Sean's 197T - RIP Albi :(

Sean197

RIP Albi :( Hello Red 200 :)
Moderator
Hi all,

Well after almost 5 years of lurking i've decided it's time to start a thread of my own.
To give you some background, I bought the car almost 5 years ago as a replacement for my Mk1 Focus which met a dramatic end after being ploughed into someone's garden wall during the deep snow of early 2011:eek::oops:
I had narrowed down the choice to that of a Mk2 Focus ST and a clio 197 (didn't like the 200's front although it has grown on me, especially in white), and after going to see a few ropey examples of each, including a nimbus 197 which the garage swore was 'immaculate' and 'standard', and upon turning up to view the car it had receipts for trackdays, the loudest aftermarket exhaust i've ever heard this side of a 1995 Subaru WRX and more chips than Harry Ramsden's. Needless to say I walked away.
10 mins down the road I eventually found my baby, 1k cheaper than said ropey example and with 15k fewer miles :001_wub::001_wub::001_wub:

The car had a lot to live up to (speedwise anyway) as I also have a TB'd, cammed, High-comp'd saxo vts which to be honest I still think to this day is quicker than the 197... The 197 more than does me, and while lacking slightly in straight line speed it more than makes up for it with an excellent chassis, including the brakes which are awesome to say the least.
The 197 is perfect for what I was after - the capabilities of the saxo but with (a lot) more refinement. So far it has delivered everything I asked from it. I just wish Renault had fitted a taller 6th gear!!!!

Here is the car not long after I bought it in January 2011:

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So, having sworn I wouldn't be modifying this particular car, it remained standard for the next 4 1/2 years, and plodded along nicely with the usual maintanence etc.
However... over the past wee while i've noticed the car not being as sharp as it once was. Therefore, as a little birthday present to myself last week this lot was purchased, along with some standard front pads and discs:

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These are being fitted tomorrow, so i'll get some pics up at the weekend once the car has had a proper clean (weather is rubbish up here atm).
Also got standard front pads and discs going on.

Future plans are:

-Wheel refurb
-Speedlines (7.5j) or Ultraleggeras, although these will be in silver/anthracite rather than the usual black (black looks great I just prefer silver for the standard look or anthracite as i think it look less 'dirty')
-Caliper rebuild, front and back, and sprayed capsicum red with black brembo lettering
-possibly an exhaust as mine is rattling - may be a heatsheild but suspect the silencer has gone
- few carbon bits and pieces (what I can't buy I plan to make myself)
- front grill painted black


Thanks for reading :smile:
 

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Cheers :smile: I don't use it on track, but plan to start again in the new year with a few visits to Knockhill and maybe the 'ring. The B14's and powerflex mounts are more about tightening things up tbh as i've felt the car get a little sloppy over the past year or so. And i'm buggered if i'm paying what Renault want for standard suspension! I would have been quite happy to keep the standard suspension as it really is very good, if only it didn't have the ride height of a Landrover Discovery. Don't get me wrong though, the improvement of the B14's will be very welcome indeed. :smile:
 
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cool mods...5 years??i'd be tempted to post..good that you have done..enjoy your little beast
 
I see , looking forward to getting my 197 to the ring at some point too. Capsicum red brembos sound good, give me a shout if you need any info as I give mine a full strip , seal replacement and paint.
 
[MENTION=52200]montana[/MENTION] did you replace just the seals or did you do the actual pistons too? I've seen the replacement seal kits on ebay so will get the refurb done at the same time as the calipers are painted. I could have, and probably should have, had them done at the same time as the discs and pads but time was against me. I know a guy who does wheel refurbishment for £54 per wheel, any colour, and as he also does dent and paint repairs I'll see if he can do the calipers too.
 
i replaced the seals only..after a quick check the pistons were like new and mine is 06 plate..you shouldnt have to replace the pistons unless the seals are absolutely knackered :scared:

just a quick tip..when you put the pistons back make sure its all super clean as the pistons can get stuck if inserted incorrectly..its all very tight fit there..

good luck
 
So, car went into the garage to have the bits fitted. Unfortunately they were tight for time and were only able to get the coilovers done but the car will be going in next week to have the brake lines and powerflex mounts fitted.
Gave him his weekly wash, Autoglym shampoo followed by Auto Finesse Tripple and Meguiars wax. Trim was given a going over with Auto Finesse Revive with Meguiars gel on the tyres.

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Really pleased with these coilovers. Not crashy in the slightest, slightly more bumpy but that's to be expected. They are very compliant though and the body roll has been reduced dramatically.
A very worthwhile purchase which I would thoroughly recommend to anyone.
 

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Finished playing golf this morning, started the car, manifold blowing :nope: Toyosport ordered, will be fitted on Thursday.
 
well you dont mess about,do you?sure its the manifold??quite a big job that is..
so you like your new suspension??
 
[MENTION=52200]montana[/MENTION] did you replace just the seals or did you do the actual pistons too? I've seen the replacement seal kits on ebay so will get the refurb done at the same time as the calipers are painted. I could have, and probably should have, had them done at the same time as the discs and pads but time was against me. I know a guy who does wheel refurbishment for £54 per wheel, any colour, and as he also does dent and paint repairs I'll see if he can do the calipers too.
Just the seals. My seals were split but the pistons were still in good order. You should inspect them when you remove them, any scoring on the piston means they need to be replaced.
Don't forget to order the replacement pins too.
 
[MENTION=41063]Pav[/MENTION] blowing is definitely coming from the front, and was even more evident when the bonnet was lifted so fairly sure it's the manifold. Yeah I'm aware of the subframe having to be dropped etc. and contemplated having a 200 cup steering rack fitted at the same time but that can wait for now.
Really impressed with the B14's, they've really transformed the car, can't recommend them highly enough.

[MENTION=52200]montana[/MENTION] yeah I've had discs and pads done a few times now so well versed on the extra £50 for the pins each time!
 
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The manifold is not just the flexis that can go, the flange can also crack at the top which is repairable with a weld... However the toyo is a superior item so best to just change it whilst your paying for the labour. My 197 went on both and I forked out for the labour twice lol
 
@CallorFold - I actually got them from Kam Racing with all the other bits, for £12 - http://www.kamracing.co.uk/car-tuni...retaining-pins-2-0-16v-rs-brembo-caliper.html Don't know why I said £50. Haven't had any trouble with the standard pins, as long as they're greased properly on fitting they should be fine.

@Daverb - I use Daily EMS in Cupar mate, they're not a Renault specialist but have done my cars for the last 12-13 years so I trust them. The only motorsport specialist I know of in Fife is HQ in Dalgety Bay, may use them for a proper suspension set-up if I feel it needs it.

@Chris91 - welding the stock manifold had crossed my mind, but I decided seeing as it's such an involved job to access/remove I may as well buy a new one for the extra peace of mind.
 

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