Newbie Track Car Advice

Mundee · Nov 10, 2015

Hello to all..... I am a newbie to this forum, to Clios and to track cars really!

I have always loved cars but essentially quick road cars and have owned a CTR, Focus ST, Z4 Coupe in recent years but have essentially no mechanical knowledge or no how!

I have only ever done one track day in the CTR and absolutely loved it, and now have a job that involves a commute into The City and can't really justify having a decent/valuable car sat in the driveway for me to drive a couple of times at weekends so have decided the best way to feed my car hunger is to get something cheap and fun and track it, at the same time doing some work on it and learning as I go!

I have been reading up for a while and have decided a 182 is the way to go so am currently on the look out for something in good condition around £2/£2.5k. Im not quite sure what I'm after but suppose something with a decent amount of track prep would be good, although ideally I would still use for a very short drive to the station most days.

Any advice/guidance!? I have been reading up as much as possible but given the huge amount of knowledge on here thought I may as well set out my stall and ask the question!

Thanks in advance!

Sunglasses_Ron · Nov 10, 2015

Mundee said:
Hello to all..... I am a newbie to this forum, to Clios and to track cars really!

I have always loved cars but essentially quick road cars and have owned a CTR, Focus ST, Z4 Coupe in recent years but have essentially no mechanical knowledge or no how!

I have only ever done one track day in the CTR and absolutely loved it, and now have a job that involves a commute into The City and can't really justify having a decent/valuable car sat in the driveway for me to drive a couple of times at weekends so have decided the best way to feed my car hunger is to get something cheap and fun and track it, at the same time doing some work on it and learning as I go!

I have been reading up for a while and have decided a 182 is the way to go so am currently on the look out for something in good condition around £2/£2.5k. Im not quite sure what I'm after but suppose something with a decent amount of track prep would be good, although ideally I would still use for a very short drive to the station most days.

Any advice/guidance!? I have been reading up as much as possible but given the huge amount of knowledge on here thought I may as well set out my stall and ask the question!

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the club mate.

You'll get a decent 182 for that kind of money. Just make sure it's had the belts and dephaser done or if not factor that into the buying price.

You don't need to do much to these to make them great on track.

Become a full member and you'll be able to access all of the tech side of the forum to help you along the way.

Anyway, I'm sure there'll be people Ali g to help you out with a lot more knowledge than me.

Good luck mate :up:

Mundee · Nov 10, 2015

Thanks Ron.

It's seems that for my budget I'm looking at something fairly standard with 60-80k miles or something that has had some track work done but 90k plus miles. As I'm not going to be able to do much work myself I guess the latter is preferable as long as it's had cam/dephaser done!

Mash. · Nov 10, 2015

Don't get to held up on the mileage of the f4r, its more about the service history and if they have been warmed up properly etc - especially if its just going to be for track, i would lower your budget for spending (so maybe the outcome being a higher mileage car) and have the money spare to spent on:
-Better pads and brake fluid
-Tyres
-Suspension

For example my 40k 182 had no end of problems, mechanically and electrically, but my 135k ph1 engine has outlived its ph1 shell and is now going to be re shelled into my 182.

Sunglasses_Ron · Nov 10, 2015

Mundee said:
Thanks Ron.

It's seems that for my budget I'm looking at something fairly standard with 60-80k miles or something that has had some track work done but 90k plus miles. As I'm not going to be able to do much work myself I guess the latter is preferable as long as it's had cam/dephaser done!

Yeah higher miles aren't really an issue from what I've read on here. As long as it's been looked after and serviced you won't go far wrong I don't think.

Get a project thread up on here when you get one purchased :up:

Adam G · Nov 11, 2015

172 Cup, suspension refresh. Decent brakes, job done.
Still comfortable for your trips to the station. No need for all this spend here, spend there BS.

ForceIndia · Nov 11, 2015

I'd save yourself some money and get a 172. Mechanically the same car, but the exhaust is cheaper when it falls off! Spend the money saved on brakes and a bucket seat, and away you go.

Trackslag172 · Nov 11, 2015

ForceIndia said:
I'd save yourself some money and get a 172. Mechanically the same car, but the exhaust is cheaper when it falls off! Spend the money saved on brakes and a bucket seat, and away you go.

I have to agree, I bought a 172 a few months back as a standard car knowing very little about mechanics. I have now turned it into a decent track car (see my build thread). The car is surprisingly easy to work on, i've learnt a lot just messing about and following the excellent guide on here (well worth the sign up fee) and clio's in general are cheap enough to be able to do on a reasonable budget

Mundee · Nov 11, 2015

Something like this......?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201511108584481

ForceIndia · Nov 11, 2015

I'd rather start with something standard than something, erm 'ktec'd'. And apex springs are appalling.

Mundee · Nov 11, 2015

Good to know, cheers.

To be honest I'm slightly torn as something with work done would save time, money and work but at the same time I'd like to get one fairly standard, track it, do some work, track it and feel the gains.... And so on.... But I guess that adds cost and complexity!

Trackslag172 · Nov 11, 2015

Mundee said:
Good to know, cheers.

To be honest I'm slightly torn as something with work done would save time, money and work but at the same time I'd like to get one fairly standard, track it, do some work, track it and feel the gains.... And so on.... But I guess that adds cost and complexity!

Do it, get a standardish car and do it up yourself. Then you get to learn how it all works, it will probably be a bit more expensive to do it yourself as there will be mistakes ect, but its worth it.

ForceIndia · Nov 11, 2015

Engine is the last thing I'd do. Lots of cash for little return. Brakes, seat, spend some cash on learning to get the best out of it.

masekwm · Nov 11, 2015

Buy a 172 Cup,
Change the brake fluid & fit uprated front pads,
Check condition of struts replace in pairs as necessary, check condition of springs,
Change all bushes for new Renault items,
Hunter alignment.
Tuition,
Tuition,
Tuition,
Done.

MarkCup · Nov 11, 2015

masekwm said:
Buy a 172 Cup,
Change the brake fluid & fit uprated front pads,
Check condition of struts replace in pairs as necessary, check condition of springs,
Change all bushes for new Renault items,
Hunter alignment.
Tuition,
Tuition,
Tuition,
Done.

Do this, exactly this, and you'll have a great time with minimal outlay.

Fergie606 · Nov 11, 2015

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/171993541470

Now this would make a great track car and super cheap so can add the bits you want.

MarkX · Nov 11, 2015

Mundee said:
Good to know, cheers.

To be honest I'm slightly torn as something with work done would save time, money and work but at the same time I'd like to get one fairly standard, track it, do some work, track it and feel the gains.... And so on.... But I guess that adds cost and complexity!

Yes, it costs more to start from scratch.....but the build is half the fun, and it doesn't have to be done in one hit, drive, enjoy and upgrade as you go, 172Cup is the way to go for a track car IMO. I've had mine 18 months, just done a full year of track days and I'm still tinkering

masekwm · Nov 11, 2015

MarkCup said:
Do this, exactly this, and you'll have a great time with minimal outlay.

Agreed... I love my Cup. I've added some trick bits, the Sabelt & the PMS shifter, but in standard form with 888s it's a cracker.

Mundee · Nov 16, 2015

So.... Following the kind advice on here I have been looking for a fairly standard 172 Cup, which seem quite tough to come across!

Currently watching this on eBay as it hasn't had to much done and seems in decent shape.... Anyone come across this car before?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/131652765755

Kosy · Nov 17, 2015

Personally I don't like that the seats have been changed.

Keep on the look out and don't rush in. There's plenty out there.

Mods or not on a car wouldn't swing my decision. If it has a few good additions then that will save you some £ and hassle. If not then you can always pick up things in the market place here for your £10 membership fee. Cliosport has the best market for parts that I have seen and Clio bits and pieces are cheap. It's all part of the fun.

I picked up my 172 Cup in June. Previous owner had:

New cup dampers
V6 airbox
KTEC stealth system plus sports cat
KTEC engine, gearbox and dogbone mounts
Brembo HC discs
Magnecor leads
Carbon canister removal
Lightweight relocated battery
Externally standard

Despite saying I would leave it, since then I have fitted:

Braided lines
Eibach sportline springs
4 Michelin PS3s
Hunter alignment
New OE top mount bearings
RSTuner 98 octane map
OE 172 Cup badges and mats
Silvertec bulbs

It was good before but is fantastic now. I've been a Subaru man for a long long time but cannot believe how special these little cars are. Good luck with your hunt!

Mundee · Nov 17, 2015

Sounds good, thanks for the advice!

What concerns you about the seats or is it just a preference thing?

I have been reading lots and looking at some tutorial stuff and working on the car is definitely part of the attraction, but appreciate I am unlikely to get something 'standard'. A few mods is fine as you say as I'll probably do them anyway.

Kosy · Nov 17, 2015

There isn't really a legitimate concern there, it's just that I like Cups to have the original cloth seats. I like the purity of them! No big deal.

I would also make sure that your car comes with the original turini wheels as they are expensive and desirable. I wouldn't mind something of similar value like 15" 2118s but certainly not cheap Halfords items.

masekwm · Nov 17, 2015

I wouldn't mind the seats, mine are showing wear now and I doubt decent seats weigh much more.
It took me 2 months to buy my Cup and I did miles looking at them and seeing sheds.

Mundee · Nov 17, 2015

Excuse my ignorance but I'm assuming he wheels on the car in the link are original Turinis, just been refurbed?

Doesn't seem to be a huge amount of Cups around but will keep scouring!

Dan · Nov 17, 2015

Mines up for sale now and ready for some track work.

Fairly unique styling on the front end but also fairly low miles.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/131654783329

Mundee · Nov 17, 2015

Cheers.... Will take a look.

masekwm · Nov 17, 2015

Mundee said:
Excuse my ignorance but I'm assuming he wheels on the car in the link are original Turinis, just been refurbed?

Doesn't seem to be a huge amount of Cups around but will keep scouring!

They look like Turinis to me. They'd be the first thing sold for me!
There has been a few Cups on the Facebook owners club in recent weeks.

Mundee · Nov 17, 2015

Cheers... Have you got a link, there appear to be a few groups?

Kosy · Nov 17, 2015

What wheels are you running masekwm?

Leslie Graham · Nov 17, 2015

Don't be afraid of a Ph1 at humble money.
My track build has cost me £1500 ish and goes well.

masekwm · Nov 17, 2015

Mundee said:
Cheers... Have you got a link, there appear to be a few groups?

Look for Clio Sport Owners Club - The link gets blanked on here, sadly.

Kosy said:
What wheels are you running masekwm?

I've bought back my original Turini's but they are in the garage and probably to be sold on. My Cup has F1's with 888s on it, don't see the need for anything else really.

Mundee · Nov 19, 2015

Viewing this at the weekend, any thoughts....

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...renaultsport-172-cup-16v---------2003/4477972

MarkCup · Nov 19, 2015

That looks alright to me, not f***ed about with too much, should still feel like a Cup should.

Mundee · Nov 19, 2015

Anyone know why it would have blue door badges rather than the silver.... Do people ha he these for a preferred look?

MarkX · Nov 19, 2015

Mundee said:
Anyone know why it would have blue door badges rather than the silver.... Do people ha he these for a preferred look?

Blue bullets will have been a mod, looks pretty good IMO

masekwm · Nov 19, 2015

Wonder who it belongs to, it's got the CS sticker

Mundee · Nov 22, 2015

I'm in the club! Bought the one above and paid up my membership! Seems in good nick with decent history.

First job is to sort the exhaust as it is crazy loud and I just want standard or at least standard level of noise. Any advice? I see from other threads standard are expensive!

It currently has a KTec stealth with a sports cat..... Does the cat contribute to the noise or would putting a standard exhaust cat back return it to its standard level of noise?

Cheers for the advice all!

masekwm · Nov 22, 2015

There is a silenced centre section available, mine doesn't have it and it's awful

Mundee · Nov 22, 2015

Sorry do you mean a silenced section for the KTec system?

Can someone let me know if I can fit a standard cat back system to the sports cat, or would I need a new standard cat too?

Looking online it seems you can get a whole new system included cat for £450.... Does that sound right?

masekwm · Nov 22, 2015

Yeah, it's £168 http://www.k-tecracing.com/show_product.asp?id=1088

Newbie Track Car Advice

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