Soldato
Nice one, welcome to the money pit of Renault Sport ownership haha! Which specialist are you using?
I'd check the rear shocks (or at least change them anyway as its so easy) as that often gives an odd oversteer sensation through the rear -
https://www.renaultpartsdirect.co.u...s/clio-172-clio-182-cup-rear-shock-absorbers/
Also worth signing up to membership for the guides are parts sections alone -
https://www.cliosport.net/forums/cliosport-guides.42/
EDIT:
Also it won't make 190bhp with those changes, they don't even make book power. 190bhp+ will require a different set of cams.
Some thoughts on the usual cliosport 'mods/improvements'
•Clear side indicators like on the later 172 cups
•Phillips Silvervision indicator bulbs, removes the fried egg look from the headlights/brake lights
•I know it wants to remain standard but check out the Ktec induction kit or google the Fatty induction kit for DIY. Its really quite addictive in terms of sound (I have the Ktec)
•Fresh numberplates, Proplates have a slightly smaller front plate option which makes it fit the front recess. Free shipping code is knocking about, I'll try and find it.
Now these cars are getting a bit older there are two common rust areas which are worth investigating / performing preventative maintenance.
1) Around the fuel filler neck, have a look for any slight bubbling. They normally rust from the rear which can be access through the wheel arch. If its all good its definitely worth getting a bit of fresh underseal on it.
2) Rear arches are starting to go but from the inside where it meets the sill. Taking the back seats and rear door cards off gives you access, once again, if all good then its worth getting some cavity wax in there.
https://www.cliosport.net/threads/ph1-172-rust.813058/
No belts in 16 years .
I am actually amazed that hasn't grenaded itself.
Nice purchase mate!
Get the belts done asap as said, that could blow at any minute.
Also a remap, 182 manifold and panel filter won't get you 190bhp I'm afraid, might get you back to the book figure of 172
Shocks - ordered! (Simply to cheap not too)
Power wise, what are the mods to do that give the biggest bang for buck and won't change the car so much. I was simply planning panel filter, 182 manifold/cat and a map. If there is a different route, I am listening. The Ktec sounds interesting and Ktec is a name I have come across a lot in Renault world so I guess they are the go to brand for performance tweaking.
Yes was gonna order plates, what size from pro plates do I need for the front then?
Fuel filler shows no sign of corrosion and no signs on arches, but shall do as you say to protect it, was also gonna clear out all the drainage holes at the front and rear too.
On the subject of cams, it would be worth doing uprated cams if the belts are being done. Definitely look into this @Gibbo
Good buy that. I almost bought a 182 several years ago but as soon as I test drove it, I knew I wouldn't have been able to live with it as a daily/cruiser.
I'm tempted to try a bit of Renault life for myself for cheap track time fun.
I've been mostly leaning towards an EP3 or a banged up FN2 as I know a fair amount about them and they can handle the constant abuse with the small addition of a baffled sump.
Not really sure on Clios; 172, 182, 197 or even a 225.
Can they be bought and just go straight on track? Or do they need a bit of work to get ready for sustained track abuse?
Definitely! My friend had a Meg 225 for a while and there always had small issues with them. But on a track car I wouldn't care if the window only went half way down or passenger door doesn't unlock with remote locking etc
I do like the look of the 197 and didn't know they're superior to the 172/182 for handling, thanks, it's now shot to the near-top of the list!
The urge for more power will ultimately occur (my FN2 case in point), but I'm hoping fully stripping and getting it as light as possible will negate that for a while.
I know the K20 engines will suffer oil starvation especially in the FN2 and DC5 if you stick semi-slicks on and do some hard cornering, I'm just wondering how the 197 engine, for example, would hold up in comparison?
I'm sure I read somewhere that attention needs paying to fuelling, i.e. swirl pots and a higher pressure pump as it can suffer fuel starvation? Other than that, is there anything else to really look out for?