New Clio 182 Track Project

[Mr Underhill]

Did you get any videos made of the day?
Are you going to do a walk through of the epas when you fit it?

No 😂 My mate fitted my EPAS and I’ll be asking him again. Took my GoPro but couldn’t be bothered to plug it in. I’m done with all that TBH.

 

[SharpyClio]

Great day at Croft, although we were having so much fun we never got any pictures 🤦🏻‍♂️

Here‘s one from the arse end on the way.

View attachment 1686129

Met @SharpyClio for the first time. Good to meet you fella and thank you for the loan of the towing eye. We got sorted in the end.

@Brigsy popped in with his missus and Bumblebee 225 and we had a good old natter.

Lots of fast machinery there today and a ridiculous amount of Red Flags. Never known anything like it, which just goes to show the lack of talent that turn up to these events these days. It’s a bloody track-day for god sake.

Anyway, back to the car.

Engine : Awesome. This is a seriously fast Clio and I mean fast.
Gearbox and Gripper : Brilliantly set up and you can get all the power down.
Steering : Garbage. I’m going back to EPAS
Suspension : If I hadn’t of had my other circuit car I’d have been happy, but it’s just not set up for my tastes.
Exhaust : 97 decibels at 5,500 rpm. Happy with that.
Driver : s**t. I’ve gone back over 😂

Things to do.

Racing clutch, just for added security and a lightweight flywheel.
EPAS.
Fit my roll centre correction kit.
Might go Spax 750Mc like my old car. Currently have the AST 5100 kit but I can’t get my head around having the back stiffer than the front. Change my mind.
Fit my new tyres as the 52s currently on it are dead.
Bigger radiator and an oil cooler, again no major issues, but just for peace of mind.

If I can get this car to handle on a circuit like my last car, I’ll have a very good car indeed.

Thank you for reading.

Good meet you today Jon, car was looking good. Looking forward to hopefully being on track with you 13th May!

 

[Mr Underhill]

Good meet you today Jon, car was looking good. Looking forward to hopefully being on track with you 13th May!

I’m not attending it sadly. I’m just going to get the bits done to this car and then book a day, probably June/July. I’m working that day as well otherwise I’d have popped over 😔

 

[Brigsy]

Good to catch up mate. Your track clio looks spot on, sounded good on track

Got a short vid on drive by.

I was itching to get out yesterday but the queues looked big to get on so give it a rain check.

Im considering booking 13th May.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Good to catch up mate. Your track clio looks spot on, sounded good on track

Got a short vid on drive by.

View attachment 1686192

I was itching to get out yesterday but the queues looked big to get on so give it a rain check.

Im considering booking 13th May.

Thanks Jon. That’s the only footage of it in the wild. Super quick car. My mates in the Megane 250 Cup said they couldn’t get near me going down that straight. Just need to sort the handling out now and grow a pair 🎱🎱

 

[Mr Underhill]

My 1 photo from Croft. They actually managed 4 in total, that’s how bad the red flags were. We spent more time in the garage or pit lane, than out on track.

 

[imprezaworks]

What's the engine spec again mate

 

[Advikaz]

Looks the part

 

[Mr Underhill]

What's the engine spec again mate

Wossner Forged Pistons 12.8:1 (83mm)
Catcam Performance Camshafts 421s
Wossner one-piece Uprated Valve Springs
MLS Head Gasket / Seal set
Cylinder head Clean / De-coke
Hydraulic Lifter set
Head Bolt Set
Arp Con-Rod bolts
King Crankshaft Big Ends
King Crankshaft Mains
Crankshaft thrust washers
Keyway crank
Jenvey ITBs (45mm)
220.6 bhp/178 lbs ft torque

 

[Mr Underhill]

Looks the part

So much potential. Pleased with the top speed. Once I get everything else sorted it'll be a weapon.

 

[imprezaworks]

Wossner Forged Pistons 12.8:1 (83mm)
Catcam Performance Camshafts 421s
Wossner one-piece Uprated Valve Springs
MLS Head Gasket / Seal set
Cylinder head Clean / De-coke
Hydraulic Lifter set
Head Bolt Set
Arp Con-Rod bolts
King Crankshaft Big Ends
King Crankshaft Mains
Crankshaft thrust washers
Keyway crank
Jenvey ITBs (45mm)
220.6 bhp/178 lbs ft torque

Fast.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Fast.

Very! Chicane to Tower in my last car 105 mph. This one 125 mph. Just slow everywhere else, but this was a shakedown. I know what i need to do.

 

[Advikaz]

Wossner Forged Pistons 12.8:1 (83mm)
Catcam Performance Camshafts 421s
Wossner one-piece Uprated Valve Springs
MLS Head Gasket / Seal set
Cylinder head Clean / De-coke
Hydraulic Lifter set
Head Bolt Set
Arp Con-Rod bolts
King Crankshaft Big Ends
King Crankshaft Mains
Crankshaft thrust washers
Keyway crank
Jenvey ITBs (45mm)
220.6 bhp/178 lbs ft torque

Looks similar to one of the engine dynamic build sheets that. Was looking at it the other day....

 

[Mr Underhill]

Looks similar to one of the engine dynamic build sheets that. Was looking at it the other day....

Yes, built by Andy at ED.

 

[Advikaz]

Yes, built by Andy at ED.

What weight is the car at matey?

 

[Mr Underhill]

What weight is the car at matey?

The last owner said 920kg but I think it's heavier than that. It has got a fibreglass tailgate, the bonnet's guts are ripped out, no carpet, racing tank (20 ltrs) but full interior.

My last car was fully stripped out but had a full RO22 roll cage, plastic windows, one seat. That weighed 940 kg.

It's lighter than standard, that's for sure.

 

[SharpyClio]

Mine is 1020kg with half a tank so given the added lightness is defo a decent chunk less than mine!!

 

[Mr Underhill]

Another shot from Croft - looks faster than it was.

Lots of changes to make before getting to Croft on May 13th so I better get my finger out.

Essential things to do

1. Fit new custom Radiator, wire-up fans and controller
2. Fit Roll centre correction kit
3. Fit the ASTs with new springs and top mounts
4. Fit the Cup air-con delete kit
5. Fit new tyres
6. Fit brake ducts and pipework

Not so essential but on the radar

1. Find an old laptop and get the ECU 90 software on there
2. Find an EPAS set-up

 

[Andy P]

@Mr Underhill Remove the tape on the Bumper?.

 

[Mr Underhill]

@Mr Underhill Remove the tape on the Bumper?.

Just there as a precaution as there’s a bit of wear on the quick release mechanism that holds the bumper on.

It causes the ends of the bumper to lift slightly and whilst I’m sure it’ll hold without the tape, I don’t want to be that guy who halts a trackday session if a Marshall thinks the bumper is falling off.

I always call the TDO over to discuss anything like this before hand, so if he’s happy, I’m happy.

Unfortunately the tabs inside the arch have been removed, so it’s not like I can put a u-clip in there and a bolt to secure it. I quite like the tape to be honest because #Trackcar

 

[SharpyClio]

Wasn’t sure you were going on the 13th, be good to see you there

 

[Mr Underhill]

Wasn’t sure you were going on the 13th, be good to see you there

I’m using it as a test day so will probably be out for a few laps and back in as we set it all up. If I can get it dialled in that day I’ll be very pleased.

@Brigsy is going too

 

[SharpyClio]

I’m using it as a test day so will probably be out for a few laps and back in as we set it all up. If I can get it dialled in that day I’ll be very pleased.

@Brigsy is going too

Ah amazing! I’ll have met loads of forum folks this year!

 

[Mr Underhill]

A bit of a mixed day. Spent the morning putting the 172 Cup delete kit on, but all the while I kept thinking it was going to be tight with my new radiator.

I went for a fabricated Aluminium rad from Pure Motorsport. Tis a thing of beauty 😍

Began cutting out some of the metal to make it fit and damn, the pas pipe and bracket get in the way.

It’s not out by much, an inch or so.

Even if I get a custom high pressure pipe made, I’ll still need to cut a chunk out of the bracket, which isn’t an option I want to take.

Oh well, these things are sent to try us. Tools down, hot bath and a cup of tea me thinks.

Thank you for reading.

 

[Advikaz]

Sex

 

[Mr Underhill]

Managed an hour tonight - finally no rain.

Whipped the Cup delete kit off - probably won’t be needing that now - and attached the power steering pump to the original upper bracket. Then mocked the radiator up with the Schroud.

It looks the dogs but it’s going to be tight with twin 9 inch fans and the alternator in.

A bit of gentle persuasion is going to be required 🔨 me thinks.

Nothing organised this weekend, so weather permitting, I should be able to make some progress.

Thanks for 📖

 

[Mr Underhill]

Another fight tonight, but I think I’ve got the better of it.

Put the other delete kit back on with new belt and moved the PAS pipes further back to allow for fans.

Next problem is getting the radiator to seat properly on the subframe.

As you can see it’s tight.

Too tight! 🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻

I’ll just ream the holes a few mm and we’ll be good to go.

Last job was to plan the fan and thermostat controller wiring, so took to photoshop and mocked up a schematic.

Should all come together this weekend 🤞🏻

 

[Mr Underhill]

s**t weather again but it wasn’t going to stop me getting this radiator in.

Cut a few cms from the subframe allowing the radiator to go to the right.

This freed up the space I needed between the rad and alternator. This should be part of the installation instructions.

Lined the fans up and pushed through the cables. I put them near the top of the main structure for added support, as I noticed in the old radiator it was moving around and was loose.

One job finished.

The kit comes with bobbins which you can secure with a nut and washer - provided you’ve cut some holes in the front that is - but it seemed chewy so went for Rivnuts instead.

Cont……

 

[Mr Underhill]

With the radiator secure, I set about fitting the controller and building a loom.

Top hose off, then stuck an old rolling pin into the pipe and used the supplied cutter to punch a hole in it.

Added the screw, seal washer, then the thermostat.

Then built the loom.

Connected it all up, filled the engine with coolant, topped the power steering with redline fluid and we have fans 😍

Job done!

Tools down, hot bath and going out for a curry.

Suspension tomorrow providing the weather is kind. Thank you for reading.

 

[Chambers_RS]

I have that rad and have the twin spal push fans on the front which gives me enough room on the back.

Subbed to your thread aswell, car looks mega so far 👍🏻

 

[Brigsy]

Much better than the old setup mate 👌 the design of rad core will cool far better than the old one.

 

[Mr Underhill]

I have that rad and have the twin spal push fans on the front which gives me enough room on the back.

Subbed to your thread aswell, car looks mega so far 👍🏻

Never thought about having them on the front 🤔 It’s not too bad now I’ve twisted and pushed the PAS pipe back a bit.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Much better than the old setup mate 👌 the design of rad core will cool far better than the old one.

I’m just glad I’ve got some fans tbh Jon. I pulled back the tape from the old loom and some wires had come away, so it was never going to kick in at Croft. Glad this bits out of the way.

 

[Mr Underhill]

Another deluge meant the suspension switch was put on hold, and instead got lumbered with mutley until 4 o’clock.

The rain finally stopped so I made the most of the time left to put my brake ducts on.

I originally ordered the K-Tec rally ducts as they looked purposeful, but they messed me about so much I opted for some from Pure Track instead.

You can either bond or screw them in. I opted to use some M5 Rivnuts and torx screws.

It just makes life easier should I need to remove them at some point.

Whole job took an hour and I’m pleased with how they look.

I’ll add the pipe work once I’ve switched the suspension over, hopefully by next weekend.

Thank you for reading.

 

[Howell]

Love how this is coming together, great progress

 

[Mr Underhill]

Lighter nights and decent weather allowed me to get a few hours in after work.

Whipped the BC Racing coilovers and calipers off and disassembled the wishbones in preparation for the roll centre kit and my new suspension.

s**t photo incoming….

While everything was stripped, I had a look for leaks because after my last outing at Croft, I noticed some grease on the outer rim of my OSF wheel.

I did the taste test as I don’t want to do a @SuperJ and find out it was BBQ sauce 😂

Nothing coming from the driveshaft CV boot, but plenty on the caliper.

A closer look seemed to point to the sliders on the carriers.

Looks like it’s packed with thick grease, which also meant the sliders weren’t moving as freely as they should. I’ll give those a clean up and stick on some new rubbers, pins and brake grease.

Dug my ASTs out and switched the springs over.

I’ve opted for 90Nm front and 100Nm on the rear after chatting to lads doing the TDT/TDC championships. The springs aren’t mental money, so I can always try a few different rates if these aren’t to my liking.

Last job was temporarily fitting the top mounts.

Nice to get a few jobs out of the way mid week so I’m not spending my whole weekends fixing or prepping cars.

Thank you for reading.

 

[Mr Underhill]

What a fight this car gave me today.

First up I was struggling to fit the bolts through the dampers and into the hubs.

I thought I’ll just measure the bolt distance and as suspected, it has 54mm hubs 🤔

It’s a CUP packed car, albeit an old one at that, so s**t happens I guess. Never mind, ASTs have a removable washer so they fit both. I planned to get some CUP hubs and stick some bearings in anyway, so that’s motivation for me.

Switched a couple of bolts for some genuine spares I had lying around. I’ll get a couple of new ones this week as they’re a bit pitted.

Top nuts tightened and suspension on.

Also got the geometry kit fitted on the drivers side.

Overall things were going ok until I started the passenger side.

Before I went to bed last night, I thought I must remove the brake disc on the passenger side to make the whole thing lighter and avoid pulling on the driveshaft.

Of course like a knob, I forgot and as I dropped the two bolts out of the wishbones, the hub/disc lunged forward and gearbox oil began filling my driveway. F**K!

After dropping the rest of the oil I whipped the driveshaft off to see what I’d done.

I’d pulled the CV Boot away from the seal 🤦🏻‍♂️

Luckily I have every tool and spare known to man, so removed the old clip, pushed the boot back onto the seal and fit a new clip.

It’s back on the car but I haven’t put any oil in the box yet, so fingers crossed I’ve managed to fix it.

Threw the towel in after that. Tomorrow’s another day. Thank you for reading.

 

[SharpyClio]

What a fight this car gave me today.

First up I was struggling to fit the bolts through the dampers and into the hubs.

I thought I’ll just measure the bolt distance and as suspected, it has 54mm hubs 🤔

View attachment 1691116

It’s a CUP packed car, albeit an old one at that, so s**t happens I guess. Never mind, ASTs have a removable washer so they fit both. I planned to get some CUP hubs and stick some bearings in anyway, so that’s motivation for me.

Switched a couple of bolts for some genuine spares I had lying around. I’ll get a couple of new ones this week as they’re a bit pitted.

View attachment 1691117

View attachment 1691118

Top nuts tightened and suspension on.

View attachment 1691119

Also got the geometry kit fitted on the drivers side.

View attachment 1691120

Overall things were going ok until I started the passenger side.

Before I went to bed last night, I thought I must remove the brake disc on the passenger side to make the whole thing lighter and avoid pulling on the driveshaft.

Of course like a knob, I forgot and as I dropped the two bolts out of the wishbones, the hub/disc lunged forward and gearbox oil began filling my driveway. F**K!

After dropping the rest of the oil I whipped the driveshaft off to see what I’d done.

View attachment 1691121

I’d pulled the CV Boot away from the seal 🤦🏻‍♂️

Luckily I have every tool and spare known to man, so removed the old clip, pushed the boot back onto the seal and fit a new clip.

View attachment 1691122

It’s back on the car but I haven’t put any oil in the box yet, so fingers crossed I’ve managed to fix it.

Threw the towel in after that. Tomorrow’s another day. Thank you for reading.

I did that exact same thing with the drive shaft, last time I took it off i removed all the hardware to make it light as I didn’t want to buy a load more gearbox oil having just changed it!

Looking good though mate. 👌

 

[Mr Underhill]

I did that exact same thing with the drive shaft, last time I took it off i removed all the hardware to make it light as I didn’t want to buy a load more gearbox oil having just changed it!

Looking good though mate. 👌

I’m Just old and tired mate. 2 of my grandchildren stayed over last night and the 2-year old tortured me all night, then got me up at 5am. I was half dead by the time I started working on the car. If I’ve managed to fix it, it’s all systems go for Croft. If not, I’ll transfer it to June. I’ll still come along though and bring Little Bluey 🚙💨

 

[SharpyClio]

I’m Just old and tired mate. 2 of my grandchildren stayed over last night and the 2-year old tortured me all night, then got me up at 5am. I was half dead by the time I started working on the car. If I’ve managed to fix it, it’s all systems go for Croft. If not, I’ll transfer it to June. I’ll still come along though and bring Little Bluey 🚙💨

I didn’t take mine off the car just lobbed a clamp around it and sent it. Been fine for 18 months, given you’ve done it properly I’m sure it’ll be spot on.

The deep joys of kids / grand kids! I don’t miss my daughter’s early years of enforced sleep deprivation!