172 Cup Turbo Conversion

[stonejedi]

Hi mate yeh either way long term I am going to keep the car despite me throwing a wobly at recent issues had to sort lol that’s kind of the dilemma in my head I know I would love and enjoy it converted fact but then I also love the oem part with it being so clean too. It’s modified now not obviously to a high level but it’s not totally stock

I hear you mate but just because your car is clean is not really a deal breaker mate when it comes to modifying...Frayz Subaru was super clean but it was still highly modified,as is my Subaru the same...

but I modified my Subaru because it’s what “I” wanted to do I look forward to hearing the final decision that “YOU” make .SJ.


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[jameswrx]

I wouldn’t do it personally. Not because of the condition factor but the fact these cars are all about the balance of everything together.

Yeah I’m sure it’d be a laugh to have silly power for a bit but it’s not what makes them good little cars. Ringing their neck and being 10/10 is what makes them good fun.

You’ve only got to watch those two blokes on track that have a 182 (name escapes me?) but they wouldn't be having more fun if the clio accelerated faster.

Ive got two, more powerful cars (that are a lot faster) as well as my stock 172 and I can tell you I enjoy the clio for its package rather than wanting more power.

If pure speed is what you think you crave, get something else IMO.

 

[imprezaworks]

Yeah the two lads, one has a Celica, the other a Black (iirc) Clio.

 

[BaileyWolves]

I hear you mate but just because your car is clean is not really a deal breaker mate when it comes to modifying...Frayz Subaru was super clean but it was still highly modified,as is my Subaru the same...

View attachment 1459743


but I modified my Subaru because it’s what “I” wanted to do I look forward to hearing the final decision that “YOU” make .SJ.


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I agree I have never owned a car that’s not in very mint condition and I have modified a lot of them so I totally understand your comments and by the way the Subaru is absolutely beutiful and on my list of cars to own again I have had 3

 

[stonejedi]

I wouldn’t do it personally. Not because of the condition factor but the fact these cars are all about the balance of everything together.

Yeah I’m sure it’d be a laugh to have silly power for a bit but it’s not what makes them good little cars. Ringing their neck and being 10/10 is what makes them good fun.

You’ve only got to watch those two blokes on track that have a 182 (name escapes me?) but they wouldn't be having more fun if the clio accelerated faster.

Ive got two, more powerful cars (that are a lot faster) as well as my stock 172 and I can tell you I enjoy the clio for its package rather than wanting more power.

If pure speed is what you think you crave, get something else IMO.

I use to get that from Mitsi Evo owers when i first purchased my Subaru and started to modify it "Why didn't I buy something fast in the first place like a evo"...Really! Looool.I understand what your saying though but I have always found certain people just like getting a car and making it go faster regardless of what there starting point or make of car that they have.i can remember when I first purchased my Clio I was surprised how good that they handle for a two wheel drive car,but it still felt under powered to me reason being I was use to driving quick cars regularly.Stock cars are nice if you are a purist but if you are looking to Get that smile again and have not got enough money for a Porsche or Lambo then I'm afraid modifying is the only way to achieve it.SJ.

 

[leedsboy]

Not modding a car to keep it original so it's more desirable is like not banging your wife to keep her tight for the next person if you fall out.

If you want to do it, do it.

I personally think a little bit more power, without going mad, would be a good thing.

 

[BaileyWolves]

Not modding a car to keep it original so it's more desirable is like not banging your wife to keep her tight for the next person if you fall out.

If you want to do it, do it.

I personally think a little bit more power, without going mad, would be a good thing.

Omg 😆 that’s hilarious lmao 😂

 

[incy-spider]

Not modding a car to keep it original so it's more desirable is like not banging your wife to keep her tight for the next person if you fall out.

If you want to do it, do it.

I personally think a little bit more power, without going mad, would be a good thing.

This... 100%


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[Stefan.]

Not modding a car to keep it original so it's more desirable is like not banging your wife to keep her tight for the next person if you fall out.

If you want to do it, do it.

I personally think a little bit more power, without going mad, would be a good thing.

Didnt think that happened once married anyway haha.

 

[BaileyWolves]

Once you come out of the honeymoon period her fanny seizes up and ur dick stops working ..... standard

 

[yeecup]

Personally I don't see the point in turbocharging a 172/182, without a diff they must spin up in first and second making the extra power unusable for hard accelaration. I love the high revving nature of n/a and I would go down the cams and itb route for a bit more power and the noise they make whilst keeping the high revving n/a attributes. Most turbo clios seem to end up with issues and being sold or broken for parts, says it all really.

 

[dann2707]

I wouldn’t do it personally. Not because of the condition factor but the fact these cars are all about the balance of everything together.

Yeah I’m sure it’d be a laugh to have silly power for a bit but it’s not what makes them good little cars. Ringing their neck and being 10/10 is what makes them good fun.

You’ve only got to watch those two blokes on track that have a 182 (name escapes me?) but they wouldn't be having more fun if the clio accelerated faster.

Ive got two, more powerful cars (that are a lot faster) as well as my stock 172 and I can tell you I enjoy the clio for its package rather than wanting more power.

If pure speed is what you think you crave, get something else IMO.

Absolutely this with 300% more this and a dash of extra this on top.

I've been in that crew of turboing and completely regretting it. I don't regret the learning curve on the way, and the spending of the money as its all skills I've learnt in the process which is absolutely invaluable. And I learnt to just get on with s**t and just f**king do it. I couldn't be one of those guys with a project that hasn't run for 4 years.

But I absolutely hate a clio turbo, I think it's cos mine was running 290bhp and it just wasn't driveable. It's all about ringing their necks in flat out around a corner which imo you just can't do and have "fun" with a super fast clio.

Camber and combustion is a prime example of how and why the mk2 sports are fun.

 

[SharkyUK]

Don't upset what you already have - especially if it's as nice and as strong an example as it seems to be! These French things are so highly-strung... you might get lucky and end up with a low-boost Clio that gives you miles and miles of fun. You might end up unlucky and ruin a great example Clio that empties your wallet as you take it back to the point you were at before it all went wrong.

 

[Louis]

Absolutely this with 300% more this and a dash of extra this on top.

I've been in that crew of turboing and completely regretting it. I don't regret the learning curve on the way, and the spending of the money as its all skills I've learnt in the process which is absolutely invaluable. And I learnt to just get on with s**t and just f**king do it. I couldn't be one of those guys with a project that hasn't run for 4 years.

But I absolutely hate a clio turbo, I think it's cos mine was running 290bhp and it just wasn't driveable. It's all about ringing their necks in flat out around a corner which imo you just can't do and have "fun" with a super fast clio.

Camber and combustion is a prime example of how and why the mk2 sports are fun.

My spitfire project hasnt run in over 4 years 😭😭

 

[MLB]

If it were me I'd keep it standard, I'm even thinking of taking my RS2 inlet off and putting the standard air intake and aircon back in mine.

And fair point your wife makes about Corona messing things up. Keep the money in your pocket, enjoy your super clean cup the next couple of months when the weather finally picks up and then decide if you really need the extra power (and Quaife?) after summer.

How fast can they do the conversion? Consider parts availability, import restrictions, full lock down? Be a shame to have it in bits for a couple of months and get it back just before winter!

 

[frayz]

If you add any mod to your Cup, add a diff.
If you haven’t already, it’s the most enjoyable difference I’ve made to my car that can be felt at almost all speeds.
Won’t detract from the original car at all, it’s one of the very few mods you can make thats all positive with zero downsides.

 

[cjgower]

I’ve had my Cup low boosted with the ED kit for what seems like years. Maybe 4/5 now. The AEM piggy back ECU developed a fault at some point, so needed replacing although ED were helpful. It also needed an uprated clutch after 10k as the standard one which had covered 100k+ had given up at that point and was slipping. Other than this, all faults with the car since have been completely unrelated to the turbo conversion so I’d say it’s a pretty good bit of kit.

I would never go back to standard. 230bhp/230lb-ft with decent tyres and it will put it down in a straight line no problem.

A diff would help for getting out of corners but it’s not essential - I don’t use mine for track, just as a toy as and when I get a chance and for that application the turbo makes it all the more fun, regardless of how quick you can or cannot go round a corner. Each to their own!

 

[incy-spider]

I’ve found a lot of advice given in here about not doing a turbo conversion are from people that haven’t actually experienced any of it fir themselves. Mostly read something somewhere about a few that have been a pain in the arse..

You only hear about the bad stuff.

It’s all about doing it well, it can’t be done half arsed otherwise it’ll be a t**t! Mine has served me very well for 5+ years and the only times it been in pieces is for more upgrades, low boost is perfect but as time went on I’ve added more and more, but tried to keep it as OEM as possible, basically my mum could get in and drive it like any other Clio but it also has 300hp.

It’s all about sensible mapping, not shoving the biggest of everything in just to make ludicrous figures and making it un-usuable! Mine is my daily driver and track animal which sees Nür/Spa and lots of trackdays every year!

Lots of work has gone into mapping mine for low down traffic stuff, nice progressive power and reliability! Not your usual ‘forge everything’ and hope it’ll last shite!

I’m glad there are some nasty turbo Clio dogs around, it makes the good ones stand out [emoji106][emoji106]


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[BaileyWolves]

Thanks for the detailed reply mate, I have put my plans on hold for a few weeks as isolated at home due to my diabetes but it’s certainly something I am still considering.

I was more concerned about reliability and engine dynamics package being a good conversion. It’s not about out and out power but something different

I appreciate all the replies and they are all taken on board.

I am awaiting on my local RS centre to come back with a package too and weigh up the options

 

[Thrust-Rated]

Thanks for the detailed reply mate, I have put my plans on hold for a few weeks as isolated at home due to my diabetes but it’s certainly something I am still considering.

I was more concerned about reliability and engine dynamics package being a good conversion. It’s not about out and out power but something different

I appreciate all the replies and they are all taken on board.

I am awaiting on my local RS centre to come back with a package too and weigh up the options

Please tell me when you say local RS garage you aren't referring to four ashes?!

 

[BaileyWolves]

Please tell me when you say local RS garage you aren't referring to four ashes?!

Take you have had bad experiences there mate ?

 

[Gus]

Go for it. It will transform the car. My 182 has had a turbo for 5 years and its been trouble free. Mine is running a forged engine with a high boost 325hp output. Its a right laugh when I get it out. Admittedly I dont use the car much and sits in the garage a lot.

 

[stonejedi]

Thanks for the detailed reply mate, I have put my plans on hold for a few weeks as isolated at home due to my diabetes but it’s certainly something I am still considering.

I was more concerned about reliability and engine dynamics package being a good conversion. It’s not about out and out power but something different

I appreciate all the replies and they are all taken on board.

I am awaiting on my local RS centre to come back with a package too and weigh up the options

If you decide to get some spool up in your life😎mate i would stick with Enginedynamics i was using them when i had my Renault 5 back in the days and I’m pretty sure they were called BB tuning at the time...Thats who I have been slowly buying my turbo parts from,i have driven one of their turbo builds before and it drove nice and tight if you get my drift😉No rattles,that drive convinced me to turbo my 172 cup.They are a top notch company you can trust thats why I have been communicating with them a lot these days regarding parts for my build and general advice.SJ.

 

[BaileyWolves]

If you decide to get some spool up in your life😎mate i would stick with Enginedynamics i was using them when i had my Renault 5 back in the days and I’m pretty sure they were called BB tuning at the time...Thats who I have been slowly buying my turbo parts from,i have driven one of their turbo builds before and it drove nice and tight if you get my drift😉No rattles,that drive convinced me to turbo my 172 cup.They are a top notch company you can trust thats why I have been communicating with them a lot these days regarding parts for my build and general advice.SJ.

Thanks mate at the price for a drive in drive out service mapped I am really happy, it’s the other end of the country from me but prepared to make the journey to get the job done right. It’s where I will go for I think for sure Andy has been helpful via email

 

[Thrust-Rated]

Take you have had bad experiences there mate ?

Got mugged off years back when I bought a cat pipe from them, sold it to me for £240 and I wasn't too clued up back then, turns out the flange was squashed on it before I even had it fitted.

Few people local I know have had issues there too when taking their cars for diagnosis and being misdiagnosed for extra work...

If you've never had issues with them then fair enough and continue to use them.
I'd rather drive the extra miles and take it to a proper specialist such as Mick up in Nottingham or I know some of the local lads near the west mids use TCR in Wednesbury.

 

[BaileyWolves]

Got mugged off years back when I bought a cat pipe from them, sold it to me for £240 and I wasn't too clued up back then, turns out the flange was squashed on it before I even had it fitted.

Few people local I know have had issues there too when taking their cars for diagnosis and being misdiagnosed for extra work...

If you've never had issues with them then fair enough and continue to use them.
I'd rather drive the extra miles and take it to a proper specialist such as Mick up in Nottingham or I know some of the local lads near the west mids use TCR in Wednesbury.

Fair enough pal I think we all have good and bad experiences I have used them for years and always been really good with me and the Clio, I may well have been subjected to a bit of unessassry work lol but most do when I have had other cars at other garages

they have done a lot work complimentary jobs here and there because I always use them so guess u build a relationship and trust

 

[davo172]

Got mugged off years back when I bought a cat pipe from them, sold it to me for £240 and I wasn't too clued up back then, turns out the flange was squashed on it before I even had it fitted.

Few people local I know have had issues there too when taking their cars for diagnosis and being misdiagnosed for extra work...

If you've never had issues with them then fair enough and continue to use them.
I'd rather drive the extra miles and take it to a proper specialist such as Mick up in Nottingham or I know some of the local lads near the west mids use TCR in Wednesbury.

Used TCR since 2001 never had 1 issue with anything.

I am local to them stay away from 4 ashes I know a fee who have had bad experience with them.

 

[BaileyWolves]

Where’s TCR

 

[GrahamS]

@incy-spider is bang on here. A lot of people are pretty uninformed about turbos. They're awesome and can be reliable if built properly.

Half the people who build them do them on a pants car to start with so everything breaks. It's pretty obvious things like the clutch might need changing. In the dry I have no issues with mine spinning up. Lots of people drive like hooligans. Turbo or not, something will give!

 

[BaileyWolves]

@incy-spider is bang on here. A lot of people are pretty uninformed about turbos. They're awesome and can be reliable if built properly.

Half the people who build them do them on a pants car to start with so everything breaks. It's pretty obvious things like the clutch might need changing. In the dry I have no issues with mine spinning up. Lots of people drive like hooligans. Turbo or not, something will give!

My car leads a cherished life mate it’s cared for and the engine is strong else I don’t think as u say I would consider it, your right tho it’s how it’s driven and cared for which will depend on the problems

 

[davo172]

Where’s TCR

Home

Total Control Racing - British Motorsport Racing Team

www.totalcontrolracing.com

Ask for Lee Brookes

 

[davo172]

They won't get involved with turbo conversions etc just general servicing repairs cambelts suspension track day prep etc as the racing is there main buisiness.

 

[BaileyWolves]

They won't get involved with turbo conversions etc just general servicing repairs cambelts suspension track day prep etc as the racing is there main buisiness.

Thanks mate, once all this corno stuff is cleared going to go through Andy at engine dynamics I think

 

[davo172]

Thanks mate, once all this corno stuff is cleared going to go through Andy at engine dynamics I think

You going the turbo route then?

 

[Thrust-Rated]

Get yourself in a test drive of someone who's got one already.
I'd really consider keeping it NA. If it's more speed and power you are after then get a different car in my opinion.

I always think they would've came out the factories as turbos if it was meant to be.

 

[BaileyWolves]

I am considering it still mate yes , there are positives and negatives as people have explained but I guess sometimes if you want something you have to just go for it things may change with all that’s going on in the country th

 

[stonejedi]

My car leads a cherished life mate it’s cared for and the engine is strong else I don’t think as u say I would consider it, your right tho it’s how it’s driven and cared for which will depend on the problems

Your Bang on mate, a little mechanical sympathy goes a mighty long way!...but saying that you still need to modify a car that is fit for purpose regarding parts, its no use fitting a turbo on an already worn engine, worn o.e clutch, crunching gearbox,crap tyres&brakes etc...or as you said the extra power/torque will expose their weaknesses.SJ.

 

[stonejedi]

I am considering it still mate yes , there are positives and negatives as people have explained but I guess sometimes if you want something you have to just go for it things may change with all that’s going on in the country th

Sensible!....SJ.

 

[-Simon]

Where are you based mate?

Your more than welcome to come and have a go in mine. Mine been turbo’d for around 4 years and it is epic. I agree with some of the points made - if your putting a lot more power but more importantly torque through the car other components will need upgrading to cope but that is just sensible tuning. In my opinion it transforms the driving experience and the chassis is more than up to the job. Traction in my car is not an issue in the dry but that is all in the suspension setup, tyres and most importantly the mapping. I have a standalone ECU and Scoff at EFI did the tune and it drives brilliantly. I would say if you stick to low ish boost (around 230ish) you will have a seriously capable car and one that is a serious step up in performance over N/A.
It is quite an investment as other parts wear a lot quicker than normal but that is part and parcel of the tuning. I would definitely drive one before you make a decision as it is a big outlay but as others have commented it is nothing that can’t be removed at a later stage and sold for parts.

 

[BaileyWolves]

Where are you based mate?

Your more than welcome to come and have a go in mine. Mine been turbo’d for around 4 years and it is epic. I agree with some of the points made - if your putting a lot more power but more importantly torque through the car other components will need upgrading to cope but that is just sensible tuning. In my opinion it transforms the driving experience and the chassis is more than up to the job. Traction in my car is not an issue in the dry but that is all in the suspension setup, tyres and most importantly the mapping. I have a standalone ECU and Scoff at EFI did the tune and it drives brilliantly. I would say if you stick to low ish boost (around 230ish) you will have a seriously capable car and one that is a serious step up in performance over N/A.
It is quite an investment as other parts wear a lot quicker than normal but that is part and parcel of the tuning. I would definitely drive one before you make a decision as it is a big outlay but as others have commented it is nothing that can’t be removed at a later stage and sold for parts.

Hi mate thank you for taking the time to reply. I am based in Wolverhampton it would be great if I could I am so close to just doing it. I took mine out for a drive today and first time in ages pushed the car and thought Jesus it’s sat at 190bhp at the mo and couldn’t imagine it with anything more. As you said it’s mapping that’s key, Chris has mapped mine and his work is amazing. Everything is almost replaced bar the clutch will have to double check the history folder see if it’s been done, I could always uprate this if needed later I guess