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Well no major updates over the last couple of weeks. The brackets for the Brembo calipers have arrived thanks to chris powell
Trying to find a machine shop locally to take a few mm off the calipers so they fit as they should, if anyone can recommend anywhere good round Bolton/Wigan/Chorley please let me know. Look a good bit of kit though. Most stuff is on hold because I'm due to complete on buying a house this week and that's got me pretty heavily committed with cash unsurprisingly.
Chris was really helpful though and I'd recommend using him if you want to go down the 197/200 Brembo route.
Trying to find a machine shop locally to take a few mm off the calipers so they fit as they should, if anyone can recommend anywhere good round Bolton/Wigan/Chorley please let me know. Look a good bit of kit though. Most stuff is on hold because I'm due to complete on buying a house this week and that's got me pretty heavily committed with cash unsurprisingly.
Chris was really helpful though and I'd recommend using him if you want to go down the 197/200 Brembo route.
Well after completing the house purchase last week and with going on holiday next week the car's had little more done to it than a wash and the steering wheel bolt tightening up. Spent enough as it is. Been trying to remove the pins from the second Brembo caliper but to no avail. Tried using a punch, heat, swearing, brute force, ignorance, but nothing works. Going to have to admit defeat and pay someone I think.
On the subject of the brakes I'm going to be ordering a set of these on pay day to avoid further issues with seizing. Cheap at £41 delivered as well I think.
On the plus side though it'll be seeing its first track action in August as it's booked on at Oulton on the 19th. Going to introduce the wife to track driving, she's more than capable on a B-road so let's see how she gets on out of her comfort zone.
On the subject of the brakes I'm going to be ordering a set of these on pay day to avoid further issues with seizing. Cheap at £41 delivered as well I think.
On the plus side though it'll be seeing its first track action in August as it's booked on at Oulton on the 19th. Going to introduce the wife to track driving, she's more than capable on a B-road so let's see how she gets on out of her comfort zone.
Not much done since my last update. Still waiting for parts (and more money) to sort the Brembos on the 172, spacers arrive today, pads and pins need ordering, then it's a case of getting the stuff to SC Autos in Bolton.
The 182 has had a slight change. The wife caved in to the majority opinion that hers will look better without the stripes so some hot water and 10 minutes work this was the difference.
Before:
After:
I don't dislike the stripes but I definitely prefer the car without them. Still needs some work on getting all the glue off and a paint correction, good thing I'm off the next few days then :approve:.
The 182 has had a slight change. The wife caved in to the majority opinion that hers will look better without the stripes so some hot water and 10 minutes work this was the difference.
Before:
After:
I don't dislike the stripes but I definitely prefer the car without them. Still needs some work on getting all the glue off and a paint correction, good thing I'm off the next few days then :approve:.
In addition to the stripes going from the 182 this weekend, I've now fitted the spacers to the 172 ready for the bigger brakes. Stance looks much better although the car still rides pretty high. Shocks are due changing so will probably look at the springs around a similar time. I'd go for coilovers but don't want too much of a compromised ride on the road and don't have the budget for a good set.
Well there's finally some updates in advance of Oulton next week. Had the Brembo 4 pots installed, new fluid and braided lines, an oil and filter change done, steering rack bushes tightened (still not right mind you) and the horn fixed.
Wasn't without its headaches though. We had a bleed nipple snap, a couple of stubborn caliper pins, two weeping brake lines that required adjustment, an incredibly stubborn oil filter and finally Steve from SC Autos is in the middle of moving the garage from one location to another. It took a bit longer than usual because of the move but they were a great bunch, very accommodating, friendly and knowledgable. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
Brakes are good, initial bite is good but the pedal travel is longer after initial bite. Considering getting a 197 master cylinder to combat this but that'll have to wait.
As the creaks from the rack haven't yet been solved I'll need to get some new bushes along with some front shocks soon. Could also do with a rear caliper.
Wasn't without its headaches though. We had a bleed nipple snap, a couple of stubborn caliper pins, two weeping brake lines that required adjustment, an incredibly stubborn oil filter and finally Steve from SC Autos is in the middle of moving the garage from one location to another. It took a bit longer than usual because of the move but they were a great bunch, very accommodating, friendly and knowledgable. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
Brakes are good, initial bite is good but the pedal travel is longer after initial bite. Considering getting a 197 master cylinder to combat this but that'll have to wait.
As the creaks from the rack haven't yet been solved I'll need to get some new bushes along with some front shocks soon. Could also do with a rear caliper.
Been investigating noises a little further. Did some work on the brake line where it runs through a clip, between the hard line and flexi. Thought I'd solved it with some modification (is now secure), only to find that the noise is the o/a cv joint. Back into SC Autos on Monday for a new joint. At least it went now and not then!
4 pots are stopping much better though after the pads bedding in a little.
4 pots are stopping much better though after the pads bedding in a little.
Well, where to start.
This last week has been a mad one as far as the 172 goes. As per my last post, it was booked in for a driveshaft to be replaced by Ste and the guys at SC Autos but after replacement (of yet another stubborn to remove part) I still had some suspect noises. We thought it could have been top mounts, front dampers, wishbones or even the dogbone mount but, although worn, they didn't fully explain the noise. This was being done on Monday with Oulton only the following day.
After pissing about with the car for a few hours
, and the grumble/knocking seemingly disappearing for a while, I decided that I would risk the 172 at Oulton and take the 182 as back up. It became apparent once the track dried up that while taking Cascades and Island Bend that I had a bad vibration while turning hard left at speed. It was worse when on the throttle, noisy when off throttle, but eased up if I had a slight amount of throttle on (as though I'd taken the strain out of the drivetrain from acceleration or deceleration). If I backed the speed off in these two corners it was limited to the odd grumble and I didn't notice it too much.
After doing a bit of reading, PM'ing someone on here with similar symptoms and chatting with Ste @ SC, we suspect it's the diff on its way out. I was looking to do the clutch shortly so it's not the end of the world, albeit a tad frustrating when I couldn't quite give the cart its all.
Will be limiting the driving to bear minimum as I'm going on holiday in 4 weeks and then it's likely a new gearbox and clutch along with some new suspension parts. Hope to get out again on track at the end of November. Big thanks to SC Autos for bending over backwards to help as well, couldn't have asked for more. Considering they'd moved into new premises on the Monday that I went in, it was a mammoth task to get anything done.
This last week has been a mad one as far as the 172 goes. As per my last post, it was booked in for a driveshaft to be replaced by Ste and the guys at SC Autos but after replacement (of yet another stubborn to remove part) I still had some suspect noises. We thought it could have been top mounts, front dampers, wishbones or even the dogbone mount but, although worn, they didn't fully explain the noise. This was being done on Monday with Oulton only the following day.
After pissing about with the car for a few hours
, and the grumble/knocking seemingly disappearing for a while, I decided that I would risk the 172 at Oulton and take the 182 as back up. It became apparent once the track dried up that while taking Cascades and Island Bend that I had a bad vibration while turning hard left at speed. It was worse when on the throttle, noisy when off throttle, but eased up if I had a slight amount of throttle on (as though I'd taken the strain out of the drivetrain from acceleration or deceleration). If I backed the speed off in these two corners it was limited to the odd grumble and I didn't notice it too much.After doing a bit of reading, PM'ing someone on here with similar symptoms and chatting with Ste @ SC, we suspect it's the diff on its way out. I was looking to do the clutch shortly so it's not the end of the world, albeit a tad frustrating when I couldn't quite give the cart its all.
Will be limiting the driving to bear minimum as I'm going on holiday in 4 weeks and then it's likely a new gearbox and clutch along with some new suspension parts. Hope to get out again on track at the end of November
. Big thanks to SC Autos for bending over backwards to help as well, couldn't have asked for more. Considering they'd moved into new premises on the Monday that I went in, it was a mammoth task to get anything done.Car is still getting looked at as it's still got the gearbox/rack/bearing problem that we've not got to the bottom of and also there was a problem with a rear caliper. Been without the car for about a week and it's doing my nut in. SC being helpful though with sorting the car out.
Managed to get one of the track videos on YouTube so I'll stick it in here. Unfortunately, not long after this video, the lovely Lotus Cortina that I let past burst in to flames on the start finish straight. That wasn't the reason for the red flag at the end of the session though.
Excuse the poor sound quality from the GoPro.
Managed to get one of the track videos on YouTube so I'll stick it in here. Unfortunately, not long after this video, the lovely Lotus Cortina that I let past burst in to flames on the start finish straight. That wasn't the reason for the red flag at the end of the session though.
Excuse the poor sound quality from the GoPro.
Last edited by a moderator:
Well due to me being away on holiday for a couple of weeks, Ste @ SC being away, and a lack of getting to the bottom of the brake issue, I'm still without a car. So far we've gone through a new rear caliper, a refurb on the Brembo's, a new master cylinder (went for a 197 item) and leak searching through the brake lines but to no avail. Next job is to change the ABS pump as whenever we start the car we still get air in. Running out of budget though and was hoping to get another couple of track days in before the end of the year. Still after this we need to get to the bottom of the knocking/vibrations that we suspect is either the diff or steering rack.
Thankfully the 182 is running faultlessly despite needing the repaired tyre putting back on it. Wife wants a family car next year though so may find myself with more than one Clio all to myself. Will at least mean it's not an issue to have one off the road while I work on it if the 172 sees more track action :smile:
Thankfully the 182 is running faultlessly despite needing the repaired tyre putting back on it. Wife wants a family car next year though so may find myself with more than one Clio all to myself. Will at least mean it's not an issue to have one off the road while I work on it if the 172 sees more track action :smile:
Well on Friday, after 8 weeks, Ste from SC called me with the good news that the car was ready so went straight down there after work and picked it up.
Since the last update the main change had been that there was a new ABS pump on the car, new front discs as one was badly warped, I'd had a wheel spacer work it's way loose (my bad for not checking it out on track), had been torqued up correctly initially though, and the suspension sounded like it was a random collection of metal parts that served no purpose on a car other than making a s**t load of noise.
I duly paid Ste and went on my way. Brakes seemed to work fine for the first couple of stops, but, wouldn't you know it, they were playing the same old game. It's not as bad as previously admittedly and was probably made worse by the new discs. Also the knocking from the front off side was horrible. Has been deteriorating for a bit but it's gone rapidly downhill. The suspension and loose wheel spacer is what I'm putting the failing diff/rack symptoms down to. I should at this point make it clear the car only went in to SC for brakes, the rest I was planning on sorting myself.
I'm pretty certain after talking to others, and the fact that it's about the only part not replaced, that the servo is shot. Not sorted this yet so if anyone's got a servo spare please let me know.
Next up was to sort the suspension. Was planning on keeping the car very much usable daily so was going to go with Cup shocks along with Eibachs or Cooksports, however, I then spotted these for sale....
Not exactly flush with cash after a holiday, two cars needing taxing, 172 broken, wedding anniversary, wife's, mum's and dad's birthdays all within a few weeks, but resorted to man maths and did a deal on them.
Went over to The Wirrall this morning to pick them up and get a head start on fitting them (car won't get taxed until the end of the week so not a major rush). Apart from the spring clamps being a general pain in the ass and a slightly stiff top mount I got the worst side off. The shock was in a pretty s**t state and the bearing has seen better days, some play and noisy...
That was about as far as I got as I've had to order new bearings and I had plans for the afternoon. Thanks goes out to @Andyrg@ ClioTurbo for the ABS pump, @Chi for the coilovers and the guys at SC. More to follow once they're fitted, but unlikely to be before the weekend. Might actually get back on track this year :smile:
Since the last update the main change had been that there was a new ABS pump on the car, new front discs as one was badly warped, I'd had a wheel spacer work it's way loose (my bad for not checking it out on track), had been torqued up correctly initially though, and the suspension sounded like it was a random collection of metal parts that served no purpose on a car other than making a s**t load of noise.
I duly paid Ste and went on my way. Brakes seemed to work fine for the first couple of stops, but, wouldn't you know it, they were playing the same old game. It's not as bad as previously admittedly and was probably made worse by the new discs. Also the knocking from the front off side was horrible. Has been deteriorating for a bit but it's gone rapidly downhill. The suspension and loose wheel spacer is what I'm putting the failing diff/rack symptoms down to. I should at this point make it clear the car only went in to SC for brakes, the rest I was planning on sorting myself.
I'm pretty certain after talking to others, and the fact that it's about the only part not replaced, that the servo is shot. Not sorted this yet so if anyone's got a servo spare please let me know.
Next up was to sort the suspension. Was planning on keeping the car very much usable daily so was going to go with Cup shocks along with Eibachs or Cooksports, however, I then spotted these for sale....
Not exactly flush with cash after a holiday, two cars needing taxing, 172 broken, wedding anniversary, wife's, mum's and dad's birthdays all within a few weeks, but resorted to man maths and did a deal on them.
Went over to The Wirrall this morning to pick them up and get a head start on fitting them (car won't get taxed until the end of the week so not a major rush). Apart from the spring clamps being a general pain in the ass and a slightly stiff top mount I got the worst side off. The shock was in a pretty s**t state and the bearing has seen better days, some play and noisy...
That was about as far as I got as I've had to order new bearings and I had plans for the afternoon. Thanks goes out to @Andyrg@ ClioTurbo for the ABS pump, @Chi for the coilovers and the guys at SC. More to follow once they're fitted, but unlikely to be before the weekend. Might actually get back on track this year :smile:
Mercedes C220
You got them on yet pal?
Ha ha, didn't expect to see you on here. Funnily enough yes, albeit you know this already.
Only small updates really, I'll start with the bad news:
- Pre-cat lambda (I'm pretty certain) is FUBAR. Runs like crap most of the time but the new one is due in a couple of days. Typical of it to go now.
- Servo has been sourced, due tomorrow, thanks again @Andyrg@ ClioTurbo
- Suspension issue still remains (albeit not as bad), but there's a bad knock when coming on and off the throttle. Have a feeling it may be the bottom ball joint on the offside.
- Front coilovers fitted (waiting on adjustable spring platforms from GAZ to fit the rear springs)!
(Two wheel bolts due to trial fitting the wheel while adjusting the ride height)
May get another track day in yet this year :smilingimp:, you reckon it'll happen @craigoscott ?
Mercedes C220
Signed up a while ago, just don't post!
You might have to get me to push this round another trackday, lol!
You might have to get me to push this round another trackday, lol!
Well read up on some track car projects for ideas for next year [emoji6]
Hopefully after this week the 172 will be fighting fit. Busy day tomorrow as the spring platforms are here as well.
Well, the coilovers are now on the rear as well (pictures to follow when it stops raining) and I seem to have solved the knocking which was a loose engine mount.
Just the lambda and servo to do. Lambda will get done tonight but a little dubious that my pal will be able to change the servo with the little time we'll have later. May have to just book it in somewhere tomorrow for the servo and MOT to be done together.
Nearly there, at last.
Just the lambda and servo to do. Lambda will get done tonight but a little dubious that my pal will be able to change the servo with the little time we'll have later. May have to just book it in somewhere tomorrow for the servo and MOT to be done together.
Nearly there, at last.
Today was supposed to be the day that the 172 was back with me with everything done after over two months of niggles. The lambda was changed, but we actually found it to be a faulty plug. It was due in at SC to have the servo done and a couple of new tyres.
After the MOT, while the car was being driven to SC, the car CAUGHT FIRE! Still can't bloody believe it. Could have been much worse admittedly but the car isn't in great shape, looks fine until you open the bonnet.
So far the damage appears to be:
Inner arch liner
ABS sensor and loom
Fuel return line (the suspected culprit of the fire)
Servo
Master cylinder
Brake fluid reservoir
Some other wiring
Potentially the heater matrix
The other thing that worries me is how close the fire was to the cam belt. Even though it didn't let go I really don't trust using it now. All things considered the repair isn't small. It's not going to be a fun call to my insurance company in the morning, thankfully have protected no claims.
Will be interesting to see how it pans out but I'm expecting a write off based on what I've seen. Would like to buy it back if I can though, as it was due to be retired to track duties next year anyhow.
Means I might have to take the 182 off the wife a little earlier and try saving for a new car for her pretty quickly.
All in all its been a monumentally s**t and expensive day.
After the MOT, while the car was being driven to SC, the car CAUGHT FIRE! Still can't bloody believe it. Could have been much worse admittedly but the car isn't in great shape, looks fine until you open the bonnet.
So far the damage appears to be:
Inner arch liner
ABS sensor and loom
Fuel return line (the suspected culprit of the fire)
Servo
Master cylinder
Brake fluid reservoir
Some other wiring
Potentially the heater matrix
The other thing that worries me is how close the fire was to the cam belt. Even though it didn't let go I really don't trust using it now. All things considered the repair isn't small. It's not going to be a fun call to my insurance company in the morning, thankfully have protected no claims.
Will be interesting to see how it pans out but I'm expecting a write off based on what I've seen. Would like to buy it back if I can though, as it was due to be retired to track duties next year anyhow.
Means I might have to take the 182 off the wife a little earlier and try saving for a new car for her pretty quickly.
All in all its been a monumentally s**t and expensive day.
Mercedes C220
Wounded for you still mate
Cheers Alex, due to hear from the insurance company later and then I'll be acting pretty quickly.
Looking forward to seeing yours running now.
So today the insurance company confirmed my suspicions and the 172 has been written off. It's a shame but it was inevitable, there goes my 11 years of not claiming on insurance. That's not the end of the car though as it's being delivered back to me on Thursday :smilingimp:
The plan is to strip it just simply for track use. As the servo, abs pump, abs wiring, master cylinder have all had their day I'm planning on ditching the ABS and just need to pick up the appropriate bits (@Russ Rallye can hopefully hang on to them until pay day next week :wink: or until the insurance money clears). It'll also need the fuel return sorting out and likely a cambelt as the fire was in that area. Thankfully there's no cosmetic damage at all, albeit it wouldn't have been the end of the world.
Now I've got the tricky task of finding a car to replace it, that can tow the Clio, is light enough for me to tow with on my licence, that will be a suitable family car that the wife will both like and drive, plus on a very small budget. Nigh on impossible.
The plan is to strip it just simply for track use. As the servo, abs pump, abs wiring, master cylinder have all had their day I'm planning on ditching the ABS and just need to pick up the appropriate bits (@Russ Rallye can hopefully hang on to them until pay day next week :wink: or until the insurance money clears). It'll also need the fuel return sorting out and likely a cambelt as the fire was in that area. Thankfully there's no cosmetic damage at all, albeit it wouldn't have been the end of the world.
Now I've got the tricky task of finding a car to replace it, that can tow the Clio, is light enough for me to tow with on my licence, that will be a suitable family car that the wife will both like and drive, plus on a very small budget. Nigh on impossible.
Cheers, will do :up:
Also my 200 Gordini wheel is for sale with the changes to spec that are planned. Would be interested in swapping it with something suitable for track use. http://www.cliosport.net/threads/clio-200-gordini-steering-wheel.762938/
Well not a huge amount of progress but a few little updates.
The 182 has eventually had a puncture repaired. Been running on the spare from the 172 for a couple of months now. It has developed a none too pleasant grumbling from the power steering though when it's cold. Sounds horrible for the first 30 seconds or so then goes.
Sold the 200 steering wheel from the 172 as I need to replace it with something more in keep with dedicated track use. Also appear to have sourced the vast majority of parts to put the car right courtesy of SC Autos.
My insurance company have pissed about something rotten but I'm assured the cheque was sent yesterday so I've put a deposit on a car subject to viewing it. Should be a great tow car as well. Going for an E46 330i saloon. Looking forward to next year and getting some more work done on the car.
The 182 has eventually had a puncture repaired. Been running on the spare from the 172 for a couple of months now. It has developed a none too pleasant grumbling from the power steering though when it's cold. Sounds horrible for the first 30 seconds or so then goes.
Sold the 200 steering wheel from the 172 as I need to replace it with something more in keep with dedicated track use. Also appear to have sourced the vast majority of parts to put the car right courtesy of SC Autos.
My insurance company have pissed about something rotten but I'm assured the cheque was sent yesterday so I've put a deposit on a car subject to viewing it. Should be a great tow car as well. Going for an E46 330i saloon. Looking forward to next year and getting some more work done on the car.
Been a while since I've updated but with Christmas and other things on the go it's been a hectic few weeks. Have some updates for both cars:
172 - Progress has been slightly slower on this one. I've made the call that the engine isn't worth the cost of the belts. It's done 124k and does seep oil in a few places, I begrudge spending £500 on something that may not last that long anyway. A new engine isn't of ridiculous cost and should it break it allows me to buy another engine and rebuild this one. Plus, right now, I can't afford the belts on a toy. I have sourced the non-abs parts to repair the brakes after the fire as well, so it really just needs new brake lines making up along with new fuel lines. The fuel lines I need are surprisingly cheap at £40.97 from Renault. I was toying with the idea of using the 182 for Oulton on 31st March but I'm quietly confident this will be ready :up:
330i - Not a Clio, but this was picked up to replace the 172 for family duties and it does play a part in the world of my Clios. Mainly because it needs a tow bar fitting to be able to tow the 172. Should be done during March but it's running well and showing how economical the little Clios can be 😊
182 - The 182 has been neglected to some degree, I've been interested in both buying the 330i and sorting the 172. One of the reasons I was able to buy the reasonably low miles 182 within my budget last March was because it had no MOT and also that the belts were nearly due. It's nowhere near on mileage (don't think it's done 30k since last time they were done) but it was due on time in October. We were away on holiday in October and with Christmas, my son's birthday etc. it just hadn't got done. It doesn't due a huge amount of miles and I was going to leave it another month or two but then the power steering decided to whine its arse off :rage:. I expected the worst, as the fluid didn't appear too low after my half hearted attempt to check it, so figured I'd get the pump replaced and belts done together. It was booked in with Ste at SC, yet again for me but a first for the 182, and away it went last week.
Unfortunately it wasn't as straight forward as I'd have hoped. From the moment I first drove the car I was adamant that the timing was out. Ste, knowing which specialist had last done the belts (according to the book and previous owner) didn't think it would be. In fairness both brothers and a good friend have used this specialist in the past with no problems. It was certainly out, you may be able to see it in this picture:
The timing issue had caused some issues with valves as the engine was reluctant to turn over by hand. Made the decision to take the head off and have the top end rebuilt. The cam cover had been leaking anyhow so it was an opportunity to sort this (don't have the final list of what was done so can't elaborate too much). It also needed a water pump, obviously the dephaser and other consumables such as plugs. Not a cheap few days but yet again I can't fault the effort put in by Ste and the level of help offered. Thankfully the power steering was little more than needing a fluid top up 😌
The car is now running better than ever, pulls much better and there isn't quite the same gap in performance that there used to be between the 182 and 172.
While I was in there one of my mate's cars was in for some work, his 200 has had a 225 engine and hybrid turbo fitted, so had a good look at that and I'm impressed with how neat the installs are on these swaps. It's still early days for mapping and tweaking a few issues but looks promising.
More updates should follow when the 172 is up and running again :smilingimp:
172 - Progress has been slightly slower on this one. I've made the call that the engine isn't worth the cost of the belts. It's done 124k and does seep oil in a few places, I begrudge spending £500 on something that may not last that long anyway. A new engine isn't of ridiculous cost and should it break it allows me to buy another engine and rebuild this one. Plus, right now, I can't afford the belts on a toy. I have sourced the non-abs parts to repair the brakes after the fire as well, so it really just needs new brake lines making up along with new fuel lines. The fuel lines I need are surprisingly cheap at £40.97 from Renault. I was toying with the idea of using the 182 for Oulton on 31st March but I'm quietly confident this will be ready :up:
330i - Not a Clio, but this was picked up to replace the 172 for family duties and it does play a part in the world of my Clios. Mainly because it needs a tow bar fitting to be able to tow the 172. Should be done during March but it's running well and showing how economical the little Clios can be 😊
182 - The 182 has been neglected to some degree, I've been interested in both buying the 330i and sorting the 172. One of the reasons I was able to buy the reasonably low miles 182 within my budget last March was because it had no MOT and also that the belts were nearly due. It's nowhere near on mileage (don't think it's done 30k since last time they were done) but it was due on time in October. We were away on holiday in October and with Christmas, my son's birthday etc. it just hadn't got done. It doesn't due a huge amount of miles and I was going to leave it another month or two but then the power steering decided to whine its arse off :rage:. I expected the worst, as the fluid didn't appear too low after my half hearted attempt to check it, so figured I'd get the pump replaced and belts done together. It was booked in with Ste at SC, yet again for me but a first for the 182, and away it went last week.
Unfortunately it wasn't as straight forward as I'd have hoped. From the moment I first drove the car I was adamant that the timing was out. Ste, knowing which specialist had last done the belts (according to the book and previous owner) didn't think it would be. In fairness both brothers and a good friend have used this specialist in the past with no problems. It was certainly out, you may be able to see it in this picture:
The timing issue had caused some issues with valves as the engine was reluctant to turn over by hand. Made the decision to take the head off and have the top end rebuilt. The cam cover had been leaking anyhow so it was an opportunity to sort this (don't have the final list of what was done so can't elaborate too much). It also needed a water pump, obviously the dephaser and other consumables such as plugs. Not a cheap few days but yet again I can't fault the effort put in by Ste and the level of help offered. Thankfully the power steering was little more than needing a fluid top up 😌
The car is now running better than ever, pulls much better and there isn't quite the same gap in performance that there used to be between the 182 and 172.
While I was in there one of my mate's cars was in for some work, his 200 has had a 225 engine and hybrid turbo fitted, so had a good look at that and I'm impressed with how neat the installs are on these swaps. It's still early days for mapping and tweaking a few issues but looks promising.
More updates should follow when the 172 is up and running again :smilingimp:
Mercedes C220
Good update Thomas, as usual though s**t luck With the clios at the moment!
Standard these days lol. It'll all be good when I get out at Oulton eventually.
172 & 330i -
So I went ahead and booked a track day at Oulton for 31st March. Gave me a target to get the Clio ready for. I've done little with the 172 after the money I'd spent on the 182 with belts and all. Managed to put some money aside to sort the "need to do" bits out, namely the ABS delete, replace servo and master cylinder, and the fuel lines that kindly ignited the 172. I've also managed to get hold of a set of rough 182 Cup wheels that have some AD08R's on. The tyres aren't good for road use as they're on the limit but they were cheap and will do a day (or maybe two) and will be a spare set of wheels. Needed something as the rear T1R's are toast on my current set. Was due to book in with SC this week to have it up and running again.
Unfortunately though my dire car luck of late has struck again and this time it was the turn of the German barge. And people say French cars are bad! I'd just driven a 450 mile round trip for a weekend in Scotland (which it coped with admirably) but while parked 1.5 miles from home, with the engine running, outside Argos, I heard a pretty loud bang/pop and initially thought someone had reversed into me. It was only when I saw plumes of steam coming out from under the bonnet I realised something was drastically amiss. I know the cooling systems can be troublesome on E46's so stopped the engine immediately, got out and stood in a puddle of coolant, opened the bonnet, concluded I could see **** all, swore, shut the bonnet again and phoned Green Flag.
I assumed the expansion tank had gone pop but the recovery guy reckons it's the radiator. It's currently at my mates garage awaiting diagnosis, handily it's a BMW specialist, and it may have spent my 172 repair budget. Currently in limbo between getting the 172 fixed or using the 182 instead for this first track outing to make life cheaper, will see what horrors tomorrow and a call to the garage bring :rage:.
182 -
The 182 has been a bit better behaved than the German, it's used a tad of coolant since the head was off but still running better now the timing's right. Will get it in for a check up though. Had it on the RR at EFI for the NW RR day. Was a good day out and it pulled 168.5bhp. Not altogether unexpected but still a little disappointing, still feels like a new engine. Will get the graphs up when I get chance. Need to get a manifold to cat fitting kit as well as the old fire ring fell out not long back and the bolts are past it, it's blowing over half throttle. Not many plans for this car short term but I'm sure an induction kit wouldn't go amiss, see if it helps free it up a bit.
So I went ahead and booked a track day at Oulton for 31st March. Gave me a target to get the Clio ready for. I've done little with the 172 after the money I'd spent on the 182 with belts and all. Managed to put some money aside to sort the "need to do" bits out, namely the ABS delete, replace servo and master cylinder, and the fuel lines that kindly ignited the 172. I've also managed to get hold of a set of rough 182 Cup wheels that have some AD08R's on. The tyres aren't good for road use as they're on the limit but they were cheap and will do a day (or maybe two) and will be a spare set of wheels. Needed something as the rear T1R's are toast on my current set. Was due to book in with SC this week to have it up and running again.
Unfortunately though my dire car luck of late has struck again and this time it was the turn of the German barge. And people say French cars are bad! I'd just driven a 450 mile round trip for a weekend in Scotland (which it coped with admirably) but while parked 1.5 miles from home, with the engine running, outside Argos, I heard a pretty loud bang/pop and initially thought someone had reversed into me. It was only when I saw plumes of steam coming out from under the bonnet I realised something was drastically amiss. I know the cooling systems can be troublesome on E46's so stopped the engine immediately, got out and stood in a puddle of coolant, opened the bonnet, concluded I could see **** all, swore, shut the bonnet again and phoned Green Flag.
I assumed the expansion tank had gone pop but the recovery guy reckons it's the radiator. It's currently at my mates garage awaiting diagnosis, handily it's a BMW specialist, and it may have spent my 172 repair budget. Currently in limbo between getting the 172 fixed or using the 182 instead for this first track outing to make life cheaper, will see what horrors tomorrow and a call to the garage bring :rage:.
182 -
The 182 has been a bit better behaved than the German, it's used a tad of coolant since the head was off but still running better now the timing's right. Will get it in for a check up though. Had it on the RR at EFI for the NW RR day. Was a good day out and it pulled 168.5bhp. Not altogether unexpected but still a little disappointing, still feels like a new engine. Will get the graphs up when I get chance. Need to get a manifold to cat fitting kit as well as the old fire ring fell out not long back and the bolts are past it, it's blowing over half throttle. Not many plans for this car short term but I'm sure an induction kit wouldn't go amiss, see if it helps free it up a bit.
Update on the barge -
It was the expansion tank, Tom 1 - Green Flag 0.
Now I know why it went with such a bang!
It's had a new radiator and thermostat recently which is good news, the expansion tank looked a little older and was a non-genuine. The pal who's fixing it has seen a few like this. Replacing it with a genuine part this time, which at £110 fitted isn't bad value and shouldn't dent the track prep too much.
It was the expansion tank, Tom 1 - Green Flag 0.
Now I know why it went with such a bang!
It's had a new radiator and thermostat recently which is good news, the expansion tank looked a little older and was a non-genuine. The pal who's fixing it has seen a few like this. Replacing it with a genuine part this time, which at £110 fitted isn't bad value and shouldn't dent the track prep too much.
Clio Mk2,Mazda3sport
Alot has happened since I last read this shame about your bad luck though but at least you have the car back thats what I done which a oap on wrong side wrote my astra off brought back replaced door wing and side skirt 100 labour and 60 parts still going strong with a dashcam also fitted
Tell me about it. Still not got sorted how I'm doing Oulton next month, would be boring if it was easy!
So this weekend I finally got round to starting things with the 172.
The rear part of the interior was stripped out, I collected my track wheels from the parents' house and I readied it for being picked up by the garage. Had to pump a couple of tyres up, free the brakes off etc.
Also appear to have sourced some 182 Cup wishbones that will be installed on the 172 in due course.
The 182 seems to have a small leak of power steering fluid and is due MOT this week which is a total pain in the ass. It's also been doing the wife's head in so we'll be swapping cars his week. She can have the 3 series and I'll run the 182. Funny how that always happens when it needs fixing!
Still undecided on whether the BMW will get a tow bar or whether the 172 will be driven down to Oulton.
The rear part of the interior was stripped out, I collected my track wheels from the parents' house and I readied it for being picked up by the garage. Had to pump a couple of tyres up, free the brakes off etc.
Also appear to have sourced some 182 Cup wishbones that will be installed on the 172 in due course.
The 182 seems to have a small leak of power steering fluid and is due MOT this week which is a total pain in the ass. It's also been doing the wife's head in so we'll be swapping cars his week. She can have the 3 series and I'll run the 182. Funny how that always happens when it needs fixing!
Still undecided on whether the BMW will get a tow bar or whether the 172 will be driven down to Oulton.
