Few questions regarding a possible purchase

[dirtyboy]

Hi

I've finally found a low mileage, well looked after 172ph2.

My only concerns are that it's had the following
Ktec stainless steel cat back
Ktec Matched inlets
Ktec Remap
Eibach Camber bolts

Can someone please tell me if this is a good thing or a bad thing? I'm a bit of a lover of cars being standard, but if these are actually desirable upgrades, then i'd be inclined to be happy.

Not after big power, this is for my wife, but I'll use it occasionally.

Thanks

Oh, and i've been quoted £300 inc vat for a cambelt change by a local Renault specialist, is that reasonable?

Thanks again

 

[Goodj]

£300 for a cambelt job on a 172 seems a bit hopeful.

If you like your cars standard, then this may not be the car for you, it'll sound like a steroid-fixed tractor but try it for yourself.

I'd wager that if it's got camber bolts its probably got some other suspension changes too.

 

[dirtyboy]

I'm a bit of a purist, but appreciate the correct changes, I used to have a TVR Cerbera, but I had some subtle mods fitted because it helped improve the car to drive overall.

Viewing the car tonight, will see what transpires, i'm hoping it's a well looked after example more than anything, as other jobs can be done.

The cambelt cost didn't include the dephaser, that adds a fair bit, and I see that should be done at the same time ideally.

 

[jkyb]

I had KTR's supersport hyperX hulkspec earsshallbleed exhaust on my 172, I won't lie it wasn't quiet even before the decat. Though they do quite a few different models with varying harmonies and "Ktec stainless steel cat back" isn't exactly specific.

Should drive fairly well if they've mapped it. KTR are renowned for being overpriced, though their products/services are pretty good from my experience.

There are plenty of specialists on here that can do belts in their sleep!

 

[dirtyboy]

Well, it's was/is clearly a loved car (had a cliosport sticker) so guess someone on here owned it? DY03 Monaco 172.

absolutely immaculate inside, no wear.

Everything felt smooth and tight, no rattles.

In short, I bought it!

Just drove over 70 miles home and it's like a missile, very very impressed, far far more responsive and quicker than the 182 I took out last week,

Will get myself paid up as a member and get some photos sorted.

Thanks to all on here as I've been reading plenty on the forums to know what to look for and I'm convinced I've got a lovely car, oh, and wife liked it!

 

[Steven103]

Less relevant now that you've purchased it perhaps but:

* Stainless exhaust is only a good thing as long as it's not too loud - aftermarket exhausts are a necessity not a choice as the standard mild steel items all fell to bits years & years ago.
* Matched inlets - definitely a good idea for a healthy engine, some people swear they notice a difference whilst others don't.
* Remap - Trying very hard not to jump the gun here. A remap can only be a good thing for the little bit of extra low down torque. However some people have experienced quality issues recently with this particular company's mapping.


Forget the phrase "sets alarm bells ringing" - £300 for a cambelt change is a "walk away now" nuclear war siren.

Genuine parts add up to circa £300 on their own. Plenty of horror stories on here so it's really not worth the risk - just take it to someone who has a good reputation on the forum. £300 must have been quoting a non-air-con 172/182 Cup or just a normal 1.2/1.4 Clio perhaps.

Hope this isn't a shock to the system as I'm not exaggerating here - but try double. £600 is competitive for supplying & fitting cambelt, auxillary belt, tensions, idlers, camshaft end cap seals & a new dephaser/oil/filter. Could get away with very high £400s/low £500s if it doesn't need a dephaser.



P.S. Where abouts are you? I'm sure plenty of people could recommend a specialist within a reasonable distance (big & time consuming job so worth a bit of travelling if need be)

 

[dirtyboy]

Thanks Steve,

I'm in Lowestoft, the quote was for cambelt change only, no other belts and pulleys. As it's only done 25k on new belt the other items shouldn't wear like the belt, but as it's getting on a bit (4 years) I wanted that changed. It's also an ex renault tech who now runs as a mobile mechanic and from his garage and had been recommended by a couple if 225 owners I know.

Does it sound sensible now?

Exhaust isn't too loud.

Can't comment on effectiveness of Ktec items, but like I said, it drives far better than a 182 I drove (although it was obvious that had been abused)

 

[HC07YER]

What exhaust you got on it? Ktec .....

 

[skinz]

When I was looking for my 182, I seen a few but never researched properly. (Couple of years back), nowadays when I have a browse most of the 1*2's for sale have mileages where dephaser/ belt changes are required, so instead of forking out £500-800ish (depending on where in the country you are) people tend to get shot of them. Hopefully not he case for you, but I'd be looking at receipts to see what's been done, also my pas pump needed replaced around 85k- not sure what the service interval for this is but if there's a number of jobs needing done it would be worth while in one go to save on the labour.

That said, apart from losing confidence when a rear shock was leaking I think the cars brilliant, decent performance. Think a lot of people under rate them till they've driven one.

As noted before the belt change seems cheap, but if recommended then might be worth a punt- would get a couple of quotes from specialists to compare to see the difference tho- these engines seem very sensitive when it comes to timing

 

[jkyb]

Nice one mate, sounds like a decent example! Hope she enjoys it.

 

[dirtyboy]

Cheers guys.

We've found a small issue with it (i've posted elsewhere) that it seems an ABS ring maybe cracked, but it's no major issue, i'll get it sorted.

Just about to order a service kit and some decent oil is already on its way, not due yet, but it's my own piece of mind.

Cambelt/Dephaser all going to be done, it's expensive, but the overall condition of the car is stunning. Would love to trace the owner, pretty sure he's been on here.

He bought it in 2010 and sold in 2013 - James Crosbie?

Car is DY03 ZKL and he replaced pretty much everything!

Not sure on exhaust, it's certainly not standard, but also no reference to it being from K-Tec in the history, I think it's actualy from Unipart, but some K-Tec and INRacing mounts.