182 Fake Racing/ Track car

[Robproof]

Evening on Thursday at Donington, loads of clios out to play with. Car ran mint- but of a scare when I had a mini leak, but that was due to me over filling the gearbox.



Killed off what was left of the PBS pads- so taking it easy in the heavy braking areas.

The car feels so dialled now on the turn in and through the corners. Really impressed with the MRF tyres, few laps to warm up, but they stay so consistent for laps and the wear is much better than the R888’s.

Developed a little power steering leak but found the source and just need a new pressure valve.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Evening on Thursday at Donington, loads of clios out to play with. Car ran mint- but of a scare when I had a mini leak, but that was due to me over filling the gearbox.



Killed off what was left of the PBS pads- so taking it easy in the heavy braking areas.

View attachment 1643255

The car feels so dialled now on the turn in and through the corners. Really impressed with the MRF tyres, few laps to warm up, but they stay so consistent for laps and the wear is much better than the R888’s.

Developed a little power steering leak but found the source and just need a new pressure valve.

View attachment 1643256View attachment 1643257

I was chatting to a lad at Silverstone who recommended the MRF tyres. Are yours ZTR? I’m assume they’re medium/hard compound?

 

[Robproof]

I was chatting to a lad at Silverstone who recommended the MRF tyres. Are yours ZTR? I’m assume they’re medium/hard compound?

I’m running the hard compound- compatible to the R888 for grip, take a couple of laps to warm up. Wear seems good so far (which is what I wanted as I’m tight)

 

[Robproof]

Not many updates, just getting some track time in.

Just some general maintenance and New front pads fitted Ds 1.11 and an oil change.

Went up to Blyton Park for a day, not my favourite track to be honest, just don’t really gel with it. Forgot my go pro mount so strapped it to the front bumper:



We had a awesome day at Cadwell. Just a tad warm, but love that track in the Clio. Struggling to keep up with a mate in his Clio since he’s stripped everything out and fitted a LSD (mines still open dif), but we’re hanging on! May think about a car diet over winter as it’s still very comfortable with carpets headlining etc.

Had a nice play with a few other clios, couple had engine swaps - went like hell in a straight line!

 

[Robproof]

minor update, took the Clio out for an evening at Donington. Unfortunately not much running as I was getting a noise in right handers.

Spent most the evening trying to find the issue, turns out the rear wheel bearing on the left rear was the issue. Also an intermittent ABS fault (sorry me times it worked, sometimes it didn’t- which was “interesting”).

Limped home and today fitted new rear discs and pads (inc. new bearings). Checked every bolt on the rear to make sure nothing else was loose. Problem solved. New Brembo discs- great service from @FrogJam Motorsport and new DS2500 pads.

Just ordered a new OEM ABS sensor for the rear right as it was throwing up a fault. Sort that next week as well as fresh brake fluid and oil/ filter change.

 

[Hollidog]

Those rear wheel bearings are a right b*****d, had 3 go in 2 seasons of racing

 

[Robproof]

A few weeks back we visited Snetterton, awesome day before the gearbox decided it didn’t like oil. Hopefully just a seal or gator. Ironic as I was suppose to collect a new box on the way home.

Looking forward to putting that in as it’s a fitted with a Gripper dif.

Snetterton was fun, more interesting track to drive than I first thought. Some awesome cars there.

 

[Robproof]

Bit of good news, the gearbox was fine, the gator on the driveshaft was not and caused the exit of oil.

however, I had bought a spare gearbox in the mean time, fitted with a GRIPPER differential. Huge thanks to @NorthloopCup for his work refreshing that and servicing it- can’t recommend him high enough.

As recommended by Mark, gearbox is filled with Redline MTL 75-80.

Also fitted a new original Renault N/S driveshaft with new gators etc.

Whilst there, changed the oil and filter for some fresh Fuchs Titan Race.

Changed the brake fluid too, swapped the swamp water (old Motul 660) for some fresh Motul 660.

The car is now ready for a big day out on Friday (3rd November) at Donington

 

[NorthloopCup]

Bit of good news, the gearbox was fine, the gator on the driveshaft was not and caused the exit of oil.

however, I had bought a spare gearbox in the mean time, fitted with a GRIPPER differential. Huge thanks to @NorthloopCup for his work refreshing that and servicing it- can’t recommend him high enough.

View attachment 1666858

As recommended by Mark, gearbox is filled with Redline MTL 75-80.

Also fitted a new original Renault N/S driveshaft with new gators etc.

View attachment 1666857
Whilst there, changed the oil and filter for some fresh Fuchs Titan Race.

View attachment 1666862

Changed the brake fluid too, swapped the swamp water (old Motul 660) for some fresh Motul 660.

View attachment 1666863

The car is now ready for a big day out on Friday (3rd November) at Donington

View attachment 1666864

Always a pleasure mate. 👍🏻 Hope you enjoy yourself with the gripper’d box 😎

 

[Robproof]

Always a pleasure mate. 👍🏻 Hope you enjoy yourself with the gripper’d box 😎

thanks bud, still owe you some swag!

 

[NorthloopCup]

thanks bud, still owe you some swag!

😂👊🏻👍🏻

 

[NorthloopCup]

@Robproof have you sorted a shorter shaft for the passenger side btw? If not, have you driven the car and gone full lock on the steering?

 

[Robproof]

@Robproof have you sorted a shorter shaft for the passenger side btw? If not, have you driven the car and gone full lock on the steering?

I ordered the Clio 182 (none cup) driveshaft, think that’s the direct replacement for the one I had?

Don’t think I’ve gone full lock yet, what’s that about

 

[NorthloopCup]

I ordered the Clio 182 (none cup) driveshaft, think that’s the direct replacement for the one I had?

Don’t think I’ve gone full lock yet, what’s that about

Right ok, well the driveshaft can bottom out in the drive cup mate when you’ve got a gripper diff installed.

Put it on full lock and drive forward - if it feels like it’s trying to pull the steering wheel out of your hand, it’s bottoming out in the drive cup. Only way to stop that from happening is to move the engine/box as far over to the drivers side as possible - but you need uprated engine/box mounts. But, the only 100% way to fix it is a shorter driveshaft.

If you have one of my roll centre kits, that’ll help as well because it moves the wheels outboard by 5mm per side.

 

[Robproof]

Right ok, well the driveshaft can bottom out in the drive cup mate when you’ve got a gripper diff installed.

Put it on full lock and drive forward - if it feels like it’s trying to pull the steering wheel out of your hand, it’s bottoming out in the drive cup. Only way to stop that from happening is to move the engine/box as far over to the drivers side as possible - but you need uprated engine/box mounts. But, the only 100% way to fix it is a shorter driveshaft.

If you have one of my roll centre kits, that’ll help as well because it moves the wheels outboard by 5mm per side.

Ok will have a look, yes have a roll Centre kit fitted so hopefully that helps.

Where can/ where can you buy a shorter driveshaft from?

 

[Brigsy]

Could also test driveshaft plunge at rideheight to give you an idea of how much your cv joints can move.

Buzz driveshaft nut loose with impact when car is at normal rideheight and see how many mm you can push the cv joint thread in. From memory you need a minimum of 8mm travel with decent stiff engine mounts, 10-15mm is acceptable. Mark will be able to confirm if this is right as its been a while since ive checked one.

My driveshafts seem to be ok in this respect and still feels like wheels are going to fall off on full lock/low speed. Plate diff life i guess!

 

[NorthloopCup]

Could also test driveshaft plunge at rideheight to give you an idea of how much your cv joints can move.

Buzz driveshaft nut loose with impact when car is at normal rideheight and see how many mm you can push the cv joint thread in. From memory you need a minimum of 8mm travel with decent stiff engine mounts, 10-15mm is acceptable. Mark will be able to confirm if this is right as its been a while since ive checked one.

My driveshafts seem to be ok in this respect and still feels like wheels are going to fall off on full lock/low speed. Plate diff life i guess!

I’ve already confirmed it with him mate via text 👍🏻

So what you’re describing is the normal operation of the plated diff. If the driveshaft was bottoming out, trust me, you’d know! It feels as though the front of the car is about to fall off. 😂

 

[Robproof]

Could also test driveshaft plunge at rideheight to give you an idea of how much your cv joints can move.

Buzz driveshaft nut loose with impact when car is at normal rideheight and see how many mm you can push the cv joint thread in. From memory you need a minimum of 8mm travel with decent stiff engine mounts, 10-15mm is acceptable. Mark will be able to confirm if this is right as its been a while since ive checked one.

My driveshafts seem to be ok in this respect and still feels like wheels are going to fall off on full lock/low speed. Plate diff life i guess!

Thanks,

I’ve test driven this morning, on full lock it seems to clear on both sides with no noises.

I think as I have the PRO-AM toll centre kit it gives me an extra 5mm track either side which helps.

 

[Robproof]

Went out to Donington earlier this month. First time with the new gearbox/ dif. What a difference. On a damp and greasy track, the car was amazing. Was just trying to get use to the change in the feel of the dif. Had 35 of us out on track so pretty fun time on track chasing the 1.8t powered Golf’s.

After fitting the box I made an error I’m not getting the alignment checked, felt out a little. Still mint though. Day was cut short slightly as the clutch started to slip- note to self, should have put a new clutch in with the box

 

[Robproof]

checked out the issue I had at Donington, the rivets on the clutch plate had failed. Brand new OEM clutch fitted.

Also little exhaust clamp repair done.

Also… spent some money to save 10kg

Now drives mint, roll on December track days at Donington & Oulton Park

 

[Robproof]

Little tidy up ahead of a few December trackdays. Replaced the old hooligan spec holes to the crash bar bumper with a stock looking one.

New number plate too, like the new look- bumpers great form 10 yards. But of rattle can spray job to tidy it up.

Also the alignment was sorted after replacing the gearbox and clutch. Balanced both sides now at A Line Dudley.

 

[Robproof]

a week of highs and lows.. Wednesday was a track day at Donington Park. Frozen track made for some fun conditions. Morning was amazing fun slipping and sliding around. The car was amazing.

Then lunch… over the break the car developed an electrical issue and decided to stay in limp mode. The drive home was painful, but made it.

Over the next few days tried to figure out the problem. Cleaned all the connections (white plug near the ECU and all the fuse/ relays), changed the throttle pedal, but still had the issue. A lot of head scratching was had. A little time pressure as I wanted to get it right for another track day Saturday at Oulton Park.

After a late night session we found a small leak in the battery. Borrowed a battery from a friend and hey presto, back in business.

Amazing day at Oulton- biblical conditions, but so much fun lapping in the rain. Both My mates and my Clio were fantastic! Rain sport tyres were incredible! Few other clios to chase down on the day too.

Me following the black Baguette:


My mate following me:


End of the track day year for me. As it’s now just a track day car it’s time to ruin the car and take some weight out of it.

- remove sound deadening
- remove the air con
- lightweight battery and kill switch
- remove carpets and headlining
- remove airbags
- chase some of the wiring back
- remove speakers and radio
- look to add a full roll cage (Fulcrum made the rear that I could add the front section)
- tidy up jacking points as they aren’t perfect.

 

[Robproof]

New years weight loss, time to ruin the Clio as a car.

Drilled out a few spot welds to remove some of the unwanted brackets, the removed a lot of plastics, sound deadening, head lining, carbon canister.

Also dropped out the passenger seat for now.

46kg removed in total. Still got a fair bit to go at too.

Next jobs, fit the New T7 mini heater from Advocult Motorsport (highly recommend them) and have a lightweight battery too to go in. When they go in will remove behind the dashboard and start trimming some of the wires where I don’t need them.

Tom at Advocult is also designing a mini dash pod for the Clio too, just finalising the design and working on the 3D prints.

 

[Mr Underhill]

It’ll certainly feel more engaging out on circuit. Have you kept all the interior parts or throwing them out?

 

[Robproof]

It’ll certainly feel more engaging out on circuit. Have you kept all the interior parts or throwing them out?

Most the interior was out already so chucked most of what’s left as it was carpet and foam

 

[SharpyClio]

I’ve started to do similar, I like what you’ve done with speakers in the door cards, I was contemplating track door cards but wanted to keep the speakers… now I know I can.

I was surprised how much weight there was in the rear plastics, speakers and carpet. Figure that was a good 15kgs or so!

I’m also ruining mine as a road car… at least it’s not my daily 😬🤣

 

[Robproof]

Not Clio related, but another mild hatchback joins the stable. This one’s for commuting though. Panda 100hp

 

[Robproof]

Made the long trip to Brands Hatch last month with another baguette. Wasn’t sure what to expect, but very pleasantly surprised by the track. Amazing fun in the Clio, and performed faultless.

First time with the weight stripped out and sound deadening. Whilst the trip down wasn’t as pleasant as before, it’s amazing the difference it made. The pick up out the corners was a huge improvement (not ballistic, but noticeable). Managed to consistently sit in mid 56second laps without driving silly.

Not much fun driving back on the M25 concrete section though.

Few little tweaks and we are back out next weekend at Donington.



the 172 baguette;

 

[Robproof]

Another track outing at Donington last weekend. Amazing day, enjoyed the GP circuit.

The Clio was faultless, until it decided that it didn’t need its CV outer boot- cue a greasy mess!

The Clio felt good, managed to get my times down from a prev 1:58 down to 1.53 lap… thanks Dif and weight loss!



My mates Clio had a few injector issues, but we managed to get that sorted with one I had spare.

Also, mates car was also running this new battery cover. Looks lovely if you want one hit up Advocult Motorsport.

He’s also offering a quality marine ply front splitters for the clios. In development is a Dash Pod too.

 

[Robproof]

New CV boot fitted. Ready for some more fun now.

 

[Hollidog]

That splitter looks wicked, do you know if it's blue book compliant? I.e. No wider than the rest of the bodywork and doesn't extend more than 100mm forward?

 

[Robproof]

That splitter looks wicked, do you know if it's blue book compliant? I.e. No wider than the rest of the bodywork and doesn't extend more than 100mm forward?

This one isn’t, but this was V1, the next one very well could be (as the one on the black one is too long for my car). Nice thing is it’s chassis mounted, has brake cooling ducts and you can stand on it.

If you message Advocult, ask for Tom and tell him your requirements.

 

[Robproof]

It’s been a quiet few months, but back out in the Clio.

Donington Evening track day this past Monday:

fairly chilled evening, chased a bit of a noise at the front- realised the ns front wheel was rubbing on the inner arch on turn in, under load, so need to raise the ride height a few mm.

Other than that, performed well. May look at a paddle clutch soon as an upgrade as sure it’s started slipping a tiny bit in 1st gear under load.

Did manage a PB on the GP circuit with a 1:53.4. More time to be had there for sure.

Just preparing now for Snetterton next week.

Also last month had a wee visit to caffeine and machine for the baguettes meet up, chicken park dhis round the front:

 

[Robproof]

Clio is famous. Just had the team at Advocult / Racingcult replace my damaged splitter with there awesome new splitter. Highly recommend them, lovely team and high quality kit (that is strong as chuf)

 

[SharpyClio]

Clio is famous. Just had the team at Advocult / Racingcult replace my damaged splitter with there awesome new splitter. Highly recommend them, lovely team and high quality kit (that is strong as chuf)

Literally watched that last night and I was wondering whose it was. Looking to get a splitter just need to figure out if I can still get it on the trailer with it on the car.

 

[Mr Underhill]

I've seen a few Clio's using front splitters combined with rear spoilers—namely Pro-Am and Frogjam—and I understand the potential benefits given they're highly developed race cars, especially the Frogjam car with 240 bhp.

Any downsides to having just the front splitter? More oversteer and instability at higher speeds?

Any upsides—front tyre grip and turn-in? Improved brake cooling? Or is it primarily for aesthetic appeal?

I suppose on a stock-engined Clio, where the speeds are relatively moderate, the imbalance might be less pronounced than on a 300-500 bhp time attack car.

 

[SharpyClio]

From what I’ve seen the benefits are there for any Clio. Couple of folks I’ve spoken to who have them but are not affiliated to the manufacturer said they were worth every penny.

However, I can let you know once I throw more money at my car. 🤣

 

[Robproof]

I've seen a few Clio's using front splitters combined with rear spoilers—namely Pro-Am and Frogjam—and I understand the potential benefits given they're highly developed race cars, especially the Frogjam car with 240 bhp.

Any downsides to having just the front splitter? More oversteer and instability at higher speeds?

Any upsides—front tyre grip and turn-in? Improved brake cooling? Or is it primarily for aesthetic appeal?

I suppose on a stock-engined Clio, where the speeds are relatively moderate, the imbalance might be less pronounced than on a 300-500 bhp time attack car.

If I’m honest, I can’t tell you for sure as I made a few changes when I fitted the splitter, probably a placebo effect, combined with a few other bits, but all the changes have made the car feel good to drive to me!

If it makes the car more on the nose and does anything to reduces mid corner understeer just a little bit, then I’m happy. What happens at the rear is fine as it just follows.

(Also I like the look with the splitter fitted and that’s good enough for me!)

 

[Robproof]

Literally watched that last night and I was wondering whose it was. Looking to get a splitter just need to figure out if I can still get it on the trailer with it on the car.

Not taken it on track since, but Vs the other well known branded splitter I had on before, the build quality is next level.

I will try get some pictures, but the little brake diffusers are a little work of art.

 

[Robproof]

So the clutch decided it didn’t like working before the last track outing. I had a new Helix motorsport clutch to fit, but not the time to fit it. Don’t was left to take the Fiat Panda 100hp instead for a few laps of Cadwell.

It’s not as fast, I definitely missed the Clio, but it was just as fun trying to haul the little thing around. 4 wheel drifts, understeer and just throwing it into corners. it’s a pretty capable car, with a little more power and a few handling tweaks it could be wild- but then I’ll have two track cars and a ruined commuter car.

Just missed getting to play with others as it was a tad slower than usual!

Still a fantastic day out. Now to fit the new clutch to the Clio before the next track outing end of the month.