The life of... SharkyUK's Trophy

[Chi]

:lolup: I'm not sure it's the most anticipated car on CS but, like yourself, I can't wait either! There are some lovely ribbons of grey tarmac out there with my name on it...

I hope its everything you want and deserve it to be :race:

 

[SharkyUK]

Cheers mate - very kind of you to say so. Thanks!

 

[Chi]

Cheers mate - very kind of you to say so. Thanks!

If id had your luck Id of chucked the towel in long ago..

 

[Chris205]

3.5 months to build this engine upto spec? Jesus lol you're very patient mate I'd be ripping my hair out by now it seems to be taking ages. I hope it's worth all the hype when you get it back

 

[SharkyUK]

Yep, 3.5 months so far mate. But to be fair, 99% of that time it's been due to waiting on parts and having to return faulty parts. Thankfully I am generally quite a patient person but obviously I can't wait to get it back. I am sure it will come back in a much healthier and stronger state than when it went in; and I have every confidence in Fred/BTM and Paul/RS Tuning. I'm not one for hype but, to me if no-one else, it will be worth it. A nicely tuned NA engine on ITB's that can really be worked and driven for maximum pleasure... just what I'm looking for.

 

[Chris205]

I know mate, its always the case when it's getting quite a bit of work done, waiting for parts and then them arriving being wrong is a right arse pain, however you have the best renault tuner on the case so it should go well

When you hoping to get it mapped?

 

[SharkyUK]

I still haven't got a definite date on mapping yet mate. Fred's kindly offered to either drive it up to Paul for me (if safe to do so) or more likely get it trailered up. As the bits are currently being assembled I'm hoping it won't be too much longer until things are done. When the engine's complete there's just the newly refreshed gearbox (now with added Quaife!) and a few other minor bits, such as aircon delete, rear Whiteline ARB (if available) and whatever else Fred can find to fix or feels like improving! LOL! I'll be back with the updates as soon as I know what's happening; I can assure you of that mate!

 

[Fred@BTM]

3.5 months to build this engine upto spec? Jesus lol you're very patient mate I'd be ripping my hair out by now it seems to be taking ages. I hope it's worth all the hype when you get it back

i can bash it together in 2 days and then bankrupt myself and ruin my reputation when it goes bang or (as Andy was told from the get go) i can do things at my speed with no pressure (ie the annoyance of "is it done yet, is it done yet, why isn't it done???")

there's a week alone in measuring stuff! Some companies advertise a drive in drive out ITB conversion in 1-2days, i take 2-3 weeks because my stuff is done properly, no zip ties - simple

This car has cost Andy a huge sum of money because of 2 other companies promising the world and f**king it right up, 3rd time lucky i hope!

 

[SharkyUK]

​^ Exactly that! For the benefit of anyone reading this and wondering why it's taken so long, please read Fred's comment again!

Once I had decided to go down this route with the Trophy, and started speaking to Fred, one of the first things mentioned was that this would not be rushed and that it would take time; time to be done properly. Knowing just how royally I'd been screwed by a couple of other places I was more than happy for it to take as long as needed. Sure, I miss having the car but it's reassuring that it's being looked after and, for the record, I have no issues whatsoever with how long it's taking (just before people start getting the wrong idea)! I'm sure it will be 3rd time lucky and, whilst I'm in full on brown-nose mode, I will say that I'm chuffed that Fred is prepared to go that extra step to ensure I'm satisfied as a customer; too many places are happy to take the money and run these days.

 

[Chris205]

i can bash it together in 2 days and then bankrupt myself and ruin my reputation when it goes bang or (as Andy was told from the get go) i can do things at my speed with no pressure (ie the annoyance of "is it done yet, is it done yet, why isn't it done???")

there's a week alone in measuring stuff! Some companies advertise a drive in drive out ITB conversion in 1-2days, i take 2-3 weeks because my stuff is done properly, no zip ties - simple

This car has cost Andy a huge sum of money because of 2 other companies promising the world and f**king it right up, 3rd time lucky i hope!

Wasn't a dig Fred just more of a 'holy s**t that must be an epic spec' to take so long to get everything together.

I'll pop by soon mate, fancy some nitrous on the trophy

 

[Chris205]

​^ Exactly that! For the benefit of anyone reading this and wondering why it's taken so long, please read Fred's comment again!

Once I had decided to go down this route with the Trophy, and started speaking to Fred, one of the first things mentioned was that this would not be rushed and that it would take time; time to be done properly. Knowing just how royally I'd been screwed by a couple of other places I was more than happy for it to take as long as needed. Sure, I miss having the car but it's reassuring that it's being looked after and, for the record, I have no issues whatsoever with how long it's taking (just before people start getting the wrong idea)! I'm sure it will be 3rd time lucky and, whilst I'm in full on brown-nose mode, I will say that I'm chuffed that Fred is prepared to go that extra step to ensure I'm satisfied as a customer; too many places are happy to take the money and run these days.

I'd love to have a LSD in mine tbh, or atleast drive one to see how much of an improvement it will make. It would've been good if it was the only thing you were getting fitted then you could give it a true review I.e 230 bhp n/a clio without LSD vs 230 bhp N/a clio with LSD what tyres are you planning on using?

 

[SharkyUK]

If you're ever in the South Wales area then give me a shout and you can try the LSD out for yourself! It's quite a way from Durham though...

As far as tyres go I'll be sticking to Michelin Pilot Sport 3's for everyday road use. I'm a massive fan of them to be fair and find that they perform really well in all manner of conditions. For trackdays I am planning on buying a set or two of Federal RSR's as I have been impressed by what I've seen of them. They appear to cope well enough with my mate's 440bhp twin-turbo 350Z so I might as well give them a go!

 

[JON13S]

For trackdays I am planning on buying a set or two of Federal RSR's as I have been impressed by what I've seen of them. They appear to cope well enough with my mate's 440bhp twin-turbo 350Z so I might as well give them a go!

he told me he wasn't your mate! ;-) but in all honesty I'm glad this is starting to go your way Andy. Although you are the reason "the boss" won't let me turbo charge the cup!

I love Fred's old skool integrity when it comes to getting it right, just the way it should be.

 

[Tony Hunter]

But will it ready for Llandow?

 

[Chi]

I know nothing about engines, I guess it depends how everything goes together..
Better to do it right the 1st time than do it again.

 

[JaredHasNoBrain]

Ah yes, of course. Did you notice the 20bhp increase once you'd fitted it?! LOL!

Well it went from running on 2 cylinders to 4 so was more than 20bhp lol

 

[SharkyUK]

he told me he wasn't your mate! ;-) but in all honesty I'm glad this is starting to go your way Andy. Although you are the reason "the boss" won't let me turbo charge the cup!

I love Fred's old skool integrity when it comes to getting it right, just the way it should be.

Cheers JC. I'm looking forward to getting the T out with you and your Cup, and hopefully get Steve and Marc out as well. As for "the boss"... Well, I'm happy to have a word and explain the finer points of fast Clio ownership. I'm sure she'll understand. I mean, what could possibly go wrong?! Give it time mate. She'll crack. But please don't bring my name up during any conversations about it. I value the friendship. Especially seeing as my mate in the 350Z is not actually my mate.

But will it ready for Llandow?

I'm sure it will be ready in time for Llandow, Tony! If not I'll still come along anyway. If the worst comes to the worst I'll bring the good lady's Type-R and spank that around the track. She'll be at work and consequently not needing it.

I know nothing about engines, I guess it depends how everything goes together..
Better to do it right the 1st time than do it again.

Ditto mate. Aside from the basics I'm more than happy to let the reputable experts do their stuff, and then enjoy the results.

Well it went from running on 2 cylinders to 4 so was more than 20bhp lol

How about that for a result, eh? Joking aside I'm just glad it's working mate.

 

[Chris205]

Any updates?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Would be good to see it out at Llandow, I should think it will be pretty much the perfect spec for round there as there is only a tiny bit of the two straights I can even attempt to lay down more power than you will have anyway, and the rest of the track you will have way more power available than you need.

 

[SharkyUK]

Any updates?

It's coming together, mate. We (Fred and I) will be chatting very shortly as we need to discuss some of the lesser (but equally as important) parts of the build, such as radiator options and so forth.

Would be good to see it out at Llandow, I should think it will be pretty much the perfect spec for round there as there is only a tiny bit of the two straights I can even attempt to lay down more power than you will have anyway, and the rest of the track you will have way more power available than you need.

Yes, it should be well-suited to Llandow mate (although you assume I'm a more capable trackday driver than I probably am!) I'll be sticking a set of Federal RSR's on it and hopefully they should suit it well for a trackday or two here and there. I don't fancy going through sets of Michelin PS3's like I have done in the past (get's a little bit pricey!) If the T is ready then it will be making an outing for sure. If not, I'll still come along anyway (even if not on track). I really enjoy these days as much for the crack as for the track.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Im sure you will be fine mate, N/A cars are pretty easy to drive anyway

Anyway, its only some fun not a contest.

The diff will REALLY help at llandow, probably more than any other circuit in the uk IMHO

 

[Fred@BTM]

Oulton Park is the test bed, none of this Llandud stuff

 

[Tony Hunter]

Oulton Park is the test bed, none of this Llandud stuff

​Get on with some work.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Oulton Park is the test bed, none of this Llandud stuff

Its nice to have a car that works at all tracks not just one TBH

If Sharky is doing oulton I will try and get out the same day so I can enjoy him lapping me like you are convinced he is going to do.

Ive never done oulton, so should be nice and fair if he hasnt either

 

[SharkyUK]

Im sure you will be fine mate, N/A cars are pretty easy to drive anyway

Anyway, its only some fun not a contest.

The diff will REALLY help at llandow, probably more than any other circuit in the uk IMHO

I'm not too concerned to be honest fella, as long as I can enjoy myself and have a bit of fun! I either get out of the way of a quicker car or overtake a slower one. Simples! LOL!

Oulton Park is the test bed, none of this Llandud stuff

Llandud is great! And it's cheap and local. Sadly Oulton is a bit of a trek but hopefully I'll be enjoying a few more circuits (oulton included) once Iv'e got things how I want them with the Trophy. Annoyingly Oulton used to be my local before I moved to Wales...

Its nice to have a car that works at all tracks not just one TBH

If Sharky is doing oulton I will try and get out the same day so I can enjoy him lapping me like you are convinced he is going to do.

Ive never done oulton, so should be nice and fair if he hasnt either

Blimey - I hope the Trophy works well on other tracks as well as Llandow! Although I did ask Fred for the Llandud-Super-Spec-2000 so...

No - I've never driven Oulton. I've only been a spectator at various events and had a few passenger laps around it.

Whilst on the subject of circuits, I wouldn't mind taking a drive down to the Algarve and having a go around Portimao. Just thought I'd share.

 

[Chip-mk1]

I'm not too concerned to be honest fella, as long as I can enjoy myself and have a bit of fun! I either get out of the way of a quicker car or overtake a slower one. Simples! LOL!

Exactly mate, I have a blast in our RS2 car despite getting overtaken occasionally, dont have to be the fastest to have fun

Blimey - I hope the Trophy works well on other tracks as well as Llandow! Although I did ask Fred for the Llandud-Super-Spec-2000 so...

Was teasing Fred, as he seems determined that me and you are only allowed on track together if its at Oulton, he didnt like it when I suggest combe, and he doesnt like that I suggest llandow and IIRC he said similar about bedford, so was just a bit of banter that he seems to think oulton is the only place your car can perform, lol

Whilst on the subject of circuits, I wouldn't mind taking a drive down to the Algarve and having a go around Portimao. Just thought I'd share.

cool, only foreign tracks ive done are the usual ones of spa/ring, but I'd like to do others as well, love new (to me) tracks!

 

[Keith185]

Any updates? Pics?

 

[Fred@BTM]

a pic of a Trophy covered in dust, a 3/4 built engine and a gearbox in my workshop toilet isn't that interesting

 

[JON13S]

Any pics of Fred? Andy collects them for his shrine!

 

[SharkyUK]

Any updates? Pics?

Nothing much to report at the moment, Keith. Fred has pretty much summed it up well with his comment! LOL! It's coming together though; and all is good As I'm too scared to ask for pics, etc. updates will be provided as and when possible! LOL! Joking aside, he's a busy guy so I'm happier leaving him to do his stuff and not be interrupting him every 5 minutes. As soon as there's something to report I'll be putting up here. Of course I'll be giving the a full before/after comparison and a review as well. After I've had a chance to enjoy an enthusiastic drive or two in it of course...

a pic of a Trophy covered in dust, a 3/4 built engine and a gearbox in my workshop toilet isn't that interesting

Gearbox taking pride of place in the throne room! Now that's a result...

Any pics of Fred? Andy collects them for his shrine!

If only you knew how close to the truth you actually are... :rofl:

 

[Chi]

If you guys get to Oulton (my local) ill be sure to get along to see these monster clios..

 

[Meek_racing]

Likewise, I'll join you at Oulton as my car should be done around the same time as yours

 

[Chi]

Likewise, I'll join you at Oulton as my car should be done around the same time as yours

I only ment to watch

 

[Chi]

Likewise, I'll join you at Oulton as my car should be done around the same time as yours

I only ment to watch, doubt they could beat my white lightning

 

[SharkyUK]

LOL! Looks like we need to organise a CS trackday at Oulton.

 

[Fred@BTM]

A nice box arrived from Quaife earlier

 

[Tony Hunter]

LOL! Looks like we need to organise a CS trackday at Oulton.

​I'd like that.

 

[SharkyUK]

A nice box arrived from Quaife earlier

Don't tell me! Don't tell me... Is it a gearbox and diff for your V6?!?!?!
(Thanks for letting me know - glad it's arrived safely!)

​I'd like that.

Yeah, I reckon it would make for a good day out to be honest. ClioSport Saturday at Oulton Park?!??!?!?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Im up for a get together at any track really.

Love driving on track, love a bit of socialising with other forum members, so well up for it pretty much irrelevant of where

 

[Meek_racing]

A nice box arrived from Quaife earlier

Anything from Jenvey?...