The build begins - weekend and Track tool

Hi all. So, I've been on the lookout for a cheap Clio 197 for a while. My plan was to replace my previous track car (Mini Cooper S JCW R53) with something a bit more serious. I rebuilt the Mini last year but I never really bonded with it.

I decided the Clio should have black Speedline alloys, Recaros and Cup chassis and ideally be white. Not worried about mileage as long as it had good SH and had been well kept. Amazingly I found not a 197 but a 200 close to me and the exact spec I wanted. It looked amazing but on the test-drive it had a significant engine issue as it was extremely lumpy and refused to rev past 5000 revs. Suddenly the bargain price made sense....

...so I bought it for an even more bargain price. Did I do the right thing :-(

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After getting some advice on this site and looking up codes on my OBD tool I diagnosed a knackered Knock sensor. A replacement was fitted by myself and it was better but not perfect. Hmmm. So I fitted new plugs and did the MAP sensor fix. Better still but far from 100%. Argh!!! Was worried I'd bought a dud!! Anyway I brimmed the tank with Nitro+ and it was totally transformed!!! Rev'd freely, loads of power, amazing!! That lasted for 1 run but on the next it was missing and misfiring like a bastard. My instinct when I bought the car was that a Coil was on the way out so I replaced them all...the car is fixed!!!

Just something I noticed - the windscreen washer tubing had split and was spraying right onto Coil number 1 every time I cleaned the windscreen! It was really groggy looking. Maybe something to be aware of??

Next, some mods and fixes. Firstly I checked the dreaded drains...yep, fully blocked!!! You can see the water below!

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I also fitted a PowerFlex Torque Arm bush because there seemed a lot of movement to the engine.

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It felt much better but I do plan to fit the engine and gearbox mounts by PowerFlex, just to make it a bit more rigid.

Finally I fitted 'blue ice' interior LEDs, rear number plate LED and Upgraded Phillips bulbs. Oh and silver indicator bulbs!! Now looking ace!!

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So far I've fitted the following parts (in addition to the above):

- BMC panel air filter
- New Thermostat
- Renault Valve caps

I've got a load more parts to fit so I'll try and keep this thread updated as I go. Parts bought but not fitted:

- Temperature Sender
- Carbotech Front pads
- Brembo HC Front discs
- Front caliper pins
- Braided brake lines
- ATE Brake Fluid
- Carbon Fibre spats
- Rear brake discs
- Rear brake pads
- Black Renault wheel centres
- full service pack (oil etc.)

So that's it for now. Loving driving it now it's fixed and amazed that I got such a bargain!
 
So after a slow start I've finally had a bit of time to work on my track day project.

The rear seats are out. I don't want a stripped look, going for more of a Clubsport/OEM look so have carpeted the rear:
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Also had the steering wheel back from the trimmers. Well happy with full Alcantara, yellow stitching and yellow band. Gear gaiter is away being done the same

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The brake calipers are away being refurbed and I have some 197 alloys being 'worked on' ;-)

More updates to follow
 
wheel looks fab mate just remember to wash your hands every time you drive my alcantara wheel went shiny really fast finally worked out it was my hair wax every morning as its the last thing i do before i got out lol!

Seems to be madatory to remove rear seats these days probably more 200's with no rear bench than with now.
 
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wheel looks fab mate just remember to wash your hands every time you drive my alcantara wheel went shiny really fast finally worked out it was my hair wax every morning as its the last thing i do before i got out lol!

Seems to be madatory to remove rear seats these days probably more 200's with no rear bench than with now.

I'm a baldie mate so no worries with the hair wax :smile:. I think a lot of people buy 197's/200's as toys and therefore the seats go as an easy way to lose weight. I don't want a totally stripped car, I've driven cars with no interior trim and removed wheel arch liners etc. and they're bloody horrible


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Been crazy busy with work again so time in limited supply. Brake calipers still off being refurbished however I got my track-day wheels back from the powder coaters.
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I've also started a project to build Oil Temp and Pressure dials into the radio display area. First fit proves the concept but plenty of fitting/finishing to do to make it look better (this is trial fit only).

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SO much more to do....
 
I have a set of Nankang NS-2R tyres which I'll get fitted soon.

I've replaced all the brake discs, fitted 21mm spacers and have converted from bolts to a stud kit from Elite. I've also got carbotech pads for the front anda full sell of braided hoses to fit. I've also bought some Cooksport springs to drop the suspension until I can afford some decent coilovers.

As soon as my brake calipers come back from being rebuilt I'll take a day off work and have a day working on the Clio...real soon I hope!!
 
What a fantastic colour (I am biased as im a real fan of Yellow). That looks a fantastic job too.

Who / where done those bad boys ?

****Good luck fitting Friday :smile:

I used a company called Caliper Specialists online. They're not too cheap but fairly reasonable I guess. Full inspection of all 4 calipers, paint and replaced a piston and a few new rubbers were £340 all-in.

However they are not quick. From posting them off to getting them back was about 3 1/2 weeks


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Fantastic job though. Does that shade have a specific name / RAL code.....or is it just their version of Yellow ?

Almost has a Mustard tinge to it in the pics.

Love them lots !
 
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Fantastic job though. Does that shade have a specific name / RAL code.....or is it just their version of Yellow ?

Almost has a Mustard tinge to it in the pics.

Love them lots !

To be honest I found the colour I liked online, sent them a pic and they matched it. I could have given them a specific paint code but I was quite happy them getting close although they nailed what I wanted.

Well pleased with them!!! I've got braided lines to go with them, Carbotech pads and new Brembo discs all round (plus decent brake fluid) so I reckon it'll stop decently now


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