Fletch's 150k 172 Project..

[Fletcher]

I'm very well thanks (as much as anyone can be right now anyway). Challenging few years which is why the clio has just been dry stored, but all sorted now.
Hope all good with yourself too.

I’m good, thanks mate!

 

[Fletcher]

Small Update:

In general the Clio has been running well.
The only issue I’ve been having is a weak battery on start up, the Varley 25 in the
Clio was fitted back in 2014 so had done well!

Old vs new

Seat out to get to the battery.

I have now moved to East Hampshire, so have some excellent roads on my doorstep including the A339. So hopefully will get the Clio out more this summer.

 

[Fletcher]

Update:

Finally got around to sorting out the rear exhaust hanger mount. It’s been bodged for a while now (not even sure who did the ‘fix’)

I already had a BNIB Renault mount, but decided to buy a Powerflex exhaust mount insert to replace the Renault insert as they’re prone to sagging as above pic shows.

But then couldn’t be arsed to cut out the OEM rubber mount and replace with the Powerflex, so purchased a BTT motorsport mount with an uprated insert already fitted.

Original 2002 mount vs new BTT motorsport mount.
And all fitted.

Still happy with the Clio in general, but will probably look to change the BC coilovers for some AST’s next year, and maybe go back to some 4 pots either Brembo or AP racing.

Some recent pics.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Tip* I know you've sorted it now, but the quickest way of getting the old rubbers out of the mounts is to pour some acetone (nail varnish) over the old rubber.

It melts the glue and it just peels off. No more hacking your fingers or mounts with a blade.

 

[Jekyll]

I'm not sure if it's of intrest to you Fletcher, but I've purchased a kit to convert the BC's separate shock and spring on the rear to a full coilover. Certainly a cheaper option to do before committing to the more expensive ASTs.

Unless you want rid of the BCs in general .

 

[Fletcher]

I'm not sure if it's of intrest to you Fletcher, but I've purchased a kit to convert the BC's separate shock and spring on the rear to a full coilover. Certainly a cheaper option to do before committing to the more expensive ASTs.

Unless you want rid of the BCs in general .

They sound interesting Mark. Have you fitted them yet? If so how do you find them mate?

 

[Jekyll]

Yes I've had them fitted for a month now? Yeah I like them. Feels more solid, if that makes sense? Can definitely feel it stiffer.

I'm still currently driving it daily, so opted for a softer spring of 225lbs but there faulkner springs so can spec to any poundage really.

 

[Fletcher]

Yes I've had them fitted for a month now? Yeah I like them. Feels more solid, if that makes sense? Can definitely feel it stiffer.

I'm still currently driving it daily, so opted for a softer spring of 225lbs but there faulkner springs so can spec to any poundage really.View attachment 1618021View attachment 1618022View attachment 1618023

Thanks Mark. They sound good mate!

 

[Jekyll]

If you need any more info, just let me know.

 

[NorthloopCup]

The reason it will feel stiffer is because you’ve gone from a 1.7:1 motion ratio to a 1:1. It will improve the handling dramatically.

 

[scotiamr2t]

@Jekyll where was the conversion kit from?

 

[Fletcher]

Update:

Nearside rear bearing was howling, so fitted new genuine OEM Renault rear discs/pads.

Really trying to get out in the 172 more this year, she ticked over 162k this afternoon.

 

[Rocky_2483]

@Fletcher Can't believe you still have this car, I've just spent a very productive day at work reading this whole thread from my last post which was back in 2011. I remember seeing it at some South Central meets back when I had my 182 and the transformation has been epic. Well done!

Joe.

 

[Fletcher]

@Fletcher Can't believe you still have this car, I've just spent a very productive day at work reading this whole thread from my last post which was back in 2011. I remember seeing it at some South Central meets back when I had my 182 and the transformation has been epic. Well done!

Joe.

Hi Joe, thanks mate. Yes I’ve had the 172 a while now and it’s gone through quite a few changes over the years.

I remember your silver 182 at the South Central meets back in the day.

 

[Rocky_2483]

Hi Joe, thanks mate. Yes I’ve had the 172 a while now and it’s gone through quite a few changes over the years.

I remember your silver 182 at the South Central meets back in the day.

Yeah it stayed standard apart from a Yozza. Owned it from 29,000 miles in 2019 to around 82,000 miles in 2017. It never let me down apart from a dead battery one morning, a split CV boot on one MOT and then a broken spring on another MOT. Other than that it was well looked after during my ownership and a very reliable car. Sold it and looks like it only lasted another year then disappeared never to be MOT'd again according to the register. I bought a Toyota Hybrid ready for kids.

Now I'm back, stupidly with a J plate Mk1 and probably only temporarily until it fails its MOT in August.

I hope you keep yours, I saw a couple of wobble posts saying your going to sell/break it. You can't do that after all this time!

 

[Fletcher]

Yeah it stayed standard apart from a Yozza. Owned it from 29,000 miles in 2019 to around 82,000 miles in 2017. It never let me down apart from a dead battery one morning, a split CV boot on one MOT and then a broken spring on another MOT. Other than that it was well looked after during my ownership and a very reliable car. Sold it and looks like it only lasted another year then disappeared never to be MOT'd again according to the register. I bought a Toyota Hybrid ready for kids.

Now I'm back, stupidly with a J plate Mk1 and probably only temporarily until it fails its MOT in August.

I hope you keep yours, I saw a couple of wobble posts saying you’re going to sell/break it. You can't do that after all this time!

Mk1 valver?

I have wobbled a few times in the past but I cannot ever see me parting ways with the 172 mate.

 

[Rocky_2483]

Mk1 valver?

https://cliosport.net/threads/returning-member-this-time-with-a-mk1.846594/

Unfortunately yes...

 

[Touring_Rob]

Fletcher, are you going to Wales this Aug?

 

[Fletcher]

Fletcher, are you going to Wales this Aug?

Still not sure yet Rob, are you going?

 

[Touring_Rob]

Still not sure yet Rob, are you going?

I am indeed, I think most of the people from the coffee morning (minus cub) are going. You should come!

(It is a really f**king long way though).

 

[Fletcher]

Update:

Windscreen washers stopped working, turned out to be a broken washer pump. Once I removed the washer bottle I also noticed it had a split around where the pump connects.

So off the the breakers for a new washer bottle.

As I am no longer running xenons and need the two washer pumps, I have gone for a washer bottle out of a mk2 clio (the same as a 172 cup has too) .This will also makes future washer pump changes much easier as you can replace the pump without removing wipers/ linkage etc.

I found another unwanted tar patch

So whipped that out. More weight saving!

Other than that nothing to mention, the car is still running well.

 

[Fletcher]

Update: December 2023 marked 19 years of ownership.

Over to Rentech for the mot, on the way over to Portsmouth the STOP and Battery light started flickering so new alternator time.

Then fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, after having a play with an M140i on the A31, the engine starting knocking, so I limped home.

Fearing the worst, the Clio was recovered to Gary Spooner (The Clio Man) as it was also due a cambelt this summer and Gary has the timing tools for 197 cams that I have fitted.

Ended up having the following done..

Engine out!
King race bearing shells
ARP rod bolts
Cambelt kit
All new fluids etc.

Only done around 50 miles so far but the Clio feels good!

 

[gez 172]

Fair play on keeping the commitment going..! Love it.

 

[Fletcher]

Fair play on keeping the commitment going..! Love it.

It has tested my patience a few times over the years Gez!

 

[Christopher.]

As said Fletch its a shame but so glad you kept it going !

 

[Jekyll]

Fair play on keeping the commitment going..! Love it.

Probably quite rare these days. Even more so that it's still being used. Some keep but put in garage for years.

Great stuff Fletcher.

 

[Daniel]

As said Fletch its a shame but so glad you kept it going !

I just said the same in my head as I was reading it. I gave a little sigh of relief when I read the last sentence.

 

[Cub.]

Hero!

This can’t be allowed to go quietly off to the scrappy, it’s a founding member of the forum fleet!

 

[Fletcher]

Probably quite rare these days. Even more so that it's still being used. Some keep but put in garage for years.

Great stuff Fletcher.

Yes Mark, I still enjoy driving it after all these years. I really need to sort a trailer and do some more track days.

I just said the same in my head as I was reading it. I gave a little sigh of relief when I read the last sentence.

The Clio will live on for a bit longer Dan

Hero!

This can’t be allowed to go quietly off to the scrappy, it’s a founding member of the forum fleet!

Thanks Oli, I may even treat the old Clio to a front end respray this spring!