Valver Queries...

[Sym0n]

Hiya,
I'm looking to buy a Mk1 Clio Valver next year sometime, currently drive a Mk4 Astra. I've driven a Clio RT that my girlfriend used to have and loved it but need something with a bit more poke and love the valvers lines.

I've done a search to try and find out some more information but I'm struggling

Basically I want to know what I should be looking out for when I finally get around to going to view/test drive some next year. Common faults. Areas that may need attention...basically ways to spot if it's dodgy or near death. I've read something about the clutch needing replacing. Are the boxes on them weak?

Also did all Valvers come with leather or was this an option?

Oh and whats the difference between the phase 1 and 2?

Thanks for any help and sorry for the n00b questions lol.

Sy

 

[White16valver]

Can't do you a decent reply as I'm at work but I hope you have deep pockets... lol

 

[ViolentJ]

some info here:

http://www.cliosport.net/index.php?pid=10

Leather was an option.
The thing to look for is rusting rear arches.
The clutch can be a big expensive job so make sure you know when it was swapped... if it hasn't been then allow a £200 - £500 for having it replaced.
Check for leaks from the sunroof seal and aerial seal.
Nothing else to really look out for - just check the usual - exhaust, shocks, all the equipment works etc etc.

 

[Scott]

^ , ive spent a total of £150 since may on mine.
look out for rust on rear arches, not much different between phase 1 and 2 really, different interiors (seat patterns), different wheels, rear lights and doorstrips etc.
leather was an option, not standard.
don't be too worried if the clutch is heavy they all are. crunching into gears isn't good though.

 

[ViolentJ]

we really should have a FAQ for valvers... maybe someone would like to knock a comprehensive one up?

 

[Sym0n]

lol well after spending over £1500 in 4 months to get my Astra running on 4 properly I'm all to used to wasting money on cars

But thanks for the replies people I shall keep those things in mind when I come to look. I've seen a few clean examples on here up for sale recently but with Christmas coming up theres no way I can buy anything yet.

_simon_ that would be a great idea because either I can't search properly or there isn't a great amount of info regarding them on here?

Ta

Sy

 

[ViolentJ]

the search should bring up loads, valver questions have been covered numerous times in the past. A proper guide would help though. Hang around and people will soon fill this thread you for you with advice.

 

[Andyvalver]

If you like a proper drivers car you will love a valver or williams imo. Quicker than its rivals and quicker than quite a few modern hatches. They cost alot to maintain though tbh. Its not parts that cost alot its the labour, so if you good with a spanner then your ok. Buy a minter because if you dont, the rusty arches will be the least of you problems lol.

Ive had mine 2 1/2 years now and its cost me quite a bit but tbh i wouldnt change it for anything other than a williams, and even that has exactly the same problems.

Get one mate

 

[Tom_16v]

Like any car, buy a decent well looked after example and you won't have many problems.

I've spent less than a ton on mine to fix problems in over three years!

 

[Sym0n]

I did consider a Williams but I think the cost for one has put me off. As well as the fact that putting/doing anything other then standard on one would drop the price when I came to sell it. And well theres only about 13 bhp difference between the two so with a few small engine mods I could most probably get a valver running the same if not more.

It is the only car I have even considered to replace my Astra so as long as I can find a clean one next year I'm already sold lol.

Ta

Sy

 

[Tom_16v]

It's not as easy as you think to get the same speed/power/torque from the valver engine than the willy one!

Valver's are fairly cheap to buy now and insurance will always be cheaper....

 

[Andyvalver]

I did consider a Williams but I think the cost for one has put me off. As well as the fact that putting/doing anything other then standard on one would drop the price when I came to sell it. And well theres only about 13 bhp difference between the two so with a few small engine mods I could most probably get a valver running the same if not more.

It is the only car I have even considered to replace my Astra so as long as I can find a clean one next year I'm already sold lol.

Ta

Sy

There's more to the williams than just 13bhp mate. There's alot more torque low down and from 3rd gear onwards a valver will be a dot in the mirror. I used to think like you till i went in one

 

[Jamie]

valvers/williams have a bad name IMO. ive had mine (williams3) nearly a year and nothing much has gone wrong with it tbf, okay so theres a bit of rust but thats to be expected. i know tom has had his a few years and nothing has majorly gone wrong with his, he had idle problems but again nothing major. i think too many ppl hammer shite outa their cars and dont look after them proper tbh, and thats why some have problems

 

[Tom_16v]

I think Jamie's right.....

There aren't any more/less reliable than most similar spec/aged cars.

Good ones will tend to be reliable and bad ones will be money pits!

 

[cat171]

we really should have a FAQ for valvers... maybe someone would like to knock a comprehensive one up?

I think your right, maybe some one has old write up from Ben H ? or maybe some one else could do a write up on them. I know loads but some on here know more than me.
Could we have it as a sticky, or an faq bit ? as a lot of new folks are asking about valvers

 

[Andyvalver]

Dont get me wrong guys, The engines are superb imo, mines on 147k at the moment and no real signs of giving up. If you drive them hard like your supposed to then things like tho box will give up and bushes and mounts will need replaceing. Only probs i ever hear about valvers is dodgy idle problems which i have also had. Great cars imo.