Shed money Clio 172
Discussion
Hello. Its been a while since I've done one of these, but I suspect this car will have some stuff going on that will be interesting.
I picked up this last night.
It's a phase 2 clio 172, to be used as a weekend car. Possibly a track day, if i feel brave enough.
Some modifications, specifically, a huge cone filter and intake, lowering springs, catch can and possibly some sort of exhaust. The exhaust looks standard, but is incredibly loud. Its also got some really good looking oz wheels with PS4 tyres.
Despite lots of owners Its got a very, very good history. 3 dephaser and belt changes in its life, lots of oil and plug changes.
So after picking it up last night i had a 2 hour (mainly motorway) slog back from Oxford to Cambridge. During this i did think i had made a terrible decision. It's incredibly loud, the lack of a 6th gear is annoying, it vibrates, the gear change is poor and it clonks coming to a stop and pulling away.
However, at one point i overcooked it into a roundabout, and the ease with which the lift-off oversteer corrected it was fantastic.
It's got potential.
So the plan is to de-pimp the ride. At bit. The induction kit will be going, and the exhaust will be checked out to see what it is. There was a smell of exhaust fumes when sitting at traffic lights, so it may be blowing.
Internet based research says the clonk, poor gear change and vibration may be related to engine/gearbox mounts so they need to be investigated.
The wheels are staying though...
I picked up this last night.
It's a phase 2 clio 172, to be used as a weekend car. Possibly a track day, if i feel brave enough.
Some modifications, specifically, a huge cone filter and intake, lowering springs, catch can and possibly some sort of exhaust. The exhaust looks standard, but is incredibly loud. Its also got some really good looking oz wheels with PS4 tyres.
Despite lots of owners Its got a very, very good history. 3 dephaser and belt changes in its life, lots of oil and plug changes.
So after picking it up last night i had a 2 hour (mainly motorway) slog back from Oxford to Cambridge. During this i did think i had made a terrible decision. It's incredibly loud, the lack of a 6th gear is annoying, it vibrates, the gear change is poor and it clonks coming to a stop and pulling away.
However, at one point i overcooked it into a roundabout, and the ease with which the lift-off oversteer corrected it was fantastic.
It's got potential.
So the plan is to de-pimp the ride. At bit. The induction kit will be going, and the exhaust will be checked out to see what it is. There was a smell of exhaust fumes when sitting at traffic lights, so it may be blowing.
Internet based research says the clonk, poor gear change and vibration may be related to engine/gearbox mounts so they need to be investigated.
The wheels are staying though...
Edited by Cambs_Stuart on Tuesday 9th July 11:47
Edited by Cambs_Stuart on Tuesday 9th July 11:49
It's not from the FB group, but I have signed up as I'm going to need some technical support.
The SERV and airbag lights go on and off when you hit bumps in the road, I'm hoping there is "just" a dodgy connection.
For the price i paid, it' hard to see what would be more fun, and having driven it for a longer period, you can see why so many get onto the track, the steering and balance is just fantastic.
As for the maintenance, it's been well looked after. Service book is well stamped, dephaser done at 18,000 miles, 35,000 miles and 79,000 miles, so 20,000 miles and 2 years ago. In march this year it had new plugs, leads, injectors cleaned, gearbox & engine oil. So, yes, it's had some decent money spent on it
Apart from the clonking, it feels really good.
The SERV and airbag lights go on and off when you hit bumps in the road, I'm hoping there is "just" a dodgy connection.
For the price i paid, it' hard to see what would be more fun, and having driven it for a longer period, you can see why so many get onto the track, the steering and balance is just fantastic.
As for the maintenance, it's been well looked after. Service book is well stamped, dephaser done at 18,000 miles, 35,000 miles and 79,000 miles, so 20,000 miles and 2 years ago. In march this year it had new plugs, leads, injectors cleaned, gearbox & engine oil. So, yes, it's had some decent money spent on it
Apart from the clonking, it feels really good.
M4CK 1 said:
If you're taking it to the track you'll probably end up putting a bucket seat and some sort of racing steering wheel on it anyway. Supposed to make a massive difference in driving position and feel!!
Given the standard of my driving, I've got a long way to go before more track focussed mods become nesscessary! Thanks for the comments, I'll try to keep the posts coming.
Krikkit said:
p4cks said:
Cambs_Stuart said:
The SERV and airbag lights go on and off when you hit bumps in the road, I'm hoping there is "just" a dodgy connection.
Aye, common problem on the 172 is the connectors which are under the seat. They often just need a wobble and sometimes some tape to secure them a little more to stop any movement 
Now, my usual approach when buying cars is to download the whiteline/superpro/cusco catalogue...
But this time i'm going to try to learn some lessons form previous experience.
So instead of guessing what needs doing and buying a container full of bits, on monday the clio goes into a good local independent.
http://www.barhillmotors-cambridge.co.uk/
They're not a Renault specialist, but very honest. If anyone has got any Renault garages in Cambridge they are happy to recommend, I'm all ears.
In the mean time, I've added a couple of things to the to-dp list.
As with a few cars of these era, some of the interior plastics are a bit sticky:
So I need to work out how to remove these. Some googling suggests hot water and strong detergent.
While the steering wheel thumb grips haven't melted, one has split.
Uprated ones are available from ebay.
But this time i'm going to try to learn some lessons form previous experience.
So instead of guessing what needs doing and buying a container full of bits, on monday the clio goes into a good local independent.
http://www.barhillmotors-cambridge.co.uk/
They're not a Renault specialist, but very honest. If anyone has got any Renault garages in Cambridge they are happy to recommend, I'm all ears.
In the mean time, I've added a couple of things to the to-dp list.
As with a few cars of these era, some of the interior plastics are a bit sticky:
So I need to work out how to remove these. Some googling suggests hot water and strong detergent.
While the steering wheel thumb grips haven't melted, one has split.
Uprated ones are available from ebay.
Under the bonnet, with a few hours driving the good news is that there are no wet/smoky bits. Coolant is nice and pink, oil is nice and golden, but i have found this random clip rattling about:
No idea where that came from.
A bit more serious is some of the n/s wheel arch liner is missing.
And this really needs to go.
Just need to work out if I've got all the brackets needed to fit a standard box.
No idea where that came from.
A bit more serious is some of the n/s wheel arch liner is missing.
And this really needs to go.
Just need to work out if I've got all the brackets needed to fit a standard box.
Just back from the garage. A lot of the vibration and noise is due to up-rated engine mounts being fitted, which I didn't realise.
The exhaust is definitely blowing and fairly loose, so may be the cause of some of the clonking.
So, there is a new fitting kit and and set of hangers on the way from Renault to be fitted tomorrow.
The mechanics have also given the car a good once over and added some stuff to my to-do list, namely that the high level brake light doesn't work, and the rear middle seatbelt tensioner is a bit weak. other than that, it's got a clean bill of heath!
The exhaust is definitely blowing and fairly loose, so may be the cause of some of the clonking.
So, there is a new fitting kit and and set of hangers on the way from Renault to be fitted tomorrow.
The mechanics have also given the car a good once over and added some stuff to my to-do list, namely that the high level brake light doesn't work, and the rear middle seatbelt tensioner is a bit weak. other than that, it's got a clean bill of heath!
So, i've done nothing with the car, apart from drive it.
It's an utter hoot to drive. The suspension is crashy, it squeaks and clonks but the engine is fantastic, the steering precise and you can just throw it it corners.
My wife and children hate it, possibly to to the hardness of the suspension and my irresponsible driving style when I'm in it.
So, until today apart from buying a few parts my sum progress was buying a couple of door handles and soaking them in very hot water with some dishwasher tablets to remove the stickyness.
They now need painting.
However i was out for a drive and there was a sudden clonk, followed by a lot of very loud rattling.
The exhaust mounts had failed and the exhaust was now bouncing on the rear subframe.
The mid section mount was on the road:
And the rear had almost completely collapsed.
But some nice new ones from MIJ exhausts and the noise is now less unpleasant.
This was the first proper bit of DIY I've done on a car for over a year. I'd forgotten how satisfying it is when it goes as planned.
It's an utter hoot to drive. The suspension is crashy, it squeaks and clonks but the engine is fantastic, the steering precise and you can just throw it it corners.
My wife and children hate it, possibly to to the hardness of the suspension and my irresponsible driving style when I'm in it.
So, until today apart from buying a few parts my sum progress was buying a couple of door handles and soaking them in very hot water with some dishwasher tablets to remove the stickyness.
They now need painting.
However i was out for a drive and there was a sudden clonk, followed by a lot of very loud rattling.
The exhaust mounts had failed and the exhaust was now bouncing on the rear subframe.
The mid section mount was on the road:
And the rear had almost completely collapsed.
But some nice new ones from MIJ exhausts and the noise is now less unpleasant.
This was the first proper bit of DIY I've done on a car for over a year. I'd forgotten how satisfying it is when it goes as planned.
cheddar said:
Clonking 172's are a common problem usually fixed by loosening the engine mounts, yanking the engine forwards and re-tightening them.
That's not a procedure I'm familiar with, but the clonk does sound like a engine mount rather than arb/drop link or wishbone rattle. I'll have to give it a go. LordHaveMurci said:
Clio exhaust mounts are made of cheese!
Finally replaced mine with a poly bush last year, haven't notice any (more) vibration/harshness.
Replace that s
t cone filter with a V6 Espace one, it's cylindrical (there is also another option which I can't remember off the top of my head). I used to use an ITG filter in mine but swapped toma paper one last year with no ill effect.
Very happy with the BTB exhaust on mine, sounds lovely without being too obnoxious unlike many others I've heard.
I've got a standard airbox and ramair panel filter to go on. Hopefully now the kids are back at school I'll get some time to tinker. Finally replaced mine with a poly bush last year, haven't notice any (more) vibration/harshness.
Replace that s
t cone filter with a V6 Espace one, it's cylindrical (there is also another option which I can't remember off the top of my head). I used to use an ITG filter in mine but swapped toma paper one last year with no ill effect. Very happy with the BTB exhaust on mine, sounds lovely without being too obnoxious unlike many others I've heard.
Also, to be honest getting the suspension right is a higher priority.
Just had an enjoyable hour having a tinker with the clio.
First job, get rid of the lego dust caps.
Second job. The thumb grip had split, and was gettimg annoying. So i bought some heavy duty replacements.
The first was no problem, but the second appeared to be stuck on with tiger seal and took some effort.
The wheel feels much nicer now. Plus the new grips have a distinct "new car smell" aroma, which is nice.
First job, get rid of the lego dust caps.
Second job. The thumb grip had split, and was gettimg annoying. So i bought some heavy duty replacements.
The first was no problem, but the second appeared to be stuck on with tiger seal and took some effort.
The wheel feels much nicer now. Plus the new grips have a distinct "new car smell" aroma, which is nice.
Edited by Cambs_Stuart on Saturday 7th September 15:05
I also gave the headlights a quick restore as they were quite cloudy.
The photo doesn't really show how bad they are.
I had a bottle of this lying about that I'd used on subaru impreza headlights before.
So, i got my assistant to tape up the headlights, apply the gloop and polish off with a wool pad.
Previous experience tells me that once the UV protection is off the headlights they yellow/cloud quite quickly. Hopefully this will slow it down a bit.
I was very pleased with the results.
It's really lifted the appearance of the front of the car.
I gave them a coat of finishkare high temp paste wax and sat back to admire my work.
While i was under the bonnet, I tried to rock the engine and there is definitely more noise and movement than I'd like from the mounts, so I've ordered some OEM replacements.
The photo doesn't really show how bad they are.
I had a bottle of this lying about that I'd used on subaru impreza headlights before.
So, i got my assistant to tape up the headlights, apply the gloop and polish off with a wool pad.
Previous experience tells me that once the UV protection is off the headlights they yellow/cloud quite quickly. Hopefully this will slow it down a bit.
I was very pleased with the results.
It's really lifted the appearance of the front of the car.
I gave them a coat of finishkare high temp paste wax and sat back to admire my work.
While i was under the bonnet, I tried to rock the engine and there is definitely more noise and movement than I'd like from the mounts, so I've ordered some OEM replacements.
A bit more progress with the clio this morning.
A few people have mentioned that the clonks could be engine mount related, and the upper mount did look like it had seen better days, there was a gap all the way round the rubber insert.
So I thought I'd tackle this, the gearbox mount and remove the induction kit.
As the clio is very low, even getting underneath to remove the undertray, so i could then get a trolley jack on the sump took some lateral thinking.
I removed the intake, catch can, battery, and battery tray to get down to this:
The plan was the remove the bracket entirely, but i could not disconnect it. The bracket was loose and just the bush was attaching it to the car, but i could not get it out. So, with time running before i had to take the children out, i moved onto the upper engine mount.
This was a bit more straightforward, but jacking the engine up and down to get the parts to line up took more brain cells than it should have.
Not sure if I'm out of spannering practice, not used to french cars, watching too may youtubers that make it look easy or was just rushing too much.
Anyway, i got there in the end.
Then i simply fitted a replacement airbox, with a new ramair filter, and a fancy intake hose.
Thankfully, i did have all the brackets needed to fit it.
And the result? It still clonks and vibrates in exactly the same way.
A few people have mentioned that the clonks could be engine mount related, and the upper mount did look like it had seen better days, there was a gap all the way round the rubber insert.
So I thought I'd tackle this, the gearbox mount and remove the induction kit.
As the clio is very low, even getting underneath to remove the undertray, so i could then get a trolley jack on the sump took some lateral thinking.
I removed the intake, catch can, battery, and battery tray to get down to this:
The plan was the remove the bracket entirely, but i could not disconnect it. The bracket was loose and just the bush was attaching it to the car, but i could not get it out. So, with time running before i had to take the children out, i moved onto the upper engine mount.
This was a bit more straightforward, but jacking the engine up and down to get the parts to line up took more brain cells than it should have.
Not sure if I'm out of spannering practice, not used to french cars, watching too may youtubers that make it look easy or was just rushing too much.
Anyway, i got there in the end.
Then i simply fitted a replacement airbox, with a new ramair filter, and a fancy intake hose.
Thankfully, i did have all the brackets needed to fit it.
And the result? It still clonks and vibrates in exactly the same way.
Edited by Cambs_Stuart on Saturday 14th September 20:51
So, frustrating morning with the clio.
I finally found someone on Facebook selling some suspension, so i was looking forward to fitting it and getting rid of this cheap low stuff on at the moment.
Sadly, what turned up was rusty, with the coating on the springs corroded all the way through and one top mount seized in place. And obviously, the FB seller is not being helpful.
Buy cheap. Buy twice.
I finally found someone on Facebook selling some suspension, so i was looking forward to fitting it and getting rid of this cheap low stuff on at the moment.
Sadly, what turned up was rusty, with the coating on the springs corroded all the way through and one top mount seized in place. And obviously, the FB seller is not being helpful.
Buy cheap. Buy twice.
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