“It's just a daily” - Renaultsport Clio 182
Discussion
Cambs_Stuart said:
When I bought mine I went the other way. I bought a knowingly rough one cheaply and then worked though the issues. As long as they're not rusty and the engine is OK there's no that much that's too expensive to go wrong. Gearboxes and Belts/dephasers are about the most pricey thing that you'll have to do.
Very true Stu. I think body condition and corrosion will now be the big hitters on anyone looking to buy these days. The rest is easy to fix. Small update tonight.
After 2 weeks driving on the RP1s I’d decided they just weren’t feeling the way I wanted the car to feel. I used Pagid RSL 29s in the OEM calipers and I’ve used 29s in all my cars. I just like the way the Pagids feel so I’ve opted to just pull the trigger on a new set. The RSL range has been developed into improved compounds now with the addition of the RSL 2 and 2E so opted for a set of RSL 2s.
Cost the same as a Clio but the pad and rotor life is amazing so I’m happy with that.
RP1s out after just over 2 weeks lol, RSL 2s in and all was right with the world again. 😅
After 2 weeks driving on the RP1s I’d decided they just weren’t feeling the way I wanted the car to feel. I used Pagid RSL 29s in the OEM calipers and I’ve used 29s in all my cars. I just like the way the Pagids feel so I’ve opted to just pull the trigger on a new set. The RSL range has been developed into improved compounds now with the addition of the RSL 2 and 2E so opted for a set of RSL 2s.
Cost the same as a Clio but the pad and rotor life is amazing so I’m happy with that.
RP1s out after just over 2 weeks lol, RSL 2s in and all was right with the world again. 😅
Koolkat969 said:
frayz said:
Cambs_Stuart said:
When I bought mine I went the other way. I bought a knowingly rough one cheaply and then worked though the issues. As long as they're not rusty and the engine is OK there's no that much that's too expensive to go wrong. Gearboxes and Belts/dephasers are about the most pricey thing that you'll have to do.
Very true Stu. I think body condition and corrosion will now be the big hitters on anyone looking to buy these days. The rest is easy to fix. Rust is indeed a concern but saying that, I've seen cars with less than 10 years with serious corrosion underneath with all the salt we get on the roads every winter.
I do make a habit of pressure washing the underside regularly and even more so in winter. As you say it’s about keeping them as protected as possible. Even more so when you actually use them. Ha.
Couchwarrior316 said:
Found this thread this morning. Read the whole thing (should have been working ??)
Great thread and made me miss the clios I’ve had more than I already did!! Such super cars to drive, last one had Trophy dampers and I’ve honestly never had so much fun in a car.
Agree the Orbisoud is a good bit of kit but overrated really when factoring price etc.
Had a mild heart attack when you were looking into turbocharging so am glad you resisted that urge. It just changes them and not for the better IMO.
Prices just continue to rise don’t they? At what point do I sell my newer (and even more expensive and unreliable) French hatch and go back to my one true love? ????
Looking forward to more updates mate. Love how you’ve done yours so far.
Wow, you must have been bored to read through that lot, so well done on making it to the end. Thanks so much for the kind comments, i still absolutely adore this little car so i'll keep driving it as long as they let me to or until circumstances force me to get rid of it. Great thread and made me miss the clios I’ve had more than I already did!! Such super cars to drive, last one had Trophy dampers and I’ve honestly never had so much fun in a car.
Agree the Orbisoud is a good bit of kit but overrated really when factoring price etc.
Had a mild heart attack when you were looking into turbocharging so am glad you resisted that urge. It just changes them and not for the better IMO.
Prices just continue to rise don’t they? At what point do I sell my newer (and even more expensive and unreliable) French hatch and go back to my one true love? ????
Looking forward to more updates mate. Love how you’ve done yours so far.
Mine has done a zillion miles so will never be worth anything (nobody will want it with 150k miles on) but they are certainly commanding stronger money these days.
Couchwarrior316 said:
Ha not at all. It’s a cliche I know but these cars really do get under your skin don’t they?
Really enjoy the enthusiasm you have for it, hoping for lots more pics of spherical bearings and the like along the way!
Ha, well im sure they will need replacement again at some point. I check them quite frequently, clean and lube them and they seem to be holding up just fine for now. Really enjoy the enthusiasm you have for it, hoping for lots more pics of spherical bearings and the like along the way!
Winter wheels have landed in the shape of another set of EVO Corse X3MA, this time in bright silver. I sold the 16” Speedlines and went for another set of these as they are one of only a handful of 15” wheels that fit over the Brembo brake package without the need for spacers.
Hopefully get some ceramic coat and rubber on these this week and get em on. 🙂
Hopefully get some ceramic coat and rubber on these this week and get em on. 🙂
Leicester Loyal said:
Nice to pop in and see you (and the Clio) still doing well.
Back in my 182 FF after my Fiesta ST was stolen, hated it at first but it’s growing on my again now. I said I was going to sell it come the first quarter of 2023 but now it’s making me question if I really want to FFS.
Ah man, sorry to hear of having your car pinched, that's awful. The Clios a funny thing, old, not that quick and quite visceral by todays standards. But one of those cars i think you would instantly regret as soon as it leaves the driveway. Back in my 182 FF after my Fiesta ST was stolen, hated it at first but it’s growing on my again now. I said I was going to sell it come the first quarter of 2023 but now it’s making me question if I really want to FFS.
LordHaveMurci said:
What pressures are you running the PS3’s at out of interest?
Not had a play with them yet as they only went on yesterday. Tyre shop shoved in the usual 32psi all round to get me rolling. I suspect i may drop that a smidge, but over winter i dont really push the car on the PS3s anyway. I'm still revelling in their comfort and lack of noise lolLordHaveMurci said:
Currently running my Cup at 28.5f, 26r but wondered if that was a little too low?
I need to get them ceramic coated first so they have some winter protection, after that i'll have a play. They feel pretty good as is to be honest, its actually quite nice having less grip as it makes the rear more mobile and certainly more playful.trails said:
These things look just right on chunky 15s…nice work as always 
Yeah they deffo look better with a bit more tyre on them. I loved the Speedlines, they look so classic on the mk2 Clio, but they certainly do drive better on a 15" wheel and the increase in tyre profile is welcome. Just back from Alex at AWM after it needing a bit of love after developing an oil leak around the sump again. This was done last back in 2019 when i bought the car back, but after after a bit of head scratching it was decided to give it a whole new sump and gasket etc. Alex also fixed a small coolant leak for me by the thermostat.
Whilst there were there they found quite a lot of wear to the splined drive tube between the gearbox output shaft and the intermediate driveshaft. This must have been causing quite a bit of chatter under the car but i hadn't heard it due to the exhaust note. A new one was fitted and the driveline is nice and tight again. Also found one of my roll centre bearings has play so I've ordered a new pair of those, that has only lasted 18 months of road use so they will now be a full service item regularly i expect.
My last item was to put the OEM cat back in, im officially old now and wanted to shut the car up a bit. A full race PMS is a lovely sound, but can get a bit much day to day. Driving to work this morning i was amazed at how quiet it was inside. It almost felt grown up!
All in, excellent service from Alex and the boys as always. Triggers Broom rides on!!
Whilst there were there they found quite a lot of wear to the splined drive tube between the gearbox output shaft and the intermediate driveshaft. This must have been causing quite a bit of chatter under the car but i hadn't heard it due to the exhaust note. A new one was fitted and the driveline is nice and tight again. Also found one of my roll centre bearings has play so I've ordered a new pair of those, that has only lasted 18 months of road use so they will now be a full service item regularly i expect.
My last item was to put the OEM cat back in, im officially old now and wanted to shut the car up a bit. A full race PMS is a lovely sound, but can get a bit much day to day. Driving to work this morning i was amazed at how quiet it was inside. It almost felt grown up!
All in, excellent service from Alex and the boys as always. Triggers Broom rides on!!
When Alex had the car this week he noticed there was some play in my OS bottom ball joint. These are spherical bearings as part of my roll centre kit.
As you all know, my car is my daily driver which covers 250mls+ a week in all seasons and all weathers.
So the exposed bearings really do take a hiding from the life the car lives.
These bearings went in April 2020, so they haven’t done bad considering. They do get a regular cleaning/regressing too, but it’s just not enough to keep them good for any length of time without dust boots. (I’m going to investigate some universal boots for them)
2 new bearings ordered up with super service as always from McGill Motorsport. I had them fitted in about an hour. Super easy to do which was nice.
Just in time for her MOT Monday.
As you all know, my car is my daily driver which covers 250mls+ a week in all seasons and all weathers.
So the exposed bearings really do take a hiding from the life the car lives.
These bearings went in April 2020, so they haven’t done bad considering. They do get a regular cleaning/regressing too, but it’s just not enough to keep them good for any length of time without dust boots. (I’m going to investigate some universal boots for them)
2 new bearings ordered up with super service as always from McGill Motorsport. I had them fitted in about an hour. Super easy to do which was nice.
Just in time for her MOT Monday.
tbox gets another year of play time with zero advisories. Quote Mr MOT man “it’s like brand new under there”.
TheJimi said:
If this isn't the best Clio in the country, I'd like to see what is!
Ha, im flattered, thank you. However my 153k mile daily driver is far from the best. There are some really lovely Clios out there if you go looking for them, but she looks tidy for her age. I am constantly worried about rust and corrosion and it could use some paint up front as a freshen up, but other than that. I hope to keep it for as long as i can. It drives as tight as a drum and there still isnt really anything id enjoy half as much at twice the price.
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