Clio 182 Track Toy

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MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Friday 20th July 2018
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Those that followed my journey with the EP3 Civic Type R were probably expecting to see a FK2 thread from me, unfortunately while the car drove superbly there was a noise on the test drive that bugged me, sounded like a loose hose somewhere so I asked them to investigate. Rather naively I paid the dealership my money and the collection day couldn’t come soon enough. The day before I was due to collect the car I received a phone call from the Honda dealership to advise that the gearbox needs to come out for inspection, and then parts would be ordered, replaced and put back together again, they couldn’t give me a timescale but suggested that I could be waiting a while. To cut a long story short I rejected the car and it’s since been sold to a young lad with a broken gearbox.

Moving swiftly on, I was at a lost end as to what to buy. The whole experience and fight to get my money back from Honda put me off another FK2. I test drove a Meg RS 250 Cup, great car just lacked the space I require, tried a 135i coupe, fast but nothing like practical enough and not exactly thrilling to pedal.

I was using the wife’s spare work car to get around and while it’s borderline useless to drive, it’s comfortable, practical and perfectly acceptable daily transport so I made them an offer. It’s now my daily and is superb for lugging the kids and labrador around in.

I was now scratching my head as to what to get that could satisfy my need to get out for the occasional hoon and track day, couldn’t think of anything better than a Clio 172/182 cup for my budget so started searching. I sort of felt like I had unfinished business with these little cars and missed my previous one quite a bit, it looked well on the Turini’s but it was just a bit too much to use as a daily.





I found a nice looking low boost turbo Clio with plenty of nice parts but on contacting the owner, someone had already left a deposit. Then a Black Gold one popped up on the Cliosport Facebook group but it was over three hours away in Kent, it had everything I was looking for and the owner seemed really honest about it’s condition. Viewing arranged and train tickets booked the Saturday morning couldn’t come round quickly enough. Some photos from the advert.







Edited by MRobbins1987 on Friday 20th July 20:22

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Friday 20th July 2018
quotequote all
After checking the car over and taking it for a test drive I decided it was the car for me, a deal was done.

The spec is as follows

Matched and ported inlets
Speedline 2118’s
Michelin PS3’s
Speedina carbon clocks
Ktec coilovers
Ktec exhaust
Polybushed exhaust mounts
Braided lines
Yellow stuff pads
BMS shifter
Bimarco Futura bucket seats
Omp subframe
Oreca four point harnesses
Half cage
Omp boss
Kode steering wheel

It also came with these





Jenvey throttle bodies and cat cams, I need an aftermarket ecu before I can fit the ITB’s but I’m hoping to achieve in the region of 200 bhp with these and the cams. Ktec claim the bodies are good for 30 bhp so I’m sure with the cams it’s going to be close to that.

With a track day booked at Oulton on the 17th August I was keen to put the car through it’s paces. The first job when home was to order some new pads for the front, the pedal with yellow stuff pads just wasn’t good enough so a set of trusty PBS pads were ordered.



There was also a rather distasteful Renaultsport badge on the boot that I set about removing.





I would like to remove the tints from the rear glass so that’s on my list of things to do along with removing some weight, the whole interior is still in place along with sound deadening.

Some more photos including a proper first wash.












And finally one alongside the comfortable but hateful daily.



All that was left to do before Oulton Park was to check all fluids and get the pads in, ideally I would of liked a set of track spec tyres but time was against me unfortunately, I will get a full report of how the Clio got on tomorrow.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
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Nutty9000 said:
That looks absolutely awesome. Omex 600 ECU is the go with these I believe, think K-TEC will be able to help with mapping; cams will affect low-end driveability but will get you an extra 10 or so bhp.

If that were mine I'd consider powdercoating the cage the same gunmetal as the wheels.

If you ever decide to sell the ITBs please bear me in mind as I'm picking this up tomorrow:

That looks a nice car.

There’s a few things that aren’t to my tastes so I will slowly make it more subtle from an appearance point of view, the blue cage will be one of them. Gunmetal could work well.

The tyre sidewall’s are practically back to black after the track day so that’s de cluttered it to a degree but they will be getting replaced in the not so distant future.

I will bare you in mind if I decide to part with the throttle bodies, the other option I’m considering is a low boost turbo conversion, which should raise power to over 230 bhp but totally change the characteristics of the car.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
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I had booked Oulton Park with a mate about three months ago originally planning to take my EP3 it’s amazing how quickly things can change. My younger sister decided to join me as passenger which made for some interesting moments, brave girl. I was excited to see how the Clio performed in comparison to the Civic with less power, less weight and on less than ideal tyres for the conditions.

Sat in the garage alongside Adam’s DC5





Out for the first session and the car felt extremely lacking in pace and it lasted all of three laps before I had to return to the garage to check the car over and evaluate how to get the best from it. The feel of the brake pedal had changed and on inspection the problem became apparent, both rear discs had cracked all the way through, I was tempted to throw in the towel and go home. I didn’t and risked it knowing how little the rear brakes do on these it sort of made sense.

The second session went far better and pace improved dramatically, the Clio is longer geared than the Civic was so I was now reaching for third in bends that used to be good in fourth and dropped to second out of the first chicane. The difference was notable and I was now keeping pace with cars of a similar nature and it was fun, boy was it fun. I don’t think I’ve driven a car so hard in my life but this thing just eggs you on. The PS3’s were the only thing slowing down progress and they are now fit for nothing but the bin but they allowed me to play around safely with the cars limits throughout the day.





















The car made it through the day without any real issues, I had to cut the last session short due to a loud banging noise from the front passenger side but that turned out to be loose caliper bolts. My sister had a whale of a time and she’s now off searching the classifieds for something that she can use for the occasional track day.

A few things will require attention before my next track day, Brembo HC front and rear discs, fresh fluids and some track based tyres but I can’t wait to get back out.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
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Cheers, they just make me happy when I drive them to be honest, hard to find that in a car but it reminds me of a slightly more modern 205 gti.

I’ve got a massive list of things I would like to do a rarb is certainly on that, I was leaning towards the PMS one but that requires dropping the subframe, do you have any experience with the whiteline one?

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Sunday 22nd July 2018
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The Audi was called into action this morning, collecting new tyres for the Clio.





Slight issue though, the Clio won’t start. Fingers crossed it’s just a flat battery.

Edited by MRobbins1987 on Sunday 22 July 18:55

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Monday 23rd July 2018
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Starting issues have been diagnosed as a faulty starter motor, after trying to jump start it I removed and cleaned the TDC sensor from above the gearbox and checked all fuses, loose connectors etc with no joy.

The starter is a pig to get too on these tucked behind the exhaust manifold so I called a mechanic to come and diagnose it, thirty minutes later and it’s running again. It will be getting a new starter motor tomorrow.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Friday 27th July 2018
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The Clio’s had a new starter motor and it’s starting at the first turn of the key now.

I’ve started removing the interior, well I say started it’s all practically gone now, carpets, plastic trim, stereo, speakers etc. The plan is to remove the sound deadening and tidy up the wiring then paint the interior a light grey colour, the cage is coming out and will be powder coated either in black or red, the blue really doesn’t suit the rest of the car so it’s going.










MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Friday 27th July 2018
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VTECMFR said:
Love seeing so many people enjoying 1*2s on here. They are just so good at doing what they do.

Get the tints off that, paint the roll cage, get a cup splitter on it, and then that thing is perfect.
Great aren’t they.

The tints will be going along with the Kode steering wheel. There’s quite a few distasteful things that need addressing but it shouldn’t take much to make it less Barry.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Tuesday 31st July 2018
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I took the Clio for a run out over some local B roads, removing the interior’s definitely made a difference to the way that it picks up. It feels lighter on it’s toes and it’s even more willing to change direction than it already was.



A parcel arrived yesterday from Kam Racing, brilliant service as usual.



Brembo HC discs for the front and rear with new ABS rings, I’m down in Cornwall for the next week or so with my Wife and kids so the fitting of brakes and finishing the interior will have to wait until my return.

Already eyeing up it’s next track outing with Oulton, Cadwell and Anglesey on the list as possibilities for sometime in September.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Tuesday 31st July 2018
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Jonny_gti said:
love the look of this 182 mate looks spot on. I stripped the interior out my Meg R26 for the last trackday and agree it makes some difference to the feel.
Cheers, it definitely makes a difference just needs tidying up and painting now.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Tuesday 31st July 2018
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R8Steve said:
I’m not sure if it was yourself that had a conversation about this on eBay but if not the turbo conversion doesn’t really change the characteristics of the car at all.

You must have just missed mine for sale in your recent search, I’ve just put mine up for sale to fund next seasons racing.
It wasn’t me Steve, I did contact someone about a low boost turbo Clio on eBay but someone had already placed a deposit on it.

Good to know that it doesn’t really affect the characteristics, I’m fairly sure that I will go with the throttle body set up at the moment even though the gains are minimal for the expense.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Tuesday 31st July 2018
quotequote all
R8Steve said:
No problem, if you have any questions about the turbo conversions just give me a shout.
Thanks, will do.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Thursday 9th August 2018
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It’s been a busy couple of days on the Clio with me having a few hours free in between parent duties. I’ve began to tackle the sound deadening with a heat gun and scraper, most of this is now removed.



The interior is looking a bit of a mess at present but I should be in a position to start painting soon.



I’ve now moved onto the brake discs, the rears had well and truly passed their best.




Luckily everything came free without any issues, my last Clio required a whole load of huffing and puffing to get bolts loose.



I gave the calipers a quick clean up and a fresh coat of black paint while I was at it.



I’m moving onto the fronts tomorrow all being well.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Friday 10th August 2018
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Jonny_gti said:
Good progress mate, drilled discs seem to crack all the time I wouldn't use them myself again.
Yes certainly won’t go near them again myself, seems to be a common theme with drilled discs.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Friday 10th August 2018
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addz86 said:
Great little things aren’t they, I can definitely recommend the white line rear ARB, first thing I did to mine and it feels a lot tighter!
The only downside is you no longer get on three wheels round tight corners...

The Federal 595’s were decent as track tyres too but now I’ve bought a second set of wheels and got slicks they’re a world of difference, saves shagging your road tyres too like I did...


I also got my dodgy tracking fixed...
Do you run the rarb on the stiffest setting? It’s definitely on my list of things to purchase.

Was it pressures that killed the RSR’s or just tracking? I need to get some more camber on the front of mine currently it’s -0.9 but ideally want between -1.5 to -2, there will hopefully be enough play in the camber bolts to get close to this.

Checked the front discs today and there’s still plenty of life left in them so I will be using these for a few more track days before swapping to the Brembo’s. I gave the calipers a clean up and a coat of paint.




MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Friday 17th August 2018
quotequote all
The interior of the Clio is in bits at the moment and progress is slow due to work and the summer holidays.

The sound deadening’s now fully removed and the cage is now black, I’ve got some more tidying up to do before I can start to paint the interior but I’ve got three weeks off starting on Monday so I should have enough time to get this done over the coming week or so.





I’ve got a few more things to get done, tyres need fitting and I’ve taken delivery of some rear brembo pads which will need slotting in. It feels like an age since I last drove it but I’m planning a trip to North Wales with the DSLR when it’s ready.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Saturday 18th August 2018
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BenLowden said:
Ahem... biggrin



Thoroughly recommend getting one Marc if you're thinking about it. That and PMS top mounts and strut brace, really makes the front end pointy and feels so much more responsive on turn in. Both on my shortlist!
I love that photo Ben, Silverstone by any chance? I’m looking to book on a track day there in November with a friend.

I’ve heard good things about the PMS strut brace, supposedly it’s the only one that actually works on the Clio, not cheap though. The Whiteline RARB is definitely on the list of things to purchase but I’ve got some items to buy for the interior before splashing out on it. Looking at some carbon fibre footplate’s for driver and passenger footwell’s and some light weight door cards.

MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Thursday 23rd August 2018
quotequote all
The hard work is now complete and the painting is done, need to fit the seats and harnesses but it’s looking far better already.





It’s changed quite a bit since picking it up.



Next jobs will be to get the brake and power steering fluid changed and the tyres fitted, it will be ready for it’s next track day then.


MRobbins1987

Original Poster:

509 posts

131 months

Friday 24th August 2018
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BenLowden said:
Certainly is. To be honest it's a decent circuit for a novice but not overly exciting if you're used to track days. We'll be at Donington on Saturday 3rd November running track sessions all day. Price to be confirmed but should be around £45 for a 30 minute session. By far my favourite circuit in the country!

Carbon fibre footplates won't make you go faster though... biggrin There's a guy on Cliosport who makes lightweight door cards if you haven't seen already, prices seem fair too.
I might give it a miss then Ben it’s not exactly a cheap circuit, is the Donington day being organised by Pistonheads? My only concern with Donington is the noise limit is quite low, the Clio was reading 99db on the static test at Oulton Park.

Won’t make it go faster but should add a bit of jazz to the interior, the floor is massively wonky after removing the carpets, sound deadening etc. So it would be nice to get it level again. I might have a go at making my own, it’s about £300 for the pair but I should be able to knock some up for under £100. I will have a look for the door cards on Cliosport, it was a toss up between the CM composite ones and the trackday doorcard ones but if I can get them cheaper elsewhere it will leave me more money for the important stuff.