New to the Forum - Advice on a 2004 1.6 Clio 2

[Craigfelix]

Hi, I am new to Cliosport and this forum, I joined up because you all seem like a helpful bunch and I am embarking on what you might think a slightly crazy project. My son has gone traveling and he was gracious enough leave his 2004 Clio 1.6 16v initial on our drive gathering moss. It's got a few dinks and dents which adds to the character, however it's in great mechanical order, serviced every year from new, but is in need of a chassis refresh. I will use it a couple of times week for a 20 mile commute to the train station on some great B roads. I have ordered new vented and drilled brembos, Bilstein B8's and Eibach Pro springs, new wheel bearings, new Hancock tyres all round. Question - should I replace the warn bushes with std bushes or poly bush it? Polybush the dog bone and engine mount? Also wondered what you advice you'd offer on engine tuning? If I change the exhaust I would want it to be hidden as standard. I know I'd be much better off buying a 172/182 but this is effectively free and I like the fact I might be able to squeeze some fun out of an understated, albeit bronze/orange coloured Initial! Thanks!

 

[hopgop1]

Initiale Paris? Very rare spec if so.
What's the goal of the mods? Track work?

 

[Craigfelix]

Hi, Think it's just 'Initial' with the 1.6 16v engine. To start with I am just going to with a fun road drive, I think it will evolve over time.

 

[Martin_172]

Wouldn't chase power on it as it's just a lot of money for not a lot of gian.

As standard it should have a cat on the exhaust manifold and a cat under the car, you can get a Mégane exhaust manifold that doesn't have a cat, that frees up a bit of power and makes it rev more freely.

Also fastchip do a remap using the rstuner, I'd leave it after those 2 unless you just want noise.

Nice choice on the suspension setup, I'd swap the hancook for something else though, they aren't a BAD tyre, but with a nice setup you will probably see the benefits of Michelin PS3 or some of the road legal track day tyres (ad08rs etc)

Id stick new lower arms and outer ARB links on it since they are cheap and easy to do that way your replacing the bushes and ball joints. Probably worth doing track rods and track rod ends while your in there!

 

[Craigfelix]

Hi Martin, Great info on the Megane exhaust manifold I did not know that was possible. I will check my engine code and try to find a matching manifold from the Megane. Yes new lower arms and ARB links are on order too. Unfortunately the Hancooks are already fitted to the wheels and ready to compliment the car once all the suspension and bush work is complete.

Best, Craig