Back in a mk2 clio rs

[gherkin]

I've been loitering around now for a few months and was originally looking to get a nice 172 cup as I'd had one in 2008 which came to a grim end involving some sheep. However I've just put down a deposit tonight on a BG Clio 182 FF. It's on anthracite turinis and cooksport springs. Its got a milltek exhaust (which did cause me some minor alarm looking under the car to see some dripping from the section joining to the cat) and ITG maxogen intake and the seller has told me it had 197 cams when he bought it although there is no proof of this.

Seems really tidy to my untrained eye and amazingly has never in its life failed an MOT despite its 9 or 10 owners and 87k miles. Belts are overdue and haven't been done since 2013 so thats the first port of call and I need to get the garage to have a proper look over it.

You can probably expect me to be asking loads of stupid, annoying questions over the next few months. No huge plans immediately, will be doing limited mileage in it and trying to make sure it has everything it needs and tidying up a few bits and bobs.

The two concerns were the exhaust (which a mate reassured me could very well just be condensation) and the fact that the floor of the boot was wet which the seller assured me was because he had just power hosed the insert bit as it had been used to take stuff to dump and was "stinking".

Will get some pics up after collection.

 

[Louis]

I've been loitering around now for a few months and was originally looking to get a nice 172 cup as I'd had one in 2008 which came to a grim end involving some sheep. However I've just put down a deposit tonight on a BG Clio 182 FF. It's on anthracite turinis and cooksport springs. Its got a milltek exhaust (which did cause me some minor alarm looking under the car to see some dripping from the section joining to the cat) and ITG maxogen intake and the seller has told me it had 197 cams when he bought it although there is no proof of this.

Seems really tidy to my untrained eye and amazingly has never in its life failed an MOT despite its 9 or 10 owners and 87k miles. Belts are overdue and haven't been done since 2013 so thats the first port of call and I need to get the garage to have a proper look over it.

You can probably expect me to be asking loads of stupid, annoying questions over the next few months. No huge plans immediately, will be doing limited mileage in it and trying to make sure it has everything it needs and tidying up a few bits and bobs.

The two concerns were the exhaust (which a mate reassured me could very well just be condensation) and the fact that the floor of the boot was wet which the seller assured me was because he had just power hosed the insert bit as it had been used to take stuff to dump and was "stinking".

Will get some pics up after collection.

The join will just be condensation forming, nothing to worry about really as they seal themselves when warm.

 

[gherkin]

Yeah that's what a mate said which reassured me somewhat. I'm not at all clued up about car mechanics. So Im always paranoid that Im missing something massive.

Fully prepared for the timing belt to go on my way home tomorrow. Only done 20k since last change but would be just my luck.

 

[Mbeau]

As above, exhaust is probably just condensation from join at the olive joint. Get the joint sleeved to remove the olive joint, they are rubbish!

I suspect the boot leak will be from the little plastic lugs either side of the boot aperture. Quite a few posts in here about it and fair bit of rain lately!! Very common.

Sounds nice, sure belt will be fine on way home, just go easy. Enjoy and get some pictures up.

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Congratulations.
More importantly: "a grim end involving some sheep"? What happened?

 

[gherkin]

I was driving too fast on a country road and some sheep had got loose out of a field. As I approached the crest of a hill, a load of them came running over the hill towards me, they had been scared by a car which was on the other side of the road coming my direction. So as a result of me going too fast and the fact that the sheep (rams) put their head down and went for the front of the car I had a choice between hitting the other car, the sheep or going into the hedge which had a rather steep drop on the other side. Think there were 7 dead sheep 🥺

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Sounds terrible. Having hit a deer and seen the mess it made I can imagine that car was a right off. Hope you were/are ok.

 

[gherkin]

Just got it home and had to show serious restraint not to really open it up on the way back. Few pics as it stands, looking well imho

 

[gherkin]

Planning on finally getting the drive tarmacced this summer so the jungle doesn't grow up inside her. Need to sort that Leon out as well, been parked for 18 months and is turning green.

 

[KEMPYYYYY]

Just got it home and had to show serious restraint not to really open it up on the way back. Few pics as it stands, looking well imho
View attachment 1528133View attachment 1528134View attachment 1528135

Looks clean!!
Also picked my 182 up today so I share the same excitement, it’s barely sat still since I got it home I just want to keep nipping out for “essentials” [emoji23]


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[S.J]

Just got it home and had to show serious restraint not to really open it up on the way back. Few pics as it stands, looking well imho
View attachment 1528133View attachment 1528134View attachment 1528135

Great looking car, well done.

Very new to all this, I have just bought a silver 182 myself. Can I just ask, I assume those Turini‘s are 16”?

 

[gherkin]

Great looking car, well done.

Very new to all this, I have just bought a silver 182 myself. Can I just ask, I assume those Turini‘s are 16”?

They are 16" yeah. Look decent as they are but could do with a refurb. I had been set on silver then saw ash's 182 BG trophy thread from way back and really love that porsche grey. But the current colour is growing on me.

Looks clean!!
Also picked my 182 up today so I share the same excitement, it’s barely sat still since I got it home I just want to keep nipping out for “essentials” [emoji23]


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I had to get on the drink to stop myself from taking it out again. Coming from driving diesels for the last number of years it will definitely require a bit of getting used to again but was trying to avoid really pushing it and I know from experience thats when these cars come alive.

 

[gherkin]

Taking the car to local garage today. Pardon my ignorance but when changing the belts is it easy to spot whether or not the car does in fact have 197 cams? And if so how would one know. When I spoke to the guy he said he would kkow by how they are timed but that approach would assume they are timed correctly I think?

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

Not sure if the camshafts have the part numbers marked on them. To be honest, if you've got 197 cams in a car with tweaked timing and map I'd take it to a specialist with experience.

 

[Ex-User (99307)]

Who put the cams in? A few people have had different timing for 197s though the years.

Give me a shout if you need the tool for the Mike Woodford/SJM timing which is definitely not the 7 degrees often stated here.

 

[gherkin]

Who put the cams in? A few people have had different timing for 197s though the years.

Give me a shout if you need the tool for the Mike Woodford/SJM timing which is definitely not the 7 degrees often stated here.

I'm not sure who put the cams in or even if there are in fact 197 cams in it as there is no receipt for the work.

I'm based in NI so not sure borrowing the tool will work in this instance but appreciate the offer.

 

[gherkin]

OK so the garage is quoting me extortionate prices for the belts, and water pump and fitting. £370 labour and around £500 for parts? Can any kind soul advise where the best place to source the parts is?

 

[gherkin]

Is this what I am after?
FOR RENAULT CLIO SPORT 2.0 172 182 CAMSHAFT DEPHASER PULLEY TIMING BELT GENUINE | eBay

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

700 to 750 ish for belts and dephaser is normal. It's a big job. Given the age of these cars the crank pulleys are starting to get a bit old. The rubber perishes on them and eventually they seperate. Not sure where you are based, but I'd recommend finding a Renault sport specialist.

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

700 to 750 ish for belts and dephaser is normal. It's a big job. Due to the age of these cars the crank pulleys are starting to get a bit old. The rubber perishes on them and eventually they seperate, which can add to the cost. Not sure where you are based, but I'd recommend finding a Renault sport

 

[Clio_fool]

Car looks well looked after, apart from the overdue belts that is! The full kit of cambelt and aux belt is £479 on rpd, but out of stock. Have a look on their Web site to check part numbers. https://renaultpartsdirect.co.uk/?m...gory=1872&post_type=product&action=vpf-search

 

[gherkin]

700 to 750 ish for belts and dephaser is normal. It's a big job. Due to the age of these cars the crank pulleys are starting to get a bit old. The rubber perishes on them and eventually they seperate, which can add to the cost. Not sure where you are based, but I'd recommend finding a Renault sport

The quote was nearly 900. There aren't really any renaultsport specialists in Northern Ireland. The guy Chris that is doing the work has a tonne of experience with renaultsports but works for a used car dealership

 

[Ex-User (99307)]

Birchdown is an hour from the ferry terminal in Liverpool...

These cars are quite sensitive to timing.

 

[gherkin]

So all my parts etc came and I will be getting the car back tomorrow. The guy used to work for a Renault main dealer and has done loads of work on 182s and other renaultsports. He's going to have a look round the car and let me know what else might need doing. (At which point I will go to a cheaper garage )

I've been dying to get driving it properly and making some plans for what I want to do with the car. Its going to have to be a long term project however as finances are a bit limited at the minute for a number of reasons. 2 things are really irritating me already and they are:

1. The driving position. I'm 6'3 or 6'4 and I just cannot get comfortable so I am thinking about getting some new seats and the lower sub frames. I don't really want to go spending trendline/ pole position money (I do but my missus would flip her lid) so any recommendations would be appreciated. Looking for something comfortable, affordable and look decent.
2. The radio and speakers are just shite. So I think I may get a new head unit and either go with a sub or some upgraded speakers or even do the whole lot but likely in stages. I'm shite with these sort of things but my mate is a spark so hoping he may help me out and there'll be enough info on here to get me by without having to fork out too much dosh.

Any advice on what to check myself when I get the car back? I know taking out the rear speakers etc to check for rust as well as getting the skirts off to get a look at the sills seem to be good practice. I might look at getting it undersealed as well coming into winter.

 

[KEMPYYYYY]

So all my parts etc came and I will be getting the car back tomorrow. The guy used to work for a Renault main dealer and has done loads of work on 182s and other renaultsports. He's going to have a look round the car and let me know what else might need doing. (At which point I will go to a cheaper garage )

I've been dying to get driving it properly and making some plans for what I want to do with the car. Its going to have to be a long term project however as finances are a bit limited at the minute for a number of reasons. 2 things are really irritating me already and they are:

1. The driving position. I'm 6'3 or 6'4 and I just cannot get comfortable so I am thinking about getting some new seats and the lower sub frames. I don't really want to go spending trendline/ pole position money (I do but my missus would flip her lid) so any recommendations would be appreciated. Looking for something comfortable, affordable and look decent.
2. The radio and speakers are just shite. So I think I may get a new head unit and either go with a sub or some upgraded speakers or even do the whole lot but likely in stages. I'm shite with these sort of things but my mate is a spark so hoping he may help me out and there'll be enough info on here to get me by without having to fork out too much dosh.

Any advice on what to check myself when I get the car back? I know taking out the rear speakers etc to check for rust as well as getting the skirts off to get a look at the sills seem to be good practice. I might look at getting it undersealed as well coming into winter.

I’m new to Cliosport ownership and like you in point 2 no matter what I simply cannot get comfy so following with interest as to what you go for!


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[Kosy]

Cracking looking car.

Hang in there with the driving position, I’m 6’5” and have grown to love it for some reason ha.

 

[gherkin]

Cracking looking car.

Hang in there with the driving position, I’m 6’5” and have grown to love it for some reason ha.

Oddly I can clearly remember wondering what all the fuss was about the driving position when I had my cup. I've only really been in it briefly so maybe I will get used to it and save myself a small fortune.

 

[Kosy]

Yeah I would give it a decent try first before changing and having hassle with moving the seats back and forth etc

 

[dave120]

I‘m 6’3 and have no issues. Personally I dont see what the fuss is with the driving position either.

 

[Bankrupt_drunk]

There are some rubber spacers under the seat you can remove to drop the seat height 10mm or so. I replaced my 172 wheel with one from a 197. The 197 has a deeper dish and really helped the driving position.

 

[gherkin]

Garage have come back to say that they made a tool to match the existing timing which was between 7 and 8 degrees but that it's running VERY lumpy at idle now. Does anyone know if that's pretty normal with 197 cams?

 

[Louis]

Garage have come back to say that they made a tool to match the existing timing which was between 7 and 8 degrees but that it's running VERY lumpy at idle now. Does anyone know if that's pretty normal with 197 cams?

Did they check whether they were actual 197 cams?

 

[gherkin]

OK so after trawling through service history and contacting previous owners it became obvious that there were in fact no 197 cams in the car at all. I suspect that these may have been invented at the point of sale to explain the lumpy idle. So I sent the car back in to be timed to standard and get a couple of little bits done (new osf caliper, front pads and exhaust hangers). Glad to say the car is now running brilliantly and is much livelier down the rev range. Had intended on giving a full wash, clay, couple of layers of polish and wax today but after my excesses last night I got one layer of AG SRP on and packed it in to get a cure into me. Few pics from this afternoon below.

 

[gherkin]

Would need to get a couple of the little plastic exhaust trims to tidy the back up and ideally get the exhaust tips realigned slightly as they are a bit off