2005 RB 182 Cup

[R29TJR]

February 2018 - Broken Again!

After the car was up and running last week, this weekend I set about replacing the steering column to enable me to run EPAS, I wish I hadn't!

However before I started on the column I wanted to remove all the AC junk from the scuttle.

Firstly I have no idea how you guys manage to remove all this from the scuttle? I spent hours trying to work it out (yes all the bolts from the drivers footwell were removed) but I just couldn't work out how to get it out the gap. This is what I started with:

As you can see I removed the inlet but this still didn't help!

Eventually I accidentally snapped off a part of the casing so I just went and snapped of a few other parts!

Even like this I was unable to remove it, so I kept on snapping off parts until it fitted out the gap, this is what I ended up with:

Although I now have a nice clean scuttle I now have no heating! I therefore sourced a 172 Cup heater blower but now I'm not sure if it'll fit? Any advice/tips would be great.

Pic of said 172 Cup blower:

So I'm not sure if my solution will work, but I really hope I have!

To cheer me up I decided to paint a few parts (something I'm ok at). I painted the bulkhead panel, fuel rail guard & ECU cover):

Feeling slightly upbeat I decided to try and removed the steering column which again was hard work IMO.

I've managed to free to the column with some help from @Stuiemc but I can't get the steering wheel boss off, so i've sprayed it with some WD40 in the hope it'll free it.

I also can't work out how to disconnect this connection:

It goes in behind the steering wheel into the steering angle sensor (I think). Again any help on this would be great.

The main issue is 3 weeks until Isle of Man...

Tom

 

[Darren61]

Sounds like you’ve had one of those days with the Clio. Top effort with the commitment though and really going for it, fingers crossed you can get the 172 heater working ASAP! Painting does look good as well

With the boss, if the WD40 fails to help, you could try that ‘Shock & Unlock’ spray from Halfords, doesn’t work on everything but is good at freeing up seized parts in my experience.

 

[Stuiemc]

Wear a helmet and pull like f**k! (To be clear that's wear a helmet not pull it), or put your steering wheel back on and you'll be able to get better grip to pull it off, give it a little rock side to side to help free it up. Personally I never take my wheel off anymore hate the little Allen bolts that hold it on always seem to round, instead I just take the boss and wheel off together.

 

[R29TJR]

Sounds like you’ve had one of those days with the Clio. Top effort with the commitment though and really going for it, fingers crossed you can get the 172 heater working ASAP! Painting does look good as well :smiley:

With the boss, if the WD40 fails to help, you could try that ‘Shock & Unlock’ spray from Halfords, doesn’t work on everything but is good at freeing up seized parts in my experience.

It was one of them weekends!

I've sprayed it a few times with WD40 so fingers crossed it will loosen a little. I may give it another go tonight. But I've also been given a few tips about warming up the area which I'll give a go also.

I'm still no convinced the 172 heater will work in my 182 but again I'll give it ago!

Wear a helmet and pull like f**k! (To be clear that's wear a helmet not pull it), or put your steering wheel back on and you'll be able to get better grip to pull it off, give it a little rock side to side to help free it up. Personally I never take my wheel off anymore hate the little Allen bolts that hold it on always seem to round, instead I just take the boss and wheel off together.

LOL.

Didn't get time tonight but going to give it a go this week. A few friends have offered to help so fingers crossed I can get it off this week and then this weekend get it all working again!

 

[R29TJR]

EPAS Fitted & Working

Up and running!

So after the car being off the road excluding a quick test drive the car is finally back on the road. I finished it this weekend and I must say I've very pleased with the outcome a special thanks to @Stuiemc & @GrahamS for there help. Completing the EPAS conversation was ok, just took time to get everything done.

As previously said I find it hard to stop to take pics especially when in a dark garage so I only have a few:

Column out:

This is where the pics stop of the EPAS!

As mine is a Cup I couldn’t work out where to mount the adjuster but settled for here:

I could do with cutting down the stalk a little more but from ththe drivers seat etc you can’t see it so I’ll leave that until a warmer day!

I’m really pleased with the EPAS in general. I like the adjustment and having only been for a quick blast it feels as good as I remember it.

After ripping out the original heater/AC unit I was luckily enough to find a 172 Cup set up which just plugged straight in so I set about fitting that:

As you can see in ththe back ground I taped up the original hole left by the AC.

At some point in my life I’ll get a proper fix done...maybe!

I then just had to put it all back together. I need a new airfilter as my current phase 1 Airbox no longer fits in the space due to new rad & hoses so I’ve ordered a set up.

Manifold heat shield:

Bulkhead panel:

And finally some engine bay pics:

I’ve since moved the sensors out the way.

Overall I’m really pleased to have it all working again, and this Thursday I’m off to the Isle of Man for a few days on a stag do, so we’ll soon work out if it’s working or not!

Steering wheel is currently sitting slightly off Centre but that was an issue before which I need to fix but I now just look forward to driving it!

 

[Stuiemc]

Good work, looks really clean!! Been a pleasure helping out, does yours self centre ok? Still need to get mine alligned before I know for sure it's the DCI rack that is the problem. You should get a MTC intake hose to match your coolant pipes.

 

[mintno1]

Looking great, glad you managed to get the cup heater to work, I like the adjustability of the EPAS and you can play around depending on what the situation requires, I imagine it would be great on track, one day I might find out :smile:

 

[R29TJR]

Good work, looks really clean!! Been a pleasure helping out, does yours self centre ok? Still need to get mine alligned before I know for sure it's the DCI rack that is the problem. You should get a MTC intake hose to match your coolant pipes.

A massive help! Definitely owe you a beer! It appears to self align but let me report back after Isle of Man and I'll know for sure then!

I've also ordered a new induction kit, hopefully it all arrives before Thursday...

Looking great, glad you managed to get the cup heater to work, I like the adjustability of the EPAS and you can play around depending on what the situation requires, I imagine it would be great on track, one day I might find out :smile:

Thanks.

I was trying to remember your user name to thank you in the original thread but couldn't for the life of me remember it! Thanks for the blower, it worked perfectly.

 

[Akay]

Does the cup blower work in place of the climate one, same wiring etc?

 

[R29TJR]

Does the cup blower work in place of the climate one, same wiring etc?

Mine was plug and play, had to make a new mount for the alarm but apart from that it was easy.

I have heard other people having issues but not sure if thats because mine was a 182 Cup so only AC and not climate control.

 

[mintno1]

Thanks. I was trying to remember your user name to thank you in the original thread but couldn't for the life of me remember it! Thanks for the blower, it worked perfectly.

No problems, just glad someone got some use out of it rather than sitting in my parts box :up:

 

[Stuiemc]

Haha don't worry about it! What induction kit have you went for?

 

[R29TJR]

No problems, just glad someone got some use out of it rather than sitting in my parts box :up:

I was so pleased it was a straight fit tbh as a few people stated they attempted the swap and it didn't work. The only item I had to move was the alarm but TBH I'm sure if I had time I could have made the original bracket work.

Haha don't worry about it! What induction kit have you went for?

I've got copied @Dr Jekyll set up, mainly because its great value for money.

I do plan on moving the battery behind the passenger seat at some point therefore it'll give me more room to think about other options.

 

[GrahamS]

Glad it’s all up and running! No risk of leaks now, yippee. God your engine bay is clean! Very envious of that. Mines grim.

Mine was plug and play, had to make a new mount for the alarm but apart from that it was easy.

I have heard other people having issues but not sure if thats because mine was a 182 Cup so only AC and not climate control.

Climate and non climate looms are different in the skuttle so sounds like it’s only plug and play for cars with manual controls.

 

[Scrooge]

Fantastic work, Tom!

 

[R29TJR]

Glad it’s all up and running! No risk of leaks now, yippee. God your engine bay is clean! Very envious of that. Mines grim.


Climate and non climate looms are different in the skuttle so sounds like it’s only plug and play for cars with manual controls.

Not as glad as me! It took far longer than I was expecting however so pleased with the end result.

The clean engine bay is the main reason it took so long, I even cleaned the scuttle panel, no one will ever see it!

I was hoping that would be the case regarding the 172 Cup blower, such an easy replacement and means I can actually remove the AC in full as I see so many people leave all the stuff in the bulkhead.

Fantastic work, Tom!

Cheers Ant. I'll pop over soon, see if you like EPAS or if its as bad as you remember!

 

[Scrooge]

I look forward to it mate!

 

[R29TJR]

ISLE OF MAN 16th March '18 - 18th March '18

So I survived a weekend in the Isle of Man, unfortunately due to time etc I didn't get as much GoPro footage as I had hoped but I'll try my best in words and pics.

After a busy week leading up to the trip I was pleased to have my Clio running and this would be is first real drive since Cadwell Park in October '17. Therefore I took it out on a long-ish drive Thursday night to see if I could find any fault and fill up with petrol and it felt great. An early start on Friday eventually meeting everyone at Corley services, the cars included:

• Megane RS
• M135
• Porsche Turbo
• Porsche GT3
• and my Clio

The journey up the Heysham (Lancaster) was long and tbh by the time I got to the port I had enough of sitting in the Clio so was looking forward to getting on the ferry, however after awaiting to load the ferry the Clio decided it didn't want to start, after a little investigation we managed to bump start the car to get me on board (upon future investigation I believe it to be a bad connection on the starter motor) so a few bump starts were required over the weekend!

As soon as we arrived in the Isle of Man we were treated with some lovely weather, so made the impromptu decision to do a quick lap of the TT circuit and its certainly didn't disappoint, such an amazing bit of road and it makes you realise how crazy the bike riders are.

A pic from almost top of the mountain section believe it or not below the clouds it was lovely:

We then had a lovely meal Douglas and had an "early" night and set our alarms for 5.30am to catch the best weather and quiet road, we hit the Mountain roads of the TT course once again however with it being so cold there was ice in a few patches to took it easy. However it was almost great weather and we got some great snaps:

We then explored the island and there are so many lovely road, although I should have definitely softened my suspension before the journey!

At the TT Grand Stand:

At Marine Drive:

We then went back to the Mountain section for some more pics and a few drive-bys!

Which may have resulted in this:

To be honest the police officer was a great bloke, however I can honestly say, we couldn't have been the issue as we were slow compare the locals!

After this we did cover most the island and then early start again to come home early on Sunday morning. It was a great place to visit and well worth a trip.

The Clio held its own within its company, I'm noting going to make out I was quicker, or even close to the speed of the other vehicles however I had just as much fun and the Clio is certainly suited to the roads.

I'll hopefully upload some more pics as we had a couple of guys with DLSR's so I'm hoping for some decent pics. I also took some GoPro footage which will require a bit of editing before uploading but overall a great weekend away with a great group of friends.

Tom

 

[Scrooge]

Looked a brilliant trip Tom!

 

[Jamess182]

Typical french car, being the problematic / unreliable one out of the group. Been there myself a few times and i'm sure i'll be there again.
That saying, like you mentioned, i'm sure it held it's own when it came to the twisty's! Looked like an awesome trip!

 

[Jekyll]

Looks a great trip mate. Lovely write up.

 

[R29TJR]

Looked a brilliant trip Tom!

Was a great trip. You'd love I have a strong feeling you would bump into the police as well! 😂

Typical french car, being the problematic / unreliable one out of the group. Been there myself a few times and i'm sure i'll be there again.
That saying, like you mentioned, i'm sure it held it's own when it came to the twisty's! Looked like an awesome trip!

As said I'm under no impression my Clio was close to the pace of the other vehicles however the GT3 owner was very impressed with it and even stated i 'caught him out' a couple of times.

Looks a great trip mate. Lovely write up.

Still working on my write ups, still need to get to your levels.

 

[R29TJR]

Snetterton - 27th March 2018

A few of us (about 30 of us) went to Snetterton for an evening track day, the evening only cost £40ish so was a good chance to make sure the car was all good prior to my upcoming sprint events.

A great night although was very slippy, I spun on my first "hot" lap but after that all was good:

Pics:

The Clio went very well on the Rainsport tyres, especially for the amount they cost. The only downer on the evening was the M11 being shut, making the journey home a nightmare.

I still have a few issues to resolve, namely ABS light & Steering angle sensor and then the Clio is all good again!

Until next time.

Tom

 

[R29TJR]

First Sprint Event - North Weald 15th April 2018

After much worry about making the Clio compliant to regulations, which isn't as hard as I expected, I took part in my first sprint event at the weekend, which coincided with the Essex breakfast meet.

I'll be honest prior to the event I was particularly nervous, mainly about the car not meeting regulations etc however I shouldn't have worried, the car was perfect all day excluding a slipping clutch when launching (although not slip when under load).

I arrived at North Weald at around 7.45 and quickly unloaded my tools/spares and set about signing on and getting the car over to the scrutineers to check over, not a problem, its then simply a case of the organisers releasing the cars in number order (not sure if this is the usual but worked well).

We had to practice runs (both timed) and then 3 timed runs which is how you are rated, long story short I can first in my group

84.82 - Clio 182 (Me)
88.69 - Peugeot 306 GTI-6
97.87 - Mazda MX5
107.80 - Riley Special

I came 22 overall out of 56 competitors (some people car share) which I am pleased about.

Before I did the sprint event I was worried about lack of seat time however after only a total of 5 minutes and 51 second of total seat time on Sunday I certainly didn't feel I was lacking. It's very different to a track day and that fact that the runs are timed makes it that much more enjoyable.

Anyway Pics:

Was also great to quickly see @TheEvilGiraffe sorry for not talking too much I was still nervous about missing my next run!

Also a massive thank you to @GrahamV182 when you first sign up to the MSA the blue book can be somewhat daunting however he explained it all in very simple terms which was a great help.

I have some footage I'll upload tonight.

Tom

 

[GrahamV182]

Well done Tom..... car looks good. Did you get a trophy ?

 

[R29TJR]

Well done Tom..... car looks good. Did you get a trophy ?

Yes a lovely glass item, which I wasn't expecting. I was ready to leave and my friend said I would get one, so glad we hung around!

 

[Jekyll]

Them pics are great!!

All this issues you've had and it's payed off.

 

[R29TJR]

Them pics are great!!

All this issues you've had and it's payed off.

Thanks Mark.

Yeah the pics are amazing. A couple of friends turned up to watch and they took the pics. They are some of the best track pics I've ever seen tbh, they are so sharp.

Need to work out when I can next make a sprint event, I was reading the Championship details, there are 14 event this season and they take your best 7 results so I'll try and make at least 7 so give me a chance in finishing in a decent position.

 

[GrahamV182]

Need to work out when I can next make a sprint event, I was reading the Championship details, there are 14 event this season and they take your best 7 results so I'll try and make at least 7 so give me a chance in finishing in a decent position.

Are they all sprints in your champioship or are there some hillclimbs as well? I do suggest you try some hillclimbs

 

[R29TJR]

I've also updated a few small updates to the Clio.

I've copied @Dr Jekyll and made a homemade intake as I couldn't get my phase 1 airbag to box in the gap, however this new setup sounds much better and also looks better in the engine bay:

I also gave the arches a quick going over when I pop the 2118's back on. I can't believe the damage caused to the Coilovers the car has only done around 1,000 miles in the wet and they have already look much older. Its my own fault as a few people recommend ACF50 but I was planning on doing it this Spring/Summer.

Finally I'm not sure if I've ever posted a pic of the front seats with the harnesses:

Finally I'm on the outlook for a front section of my cage and maybe a diff but apart from that the car is "finished".

Tom

 

[R29TJR]

Are they all sprints in your champioship or are there some hillclimbs as well? I do suggest you try some hillclimbs

All sprints unfortunately, the calendar for my Championship is as follows, I hope to take part in the red events :

1. Sunday 25th March - Rockingham
2. Sunday 8th April - Abingdon
3. Sunday15th April - North Weald
4. Sunday 22nd April - Hethel
5. Sunday 6th May - Debden
6. Saturday 9th June - Abingdon
7. Saturday 14th July - Lydden
8. Saturday 23rd June - Snetterton
9. Sunday 24th June - Snetterton
10. Sunday 29th July - North Weald
11. Sunday 5th August - Hethel
12. Saturday 11th August - Curborough
13. Sunday 9th September - North Weald
14. Saturday 29th September - Curborough
15. Saturday 6th October - Goodwood
16. Sunday 7th October - Debden
17. Saturday 20th October - Rockingham
    
    
    

 

[iyrix]

Awesome thread, just had a good read!

I've just purchased the Cup Alternator setup like you, but i'm going to keep the PAS. Did you just bend the pipe to fit this before you replace with the EPAS?

Also, how come you needed up need a new blower for the heater? because you went crazy and ripped the whole unit out? ?

 

[R29TJR]

Awesome thread, just had a good read!

I've just purchased the Cup Alternator setup like you, but i'm going to keep the PAS. Did you just bend the pipe to fit this before you replace with the EPAS?

Also, how come you needed up need a new blower for the heater? because you went crazy and ripped the whole unit out? ?

Thanks.

I can't actually answer your question as I've not run the Cup alternator setup with HPAS, but I do believe the pipes can be bent around the new set up. I'm sure there are a load of people running it that way.

The blower I changed, firstly, because I broke the original unit attempting to remove it. I honestly don't know how people remove it without it coming out in pieces! However the 172 Cup blower is a much smaller unit and a simple fit so worked out well. Although from my research the 172 Cup blower will only work in a 182 Cup. It wont work in a 182 with Climate Control as the wiring is different.

 

[R29TJR]

Snetterton 100 Sprint - Saturday 24th June 2018

I've unfortunately not take part in as many sprints as I would have hoped, mainly down to weddings/stag dos however I managed to do a sprint at Snetterton 100 which was great.

Prior to the event I was still experiencing my intermittent starting issue. Its so very random, its not heat related, its not a time issue, I just need to try changing the starter motor and hope that fixes the issue. Fingers crossed.

Back to Snetterton, this was only my second sprint event and after North Weald I couldn't wait. I much preferred the day on a whole for two reasons:

1. The weather was amazing! At one point too hot showing 32 degrees.
2. The track surface.

North Weald is an old airfield and I felt guilty on the car giving it such a hard time as the surface was so rough however at Snetterton being a "proper" track felt lovely. As you can see from my times attached my times reduced consistently excluding the first practice run.

I ended 2nd in my class with a best time of 109.88 and here is a video:



I still have a lot to learn, firstly thing being I need bigger balls! Its very easy to watch the video back and clearly see I could have gone quicker however that is the beauty of sprinting/hill climbing, you get 5 runs often around an hour apart and you need to go flat out from the off! Track days you can start slowly and build up your pace which is "easy" in comparission.

The single seater cars are ridiculous, although I'm never sure I could own one with all the work involved.

A quick summary from the day. The Extreme tyres are very good thanks for @GrahamV182 for the recommendation. There was another 172 Cup there running in the standard class so tyres won't be as soon however I was around 4 seconds quicker than him. I need to re-fit my rear seats, I believe the guy in the Fiesta in my group had a moan at me for not running them yet he was running a de-cat... I will pop them back in for the next event which will hopefully be at Hethel, which I believe is a lotus test track.

Finally attached is the final summary sheet showing my times from the day.

Tom

 

[GrahamV182]

Hi Tom ...looks good.

You make a good point about the Extreme VR2s..... very quick competition tyres. My only gripe about them is the price now: when I first imported a set direct from Poland over 3 years ago they were £65 per tyre inc vat, delivered, they are now £115 each - which seems a lot for remoulds.

I think I will try 'Interstate Racing' tyres in a soft compound next ... currently on ebay at £259 for a set of 4 delivered. VR2s would be £460 :-(

 

[Chambers_RS]

I had a intermittent starting issue which turned out to be the power cable terminal bolted to the alternator cracking and finally breaking off. The 13mm nut on the alternator, Maybe be worth a look.

Car looks great ??

 

[R29TJR]

Hi Tom ...looks good.

You make a good point about the Extreme VR2s..... very quick competition tyres. My only gripe about them is the price now: when I first imported a set direct from Poland over 3 years ago they were £65 per tyre inc vat, delivered, they are now £115 each - which seems a lot for remoulds.

I think I will try 'Interstate Racing' tyres in a soft compound next ... currently on ebay at £259 for a set of 4 delivered. VR2s would be £460 :-(

I didn't know the price had increased that much @GrahamV182 . Thanks to you, I got in early and got them for around the same price as you, not sure I could spend £115 on them. May even copy you again and go for the "Interstate Racing" tyres. However I still have a set of Toyo R888r to try next.

I had a intermittent starting issue which turned out to be the power cable terminal bolted to the alternator cracking and finally breaking off. The 13mm nut on the alternator, Maybe be worth a look.

Car looks great ??

Thanks @Chambers_RS I'll give that a check. Its such a pain as yesterday afternoon I really fancied going for a blast but the thought it getting stuck somewhere puts me off! I'm sure I'll get it sorted sometime soon.

 

[GrahamV182]

Tom .... Re Interstate Racing tyres: They are MSA list 1B this year but I've heard the manufacturers have gone bust - so they may not be on the approved list next year.

So tread carefully if you buying for next year

G

 

[R29TJR]

Tom .... Re Interstate Racing tyres: They are MSA list 1B this year but I've heard the manufacturers have gone bust - so they may not be on the approved list next year.

So tread carefully if you buying for next year

G

Thanks for the heads up @GrahamV182 I'll maybe hold off...

BTW did you have to modify your rear bench to fit to make it fix with the cage in? I'm planning on putting mine back in one night this week.

 

[GrahamV182]

Thanks for the heads up @GrahamV182 I'll maybe hold off...

BTW did you have to modify your rear bench to fit to make it fix with the cage in? I'm planning on putting mine back in one night this week.

Not modified ... but a real struggle to fit. Good luck ......