Albi 197 - Project Fast Road

[matthewson]

Hi Guys,

First of all, sorry for the long post, I should have started this sooner!

This is my second 197, originally had a RB. However I'm a huge Mini fan at heart and had to go back for one last time, here's some pictures below before I sold her, was a really good spec car but struggled badly with intake temps even running a GRS Motorsport intercooler.

20160829_121720 by matthew bush, on Flickr

So... with intake temps being an issue and wanting to do more track days I wanted something N/A that would take the abuse. I'm more interested in handling than outright performance so another 197 was on the cards.

I was up early one Sunday browsing eBay as you do, there she was a 06 197 in Albi blue with 74k miles on the clock, seemed far too cheap and with it only being 45 minutes away I was there at 10 in the morning and did a deal.

The car had some faults but also had a nice bill in March for a Gearbox refurb, new clutch and belts. From inspection and receipts it's also had the ball joints done and was fitted with a Toyosports manifold which knocked like mad on the sub frame.

It was finally time for the Mini and Clio to meet, not fair to compare them at this stage, the Mini had loads of mods and the Clio was pretty standard.

20160827_160628 by matthew bush, on Flickr

The Mini went and work progressed on the Clio, below is a full spec as she stands with all parts I've replaced, there was a lot of tidying up such as painting the front hubs and a full machine polish.

Brakes:
New Renault rear discs
Minted rear pads

Suspension:
New 200 Cup shocks all round
H&R 30/40mm lowering springs
New Front Droplinks
New Front Anti Rotation Links
New Front Top Mounts
New Rear Spring Cups
Powerflex Engine Mounts

Wheels/Tyres:
200 Speedline wheels refurbished in a light anthracite
225/45/17 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 2

Performance:
K-Tec Racing Induction Kit
Toyosports Manifold
Miltek Decat
Millet Non-res Cat Back
AMD Tuning remap - 202.8bhp (LOL)

Exterior:
Renault Aero Front Splitter
Renault Aero Side Skirts
Renault Cup Spoiler
Rear Clio badge removed
Gloss Black front and back diamonds
Newer 200 RS rear badge
6k HID Kit
LED Sidelights
LED Number plate lights
Chrome Indicator Bulbs - front, rear and side
Gel Number Plates
G3 Wind Deflectors
20mm Spacers

Interior:
Clio 200 Yellow dials
Clio 200 Anthracite Dash pack including vents
Pioneer Radio
Renault Steering Wheel Insert
Renault Sport Gear Knob

And now some pictures as she stands!

20161009_172815 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161009_172726 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161009_172835 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161103_154555 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161105_102429 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161105_102442 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161105_092947 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161031_152349 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161031_152414 by matthew bush, on Flickr

20161031_152429 by matthew bush, on Flickr

 

[Sean197]

Jesus those wheels look amazing

 

[Pav]

welcome and very nice touches so far..hope she serves you well..

 

[Micah]

Nice! Hope you're enjoying the induction kit [emoji6]

 

[jasonlovesfrench]

Wow you have spent a pretty penny on this so respect to that, sounds like it's all set for a good time now

 

[LOCKE]

That is one clean looking car mate. Looks stunning.

 

[matthewson]

Thanks guys, pictures do it a lot of justice, it needs a little bit of paint next year.

Got a pair of sparco evos to fit soon, just ordered the sparco Subframes!

 

[LOCKE]

Nice and snug!

 

[tombate911]

Thanks guys, pictures do it a lot of justice, it needs a little bit of paint next year.

Got a pair of sparco evos to fit soon, just ordered the sparco Subframes!

Great seats. Got the same fitted into my track car with 6 point harnesses.

 

[Pav]

very nice..which base are you getting??

 

[matthewson]

very nice..which base are you getting??

I've ordered the Oreca/Sparco mounts from Ktec.

I may actually invest in some different seats, these may be a little tight for every day use haha!

 

[matthewson]

Great seats. Got the same fitted into my track car with 6 point harnesses.

Yeah they're lovely, in hindsight I should have got fay boy seats!

 

[Pav]

can you link us to them pls???thanks

 

[matthewson]

can you link us to them pls???thanks

Sure here you go:

http://www.k-tecracing.com/show_product.asp?id=3780&appid=3

Just change the vehicle in the drop down!

 

[Pav]

and these mounts go with the above seat??still able to move the seat forwards and back??

thank you

 

[matthewson]

From what I understand they will, I've also read that the Subframes can be mounted to the original runners or you can use a universal set of runners between the Subframes and the side mounts!

 

[Pav]

ok let us know how you get on..this bucket seat/mounts situation has made me very confused..wanted to go for some bucket seat not long ago but gave up..thanks

 

[matthewson]

ok let us know how you get on..this bucket seat/mounts situation has made me very confused..wanted to go for some bucket seat not long ago but gave up..thanks

Will do no worries, if the Subframes arrive this week I'll attempt to get them fitted at the weekend.

 

[Jimmy]

Superb looking 197, I love those wheels as well! They're some nice mods you've done to it already, awesome!

 

[Micah]

I've seen/heard it in the flesh @Jimmy and i was really impressed. Made me feel like I wrap mine up in cotton wool and should just take it to the dark side to really get the most fun out of it! [emoji14]