Clio 172
Hello everyone,
Thought it was about time to introduce myself and my project. My names is Giles... and I’m Clio addict. I fell out of love for cars around 8 years ago, started a family and bought a Ford Galaxy. But I’ve always had an itch for another project.
I first joined ClioSport 17 years ago with my mk2 ph2 1.2. After selling my Monaco blue 172 around 8 years I’ve always promised myself another one. As prices seem to be getting stronger and going up rather than down I thought now was the time to pull the trigger. I did consider a few other cars but always came back to the Clio.
My criteria was cheap, some MOT, driveable, rough around the edges, mainly cheap. I wanted something I could work on and improve over time.
First jobs were to remove the horrible graphics and give it a service.
Gave it a wash, oil change and of course had to fit a smaller plate and Skoda splitter! Transformed the car from what I’d picked up Monday.
It had a weird mix of suspension. Koni adjustables on the rear, standard shocks and springs on the front with K Tec solid top mounts, it also has a K Tec exhaust. It allegedly has been mapped but I have no evidence of that so will take it with a pinch of salt. It feels quick... but maybe I’m too used to driving a bloody people carrier. I’m happy with standard engine/power.
Took it out for a spirited drive last night and it developed a misfire which seemed to disappear after 3 or 4 minutes driving. So today’s job is to diagnose that (and pray it isn’t an injector because the cover is going to need an angle grinder to remove). Also going to attack the headlights this weekend.
Plans going forward are to address the mix and match suspension (although it still handles very well) and get some track / fast road tyres (still undecided on what to get), tidy up the body work a bit and to upgrade things as and when they break.
It looks like it’s had some sort of light bar fitted to the front at some point and it’s so dirty and dusty underneath I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s been used for a rally of some kind. If anyone has any history on the car I’d love to hear it.
Thought it was about time to introduce myself and my project. My names is Giles... and I’m Clio addict. I fell out of love for cars around 8 years ago, started a family and bought a Ford Galaxy. But I’ve always had an itch for another project.
I first joined ClioSport 17 years ago with my mk2 ph2 1.2. After selling my Monaco blue 172 around 8 years I’ve always promised myself another one. As prices seem to be getting stronger and going up rather than down I thought now was the time to pull the trigger. I did consider a few other cars but always came back to the Clio.
My criteria was cheap, some MOT, driveable, rough around the edges, mainly cheap. I wanted something I could work on and improve over time.
First jobs were to remove the horrible graphics and give it a service.
Gave it a wash, oil change and of course had to fit a smaller plate and Skoda splitter! Transformed the car from what I’d picked up Monday.
It had a weird mix of suspension. Koni adjustables on the rear, standard shocks and springs on the front with K Tec solid top mounts, it also has a K Tec exhaust. It allegedly has been mapped but I have no evidence of that so will take it with a pinch of salt. It feels quick... but maybe I’m too used to driving a bloody people carrier. I’m happy with standard engine/power.
Took it out for a spirited drive last night and it developed a misfire which seemed to disappear after 3 or 4 minutes driving. So today’s job is to diagnose that (and pray it isn’t an injector because the cover is going to need an angle grinder to remove). Also going to attack the headlights this weekend.
Plans going forward are to address the mix and match suspension (although it still handles very well) and get some track / fast road tyres (still undecided on what to get), tidy up the body work a bit and to upgrade things as and when they break.
It looks like it’s had some sort of light bar fitted to the front at some point and it’s so dirty and dusty underneath I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s been used for a rally of some kind. If anyone has any history on the car I’d love to hear it.
