Renault Clio 182 Trophy: PH Fleet
Time for the dreaded Sachs damper rebuild on Ben's 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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
Thanks to Renaultsport for having me along at Oulton Park.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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
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)
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.
Yes the time on the hill is low but it's a very social day out with loads of like minded people.
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!
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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