Keeper 182 Project

[scash88]

Hi All,

14 years after joining the forum for the first time I find myself back into Clio 182 ownership & my new project – Clio 182.

A little background on my cars, my first Clio was aged 17 when I picked up a Phase 1 172 reg no W872 VOO. After 6 or so months moved into a 182 Cup LT05 LWS which I loved and for me left a mark as ‘the’ car I would love to own again.

Since the Clio’s ive had a pretty varied history from Nissan s14a’s to plenty of E46’s, EP3 Type R and more recently a Catherham Seven 310S.



Since then the need for more practicality has settled me onto a W204 C63 Estate



Ive always had the urge to get back into a Clio 182 for good however. For me it was the car that started it all and over the past few years and with prices increasing I knew if I didn’t act soon I would have to accept the opportunity had passed. I didn’t want to buy one completed so instead was looking for a project car and managed to find the car on Copart of all places!

The car is a Clio 182 with both cup packs (I think) 05 plate with 2 owners from new and 83k miles. The car is HPI clear but had outstanding finance on it when I purchased it so I presume it was repo’d as it also had no keys and was locked.

It had its last MOT in 2018 and since then had basically sat in a field, as you will see going pretty mouldy! Heres the Copart pics from the listing:

 

[scash88]

And the best bit… check out the mould on the steering wheel…!! Ive never seen mould in a car this bad!



After a 2 week wait the car was delivered, some pics on arrival to my house

 

[scash88]

Also a nice surprise in that the car has a Scorpion RS cat back exhaust which in truth would have been the exhaust I would have chosen anyway :



And then after literally an hour and a half of jetwashing I managed to get the car into the garage looking substantially cleaner than before!





Some more updates to come but the plan initially is to disinfect and clean thoroughly. Then get a key made up and see what condition the car is in mechanically. I plan on replacing suspension, brakes and polybushing where I can.

Thanks for reading in anycase, look forward to getting back into the forum 😊

 

[Krarl]

Look forward to see more scrubbing and cleaning on this

It must be blue Clios that get mouldy as mine looks like ground zero for most bacterial infections if its parked for more than a few months😂

 

[scash88]

There's plenty left to get to that's for sure! The smell was genuinely unreal, I half expected to find something decaying in the boot!
I'll do a proper update but there's been a lot of white vinegar used to kill it all off and scrubbing to stop it from smelling like a fish and chip shop!

 

[Krarl]

I've got some surfex HD and a steamer for mine. Just need to find time to be bothered😂

 

[ajracer]

Lucky find there mate. I will be following your progress.
We all swear by oxy vanish for all clio problems round here!

 

[scash88]

Little update today,

I had no keys with the car and unfortunately didn't find any when going through the it for the first time. Although I did find a load of cleaning bits and a Vibe active 10“ subwoofer...! (which will be for sale if anyone is interested)

In anycase got a new key cut and decided to see if we could learn more about the engine



Not a fan of the paint on the inlet manifold so that will be removed aswell as the induction kit in favour of a standard airbox



No mayo on the filler cap and was surprised to see the oil didn't look too bad either! Not bad considering it's been sat for a few years



Coolant still looks green in the header tank also so maybe a sign its had a change recently ish...

After a quick assessment we decided to try and start it and couldn't quite believe my luck when on the first try and the old fuel it started right up!!

Better yet no lifter noise/smoke to speak of however the alternator was smoking and we have discovered is not charging the battery so I'll add that to the list when the belts and dephaser is done 👍

 

[scash88]

Wrong link used above - sorry

 

[scash88]

Managed to get some seat cleaning time in over the weekend. Used some white vinegar and steam to kill the mould and then various autoglym bits I had to get rid of the vinegar and make it smell new again.
Pretty happy with the results. Some before and after pics



Also when refitting the seats I ditched the spacers and mounted the seat in the car rather than on it. Difference is huge, I can't believe I never did this on my previous clios!

Hard to see the difference in a pic but I know you all know the difference. Also seat still slides back and forth which is nice considering I didn't cut the carpet 👍

 

[scash88]

Also replaced the halfords aerial with a plain black one. I'll never use the radio so not too worried if it works just that it's neater

Also found some blue footwell lights... These will be removed and burnt

And lastly replaced the number plate lamp with a new Renault unit

 

[scash88]

My plan is to work my way through some of the smaller jobs whilst collecting parts to get the belts, dephaser etc all done hopefully in a few months time
Where do people recommend for genuine OE parts? RPD/Ktec?
I've hopefully lined up an ex Renault Master tech who is happy to do the work also which is a relief!

 

[scash88]

Little update, been finishing scrubbing up the interior, headlining is now completely clean and mould free after 3 sessions with the vanish oxy action.
Also been doing the seat belts...why Renault chose light grey is beyond me 😂
Here's the drives vs rear seat to show how manky they got

After

Also managed to pick up a set of turinis, they have been rattle canned satin black so need a full refurb in anthracite and also one has a small dent so needs a minor repair but I got a very good deal so can't complain.


Also came on some Avon ZZRs with 5mm or so left! Considering selling the standard rims and maybe the Avons in favour of a bit more of an all weather tyre if anyone was interested

 

[16V F7R]

And Clio interiors! Kim and Aggie sprung to mind 🤣 Nice work that is scrubbing up nice👍

 

[scash88]

After an extended break from the Clio project I thought I better update with the work that's been going on in between other commitments as its been sat in the garage for far too long!

I decided that the best approach was to send the car K Tec to be 'revived' as I didnt have the time to really devote to it but was desperate to get it roadworthy this year. More on this later.

Before it could go down I wanted to strap on a fresh set of tyres and so opted for Yokohama AD08RS through a friend that recommended them.

I also wanted to address the rear beam that looked as though it had been sat in the sea for a decade or so.
Thankfully I picked up a 'good' rear beam from Renbreakers that was promptly swapped as I had concerns over the old one passing a MOT

 

[scash88]

A work in progress and was thankful for the garage making this a lot more bearable than doing it on the driveway!

 

[scash88]

Whilst the beam was off I also noticed that the previous owner had fitted Eibach lowering springs which was a result. Although they don't look too fresh they are fine for now until I get into suspension later down the line.


And then collection day!

K Tech kindly arranged transport to collect the car with the aim of doing the minimum the car would need to get a fresh MOT and to be able to drive it home.
Essentially they went through everything as you can read from the below completed jobs;

Cambelt & Aux Belt incl dephaser service
Full service
KTR Panel filter
Powerflex exhaust hangers
Brembo HC front discs & pads
Rear OEM discs and brembo pads with new wheel bearings
KTR braided lines
New Lambda sensor
Handbrake cable
Plus various electrical issues (lights, horns, washer pumps etc)

KTR mentioned that despite being sat for an extended time it sounded fantastic and was an exceptionally 'dry' engine bay considering how much they can leak.
Maybe considering its relatively good mileage (83k) or good service record to this point?

It had been 14 years since I had my previous 182 Cup (LT05 LWS) and I had hoped that it was going to be as good as I remembered.
Thankfully, I thoroughly enjoyed the drive home! I love how it feels like the antidote to modern cars and always so keen to go!
I do have a list of things I want to do going forward but for now I feel like I have a pretty mechanically sorted little car that in time I can look to make my own

 

[scash88]

Its been a while since I updated this so to provide an update I'd been getting a loud whine from the PAS pump. After doing a little research & finding out OEM pumps are not available anymore I booked the car in with Alex @ AW Motorworks for a recon pump as he said they have good results with them.

The pump is now lovely and quiet & whilst there Alex found a number of other issues that have now been resolved...
New outer ARB bushes
Rear brake caliper
OSR brake line
Plus a few minor issues

After dealing with Alex @ AW Motorworks I would thoroughly recommend him, super knowledgeable good guy to deal with.
When I got it back I fitted a Upper engine mount insert from Powerflex, It made a nice but subtle difference but worth it for how inexpensive it was



Since then I have been using it as much as possible & still really enjoying it aside from the lack of working A/C which has made it challenging over the last month!





Going forward the main things I want to address are the suspension, the shocks I feel are a little tired & personally I wished it sat a little lower than the Eibach springs, especially at the back. I've done a bit of research on this and not sure on the best route be it new cup shocks & cooksport springs as I think they seem to sit a little more level against the rake on the Eibachs or Coilovers... if so whats the best quality/budget recommendations these days?

Also, and probably more urgent is the seating position, and a decent set of buckets is high on my list. Ideally a pair of Corbeau Clubsports if I could find a set when im ready, alternatively I like the look of these as the style is similar to the Pole position/clubsport style I like

Auto Style Type BS1 Bucket Seat > GSM SportSeats4u

Anyone had any experience with these?

Also, in non Clio related news I have changed its stablemate & sold my W204 C63 wagon and purchased my dream in the way of my first 911.

Its a 996 C4S manual, with hardback sports seats, Bose etc



Super happy with both cars, the 911 is super special & engaging and a completely different experience to the Clio. But for a quick spirited drive along some twisty B roads the Clio is the one 90% of the time.

 

[scash88]

Small update, managed to find a mk1 scenic shifter & linkage to address the standard shifter height

I know the common opinion is to go for a PMS shifter however for me I could not live with any form of rattle (I work in vehicle acoustics) so no matter how positive the shift is, this was never an option for me.
Now I need to find out how to improve/refresh the scenic shifter to make it as fresh as it can be.
After doing a lot of research on this it seems that Yanoo offered many products however sadly is no longer an option..?
There seem to be a load of short shifters on eBay (has anyone used any) but am worried about rushing the synchro's as I know these gearboxes are made of glass
Also, any ball joint/bush repair kits anyone could link me to?
Appreciate this has been asked before but all links to old products suggested have since been removed
Thanks

 

[Optimista]

Since when Yanoo is not avaliable? :O

 

[Krarl]

Since when Yanoo is not avaliable? :O

Since he passed away

 

[Optimista]

s**t. Wasn't aware of that
How long ago was it?

Bit of "stupid" question, but is there anyone that is still producing his products on his behalf?

 

[Hyperhatch]

Its been a while since I updated this so to provide an update I'd been getting a loud whine from the PAS pump. After doing a little research & finding out OEM pumps are not available anymore I booked the car in with Alex @ AW Motorworks for a recon pump as he said they have good results with them.

The pump is now lovely and quiet & whilst there Alex found a number of other issues that have now been resolved...
New outer ARB bushes
Rear brake caliper
OSR brake line
Plus a few minor issues

After dealing with Alex @ AW Motorworks I would thoroughly recommend him, super knowledgeable good guy to deal with.
When I got it back I fitted a Upper engine mount insert from Powerflex, It made a nice but subtle difference but worth it for how inexpensive it was



Since then I have been using it as much as possible & still really enjoying it aside from the lack of working A/C which has made it challenging over the last month!





Going forward the main things I want to address are the suspension, the shocks I feel are a little tired & personally I wished it sat a little lower than the Eibach springs, especially at the back. I've done a bit of research on this and not sure on the best route be it new cup shocks & cooksport springs as I think they seem to sit a little more level against the rake on the Eibachs or Coilovers... if so whats the best quality/budget recommendations these days?

Also, and probably more urgent is the seating position, and a decent set of buckets is high on my list. Ideally a pair of Corbeau Clubsports if I could find a set when im ready, alternatively I like the look of these as the style is similar to the Pole position/clubsport style I like

Auto Style Type BS1 Bucket Seat > GSM SportSeats4u

Anyone had any experience with these?

Also, in non Clio related news I have changed its stablemate & sold my W204 C63 wagon and purchased my dream in the way of my first 911.

Its a 996 C4S manual, with hardback sports seats, Bose etc



Super happy with both cars, the 911 is super special & engaging and a completely different experience to the Clio. But for a quick spirited drive along some twisty B roads the Clio is the one 90% of the time.

Great choice on the next car. I bought exactly the same with the exact same spec! Sadly I could keep the Clio aswell ☹️View attachment 1618645

 

[Clio_fool]

Doesn't look like Yanoo's products were passed on to anyone else unfortunately. I have a scenic shifter with yanoo stiff shift and shortshift fitted. Beside that the only mod you need is to increase the bend in the shaft a bit so its not too close to the dash. The short shifter just cancels out the increase in throw the longer scenic shifter creates, don't worry about rushing the box.
Scenic vs 182, note extra length either side of the pivot.

And the stiff shift fitted and extra bend.

 

[scash88]

Thanks, that's super helpful!
With that in mind I will more than likely set about renewing the standard bushes with the addition of a short shifter.

Does anyone have a specific recommendation for short shifter? Had a look on ebay and found the one below but am always wary on ebay...
Renault Clio Short Shifter 2.0 16V 172 182 Cup Sport RS Exhaust Trophy Cup Bush | eBay

Also, have researched the brass bush for the bottom of the shifter to shifter linkage.
Brass Shifter Bushes – Clios and Coffee
Anyone have any experience with these?
Thanks

 

[scash88]

Great choice on the next car. I bought exactly the same with the exact same spec! Sadly I could keep the Clio aswell ☹️View attachment 1618645

Thanks I enjoy the contrast between the 2 however for a short, spirited drive I find myself grabbing the keys to the Clio which must say something..
In any case I have no interest in anything else so both will be staying put

 

[scash88]

Bit of a post Xmas update

I managed to bend the scenic shifter shaft further back to the driver and fit into the car.

Quite a difference to the original shifter!







New neutral position







Also picked up a Motamec Quaife style gearknob









Shifter position is substantially improved so very happy vs the original shifter. I haven't fitted a short shifter as yet but am going to use it and see how I get on as Ive never really liked how short shifters feel.

 

[scash88]

Also, and much larger of an update, I got some BC Coilovers, went for 5/8kg spring rates for more of a road bias. No pics during fitting unfortunately in my haste but here’s how it sat after fitting











Super happy with how they fitted, no real issues and it drives really well considering it needs an alignment.



After a few days and thinking about spacers down the line I decided the rear was a little too low so swapped from the lowest rear spring perch to the mid size one which is now perfect to my eye







Also fitted some eibach camber bolts to dial out a little negative camber and the result pre alignment of how it sits now











Next up is an alignment and also to fit the new Speedline centre caps I’ve ordered and figure out spacers. I’m leaning toward an 18mm hubcentric front and a 5mm slip on rear with longer bolts considering these wheels are +40



After that it will be good to get some use out of it when the weather turns!

 

[scash88]

Managed to pick up a black KTR induction kit this week from James @ JMRS (would thoroughly recommend)


He was kind enough to supply a new fitting kit & Ramair filter which is now all fitted


Removed the bonnet sound insulation too and gave it a quick wipe over before I give the bay a mini refresh this year

 

[scash88]

The previous owner had also painted the calipers blue, and whilst this wouldn't be my first choice, they have grown on me in a wierd M Sport type way. So given I found a nearly new pot of caliper paint in the boot when I bought the car decided to give them a sand back and repaint. Before and after's below






Then to reward me the LED's on the rev counter decided to fail


Any ideas on what my options are here? Im led to believe the LED's are soldered in and for someone who doesn't solder can be a pain.
Any info/help would be appreciated

 

[Krarl]

The previous owner had also painted the calipers blue, and whilst this wouldn't be my first choice, they have grown on me in a wierd M Sport type way. So given I found a nearly new pot of caliper paint in the boot when I bought the car decided to give them a sand back and repaint. Before and after's below






Then to reward me the LED's on the rev counter decided to fail


Any ideas on what my options are here? Im led to believe the LED's are soldered in and for someone who doesn't solder can be a pain.
Any info/help would be appreciated

There was someone that used to do SMD conversions on the clocks

Although it might be cheaper just to buy some clocks that are of similar mileage to yours

 

[Mr Underhill]

Removed the bonnet sound insulation too and gave it a quick wipe over before I give the bay a mini refresh this year

Don't chuck it away if it's in decent nick. Took me an age to find a decent one of those and ended up paying £60 for it.

 

[scash88]

Thanks, its in good nick so I've tucked it away in the garage so that if I want to revert to OEM in the future I can do

 

[Mr Underhill]

Thanks, its in good nick so I've tucked it away in the garage so that if I want to revert to OEM in the future I can do

Good man. Basically don't sell any of your OEM bits unless they're to me

 

[ajracer]

The previous owner had also painted the calipers blue, and whilst this wouldn't be my first choice, they have grown on me in a wierd M Sport type way. So given I found a nearly new pot of caliper paint in the boot when I bought the car decided to give them a sand back and repaint. Before and after's below






Then to reward me the LED's on the rev counter decided to fail


Any ideas on what my options are here? Im led to believe the LED's are soldered in and for someone who doesn't solder can be a pain.
Any info/help would be appreciated

I know it sounds ridiculous but the LEDs may not be broken.
My old BG and my current RB had a similar issue.
Both were resolved by wiggling the brightness adjustment wheel up and down and also (lord help me),give the dash a good thump!
You may get lucky like I did.

 

[scash88]

I know it sounds ridiculous but the LEDs may not be broken.
My old BG and my current RB had a similar issue.
Both were resolved by wiggling the brightness adjustment wheel up and down and also (lord help me),give the dash a good thump!
You may get lucky like I did

Just went and gave this a go and lo and behold the issue is fixed! Combination of a wiggle of the brightness wheel and the mother of all whacks! Thanks @ajracer

 

[ajracer]

Good stuff.
Old school field repair! Lol

 

[scash88]

Decided to finally get round to de sticky'ing the interior trim at the weekend.


Stripped the climate control unit down


And then when I thought I was being clever using some tape to hold the buttons in place when inserting the PCB back I removed the tape and this happened


So now I have a much nicer de sticky'd interior but also need another unit altogether or find a solution to recon the buttons. (Suspect another unit is going to be the easiest route here)
Great
Also, the rev counter issue above has reared its head again. The dial is definitely illuminated but dim and no amount of twizzling/punching the dashboard was fixing it last night lol Will have to investigate when I can be bothered but surely the issue lies with the dimmer switch..?

In other news its coming back on the road from 1st March so pulled out the garage and got some hasty pics

 

[Mr Underhill]

So now I have a much nicer de sticky'd interior but also need another unit altogether or find a solution to recon the buttons. (Suspect another unit is going to be the easiest route here)

I did mine at Christmas but was unaware the unit pulls apart and the buttons are easily transferred. Thank you to @SharpyClio for the tip.

So I bought a second-hand unit, not sure if it worked or not, and just switched everything over. Now I've got 1 really nice unit out of 2.

 

[scash88]

Passed the MOT today after the first failed attempt with 2 majors; low washer fluid pressure and headlight alignment too low..
So after a £25 adjustment to the beam(!) and some new pumps its good for another year