for shot blasting and powered coating

All boxed up ready to go

Looked at replacing rear brake lines but existing in a bit of a mess so really soaked them in DW40 to attack another day

Caps put back together once the paint had dried, the Renault centre badges letting them down some what, but way to expensive to pay for a new set.

The colour match isn't great but it will do for now

Fitted the F1 sticker on the bonnet, now can't decide if to stick with the yellow scheme

A Unstoppable sticker which is a charity started after my friend died in a motor bike accident at the North West 200 race

http://www.si-andrews.com its a great charity and supports fallen riders and their road to recovery after accidents.

Then i looked at the ECU for the airbags, this is often the reason as to why the SERV light stays on, reason being its below the drinks holder and any spilt fluid ends up on the ECU throwing up a fault

Evidence of fluid residue no doubt Mc Donald's coke

I have cleaned up the plug and asked on the owners FB page for a replacement

Then a mate brought up some really good drill bits in order for me to drill out all four of the rear hub bolts, what a bloody night mare, got there in the end of much swearing and a very hot drill

Okay so then after refitting the rest of the wheels and the replacement Brembo disc on the drivers side I took the car for a test drive, and OH MY GOD, the car is sensational I am struggling for words on how good the car feels, the pull seems brilliant, the gear change, the grip, the tightness of everything, the feed back, the confidence, the urge to keep pushing harder, I took first few miles slow, bit of an odd noise which I soon figured out to be the heat shied so will look at fixing that tomorrow. Stopped after 5 miles tighten up the wheel nuts, then really pushed it (I had left with the intention as ever to take it steady, but everything felt so good) I did a few high speed stops to bed the new discs in and let the pads marry up, breaking feels excellent, I will still however refurbish the other set of callipers and fit the braided lines in the coming weeks. I cannot advise the modifications that I have done enough, yes spent more than I intended but I can tell its already worth it just after 10 miles.
I happend to take the other 182 for a heated late night drive last night and that felt great BUT in comparison to the Cup its nothing.

Every single mod feels fantastic, the BMS shifter is in a much better location being higher and the shorter throw is instantly noticeable and felt lovely up shifting and down shifting, the dog bone mount tighten things up greatly, the car is urging to light the front wheel up on a launch, turn is wonderful with fantastic feed back. Even the steering wheel seems central and the tracking felt fine, I will however have this checked, especially after all the parts that have been changed.

So once I got back it was pretty dark so only a few crappy night photos, will look forward to giving the car a good clean, really happy I chose the silver wheels, loving the look.

I have been keeping a track of money spent and it has added up in all honesty and there is still the £150 exhaust to fit which I will be getting shortly after the 1st October.

Front Shocks £70
Lower Arms £115
Steering rack bushes £36
Anti Roll bar bushes £30
Roll Cage £200
Harness £115
Bucket Seat £165
Frame £70
Boot Carpet £50
Steering Wheel £152
Boss £45
Brake Ducts £55
Eibach springs £68
Axle Spacer £25
10mm Spacers £30
10mm Spacer bolts £9
Dog Bone Mount £25
Battery Relocation £50
Sabelt Tow strap £10
Spare Wheel £40
Helmet Hammock £29
Glove bag £7
BMS Shifter £120
Jerry Can £25
Rear brake carriers £12
Brake Fluid £12
Dash £25
Flocked grills £10
ARB £120
V6 Airbox / Pipercross Filter £60

So whats next - TRACK DAY, and I cannot bloody wait.

williamsclio1 · Sep 30, 2015

30/09/2015

williamsclio1 · Oct 1, 2015

01/10/2015

Small filter turned up, not exactly the blue I was expecting but never mind:

Next up decided to give the car a really good clean, however at this point could do with some advice, tried to removed the glue like residue that was left on the rear windscreen and rear windows from the tints that I removed however still struggling to shift it, just the small patch removed as shown in the photo I used Bug and Tar remover, white wine vinegar and a lot of elbow grease, nothing seems to be shifting it, any other suggestions please?

Started on the engine bay, forgot to take before photos.

Gave it a spray with Meguires all season dressing and gave it a good wipe down

I then washed the car and as the car barely does any miles, clay baring wasn't required since doing it the last time so dried off and used some wax with great results, photo heavy at this point:

Went on a quick drive, didn't go far as realised MOT had actually expired, have however booked it in at local garage for Monday afternoon:

FRP is looking a bit of a state at the moment, I have Sorn it off the road for the year now so will roll it out next week for a clean before putting away properly

The neighbour has given me a box of products that he has plenty of, can people advise for and against using these please?

How I have left the car, looking great now and really want to get out on track, any body doing any track days this month that they can recommend?

Tomorrow:

Replace Air Bag ECU which should arrive in the post
Use some wheel sealant as yet to do since the refurb
Remove heat shield, annoying as hell rattle

masekwm · Oct 1, 2015

14th November a few of us are at Bedford, bit of a trek but I'm sure you can find a cheap hotel nearby

hammytrumpet · Oct 3, 2015

This car is looking great and should provides loads of track day fun. Thanks for sharing all this, much better than a jack reacher novel!

williamsclio1 · Oct 7, 2015

07/10/2015

I replaced the Airbag ECU with a new one and started replacing the standard seat connectors with 3.3ohm restores to turn off the SERV light on the dash

Annoyingly the SERV light does switch off now but only briefly then turns back on again :/ I will have to check the resistors in the steering wheel and under the seat again.

The harness points wont quite fit on the underside of the car due to the location that I drilled the holes at so I have had to modify then slightly to fit:

Before:

During:

After:

Purchased one of these for cheap of eBay and have to say i'm impressed:

This error would explain the no revs issue when starting on the odd occasion, so at least I know where to look for the fault now:

Then this is the reason as to why the engine warning light is on, need to fit a resistor in the connector that went on the canister:

Car went for MOT and failed on a few minor bits, all of which I resolved and on the following day it passed

Only other thing that I have done is ripped out the old mating from the back of the engine:

Purchased a helmet:

Next up:
Replaced engine coolant
Replace hub / wheel bearing washer on nearside rear wheel
Fit exhaust

pstarkey · Oct 8, 2015

williamsclio1 said:
07/10/2015

I replaced the Airbag ECU with a new one and started replacing the standard seat connectors with 3.3ohm restores to turn off the SERV light on the dash

Annoyingly the SERV light does switch off now but only briefly then turns back on again :/ I will have to check the resistors in the steering wheel and under the seat again.

The harness points wont quite fit on the underside of the car due to the location that I drilled the holes at so I have had to modify then slightly to fit:

Before:

During:

After:

Purchased one of these for cheap of eBay and have to say i'm impressed:

This error would explain the no revs issue when starting on the odd occasion, so at least I know where to look for the fault now:

Then this is the reason as to why the engine warning light is on, need to fit a resistor in the connector that went on the canister:

Car went for MOT and failed on a few minor bits, all of which I resolved and on the following day it passed :smile:

Only other thing that I have done is ripped out the old mating from the back of the engine:

Purchased a helmet:

Next up:
Replaced engine coolant
Replace hub / wheel bearing washer on nearside rear wheel
Fit exhaust

Advikaz · Oct 8, 2015

Great work

pstarkey · Oct 8, 2015

williamsclio1 said:
ext up decided to give the car a really good clean, however at this point could do with some advice, tried to removed the glue like residue that was left on the rear windscreen and rear windows from the tints that I removed however still struggling to shift it, just the small patch removed as shown in the photo I used Bug and Tar remover, white wine vinegar and a lot of elbow grease, nothing seems to be shifting it, any other suggestions please?

Tried to post the answer to this earlier - there is a guide on here for this which recommends using Cellulose thinners and an old sponge - which worked well when I took the tints off my car.

Rubicon_ · Oct 8, 2015

I'd put some nimbus heat shield or similar down the back of the engine now you've removed the old stuff. Brake lines run along the back across from the manifold.

cpaterson76 · Oct 9, 2015

pstarkey said:
Tried to post the answer to this earlier - there is a guide on here for this which recommends using Cellulose thinners and an old sponge - which worked well when I took the tints off my car.

If you use a micro fibre cloth it will take the glue off, pulls it into the cloth..... That's what the local tint guy up here uses.

Also I would stick with the yellow ducts looks better than the black photo shop option (imo)

Your cars coming together mate, looks great, and don't keep a track on the money, as I've said in my thread I did that (huge spreadsheet now!!) and wish I hadn't lol

cpaterson76 · Oct 9, 2015

Arran_ said:
I'd put some nimbus heat shield or similar down the back of the engine now you've removed the old stuff. Brake lines run along the back across from the manifold.

Or £16 from Renault for the 1.2 8v one

cpaterson76 · Oct 9, 2015

cpaterson76 said:
Or £16 from Renault for the 1.2 8v one

And this time the correct photo!!!

Craigy88 · Oct 10, 2015

Nail varnish remover will do the job, leave it on to soak and wipe off with a credit card or similar mate.

williamsclio1 · Oct 10, 2015

That looks spot on, don't suppose you know the parts number?

williamsclio1 · Oct 10, 2015

Craigy88 said:
Nail varnish remover will do the job, leave it on to soak and wipe off with a credit card or similar mate.

Thanks mate will give that a try if the other stuff doesn't work.

cpaterson76 · Oct 10, 2015

williamsclio1 said:
That looks spot on, don't suppose you know the parts number?

Yeah I have the receipt mate, I'll dig it out and PM it to you when I get in.... It does just the job. I like original fit neatness

cpaterson76 · Oct 11, 2015

williamsclio1 · Oct 11, 2015

Awesome thanks mate appreciated, just the job

williamsclio1 · Oct 11, 2015

11/10/2015

Changed the fuse in order to turn off the engine warning light, reset it using the device but the light came back on with the same issue? Anyone have any suggestions?

This is the same resistor type that another user used and it resolved the issue for them:

In addition with this attached and then reset using the device and yet its still showing, getting annoying these bloody warning light issues.

Stealth exhaust arrived

Took the old one off the car, pretty straight forward with two of us working on it

Well I have to say the exhaust sounds awesome, not to loud when driving around below 3k but on song it sounds fantastic and really really pleased, not sure on power gains / more free flowing but I have to say it feels like the final part of the puzzle and has really brought the car together nicely. Would strongly advise this system for others, lovely sound especially on up an down shift.

Whilst under the car I fitted the harness plates.

Cleaning product arrived so will give that a go this week:

7 Litres of coolant has arrived, official Renault product for £19 delivered from FB page member.

Also purchase this tool, as I know how much of a bugger the clips can be when trying to remove.

Asked about a replacement heat shield and a member has recommended the following:

So I will order one in, its just the right size to cover the brake lines

williamsclio1 · Oct 20, 2015

20/10/15

Not been up to much but a few bits and pieces have arrived:

De cat for £71 delivered, didn't want to have to pay £180 for a new one so glad to have picked this one up.

Hoping to pick up some matched in lets later this week, so some point next week hope to have de cat fitted, coolant changed and the inlets all fitted.

Hoping that the straight through system, matched in lets, V6 airbox and decat free up the flow and its about the cheapest mods possible own a 172 without then going down the route of high lift cams or super charge or ITBS or turbo.

Have been looking at some 438 cams but they aren't cheap plus its fair few hours to swap including new ECU and map, around the £1000 mark, which would see it close to 200 bhp but I can justify that amount for around 15+ bhp. My mods chosen mods for now should be good.

Its defiantly quicker than standard with the current mods and matched inlets and de cat should help further.

williamsclio1 · Oct 20, 2015

20/10/2015

Almost forgot, I got a set of PTFE gaskets for the inlets to help minimise heat soak, its all the little thing that I hope mount up to good improvements.

Diego_tit · Oct 24, 2015

williamsclio1 said:
11/10/2015

Changed the fuse in order to turn off the engine warning light, reset it using the device but the light came back on with the same issue? Anyone have any suggestions?

This is the same resistor type that another user used and it resolved the issue for them:

In addition with this attached and then reset using the device and yet its still showing, getting annoying these bloody warning light issues.

how many Amps is the fuse?

williamsclio1 · Nov 8, 2015

27/10/2015

Got the matched in lets

Looking forward to fitting them along with the de-cat, hoping to squeeze a little more bhp and allow it flow better

Now to find time to fit them.

williamsclio1 · Nov 8, 2015

08/11/2015

Picked up another Club Sport seat £120 instead of £165, it's the smaller size (standard size) but is more smug fit so will swap it over with the current one.

The lower sub frames are around £75+ but sorted one for £50 ��

I have also purchased an RSTuner as I'm going to put a 98Ron map on the car after carrying out lots of research it seems the best route to take, more on this at a later date.

williamsclio1 · Dec 13, 2015

16/11/2105

Right few bits and bobs arrived

Before:

After:

Still to fit the de cat, matched inlets and 98Ron map but does go well, hard to beat for under £1500

williamsclio1 · Dec 14, 2015

14/12/2015

Been a while since the last update, I have managed to source 4 straight 15" F1 OZ's

I have had them powder coated at Birmingham City powered coaters for £20 per wheel and the finish is excellent yet again (5th set I have had done now). Colour is really intense but will only be used on the car for track days only so thought why not do something a bit different.

I have managed to source some part worn R888 tyres which I hope to have fitted in the next week or two, there is a track day on the 16th Jan at Rockingham which I will book tickets to tomorrow.

Before then I still need to have de-cat fitted and other bucket seat as well as a new front wheel bearing, replace coolant, coolant bottle, brake fluid, braided lines and RS-Tuner map.

Face when wheel bearing went on a two hour motorway journey:

I have also had some centre caps 3D printed in yellow:

Rubicon_ · Dec 14, 2015

Look forward to seeing the wheels on, would go great with my yellow also :smilingimp:

williamsclio1 · Dec 17, 2015

17/12/2015

Swapped seats over today so that that slimmer seat is on the drivers side, frustratingly the other seat frame I have is specifically for a drivers side position and not passenger side so I will have to order another one in.

This is now for sale for £45

Car booked in next Tuesday for the wheel bearing to be replaced.

Also booked a track day at Rockingham for the 16th January, so hoping for a dry day.

williamsclio1 · Dec 22, 2015

22/12/2015

Finally had the wheel bearing changed over, the noise was horrific.

Had some part worn R888 tyres dropped in toady as well.

Three tyres are 55 and two are 50, I have sourced another pair of part worn 50's so I will also keep an eye out for another 55 size, so I have two sets to use.

I am also a bit worried as to how loud the car is so I have bought a a cheap DB meter for only £10, to see if its going to be too loud for Rockingham on the 16th.

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IO182 · Dec 23, 2015

Love what you have done with this Cup!

williamsclio1 · Dec 24, 2015

Thanks buddy, really looking forward to fitting the last few bits now and getting it on track.

dann2707 · Dec 24, 2015

Epic progress as always John. I know you're not called John but I thought you were at first.

williamsclio1 · Jan 11, 2016

06/01/2016

Okay got the other two 50/15 tyres and finally got them fitted today:

All loaded up:

Lined them up to see what its going to look like

Got the passenger side bucket seat in after sourcing another sub frame.

All the remains parts in the car to take to mates tomorrow to fit:

Decat
Matched Inlets
Braided Lines
DOT4 fluid
7 Litres of coolant
New coolant bottle
spark plugs

williamsclio1 · Jan 11, 2016

07/01/2016

Good evening tonight.

Replaced the inlets and the gaskets

Spark plugs changed, to be honest they looked pretty new but change them anyway

Coolant bottle before

During

After, not a great photo as forgot to get a finished one.

On to decat fitting, well what a pain in the ****, there would have been NO chance of me doing this on the drive way.

There is a bit of a blow where it joins the centre section so I am investigating a possible solution to this.

Taking the lambda sensor out was NOT easy, but we got there in the end.

Noticed that something is wrong with the dog bone mount, been told its missing washers so need to get this addressed asap.

The car doesn't seem that much louder but does have a different sound to it, an awesome sound I would note, certainly too much for long journeys though. Really hoping its under 98DB will find out on Saturday.

Huge thanks to Jay tonight

Saturday I will do braided lines and DOT4 fluid and might treat it to a clean.

williamsclio1 · Jan 11, 2016

11/01/2016

So second harness turned up today, all fitted and ready to rock.

Decided to buy the Halfords 200 piece tool set as I have been getting bit fed u off having 4/5 different tool boxes all with bits and bobs and for £150 you can't really go wrong especially with a life time warranty.