RenaultSport Clio 182 Trophy

[SharkyUK]

Heard nothing but great things about Fred tbh Andy.
Sounds like ktec are fcuking useless.

Agreed and agreed, Lee! No more mess-ups from now on (I hope!)

Should've bought a Type R :lol:

^ as said above lol. great build Sounds like one problem after another though! Friend of mine has same sort of set up running 199bhp only trouble with his on track is power steering fluid boiling lol..

No need, chaps - already got an EP3 as a stablemate I might love my Trophy but I'm still a massive Type-R fan as well.

As for the boiling fluid... yep, I've boiled a fair bit as well! When these engines are highly tuned they don't half kick out some heat!

 

[Bud]

This a very good read, has made my morning at work go alot quicker. Clio looks like alot of fun.

Have your driven the Clio 197 or 200? Would like to know how they compare to the 182

 

[SpaceMonkey]

^ as said above lol. great build Sounds like one problem after another though! Friend of mine has same sort of set up running 199bhp only trouble with his on track is power steering fluid boiling lol..

I boiled the fluid in my 182 a couple of times :lol:

Here's hoping 2013 brings you better automotive luck Andy.

I know nothing about these cars. Are your problems fairly typical of what happens when you start modding these engines or is most (all?) of this the fault of the idiots who've tried to fix the initial issues but only ended up making things worse?

The lumps are pretty good tbh Beard. It's more of a case of a shiz tuner making probs.
I used mine as it was meant to be used (exact same engine) & it never missed a beat in 4 years.
Saying that I only used a specialist all the way down in Portsmouth as the engines are a pita to have the cambelt belts changed CORRECTLY.

 

[zeffania]

I remember you saying you went a long way to get it serviced. Was a lovely car Lee and shame yours isn't yet Andy although I know over the years it hasn't just been a money pit. I would liken it to a child, costs a fortune, can be a pia but generally it/they put a smile on your face

 

[pulpmelon_R]

Just stumbled across this thread, I can totally appreciate what you're doing, but boy oh boy am I glad I didn't buy a Renault last year! :lol:

 

[SharkyUK]

This a very good read, has made my morning at work go alot quicker. Clio looks like alot of fun.

Have your driven the Clio 197 or 200? Would like to know how they compare to the 182

Thanks Bud - appreciate the kind words and I'm glad you enjoyed the read. In terms of fun... yeah, still makes me grin like a looney when taking out for a spirited drive.

As for the 197 and 200, yes - I finally had the opportunity to try them out the end of last year. I didn't give them the full beans (I didn't want to risk damaging someone else's cars!) but I did notice the difference between them. The 197 has fantastic brakes and the handling is absolutely peachy. A step-up from the 172/182 to be honest (although I'd expect that in a newer car). It's surprisingly nimble but feels (to me) that it's a fair bit bigger in size. Of course it is but it no longer felt like a big engine in a little car - as it does feel when I'm in the Trophy. I also found it to be a little lacking in terms of hauling it's ass when accelerating. Not slow by any means but just not quite as sharp as I would have hoped. I can't really compare it to the Trophy as it's a bit slower due to the mod's I've done but I would have liked it to have that bit more urgency.

The 200... now that was a different story. Not massively faster on paper than the 197 but it certainly felt it. The turn-in also seemed so much better; sublime in fact. The feedback was incredible and the grip, even though not pushing hard, was plentiful. It picked up speed well and had the urgency that I felt the 197 did not have. Again, the brakes are fantastic and I also felt the 200 handled the changeable road surfaces that much better (a mix of bumpy-ish B-road and A-road). I would definitely choose the 200 over the 197 if I were in the market to buy a newer RenaultSport Clio. A lot of car for relatively little money.

Of course, neither of them are a patch on my Trophy. I'm not biased. Honest!

Here's hoping 2013 brings you better automotive luck Andy.

I know nothing about these cars. Are your problems fairly typical of what happens when you start modding these engines or is most (all?) of this the fault of the idiots who've tried to fix the initial issues but only ended up making things worse?

Cheers C. Fingers crossed for better luck this year, eh? To be honest Lee has pretty much answered spot on below...

The problem in my case was that the engine was in an unhealthy state when I decided to get the engine conversion done (although I did not know this). However, the 'specialist' didn't highlight this fact and instead took my several grand of cash and pushed on with the work. Obviously the extra stress on an already unhealthy engine just caused more and more problems. Sadly, the same thing happened again with another supposedly reputable tuner. But, finally, it's with the daddy of the RenaultSport Specialist world - BTM. Live and learn, eh?

The lumps are pretty good tbh Beard. It's more of a case of a shiz tuner making probs.
I used mine as it was meant to be used (exact same engine) & it never missed a beat in 4 years.
Saying that I only used a specialist all the way down in Portsmouth as the engines are a pita to have the cambelt belts changed CORRECTLY.

^ Yep - spot on.

I remember you saying you went a long way to get it serviced. Was a lovely car Lee and shame yours isn't yet Andy although I know over the years it hasn't just been a money pit. I would liken it to a child, costs a fortune, can be a pia but generally it/they put a smile on your face

That analogy isn't far from the truth I expect, Ben! It's been an interesting ride but I do finally feel I'll be getting the car back in the sort of shape and health it should be. With bells on.

Just stumbled across this thread, I can totally appreciate what you're doing, but boy oh boy am I glad I didn't buy a Renault last year! :lol:

LOL! Thanks for the comment and - just for the record - not all Renaults are so bad. Some people actually get lucky (like Lee above) whilst some are doomed to lose money hand over fist during their period of ownership... :lol:

 

[JohnnyD]

As has been said, an interesting read, I used to have one too, was great fun! You posted your comments comparing the 197
And 200 above, do you remember is the 200 you drove had the cup suspension pack or not?

Regards John

 

[SharkyUK]

As has been said, an interesting read, I used to have one too, was great fun! You posted your comments comparing the 197
And 200 above, do you remember is the 200 you drove had the cup suspension pack or not?

Regards John

Hi John, thanks for the reply.

The 200 I drove was the 'regular' flavour without the Cup suspension.

 

[JohnnyD]

Thanks for the reply! That's interesting, I've been trying to find one to have a drive in as I think it might be a better all round package if your not planning to do much track work, they're hard to find though as it seems most are cup packed! There aren't many comparison tests either between cupped or non cupped cars, I have a good one from Performance Car from a few years ago and that's it, the mags always use cupped cars! Thanks again!

 

[SharkyUK]

Thanks for the reply! That's interesting, I've been trying to find one to have a drive in as I think it might be a better all round package if your not planning to do much track work, they're hard to find though as it seems most are cup packed! There aren't many comparison tests either between cupped or non cupped cars, I have a good one from Performance Car from a few years ago and that's it, the mags always use cupped cars! Thanks again!

You're welcome, mate. To be fair I had no idea that most examples out there were Cup-packed. But then again, I've not looked into it in any detail as I'm more than happy with my Trophy. I would imagine the non-Cupped flavour would perhaps be a little more forgiving with the mildly softer spring rates and setup, making for a better all-rounder.

 

[SharkyUK]

Just a small update. Since the last update I've also decided to have the gearbox rebuilt, new clutch and a Quaife LSD fitted.

February 2013 - Friday 22nd

Not much of an update I'm afraid - just a progress report really. The bottom line is that we're still waiting on parts... but BTM have given me the nod and I can now put my K-Tec DTH ITB kit up for sale. It's going to make way for the new custom setup. I don't even know what it is myself yet but I'm assured it's rather tasty. More news when I get it myself!

March 2013 - Friday 8th

I gave BTM a call earlier this evening to see how things were progressing and to discuss the details regarding the purchasing, acquisition and fitting of the Quaife LSD. In terms of the engine build, there is still a wait for some of the components. The block has been machined and the forged pistons have arrived but there's still no sign of the forged conrods and valves. All being well they should be coming very soon. In terms of the gearbox, a plan is now in place with BTM to get that sorted (along with a new clutch) and I also now know why the Quaife LSD is so expensive compared to installations on other car makes/models!

My old DTH ITB parts will be back with me soon and I already have a buyer or two interested in those.

The estimated completion date is circa a month from now so fingers crossed that all goes well and there are no unexpected and long delays! Once completed, the Trophy will be trailered up to RS Tuning (Leeds, UK) for the all-important mapping. It will be left there for a few days so that it can be mapped properly (cold start, etc.).

That's all for now - cheers.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

RS mapping is who I'd of used too Andy. I can't remember the guys name there now, but spoke to him a few times & he was a real nice guy.

Sounds like its coming together nicely mate.

 

[SharkyUK]

Cheers, Lee It's taking longer than hoped but I don't mind for a job properly done. As for RS-Tuning, the guy you spoke to would be Paul. He's certainly well respected in RenaultSport circles and I've heard only good reports.

 

[SharkyUK]

March 2013 - Monday 11th

It's getting there... Also saves quite a bit of weight without the engine holding things back.

The Quaife LSD is also in the process of being sorted/ordered pretty much as we speak, too. Happy days.

 

[SharkyUK]

02 July 2013

I finally got my hands on my old ITB kit the other week and I'm currently working through the list of people who are interested in buying them. Due to one reason or another the healthy list of interested parties has reduced somewhat! LOL!

Anyways, out with the old... and looking forward to the "in with the new" bit! (Thanks to Dan/Russ for collecting them from BTM on my behalf!)

This is the OLD kit that's going!!!

Bring on the new trumpets! Soon!

 

[SharkyUK]

July 2013 - Friday 26th

Picked up the courtesy car. As the build was/is taking so long the owner/builder has let me borrow his own car in the meantime (until the project is finished!)

 

[SharkyUK]

July 2013 - Friday 26th

Firstly, a HUGE thanks to Fred for the loan of his incredible Renaultsport Clio V6. Having had my trophy for 6 months (no fault of his own mind!) I am now struggling without a car and I cannot continue to share my partner's Type-R as she needs it for her own commuting, etc. Also, a change in my own circumstances mean I am finding it more difficult to share a single car with her due to the logistics of it all. Anyways, to cut a long story short I was going to hire a car and that's when Fred generously stepped in and offered me the loan of his V6! I am now in possession of this wonderful car until my Trophy is done (or Fred urgently needs it back!) As said, a huge and massive thanks to Fred. He's a star and I don't care how brown my nose is... this has helped me out massively and I can't express how grateful and appreciative I am.

So yeah, what a day (thanks also to my good lady for playing long distance taxi driver and driving me over from Wales). Fred did say, as I picked it up this morning, that I'd either love it or hate it. I think you can probably guess where I stand on that one. It really is a bit special. And I've never been in a car that attracts so much attention. If I'm honest I found it a little unnerving. When I'm in my Trophy, nobody really gives it much attention. Unless it's a fellow Clio enthusiast then most just assume it's a red Clio and that is that. But not so with the Vee. Pretty much everybody was straining to get a look on the drive back to Wales. I also found that, on the motorways and dual carriageways, a lot of cars simply moved out the way to let me by. No, I wasn't speeding either! The only issues I had were with blokes in shirts and ties in German barges that seemed to be annoyed that I was sharing the same bit of tarmac with them. Whilst the urge was great to floor it I simply moved over and let them pass.

I pulled in the services to fill up the fuel and as I was about to leave a Dutch couple in a motorhome struck up a conversation about the car; a nice couple and we spent a few minutes chatting until another car pulled up to use the pump. On the way out the station a posse of 'more mature' bikers let me pass and threw thumbs up. This is totally alien to me, but cool all the same. As I got nearer home I called in Halfords to pick up some quick detailer and microfibre towels and was greeted by two police officers when I returned to the car park. They'd pulled up next to it and were checking it out. No issues, they were just looking so I spent a few minutes chatting with PC Evans and (can't remember his name, Huw I think) about the car and the deal with my Trophy. I bet they regretted asking! LOL! To top it off, I gave it a clean for a few hours this afternoon and the neighbours were asking about it as well as the locals who pass by the house. This was weird as I don't know them (apart from my neighbours) and normally just keep myself to myself. So yeah, the car definitely has a certain air of celebrity and presence about it!

In terms of the drive, it drives real nice. And the sound is immense; it just burbles and growls as you go about your business. The gearbox is sublime as well... so smooth. I love it.

Anyways, here are a few pics after today's clean. Sorry they are driveway shots but I haven't had time to take it anywhere yet!

Roll on the French Car Show tomorrow!

 

[SharkyUK]

July 2013 - Saturday 27th

I attended my first French Car Show today at Castle Combe. Having bought my tickets a while back I was hoping to go along in the Trophy. Obviously circumstances dictated that this wasn't going to happen but having such a cool French car available I was always going to try and make this one!

Being fairly close to the circuit (I'm just over the border in Wales) it only takes about an hour to get there, hence I didn't have to set off too early. A steady drive along the M4 and all was good. In truth the economy seems pretty good when taking it easy. I've not used a full tank yet (perhaps not trying hard enough?!) and it has better economy than the shagged engine that was in my Trophy. Once off the M4 I took the usual country roads towards the circuit and was surprised at how well it rides the sometimes uneven surface. No dramas whatsoever; it just wafted along nicely. I arrived shortly after 8am and was met by Owen, Nik and Brian and parked up the Vee. Tim shortly arrived thereafter and parked alongside.

I had a really enjoyable day to be fair. After a wander around the stands and trade area I spent most of the day talking to a great bunch of guys from here. That really made the day as it's great to be able to chat to folks who you perhaps don't see very often (apart from online). I grabbed a cheeky shot of the Vee in front of the CS merchandise and hospitality area...

Quite a few people asked how I found it to drive. And to me it just feels like a RenaultSport Clio. Which is great. Even if you were blindfolded, no hearing and simply relied on feel alone, you would know you were in a Clio of some description. Obviously it's not exactly the same but it's got that unmistakeable RenaultSport Clio feel about it - which is why I think I fell for it straight away. Sorry Fred, you might have trouble getting this one back...

As I left the show late afternoon it started to spot with rain. By the time I hit the M4 it was absolutely p**sing down. Again, no major dramas despite the rain bouncing off the road and falling heavily in short, sharp bursts. The only problem was a bit of aquaplaning on the standing water when the downpour was at it's heaviest.

​So yeah, a very enjoyable day for many reasons.

 

[SharkyUK]

11 October 2013

So then... today I put on my RenaultSport Specialist head and got to work on the V6. I thought it only fair considering the amount of effort Fred is putting into mine. It can't be that difficult, right?

As mentioned a handful of days ago, I basically soiled my undercrackers when I jumped into the car one evening and was met with violent judders and a rather strange sound from the engine and exhaust. Whilst I panicked, it was Fred and Dan that suggested it was ignition coil related. Especially as these are a common weak point on the Vee and the fact that these ignition coils were over 9 years old... It didn't help that the boot lock had also stopped working at the same time (coincidence?!) so I could only lock the doors. Consequently the Vee was parked up safe where nobody could access via the boot!

To bring things up-to-date... I received the ignition coil and fitted it earlier today (thank you Renparts). Despite being the easiest one to access (thanks to Somerset Dan the RenaultSport Man) I still managed to slice a few fingers and graze a few knuckles as I replaced the faulty item with the new. 15 minutes later it was done; that's 1 minute to swap the coil and 14 minutes to put the engine covers back on... However, this very same act also meant that the boot now worked. Two jobs done for the price of one. Bonus! Although I have no idea why the faulty ignition coil would affect the boot lock mechanism... French electrics at work?

With the coil done and the boot working, I'm just about to start on replacing the cambelt this evening. Don't worry, I'm using genuine parts! Access isn't so easy though. I might have to drop the engine onto a palette on the driveway.

The only outstanding issue I have now is... a puncture! I have two brand new Michelin Pilot Super Sports being delivered and fitted on Monday. As a result I won't be driving it over the weekend and it won't be making the journey to this weekend's BTCC finale at Brands Hatch. Alternative arrangements have been made.

Oh, did I tell you I was going to Brands Hatch for the BTCC finale this weekend? I'll be there with my mate Rob Austin. Ok, so we're not mates as such but I won a graphic design competition recently (to produce a sticker for Wix Racing UK / Rob Austin Racing) and I won. Hence I will be enjoying a day of VIP hospitality with Rob Austin Racing for the day. Quite excited and looking forward to it if I'm being honest.

 

[SharkyUK]

21 October 2013

Oh dear, it's looking sorry for itself... ...but a good clean and it'll be 'right!

Thanks to CB for the pics!

Not long now.