172 ph1 gearbox and clutch options

[ChrisZX]

Lots of questions.

My 172 ph1 gearbox has died and I'm wondering what the options are.
I've heard the early 172 boxes are a bit weak so is there a better replacement?
Someone said the 172 Cup box will fit? Is this a different box to the standard ph1 unit?
I read the later 172 and 182 boxes have different speed sensor fittings so aren't an option without replacing clocks etc.
What exactly would need changing and is it a big job?
I'm pretty good mechanically after rebuilding my Nissan 300ZX from the ground up over 10 years but not really worked on any other cars.

Also is the standard clutch the best to go for?
My car has a straight through exhaust, chipped (not sure which) and was told the cams had been done but I doubt that myself.
The current clutch felt pretty standard but I've not driven any other Clio's.

Thanks,

Chris.

 

[Fred@BTM]

stock clutch is fine unless its a track car??

JC5 089 mk1 box is the best one IMO, you could use a williams one also, or a 172 cup

it'll cost about £250 to get yours rebuilt

 

[Andyman]

Yeah use the standard clutch

Yes i read this too about the Cup box being the same as a ph1 172. Think it was Fred that posted that info up

Think there's a lad breaking a ph1 172 in the for sale so might be worth a look regarding the box

**edited beat me too it lol

 

[Russ_16v]

the std clutch will handle that power no probs matey, the ph2 172 and 182 gearboxes take speedo readings from abs rings iirc(i might need correcting on this), so no speedo sensor in the box so there no good, yes you can use a 172 cup box as the speedo works the same as our ph1 boxes

i personally believe the weak box thing is a myth, my box and clutch are both original and im on 121,000 miles now with only a tiny bit of crunching on fast changes from 2nd to 3rd if im a bit lazy with the clutch
i believe they will last alot longer than people say if looked after

 

[Andyman]

Agree with Russ.

Done 110k now on modded n/a engine, 1st owner from new and never had a problem, dosent crunch or owt.

I do quarter miles too but not track days. All depends how you use it imo although can appreciate high levels of torque could cause probs for it

So will there be any advantage using a mk1 or Cup box over a ph1 172 one? Better acceleration? top end maybe?

 

[Russ_16v]

i am assuming the cup box has shorter ratio's like the ph2 boxes? so assuming it has i guess acelleration will be a bit better? doubt top speed will be effected as i dont think a lightly modded ph1 could pull 7k in top on a std box? mine will pull around 6300rpm ish showing around 140mph, does that sound about right?

 

[ChrisZX]

stock clutch is fine unless its a track car??

JC5 089 mk1 box is the best one IMO, you could use a williams one also, or a 172 cup

it'll cost about £250 to get yours rebuilt

Thought it would be more than that for a rebuild?
Is that right or just a guess? LOL

Which would you go for, a rebuild or a standard box with 70K+ miles for the same money?
I suppose with a rebuild you know what you are getting and probably have a warranty of sorts but will it be as well put together as a Renault part that's already run in.
Then again I could buy a dog of a 2nd hand box and have no come back!
Seen a few around but they are often "untested" which scares me when the only way to find out is to fit it and waste a couple of hundred quid in labour.

 

[Middo]

exactly the same thoughts as i was having. i spoke to a place near chester that birchdown recommended, and they said it would be approximately £300 to have mine rebuilt, but then i know its going to be a good un, and not a semi shagged 2nd hander. however, unless you can remove it yourself that price will go up a fair bit when you include the cost of removal / refitting at a garage.

 

[edde]

Which would you go for, a rebuild or a standard box with 70K+ miles for the same money?

Rebuild get a good place to do the work and its all checked then.

i am assuming the cup box has shorter ratio's like the ph2 boxes? so assuming it has i guess acelleration will be a bit better? doubt top speed will be effected

yep same ratios.

Acceleration won't matter much.

So will there be any advantage using a mk1 or Cup box over a ph1 172 one? Better acceleration? top end maybe?

Nope not realy Cup one has slightly lower ratios but nothing huge. Best get one rebuilt or least a good condition one

i personally believe the weak box thing is a myth, my box and clutch are both original and im on 121,000 miles now with only a tiny bit of crunching on fast changes from 2nd to 3rd if im a bit lazy with the clutch
i believe they will last alot longer than people say if looked after

As you say take care with then and there fine people don't though.

Yes i read this too about the Cup box being the same as a ph1 172. Think it was Fred that posted that info up

its different ratios but the difference ins't much.

 

[Fred@BTM]

rebuild is £250 through my guy

 

[GarethM]

my ph1 is on 96k and on original box and clutch and its fine