Phase 1 172 - A joint effort

[Ph1Rich]

After buying my first Clio 182 FF in 2005 and my friend(mbk-172) having numerous Renaultsports which include a Flamer Ph2 172, 197 and a Twingo RS, we decided to venture out again and build a track car of some sort. The budget was never going to massive, just try and do as many track days as possible and enjoy how good these cars can be.

My old 182 (Anybody on here?)

mbk-172's 197

After searching through numerous adverts we aimed for a Phase 1 172. We found one that fitted the bill which was advertised on the SXOC. I currently own an S14a where I noticed this 172 had come up for sale. The car was originally owned by Dan@519 automotive. I know several people have different opinions of Dan, but this thread is the future of the car not people's experiences of Dan. Cheers.

A few pics and spec from the original advert:

137k on the clock, but 60k bottom end and reconditioned head with extensive port work fitted roughly 25k ago.
Along with matched inlets and a custom map making around 180bhp (they're about 160 standard)
Cambelt freshly changed a week ago.
Cup alternator setup fitted
Ktr 2.5in exhaust with stealth tailpipe removed and straight pipe welded on.
Vmaxx coilovers with trophy rear shocks
OMP steering wheel
Alpine head unit
Flocked dash
Freshly serviced Inc sparkplugs. Also had new sump gasket.
Vibratechnics engine and gearbox mounts.
POWERFLEX dogbone

It seemed to tick all the boxes. So we headed up to 519 to collect the car. The 2 hour journey on the way back was successful until my mate decided to take it for a spin. Clearly the car didn't like his driving style as the temp gauge went off the scale and the STOP light came on. We eventually limped home and diagnosed the problem to split coolant hose. Welcome back to 172 ownership......

 

[Ph1Rich]

So after a few weeks of ownership and fixing the coolant hose we came across a few other "niggles".

Power steering pump was whining and leaking from the high pressure hose.
Exhaust hangers were shot to pieces which resonated through the car.
Front bumper doesn't fit properly(just a broken clip from what I can tell)
Slight surface rust on rear arches.

We seem to be sponsored my magic tree air fresheners as well. :smile:

So after replacing the pump with a reconditioned one. The modifications started.

The original OZ F1 wheels were in a terrible condition and needed to go. These were replaced with new Speedline 2118's in wrapped in Federal RSR's. 195/50/15.

Also purchased some carbon bullets from Speed Shack:

Looking better already.

 

[MJClio]

Looks good guys!

 

[Ph1Rich]

The current induction kit was looking at bit worse for wear. Well to be honest the whole engine bay needs a full overhaul. After reading Fatty's induction kit thread. We jumped on the band wagon and purchased the relevant parts.

This was followed by a front and rear brake package supplied by G172 on here. Consisted of the following:

front Brembo HC discs
front M1144 pads
rear Renault discs (actually made by Brembo)
rear Brembo or Mintex oe pads
Goodridge braided lines
Ate Supergold 1L
2 x spacers (only the rears have these)
2 x hub nuts

To compliment this. A set of extended wheel nuts were ordered and sent the car off to Fred@BTM as its only half an hour away.

On completion of the brakes and extended wheel nuts the next issue that needed addressing was the exhaust. We opted in the end for a Pure Motorsport system with decat as opposed to a Yozza as they are designed to sit lower. Thus, the cut out in the bumper wouldn't look right.

Next day delivery from PMS:

Along with a new middle hanger a Prima racing exhaust hanger was bought as the old one was shot to pieces.

The exhaust was fitted but with the new hangers brought the exhaust over to the right more than expected. We travelled down to Surrey to collect a new rear bumper and set about cutting it up to suit the new exhaust position.

Turned out better than we expected. Sounds a lot better than the old K-Tec system. Well chuffed!

Rear end finished up with new plates and Phase 2 rear lights.

More updates to follow....