Appears I've got the Clio bug again....

[marky-p]

Had my 182 Trophy written off xmas eve 2006 when some chav hit me head-on, then I got a Focus RS.

Got bored of that so I bought a GSXR then a Fireblade and went to race school, doing several trackdays and getting into the fast group.

As fun as motorcycles are, I would now only ride them on the track in warm dry weather as I think there too many risk factors on the road and they're not the most practical everyday machines to own. I will someday get a track-only bike but I've now realised I need a car for more practical use. I.e a track prepared 172 Cup

Funnily enough, I never did get round to thrashing the Trophy or the RS on the track so I think I owe it to myself to get a 172 Cup and get it track prepared whilst keeping it road legal.

Thinking about getting a cheap one and rebuilding the gearbox whilst fitting an uprated clutch and Quaife LSD, then getting the engine rebuilt with a new CNC'd cylinder head, custom cams to match and new manifold. And then obviously suspension mods, 4 pot brakes and lightweight race wheels etc etc etc..... Getting excited just typing this up!

If only my house move would hurry up :dapprove:

 

[Fantom]

Sounds like a lot of fun
You could probably buy one that's already modded though. Kinda wish id done that

 

[marky-p]

Yeah I was thinking of doing that too but with the type of things these cars are put through, you never know how long your gearbox is going to last or whether you're going to end up with an expensive engine bill due to a cambelt failure or a dropped valve. At least with a fresh gearbox and engine build you have some peace of mind that they should last long into your ownership. Bearing in mind these are 10-11 year old cars

 

[MG cup]

There's a load of nice cups on the go just now for sale ranging from 2.5-4k, I would personally by one strip it down, service everything and then do the mods you want and still be quids in. Trust me I have probably spent 2-3 maybe 4 times the figure you have in your head to get the car how you want, I should of bought a modded one to start with and built on it from there.

You still get the satisfaction of putting your stamp on it too.

 

[marky-p]

I see what you're saying, in all honesty that's probably what I would end up doing - buying a modded one. How modded I don't know, and it would depend on what's been modded and of course my budget at the time. Most likely would get one with a standard engine but extensive chassis mods as I'm not into big BHP figures at all. I'm more interested in torque figures, engine responsiveness and driveability. A few years ago I borrowed a mate's 172 Cup that was built by R Sports with the following spec IIRC:

Group N vented bonnet, £2k race spec suspension, race brake pads, 182 engine with Group A spec ECU, custom race exhaust and manifold, rev limit raised to 7800rpm and Schrick rally cams. Dyno'd 199bhp but with 189ft/lb. Was so responsive on the throttle and handled like a dream!

Once I get the Cup I have no intention of selling, ever. I'll probably be getting Mark Fish to set up the gearbox, engine and chassis and to generally keep it working spot on. The girlfriend can keep her boring practical car, this'll be my toy!