172 Race Car
Burp's 2008 Review
Back in January I decided that I'd like to do more trackdays. Up until that point I'd only done a few of Clarkie's airfield sprint days in my phase2 172.
It was our main car and I didn't want to track what was, at the time, a very tidy example that was still worth reasonable money. My Mrs had an old fiesta for work.
I came up with an idea to get her a better car, to use as the main one, and get myself an older and cheaper phase1 to knock around in. As I don't use a car for work it ment I could start to mod it a little without any restrictions.
I had originally intended to get one as near as stock as possible and change it slowly. But I did a very good deal with Dan for his 'W' plate titanium phase1 172
and traded the Fiesta for a 206 HDI for the Mrs.
The car was already stripped of interior and had buckets, harness' and an ex-msv cage fitted. So the plan had changed slightly.
With no events or activities planned until the 2nd weekend in March I set about tidying up the car a little. This soon turned into major surgery as the complete dash came out, all unnecessary bits of wiring loom cut off, sound proofing removed, tar scraped off, the interior painted and Custom door panels made with mondeo electric window switches.
The car passed its mot on the 28th of feb with only the 'tw@t strip' needing to be removed as it was touching the wipers. It then had an oil change and tracking check, ready for its first weekend out.
On 8th of march I went down to the Surrey rolling road day, organised by Saner. The car made a measly 143bhp @fly. I had a feeling there was something wrong before, it ran fine but didn't pull as well as my old one.
This later turned out to be a badly fitted cambelt.
The next day it was down to Smetharpe in Devon for the cliosport airfield sprint day. In damp conditions I raised a few eyebrows (mostly from Markcup) with the time managed, considering my power disadvantage and a sticking clutch ratchet. I also scared the crap out of Schweppy
On the third run, with Ph-reebone on board, I clipped something & split a tyre.
Game over early.
A few days later, a parcel arrived. It was the dash top I'd sent off to be flocked.
Next up I had planned to do a track session at the castle coombe action day. But had to cancel as the aux belt tensioner bearing had started to give up, it wasn't worth the risk. So it was a perfect time to sort the cambelt out.
So on went a new knock sensor, cambelt, tensioner kit and both cam pulleys.
To bin the a/c compressor setup, I sourced a Volvo alternator, Volvo pas pump and had a custom pipe made.
All this transformed the performance. It was now so much more lively and willing to rev.
I already had two track sessions booked at 'The french car show' and decided to do the Renaultsport evening at Bedford the month before.
In preparation I had fitted and had set up some H&R coilovers. They had been in a box in the car when I got it.
I'd also fitted a prospeed exhaust I'd kept from my old phase2. This ment I also had to swap to the later type cat too.
It was the first time I'd been on a 'proper' race track in about 10 years and I was bricking it. Kindly, Tony Hunter had come along to give me some advice and we had a very enjoyable evening. With only 2 grassy moments.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2wMpBC4mLZY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2wMpBC4mLZY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9sPjTBoLTdU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9sPjTBoLTdU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Next up was fcs. I was feeling much more relaxed about it after doing Bedford.
Barron passenger'd in the first session, which was red flagged part way through and MaceV6 was in for the second. It was very windy that day and the banked turn one was a very 'clench' inducing corner.
Had some good fun following mrmahoosive for a few laps.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w9doqH2ma5A&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w9doqH2ma5A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Two days after fcs, me and Tony went to Curbourgh sprint course, with another car forum I was a member of.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LABHAhZFGug&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LABHAhZFGug&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
The tight nature of the track highlighted the cars tendency to understeer. We experimented with tyre pressures to try and help and even took out the abs fuse to dramatic effect! (sent Tony out as test driver)
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nlH2QJc4NT8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nlH2QJc4NT8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Has me in stitches that video, he ended up bouncing across the grass.
After speaking to a local Subaru and motorsport tuner, I changed to stiffer rear springs to try and help with the understeer. The difference was noticeable right away, even at slow speeds on the road. But the real test would be next time on track.
At this point I made up a cheap custom induction kit that sounds amazing!
(^ unfinished pic)
Bored one Sunday in August, I went to meet up with Jon13S and Anim@l in Bristol.
We decided to just jump in the cars and head over to the Black Mountains in Wales for a scenic drive and some photos.
I made up a video of the trip and I think it came out quite well.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a8xjmzt6-1A&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a8xjmzt6-1A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
I decided to get one more trackday in, before the tax ran out at the end of August. I wasn't going to re-tax it over the winter.
Oulton park with Renaultsport on the 20th of August was the chosen day. Tony was guest driver again and apart from him getting lost on the first lap, and me having a few passenger scaring moments, the day went smoothly and the car was much improved.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2j-NSdODek&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2j-NSdODek&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Although the same cannot be said for the tyres......
The following Saturday was day many had been waiting for. A rolling road day I had organised at 'PowerStation' in Tewkesbury. Now we would see how much power the car had gained back after I'd done the cambelt.
I would of been happy with a result of around 165-170bhp as the engine is fairly standard. On the first run it made a brilliant 174bhp and I was very pleased.
The induction kit does suffer from a bit of heat soak, not a problem on track with plenty of airflow, so the rolling road operator said he thought it had a little bit more to give. Second run and a result of 175.2bhp @6905rpm with 148.5lbf @5565rpm.
Very happy and gives a good base for the future.
Vid of it on the rollers
So the end of August, the tax ran out and declared it sorn. Any more mods were on hold while I saved for my wedding. Or so it should of been, I knew I wouldn't leave it alone for long. As long as I didn't spend any/too much money I could still mod.
Ripping out the last remains of the aircon, an lump of iron from under the engine mount and some more tar ment another 15kgs gone.
I modified the wiper mount point to get a Citroen AX wiper linkage in, freeing up some space under the scuttle & saving abit more weight.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TqL0xrlr88k&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TqL0xrlr88k&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
The cage has been sold to free up some funds and the seats sold because they were too wide for me & quite heavy. So this is how the car currently is.......
What will 2009 bring? Well, hopefully plenty more trackdays. I'd like to get to most of the Renaultsport ones if I can as I'd rather spend my limited budget enjoying driving the car now. Obviously I need to buy something to sit on and a new clutch will be going in over the winter too.
Thanks to everyone who have been following the cars progress and given advice, and big thanks to everyone who helped get the car to where it is today in one way or another. Bomber, Anim@l, Justin-172, Schweppy, Tony Hunter, Curtis at powerstation, my mate John, my Bro and my very understanding wife to be......
Link to the full progress thread HERE
Burp
Back in January I decided that I'd like to do more trackdays. Up until that point I'd only done a few of Clarkie's airfield sprint days in my phase2 172.
It was our main car and I didn't want to track what was, at the time, a very tidy example that was still worth reasonable money. My Mrs had an old fiesta for work.
I came up with an idea to get her a better car, to use as the main one, and get myself an older and cheaper phase1 to knock around in. As I don't use a car for work it ment I could start to mod it a little without any restrictions.
I had originally intended to get one as near as stock as possible and change it slowly. But I did a very good deal with Dan for his 'W' plate titanium phase1 172
and traded the Fiesta for a 206 HDI for the Mrs.
The car was already stripped of interior and had buckets, harness' and an ex-msv cage fitted. So the plan had changed slightly.
With no events or activities planned until the 2nd weekend in March I set about tidying up the car a little. This soon turned into major surgery as the complete dash came out, all unnecessary bits of wiring loom cut off, sound proofing removed, tar scraped off, the interior painted and Custom door panels made with mondeo electric window switches.
The car passed its mot on the 28th of feb with only the 'tw@t strip' needing to be removed as it was touching the wipers. It then had an oil change and tracking check, ready for its first weekend out.
On 8th of march I went down to the Surrey rolling road day, organised by Saner. The car made a measly 143bhp @fly. I had a feeling there was something wrong before, it ran fine but didn't pull as well as my old one.
This later turned out to be a badly fitted cambelt.
The next day it was down to Smetharpe in Devon for the cliosport airfield sprint day. In damp conditions I raised a few eyebrows (mostly from Markcup) with the time managed, considering my power disadvantage and a sticking clutch ratchet. I also scared the crap out of Schweppy
On the third run, with Ph-reebone on board, I clipped something & split a tyre.
Game over early.
A few days later, a parcel arrived. It was the dash top I'd sent off to be flocked.
Next up I had planned to do a track session at the castle coombe action day. But had to cancel as the aux belt tensioner bearing had started to give up, it wasn't worth the risk. So it was a perfect time to sort the cambelt out.
So on went a new knock sensor, cambelt, tensioner kit and both cam pulleys.
To bin the a/c compressor setup, I sourced a Volvo alternator, Volvo pas pump and had a custom pipe made.
All this transformed the performance. It was now so much more lively and willing to rev.
I already had two track sessions booked at 'The french car show' and decided to do the Renaultsport evening at Bedford the month before.
In preparation I had fitted and had set up some H&R coilovers. They had been in a box in the car when I got it.
I'd also fitted a prospeed exhaust I'd kept from my old phase2. This ment I also had to swap to the later type cat too.
It was the first time I'd been on a 'proper' race track in about 10 years and I was bricking it. Kindly, Tony Hunter had come along to give me some advice and we had a very enjoyable evening. With only 2 grassy moments.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2wMpBC4mLZY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2wMpBC4mLZY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9sPjTBoLTdU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9sPjTBoLTdU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Next up was fcs. I was feeling much more relaxed about it after doing Bedford.
Barron passenger'd in the first session, which was red flagged part way through and MaceV6 was in for the second. It was very windy that day and the banked turn one was a very 'clench' inducing corner.
Had some good fun following mrmahoosive for a few laps.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w9doqH2ma5A&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w9doqH2ma5A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Two days after fcs, me and Tony went to Curbourgh sprint course, with another car forum I was a member of.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LABHAhZFGug&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LABHAhZFGug&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
The tight nature of the track highlighted the cars tendency to understeer. We experimented with tyre pressures to try and help and even took out the abs fuse to dramatic effect! (sent Tony out as test driver
)[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nlH2QJc4NT8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nlH2QJc4NT8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Has me in stitches that video, he ended up bouncing across the grass.
After speaking to a local Subaru and motorsport tuner, I changed to stiffer rear springs to try and help with the understeer. The difference was noticeable right away, even at slow speeds on the road. But the real test would be next time on track.
At this point I made up a cheap custom induction kit that sounds amazing!
(^ unfinished pic)
Bored one Sunday in August, I went to meet up with Jon13S and Anim@l in Bristol.
We decided to just jump in the cars and head over to the Black Mountains in Wales for a scenic drive and some photos.
I made up a video of the trip and I think it came out quite well.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a8xjmzt6-1A&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a8xjmzt6-1A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
I decided to get one more trackday in, before the tax ran out at the end of August. I wasn't going to re-tax it over the winter.
Oulton park with Renaultsport on the 20th of August was the chosen day. Tony was guest driver again and apart from him getting lost on the first lap, and me having a few passenger scaring moments, the day went smoothly and the car was much improved.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2j-NSdODek&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2j-NSdODek&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Although the same cannot be said for the tyres......
The following Saturday was day many had been waiting for. A rolling road day I had organised at 'PowerStation' in Tewkesbury. Now we would see how much power the car had gained back after I'd done the cambelt.
I would of been happy with a result of around 165-170bhp as the engine is fairly standard. On the first run it made a brilliant 174bhp and I was very pleased.
The induction kit does suffer from a bit of heat soak, not a problem on track with plenty of airflow, so the rolling road operator said he thought it had a little bit more to give. Second run and a result of 175.2bhp @6905rpm with 148.5lbf @5565rpm.
Very happy and gives a good base for the future.
Vid of it on the rollers
So the end of August, the tax ran out and declared it sorn. Any more mods were on hold while I saved for my wedding. Or so it should of been, I knew I wouldn't leave it alone for long. As long as I didn't spend any/too much money I could still mod.
Ripping out the last remains of the aircon, an lump of iron from under the engine mount and some more tar ment another 15kgs gone.
I modified the wiper mount point to get a Citroen AX wiper linkage in, freeing up some space under the scuttle & saving abit more weight.
[youtube]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TqL0xrlr88k&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TqL0xrlr88k&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/youtube]
The cage has been sold to free up some funds and the seats sold because they were too wide for me & quite heavy. So this is how the car currently is.......
What will 2009 bring? Well, hopefully plenty more trackdays. I'd like to get to most of the Renaultsport ones if I can as I'd rather spend my limited budget enjoying driving the car now. Obviously I need to buy something to sit on and a new clutch will be going in over the winter too.
Thanks to everyone who have been following the cars progress and given advice, and big thanks to everyone who helped get the car to where it is today in one way or another. Bomber, Anim@l, Justin-172, Schweppy, Tony Hunter, Curtis at powerstation, my mate John, my Bro and my very understanding wife to be......
Link to the full progress thread HERE
Burp
