So I want to buy a 172 cup... what do i need to know?

[elliot90]

Always loved clios, always wanted a sport.
Spent the last 2 years driving mk2 golfs so i don't worry about things like ABS, airbags or electrical gremlins so my mate Jon said why not consider a cup or a trophy?
I'd love a trophy 2 of my mates have them they're stunning motors... but i can't justify the pricetag and I can't stand the twin-pipes on the 182's (sorry if I upset any die-hards)
So once my current GTI goes onto it's next owner I'll begin saving for a cup.


What do I need to look out for and what should I be prepared to fix when I buy one? I'm under no illusions of "1 careful owner" or "well looked after" these cars were built to have the living f*&k thrashed out of them. Apologies if this type of post has been made before but I figured this was the place for some good honest owners.

 

[Chris205]

The engines are very sensitive to how they're timed up, most garages you use will probably not have the propper renault tools so try get a car that has been done by a specialist, good specialists are on here for example; Fred@BTM, Birchdown, Mick@Diamond motors or K-tec Racing.

if the timing is out 9/10 cars seem to be down on power by around 10bhp.

Apart from the timing just make sure it pulls cleanly through the full rev range, check the exhaust for signs of corrosion as they're all getting on a bit now and seem to go between the centre box and backbox, the join over the rear axle is under a lot of strain so thats the first place to check

 

[elliot90]

Must be honest I prefer the stock colour cup wheels, how much you looking for?

 

[Adam G]

Check for the dreaded dephaser pulley. When warmed up, if it sounds a bit like a diesel it needs replacing soon.

 

[elliot90]

So Renault specialist history, dephaser and exhausts? Any other Achilles heels I should know about?

 

[The Chubby Pirate]

So long as the engines are maintained, they will last. The F4R is a strong unit!

Leaky dampers are an issue after a while, so check they arent covered in oil! All electrics should work as normal, panel alignment is worth noting aswell, its not great to begin with but its a sign of crash damage. Obviously a check will clarify this!

 

[elliot90]

Cheers for the advice folks! Will bare it all in mind once I've saved up and begin looking for one!

 

[Dean0o0o.]

as above, but make sure the gearbox is sound. No stiff gears or crunches.

The engines are pretty much bomb proof if maintained correctly.