RE: Renault Clio 182 Trophy: PH Fleet
Tuesday 12th January 2016
Though my Fleet updates have been a little thin on the ground recently, that's by no means a reflection on a lack of activity! In fact, I managed to tot up four track days in KN55 HWX last year, which as a newbie really helped me find my feet. Going to Spa back in June really showed what the Trophy is capable of, but it also highlighted the car's weaknesses.
Trophy meets Trophy!The standard brakes were so feeble they pretty much gave up after the first session. The front Sachs dampers finally decided to retire after 10 years (which is damn good going), so I found myself needing to get those rebuilt as well as sorting the brakes ahead of my next track foray. This was new ground as I was focusing on improvements to braking and suspension for the first time, rather than the usual relentless search for more power.
Can you spot the new springs?Next came the Sachs damper rebuild. There's no set service interval for them, but the seals eventually give up and need to be overhauled. Given the rebuild cost £730, I made a couple of other changes while the dampers were off and my wallet was open... One of the original springs cracked on removal, so I opted for a set of Mark Fish springs; the man maths made sense! They are fairly track focused and drop the car by 10mm. The old rubber top mounts were a bit tired, so these were swapped out for Pure Motorsport solid top mounts and its strut brace.
The track day bug has definitely bittenThe transformation was immediate. The brakes no longer felt spongy and weak; they were firm underfoot and stayed that way. The handling improvements boosted confidence and enabled me to push harder each lap, without the fear of losing grip. After a few haphazard laps, James jumped in to show me the lines. Thankfully as it was a Renaultsport track day, I was with like-minded owners and machinery, so there was no intimidation or fear of being forced off the circuit. It's always good to see a few more Clio Trophys too!
Renault Clio 182 Trophy: PH Fleet
Time for the dreaded Sachs damper rebuild on Ben's Trophy...
Trophy meets Trophy!
I started with the brakes, researching what others were running and reading reviews online. A popular set up combines Brembo High Carbon Max grooved discs with Ferodo DS2500 pads on the front. I kept it standard at the rear with a new set of OEM discs and pads. Goodridge braided hoses were added all round for a firmer pedal feel, and some ATE Superblue brake fluid should ensure I don't go boiling it again! A big thanks to George at RTR Parts, who smashed any other price I could find for the lot.
Can you spot the new springs?
With everything back on and the dampers rebuilt, I was desperate to put it all to the test. Once the brakes were bedded in with some guidance from RTR on the performance pads, I was ready for a B-road thrash around Kent. It finally felt like I owned a Clio Trophy! The improvement in braking and handling was phenomenal; it took a highly capable hot hatch to a laugh out loud B-road rocket. Immediately it felt more planted, more predictable and more eager. The upgraded brakes felt firmer and stronger, allowing me to brake later and harder into a corner, leaning on the Michelin Pilot Sport 3s up front and building grip before turn in. The top mounts and strut brace changed the steering feel, making the front end feel pointier and more alive. The stiffer springs had cut body roll too. I could hardly wait for the my next circuit outing at Oulton Park, full of confidence that the Trophy was ready for its first full-on track day.
The track day bug has definitely bitten
I normally struggle to keep hold of a car for six months before I'm bored and need a change, but KN55 HWX continues to amuse with both its performance and cult appeal. I think this one's a keeper.
FACT SHEET
Car: 2005 Renault Clio 182 Trophy
Run by: Ben Lowden
Bought: April 2015
Mileage: 82,251
Purchase price: £4,250
Last month at a glance: Brakes sorted, suspension sorted, time for more track days!
Previous reports:
Cheerio diesel Skoda, hello limited edition Renault hero!
Spa day the Renaultsport way
Induction and exhaust tweaks for the Trophy
Trophy shines after time with the detailers
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Thanks to Renaultsport for having me along at Oulton Park.
Discussion
I am sure I saw this car in St Albans in the last week, or a Trophy with a similar plate. It is always nice to see a Trophy with its distinctive red paintwork.
Sounds like you have done some sensible mods. The only thing I would do differently on the brakes would be DS2500 pads on the rear as well.
I don't think you really need to do much more to the car after all of that - ideal set up for both road and trackday use.
Sounds like you have done some sensible mods. The only thing I would do differently on the brakes would be DS2500 pads on the rear as well.
I don't think you really need to do much more to the car after all of that - ideal set up for both road and trackday use.
Roma101 said:
I am sure I saw this car in St Albans in the last week, or a Trophy with a similar plate. It is always nice to see a Trophy with its distinctive red paintwork.
Sounds like you have done some sensible mods. The only thing I would do differently on the brakes would be DS2500 pads on the rear as well.
I don't think you really need to do much more to the car after all of that - ideal set up for both road and trackday use.
It wasn't me, but they definitely do stand out. I've only ever seen one on the road, other than when I was in Wales with 11 others last year!Sounds like you have done some sensible mods. The only thing I would do differently on the brakes would be DS2500 pads on the rear as well.
I don't think you really need to do much more to the car after all of that - ideal set up for both road and trackday use.
Might have to try the pads on the back too, thanks for the tip. I'm tempted to try something different next time though, as they're pretty non existent when cold. They don't take long to warm up, but I'd rather have a pad that works straight away.
No other major plans now other than hopefully a set of Pro Race 1.2s with R888s when funds allow for track days.
BenLowden said:
It wasn't me, but they definitely do stand out. I've only ever seen one on the road, other than when I was in Wales with 11 others last year!
Might have to try the pads on the back too, thanks for the tip. I'm tempted to try something different next time though, as they're pretty non existent when cold. They don't take long to warm up, but I'd rather have a pad that works straight away.
No other major plans now other than hopefully a set of Pro Race 1.2s with R888s when funds allow for track days.
When I swapped my original pads/discs for this set up on my old Trophy after a few track days, I was going to change the rears, but they were effectively unworn still (the fronts were destroyed!) I remember being a bit shocked at the time, but I did a lot of asking around and it appears that the Trophy's (not sure if standard 182's are the same) tend to have a very heavy front brake bias. Effectively the rears barely do any work so very little point swapping from standard. Might have to try the pads on the back too, thanks for the tip. I'm tempted to try something different next time though, as they're pretty non existent when cold. They don't take long to warm up, but I'd rather have a pad that works straight away.
No other major plans now other than hopefully a set of Pro Race 1.2s with R888s when funds allow for track days.
Yes, many people say don't bother with the rears and I understand this. However, although the rears obviously don't get as much as a workout as the fronts, they still get hot, which means they are doing something. As we know, the Ferodo pad material is better than the standards (hence why everyone changes the fronts), so there would be a benefit in doing the rears, even if it is a small benefit. suppose it comes down to whether you want to spend the money or not.
Nice article. I have a low mileage and tidy phase 1 172, running Brembo HCs with Carbon Lorraine 5 pads after having 2500s previously. They are superb. Also have KTEC braided pipes. Left rears stock. The braking performance on track is great, never had any fade at all, fierce bite when hot. Brake dust knackered the alloys though. Highly recommend the Toyo R888s too, really has taken the car up another performance level. Keen to explore reducing body roll from the stock suspension with those Mark Fish springs.
Heavy front bias certainly applies to the Cup and I think all 1*2s, perhaps all Sports.
I don't know if it's common but I find my rear calipers tend to stick a lot, handbrake poor, steep hills not fun.
Never realised the braking was an issue, exclusive to the Trophy?
Never felt any fade in the Cup, but then I haven't tracked it
I don't know if it's common but I find my rear calipers tend to stick a lot, handbrake poor, steep hills not fun.
Never realised the braking was an issue, exclusive to the Trophy?
Never felt any fade in the Cup, but then I haven't tracked it
Edited by scarble on Wednesday 13th January 10:38
Changed the fronts on my 172 Cup to Brembo HC discs & DS2500 pads a couple of years ago, left the rears standard as they do very little (mine literally did nothing until MoT picked that fact up!).
I was told that Carbon Loraines are better from cold but not sure how true that is.
R888's made the biggest difference to my hillclimb times by a LONG way, the grip is frankly astonishing compared to normal road biased tyres. Lot's of people (me included) run 15" rather than std 16" though.
I was told that Carbon Loraines are better from cold but not sure how true that is.
R888's made the biggest difference to my hillclimb times by a LONG way, the grip is frankly astonishing compared to normal road biased tyres. Lot's of people (me included) run 15" rather than std 16" though.
scarble said:
Heavy front bias certainly applies to the Cup and I think all 1*2s, perhaps all Sports.
I don't know if it's common but I find my rear calipers tend to stick a lot, handbrake poor, steep hills not fun.
Never realised the braking was an issue, exclusive to the Trophy?
Never felt any fade in the Cup, but then I haven't tracked it
172 Cup has no ABS, so a different braking system and a different bias. I don't know if it's common but I find my rear calipers tend to stick a lot, handbrake poor, steep hills not fun.
Never realised the braking was an issue, exclusive to the Trophy?
Never felt any fade in the Cup, but then I haven't tracked it
Edited by scarble on Wednesday 13th January 10:38
Sticking rear calipers are a fun trend that continues into the 197 and 200. They need at least yearly strip and clean maintenance to stop it from happening. As are the use of more front pads to back (I replaced the front pads twice to the rears only once)
Havent come across this in the Megane yet.
Used to drive a ex mates 182 trophy, his had been stripped of a few of the trophy bits (sold his seats for base spec ones, lightened tailgate) they are great little cars, very track capable and if cared for I'd imagine they hold onto the capability well.
(Unfortunetly this trophy is no more, it was killed at coombe last year by its new owner)
Havent come across this in the Megane yet.
Used to drive a ex mates 182 trophy, his had been stripped of a few of the trophy bits (sold his seats for base spec ones, lightened tailgate) they are great little cars, very track capable and if cared for I'd imagine they hold onto the capability well.
(Unfortunetly this trophy is no more, it was killed at coombe last year by its new owner)
Feirny said:
Glad to see you're making good use of George!
Yes indeed Greg! You should have said you were coming to Ginetta, I was there (albeit not in the Trophy).666TUR said:
Nice article. I have a low mileage and tidy phase 1 172, running Brembo HCs with Carbon Lorraine 5 pads after having 2500s previously. They are superb. Also have KTEC braided pipes. Left rears stock. The braking performance on track is great, never had any fade at all, fierce bite when hot. Brake dust knackered the alloys though. Highly recommend the Toyo R888s too, really has taken the car up another performance level. Keen to explore reducing body roll from the stock suspension with those Mark Fish springs.
Thanks! That's a couple of people who've mentioned the Carbon Lorraine now, so I may have to look down that route next. Although I don't fancy knackering my wheels. Sounds like a set of R888s has to be next! The MF springs are fantastic, but can be testing to live with on a day to day basis. Most of the roads around me in Kent aren't in the best condition, and it can be tiring at times being such a stiff ride.x luckyrob x said:
You should enter it into the Javelin Sprint Series this year, I done it last year in my 182 Cup and came first in class (admittedly that was more due to regular attendance than skill). You would probably be put in the standard road car class with those few mods, then we could race!
Sounds interesting, tell me more! I've toyed with the idea of hill climbing but never looked at it seriously. Seems fairly inexpensive to get in to, even if it isn't actually that great value for money given the limited amount of time you have out on the tarmac.LovelyTia said:
(Unfortunetly this trophy is no more, it was killed at coombe last year by its new owner)
That's a shame, I think that happened when there was a group of us in Wales last year in September. The numbers are slowly dwindling sadly!BenLowden said:
[quote=x luckyrob x
I've toyed with the idea of hill climbing but never looked at it seriously. Seems fairly inexpensive to get in to, even if it isn't actually that great value for money given the limited amount of time you have out on the tarmac
Get some R888's on it, a home made timing strut & get hillclimbing, you won't regret it!I've toyed with the idea of hill climbing but never looked at it seriously. Seems fairly inexpensive to get in to, even if it isn't actually that great value for money given the limited amount of time you have out on the tarmac
Yes the time on the hill is low but it's a very social day out with loads of like minded people.
BenLowden said:
Thanks! That's a couple of people who've mentioned the Carbon Lorraine now, so I may have to look down that route next. Although I don't fancy knackering my wheels. Sounds like a set of R888s has to be next! The MF springs are fantastic, but can be testing to live with on a day to day basis. Most of the roads around me in Kent aren't in the best condition, and it can be tiring at times being such a stiff ride.
It only occured to me once I was on the way home that you may have been there, sorry mate!LordHaveMurci said:
Get some R888's on it, a home made timing strut & get hillclimbing, you won't regret it!
Yes the time on the hill is low but it's a very social day out with loads of like minded people.
I'll definitely look into it! Sounds like great fun.Yes the time on the hill is low but it's a very social day out with loads of like minded people.
Feirny said:
It only occured to me once I was on the way home that you may have been there, sorry mate!
Likewise really! I'm sure we'll be up north again soon for another opportunity to see your Elise.I miss my #090 Trophy - was a great car. Certainly holds its own... and just as enjoyable to drive as my 997.2RS in its own way.
For pad compounds I ran Performance Friction PF97s. Fairly aggressive but stood up well at the 'ring. Lots of other mods available such as running a cold air induction pipe to the fog light areas etc. but am sure you're on top of the list of things you can do
Here are some meet photos - managed to get a photo of 7 of us. Sorry about the poor quality - was taken in 2007!
For pad compounds I ran Performance Friction PF97s. Fairly aggressive but stood up well at the 'ring. Lots of other mods available such as running a cold air induction pipe to the fog light areas etc. but am sure you're on top of the list of things you can do
Here are some meet photos - managed to get a photo of 7 of us. Sorry about the poor quality - was taken in 2007!
Edited by Oliie on Thursday 14th January 01:09
LovelyTia said:
Sticking rear calipers are a fun trend that continues into the 197 and 200. They need at least yearly strip and clean maintenance to stop it from happening. As are the use of more front pads to back (I replaced the front pads twice to the rears only once)
Havent come across this in the Megane yet.
Used to drive a ex mates 182 trophy, his had been stripped of a few of the trophy bits (sold his seats for base spec ones, lightened tailgate) they are great little cars, very track capable and if cared for I'd imagine they hold onto the capability well.
(Unfortunetly this trophy is no more, it was killed at coombe last year by its new owner)
It's also a problem in the mk2 megane but not sure about the mk3 Havent come across this in the Megane yet.
Used to drive a ex mates 182 trophy, his had been stripped of a few of the trophy bits (sold his seats for base spec ones, lightened tailgate) they are great little cars, very track capable and if cared for I'd imagine they hold onto the capability well.
(Unfortunetly this trophy is no more, it was killed at coombe last year by its new owner)
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