When 1 Clio just isn't enough....

[tomhunt85]

Well where do I start? I've been a member on here ages but been quiet for the last few years with not having a Renaultsport model for a while. I'd been over to the Ford side with a 300bhp+ Focus ST which I had nearly 4 years and absolutely loved. As I'm buying my house again (long, complicated and boring story), I needed to release some funds so sold the ST.

So for the past 6 months I've had to put up with the wife's POS Peugeot 107 and I put our Saxo VTR track car back on the road (for sale currently if anyone's interested). The wife has been complaining about the 107 for ages and wanted a change. She always liked my old 172 but was a really big fan of my brother's old RB FF 182 with factory Recaros. I got in touch with the guy that we sold it to but he'd sold it a few weeks before and the new owner leemckew was happy with it and didn't want to part with it, don't really blame him, it's looking very nice.

Just after this set back I was offered a very nice RB 182 Cup from Dave H via PM. It's low miles (54k), nice condition but has been stood for 6 months. It had no tax or MOT and a few things that needed doing, the bits I knew about were the belts and a service due in October ’14, washer pump playing up and it needed a battery. Dave’s had it from about a year old and it was like trying to take his child away from him, he's obviously looked after it. It’s been looked after and already has the following mods:

RS Tuner Map
Eibach Sportlines
Janspeed Supersport
FF Front Seats
Snappy Wheel (best bit of the car almost)

Here's how it was while Dave had it:

I'd sold her car already and after a bit of negotiation it only cost me £400 to go from one car to the other. Fair price for all and before I knew it, it was ours. The car went straight to the MOT station (mainly to stay legal driving it back to Bolton without tax and MOT) and needed the following to get through:

Washer pump - £25 fitted
Steering rack gaiter - £25 fitted
MOT - £40
Battery - £50

Not too bad to be fair.

It's had a few niggles since, it's shed it's cat to centre section bolts twice in two weeks which is a little strange, the exhaust tips need a bit of a tweak to get them protruding beyond the bumper to the same level and the oil warning light came on once despite the level being perfect. Think it may need a new pressure switch. There's not too many plans with this car other than improving on its already good condition. The stripes need re-doing as they're peeling a little, I'd take them off but the wife likes them, so I've got a pal who does tints and vinyl wraps sorting that (These guys if it's of interest: https://www.facebook.com/WrapsAndTints). It could do with an alloy refurbing and I'm going to try to pick a FF rear bench up. Beyond that it'll get a K&N filter in the standard airbox, a good paint correction and all's good for now.

This is my 3 year old jacking it up for me to fix the exhaust again, might as well start em young:

The issue with how nice the car is though is that it's too nice to take on track and I got a touch of envy with having got bored with the Saxo. It needs some work doing to the Saxo, nothing major, but lost interest and I'd already put the turbo conversion I was planning to do to it up for sale. It's got too easy to drive on track and I'd started using the Focus before I got rid. A couple of beers and a session on eBay late one night last week then turned in to a cheeky bid on a new car.

To be continued.......

 

[Chi]

Looks good mate

 

[tomhunt85]

So, onto Clio #2.

I saw this car on eBay last week and it was around the budget I wanted to spend. It's got a lot of miles, nearly 122k, but it has stacks of history. I figured it was worth a punt and put a £1,150 max bid in. I won it at a little less than this.

I set my expectations that it was probably a bit rough and if I threw it away in a year or two it would have served a purpose and I'd have had fun getting a few track days out of it. I was wrong. It's much nicer than I expected. The paintwork has had plenty of attention and it's really nice. A previous owner worked in a bodyshop so the Renault Diamonds, mirrors, rear washer surround, rear bumper insert and bullets are all a lighter anthracite. The interior has been converted to blue back-lighting which looks nice but the steering wheel is missing a grip. It's also got a worn driver's seat and some damage to the dash where a phone holder has been mounted. Not the end of the world though.

The owner knew Fred from BTM through a friend, I'm led to believe, and it's just had new brakes, it certainly stops well. Struggling to justify changing them already for some 4 pots I've been offered. The biggest surprise though is the engine, it pulls like a train. Fred mentioned when he shared it on Facebook that it was a quick one and he wasn't wrong. It does not feel like it's done the mileage it has and it's noticeably quicker than the mapped, lighter, 182 Cup. Can't figure why but even the wife noticed the difference.

This won't stay as civil/standard as the 182 but it's having to be done on a budget. With two cambelts due this year, two holidays and a house purchase I best be careful or risk divorce. The main faults are a very slightly leaking front shock and a split in the resonator box that I only found while giving a good once over at home. The exhaust is a customer job but joins seem to be a similar position to standard. Really torn on what to do with this as I'd like to swap the whole thing for a recessed (as the bumper has been cut slightly for this pea shooter) but it's not a priority, may have to just weld it up.

Main to do list is:

K&N panel filter
Rear ARB (might have one sorted)
Cheap second hand, or new budget, (probably Vmaxx) coilovers
New steering wheel
New driver's seat
Refurb the headlights
RR comparison between the cars
and finally book some track days down at Oulton!

I have put a wanted thread up for the coilovers but if anyone can help with the to do list please let me know.

Thanks for reading.

 

[tomhunt85]

Looks good mate

Thanks pal, give me a shout once you've looked over the coilovers.

 

[NorthloopCup]

So, onto Clio #2.

I saw this car on eBay last week and it was around the budget I wanted to spend. It's got a lot of miles, nearly 122k, but it has stacks of history. I figured it was worth a punt and put a £1,150 max bid in. I won it at a little less than this.

I set my expectations that it was probably a bit rough and if I threw it away in a year or two it would have served a purpose and I'd have had fun getting a few track days out of it. I was wrong. It's much nicer than I expected. The paintwork has had plenty of attention and it's really nice. A previous owner worked in a bodyshop so the Renault Diamonds, mirrors, rear washer surround, rear bumper insert and bullets are all a lighter anthracite. The interior has been converted to blue back-lighting which looks nice but the steering wheel is missing a grip. It's also got a worn driver's seat and some damage to the dash where a phone holder has been mounted. Not the end of the world though.

The owner knew Fred from BTM through a friend, I'm led to believe, and it's just had new brakes, it certainly stops well. Struggling to justify changing them already for some 4 pots I've been offered. The biggest surprise though is the engine, it pulls like a train. Fred mentioned when he shared it on Facebook that it was a quick one and he wasn't wrong. It does not feel like it's done the mileage it has and it's noticeably quicker than the mapped, lighter, 182 Cup. Can't figure why but even the wife noticed the difference.

This won't stay as civil/standard as the 182 but it's having to be done on a budget. With two cambelts due this year, two holidays and a house purchase I best be careful or risk divorce. The main faults are a very slightly leaking front shock and a split in the resonator box that I only found while giving a good once over at home. The exhaust is a customer job but joins seem to be a similar position to standard. Really torn on what to do with this as I'd like to swap the whole thing for a recessed (as the bumper has been cut slightly for this pea shooter) but it's not a priority, may have to just weld it up.

Main to do list is:

K&N panel filter
Rear ARB (might have one sorted)
Cheap second hand, or new budget, (probably Vmaxx) coilovers
New steering wheel
New driver's seat
Refurb the headlights
RR comparison between the cars
and finally book some track days down at Oulton!

I have put a wanted thread up for the coilovers but if anyone can help with the to do list please let me know.

Thanks for reading.

^^^^Did you buy this off a guy called Stephen?!? Lichfield?

 

[tomhunt85]

I certainly did.​Picked it up on Wednesday.

 

[NorthloopCup]

I certainly did.​Picked it up on Wednesday.

Lol! Thought I recognised the car/reg! It's my fault he bought a 172! Took him for a blast out in one of my cups and he was hooked

 

[tomhunt85]

It's a bloody quick one, I struggle to believe it's standard, this is the fifth we've had in the family and it's a strong engine. They must like miles. He seemed a top guy.

 

[NorthloopCup]

It's a bloody quick one, I struggle to believe it's standard, this is the fifth we've had in the family and it's a strong engine. They must like miles. He seemed a top guy.

Yeah it's standard as well other than the exhaust. They're like a fine wine, get better with age! Lol! Yeah Stephens a nice honest genuine bloke mate. He's maintained it regardless of cost as well.

 

[tomhunt85]

Yeah it would appear so, all the owners have kept the history together so there's a massive file. It's due belts any time now unfortunately, but beyond that doesn't need a lot considering it's north of 120k miles.

It's strange going back to an Iceberg 172 after I sold mine 6 or so years ago. Never took the last one on track though so I had to have another at some point. The 205 1.6 GTi and Saxo VTR were great fun to learn in but underpowered and my Focus was too quick for standard brakes and needed slightly sharper handling for Oulton (Clios kept doing me in the twisties). However the Focus was good for Donington. Now I've got a nice compromise with this.

 

[tomhunt85]

So the old Saxo has gone along with the track wheels and tyres. This means I've recouped a large part of what the 172 cost me. The plus side to this being I'm edging closer to a set of coilovers for the 172. Just need a few other bits to sell as well.

My main issue though it what to do with the exhaust as there's a nasty split along the centre box. My options are:

1. Have the centre box welded up if possible. Cheap option but not 100% on the tip anyway.
2. If the above won't work just remove the centre box. It might make it too loud if I decide to lose the cat as well though.
3. Scale back the coilover budget and go for a K-Tec recessed system (as my bumper has been slightly cut already can't go for something hidden).

Also looking to swap the 182 exhaust for something quieter at the wife's request (all while I want louder lol).

 

[Smiffyboy1990]

Lovely Clio's, nice to see a RB with the Gordini Stripes let alone one in the same town lol, was presently surprised seeing it!, always look at it when I drive past

 

[tomhunt85]

Lovely Clio's, nice to see a RB with the Gordini Stripes let alone one in the same town lol, was presently surprised seeing it!, always look at it when I drive past

Well the stripes really need replacing, they're peeling on the bonnet and spoiler. You live in Horwich?

 

[Smiffyboy1990]

Well the stripes really need replacing, they're peeling on the bonnet and spoiler. You live in Horwich?

You going to replace and keep the stripes ? I'am mate live near Green Lane, drive a Blue Astra VXR, up until last summer there was my old Icberg 172, and my mates LY and Arctic Blue 182's knocking around Horwich and the lovely roads of Rivington, how times change. Miss the Clio!

 

[tomhunt85]

Yeah you live on Ormston don't you? Remember seeing the Iceberg and that you'd replaced it with the Astra. My parents live on the Redrow estate at the top of Green Lane. Had to have another Iceberg after I regretted selling my first about 6/7 years ago. Seen the LY but not recently (very nice car but didn't like the wheels it ended up on), it was always parked up near the RMI. Same with the Arctic, not seen it for a little while, he always used to drive past my house.

I like it with and without the stripes, preference is without though. The wife prefers it with so they'll get replaced in a couple of months.

 

[tomhunt85]

Seem to have a thing about silver cars, the last 172 and my ST....

 

[Smiffyboy1990]

Yeah you live on Ormston don't you? Remember seeing the Iceberg and that you'd replaced it with the Astra. My parents live on the Redrow estate at the top of Green Lane. Had to have another Iceberg after I regretted selling my first about 6/7 years ago. Seen the LY but not recently (very nice car but didn't like the wheels it ended up on), it was always parked up near the RMI. Same with the Arctic, not seen it for a little while, he always used to drive past my house.

I like it with and without the stripes, preference is without though. The wife prefers it with so they'll get replaced in a couple of months.

I do mate, it's a small world ain't it!. Yeah he sold the LY 182 and bought a Toyota Corrola T-Sport, and the guy with the other 182, he swapped it for a Toyota Glanza V.

Remember that ST, used to see it all the time, very smart and subtle

 

[tomhunt85]

Figures as the Glanza comes past a lot nowadays. Shame the LY got sold, really liked that car.

The ST was awesome in a straight line, just struggled on track after 4-5 laps. It was too quick for the brakes and I didn't have a spare £1,200 for 8 pots. Ended up selling it to fund some work on the new house and got back in something that wouldn't cost me fortunes on track.

What spec's the VXR?

 

[Smiffyboy1990]

Figures as the Glanza comes past a lot nowadays. Shame the LY got sold, really liked that car.

The ST was awesome in a straight line, just struggled on track after 4-5 laps. It was too quick for the brakes and I didn't have a spare £1,200 for 8 pots. Ended up selling it to fund some work on the new house and got back in something that wouldn't cost me fortunes on track.

What spec's the VXR?

Same, i hoping to get some money together and buy it off him but never got around to it. was a minter too. Sold it to a guy called Chris Savage i think his name was, running around 300brake now, Turbo'd it.

I know that feeling regarding the brakes, on the VXR after a good fast road drive, they fade really quickly, and that's running EBC Disks and Yellow Stuff Pads. Just to heavy and carry to much speed for the standard braking system to cope.

The Clio's can stop on a almost instantly. Best brakes I've come across.

VXR's pretty much standard, just running a 2.5" Precat Decat pipe and Sport's Cat. Goes well enough and pop's and bangs on upshifts and downshifts for fun.

 

[tomhunt85]

Yeah the lack of weight in the Clio is evident. Last time out at Oulton I just couldn't shake off a couple of 200's. Walked away in a straight line but had to brake much earlier and they carried a little more speed in the corners.

 

[tomhunt85]

Well after a spirited drive a couple of nights ago the exhaust centre box has pretty much bitten the dust, it's opened up a bit and sounds terrible. Tomorrow will be finding somewhere local that can crack some welding gear out and replace the box or put a straight pipe in.

I also ordered a green cotton filter to have a go at a custom filter setup as I hadn't found a reasonably priced K-Tec style one. Typically within 30 minutes of ordering it I found one, now have two filters on the way. Might have to look at the custom setup on the wife's car using the standard lower Ph2 airbox, modified lid and enlarged hoses. Probably not onto anything knowing these engines but like something to do.

Also due a full alignment check, had a hairy moment in the car last night and lost the back end at not quick, but brisk, speeds (below the speed limit I must add). It resulted in me going backwards down the road and needing a new pair of trousers. If I was alert I'd have caught it but was talking to my son. No damage but found the tyre pressures were pretty high at the back, over 35psi, so figure I best not leave simple things like this unchecked. Tyres now down at 30psi.

 

[tomhunt85]

Well over the last couple of days I've managed to get a few bits sorted out on the 172. First up was the exhaust, it was sounding dreadful to put it bluntly. I went across to a reasonably well know Ford specialist who did some custom work on it. They'll likely be doing the belts as well, the owner's had a 172 himself and has done a few of them (they're more known for putting Focus RS running gear into Transit Connects though lol).

Although I was contemplating ditching the mid-box entirely I went with another one. Glad I did as it's loud enough anyway it turns out. Wasn't just the mid-box though, the exhaust had 4 leaks overall! The cat had a small crack that was welded up with it not being too bad, the join to the mid-box was gone, as well as the box itself, and the rear clamp was well past its best.

I also got round to fitting the home-brew "K-Tec style" induction kit. Bloody hell it sounds good, it's pretty loud on full chat, beyond 5k and doesn't sound a million miles away from like it's on bodies (shame it isn't).

Other than the belts needing doing on both cars, my next job is to look at the suspension on the 172 (thankfully the 182's recently had new dampers all round). I think I've decided to go with the following setup:

New 172 Cup dampers
Eibach or Cooksport springs
Whiteline ARB (probably at a slightly later date)

The other thing to consider is that my suspension is creaking when the steering is turned. Hopefully that'll be cured with tightening up the steering rack bushes but if not I might look to change them and the top mounts while I'm at it. Is it worth the extra to go with solid top mounts or with what I'm going for am I better off standard?

 

[tomhunt85]

Well although I said the suspension was next I found a couple of bits in the classifieds. I needed a new steering wheel as mine's far from great and, although a standard 197 wheel would be great, a 200 Gordini wheel came up not far away. Not knowing whether the wife would want it on her Gordini 182 I decided I'd take it. Either way I'm sure it'll look good in either (helped on mine by the blue LED conversion a previous owner did to the dash). Was pretty filthy though, one of the good parts of having kids is an endless supply of baby wipes that brought it up well.

Also purchased a set of 197/200/etc Brembos in silver (nice and subtle ). Need to sell a few remaining parts of my Saxo to free some cash up for the brackets, some pads and brake lines but they'll be on shortly. Decided to stick with a 280mm setup so that I have the option to use 15" wheels if I wanted and can retain my pretty new discs. Will likely give me more choice of disc as well come time to change them.

The bleed nipples were in a dire state on one wheel as they look to have been fitted without dust covers but managed to get them loose with plenty of WD40 and the two spanner tick for some leverage. Going to get some new bleed nipples, pins and shims while I'm at it.

Any advice on fitting either welcome, especially the steering wheel, as nobody appears to know the washer size I'd need to fit it. I WILL do a guide on this as I'm surprised nobody else has on here.

 

[plees]

Im from Chorley so not too far from yourself, Just wondering where your planning to get it aligned and set up etc.

Track car on a budget will always get out of hand though

 

[tomhunt85]

Im from Chorley so not too far from yourself, Just wondering where your planning to get it aligned and set up etc.

Track car on a budget will always get out of hand though

My Focus ST did, £850 on a clutch, £350 for a new map, £350 induction kit, £1,200 for 8 pots (drew the line at these), the list was endless. Not chasing power on the Clio like I did with that. As I'm staying with standard dampers and going for lowering springs there's less to set up so I'll probably go down to Chorley St Garage in Bolton for alignment. They'll be doing the belts as well.

What've you got?

 

[plees]

Got a fairly standard ph1 172, suspension refresh in the next couple of weeks with some cooksport springs to fit. Mines due the belts too sadly.

 

[tomhunt85]

Got a fairly standard ph1 172, suspension refresh in the next couple of weeks with some cooksport springs to fit. Mines due the belts too sadly.

Have you spoke to anyone local about the belts? Birchdown gave me a quote and RS Tuning didn't even bother calling me back. Going to use Chorley Street on mine as a test, I'll get the 182 done after that. I know he's had a 172 himself and has done a few so should be fine.

 

[plees]

Had a quote from birchdown a while ago but I could do with calling them again and double checking. Il send you a pm when I do! Sc auto electrics also do the belts on these. Maybe worth a call there as they're next door to Chorley st garage

Paul

 

[tomhunt85]

Yeah they certainly like their Renaults, they had 2 LY 197's in the other day plus a black one and a 133. I would have nipped in but Geoff at Chrley St has always been good and used him to do a few bits on my Focus over the years. His price is pretty good as well.

 

[tomhunt85]

plees - Your mailbox is full, didn't get a price on alignment yet.

 

[tomhunt85]

Well I have a friend breaking his PH1 track car in Sunflower. I look to have got an RS Tuner from him (can't decide whether to go pops and bangs or 98 RON) and also the Whiteline rear ARB I fancied. Been an expensive but productive weekend!

 

[joshsta]

Both look mint mate! French fever I've just picked up my 2nd Clio too haha !

 

[tomhunt85]

Both look mint mate! French fever I've just picked up my 2nd Clio too haha !

Thanks, they'll be looking nicer over the next few months. Good old paint correction and sorting the stripes on the 182 to make it mint, and some subtle mods to make the 172 look a little meaner :evil:.

Why not have two anyway, twice the fun and twice the problems .

 

[Smiffyboy1990]

Good update's mate

Make's me want a Cliosport again, keep looking at PH1's and 172 Cup's, just can't get them out of my system! my cousin with the LCR can vouch for your 172, went for a 'blast' with you and your brother to Chorley last week and said that 172 was stupidly quick!

That's what I miss about the Clio, I used to hang of the back of the Turbo'd hatches when we all went for spirited drive's, so much fun!

 

[tomhunt85]

Good update's mate

Make's me want a Cliosport again, keep looking at PH1's and 172 Cup's, just can't get them out of my system! my cousin with the LCR can vouch for your 172, went for a 'blast' with you and your brother to Chorley last week and said that 172 was stupidly quick!

That's what I miss about the Clio, I used to hang of the back of the Turbo'd hatches when we all went for spirited drive's, so much fun!

Yeah we were having a chat with him for a bit, it's a nice LCR. The 172 surprised me, my brother's ST is somewhere around 270-280bhp and it only started gaining ground in 4th gear. I'd been missing my Focus ST until I bought this. Just need to get some of the upgrades fitted, holidays paid for and then book some track days.

 

[Smiffyboy1990]

Yeah we were having a chat with him for a bit, it's a nice LCR. The 172 surprised me, my brother's ST is somewhere around 270-280bhp and it only started gaining ground in 4th gear. I'd been missing my Focus ST until I bought this. Just need to get some of the upgrades fitted, holidays paid for and then book some track days.

I was gutted that went home instead of going for a drive and joining along in the fun, yeah it's a good example, has all the right upgrade's on it to make it a hoot on B-Road's and capable on track. That's one of his intention's at least.

Just show's how quick in the real world these little Clio's are

 

[tomhunt85]

Old wheel against new wheel:

 

[tomhunt85]

Fitting the 200 steering wheel was a bigger ball ache than it should have been and included more swearing than it should. The old wheel wasn't too bad to remove and the new one fitted ok. I meant to do a guide on this but was at my parent's house doing it and my phone battery went dead so no pictures. I'll give a run down below, it may not be how a "professional" would do it but this is just meant to be a guide, don't do it if you're not competent. The main points are:

1) Disconnect the battery!
2) Only a recommendation this one but I'd jack the car up to lift the front wheels off the ground. Makes checking that it moves freely easier as you don't need to drive it.
3) Turn the steering wheel through 90 degrees to allow you access to the clips that hold the air-bag in place. A flat screwdriver should prise the clips open easily enough.
4) Pull the airbag off, it'll need a yank, but be careful not to damage the wires by pulling too hard.
5) Once the airbag is off you'll need to disconnect the A and B plugs from the airbag, and disconnect the horn plug.
6) You'll need to use a T50 torx bit to un-do the bolt holding the wheel to the column and give it a yank to pull it free. Might be an idea to leave the bolt in loosely to save smacking yourself in the face with the old wheel. Probably hilarious to watch but not experience!
7) At this point you'll need to pop the new wheel on. Some people, me included, use a washer to stop the wheel rubbing on the cowling. It was a random one that I found so I'm sorry I can't give dimensions out, it could have done with being slightly bigger being honest. Then fasten the bolt. At this point check the wheel turns smoothy and centrally without any play.
8) Plug the horn back in and please test the horn at this point, I didn't, it wasn't working and it took forever to get the wheel back off.
9) Next up is to re-fit the airbag. The A plug (yellow and green on mine) fits the 197/200 airbag (in the A socket) but the B plug doesn't. You'll need a Stanley knife to trim a small locating section of plastic on the plug so you can connect the B plug to the C socket on the 197 wheel. They are all marked up A,B and C.
10) Push the airbag into the middle of the wheel, will take some pressure to get the clips to locate but at this point you're all done. Just remember to take the car off your axle stands and re-connect the battery.

I can't recommend testing what you've done along each step of the way enough. The 197/200 wheel is much harder to remove the airbag from, so that you can access the horn or to remove the wheel again, when it's installed. This is because the clips are top and bottom on the 197 wheel as opposed to either side on the 172 wheel. You'll either need to drill the underside of the wheel, through the rubber, or remove the cowling and fiddle for ages. I did the latter.

My horn isn't working now still but I've checked all connections, the circuit is complete so I think I have an issue somewhere else, I'd have saved an hour by testing this as I went though. Job for another day, might speak to the auto electrician I know.

 

[tomhunt85]

Well today's been a rare job on the 182. Wifey has been moaning that there's a rattle at the rear whenever she goes over a bump so it was time to investigate. Luckily I have a ramp to my front door that you can drive one side of the car up and make a natural little pit. Thankfully there was enough clearance to stick my head under and find the heat shield was loose. Usual case of it corroding around the nuts. I'll let the pictures of today's simple job do the talking:

The shield was like this around 3 of the nuts but only had 2 oversized washers. They went over the two outermost bolts, tightened up, and no more knocking. I'm liking these simple jobs for a change, it's rare that something goes to plan these days with working on cars.

 

[Marcos999]

Lol, just did exactly the same on my 182, I bought these, did the job nicely.
How does the 200 wheel compare to the older one size wise?