Darren's DB 197 F1 Team

Hi Guys

Been a RS fan for a few years now, but this is my first venture in to a Clio, or go-kart as my wife calls it.

Started out with a ropey 225 Trophy I spent about 3x it's value on. Hybrid tubro, Forge front mount, Ktec exhaust, H&R springs and a few other bits. 275/311.

43727547845_2a01faf92c_k.jpgIMAG0558 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

Sold that when it just kept going wrong so bought a nice near stock R26 and threw more money at that! Although most mods were carried over from the Trophy I did fit KW v3 coilovers which are the best mod I have ever done to a car.

30766727728_8e089c33f7_b.jpgIMG_2160 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

29698438317_a73236a889_k.jpgIMG_2002 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

42826744940_3862b2b3e2_k.jpgIMG_2120 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

Just when the R26 was spot on, I got bored, as you do and sold it to buy my 197 (which I will come on to). But thinking I missed the boost I went out and bought another R26 last month and the ringlands promptly failed on me!

44587300672_b6fbbf756a_k.jpgUntitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

44637368101_2fbd4b4e41_z.jpgUntitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

So, leaves me with the Clio 197 F1 Team (or whatever it's full name is...)

Flew up from Exeter to Manchester off the back of positive phones call with Norman (yes, that's his real name). Norman collected me from the airport and took me to his house / garage. So Norman, are you a dealer? No, it's my son's car, he bought it to track but it's too tidy.

42826801120_55787eb586_b.jpgIMG_2473 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

Test drive went well, apart from an ear splitting exhaust (Toyosport mani, decat and Scorpion system), and a deal was done. Cue 5 hour drive home from Manchester, and at first time of hitting the motorway and stretching the legs I realised I'd done a bad thing: 3/4 gearbox synchros....

42826807470_c296227633_k.jpgIMG_2482 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

So, Norman is a mechanic but assured me the box was fine, and his son was getting rid because it was too tidy to track, and I could only test it around the 'burbs of Manchester at 40mph. I'd been shafted.

Still, was tidy enough: wheels had just been refurbished, new Parada Spec2 tyres, 19mm spacers all round, new discs and pads up front, the aforementioned exhaust system, 200 diffuser and repaired Recaros.

44636818801_d846cd3a2c_k.jpgIMG_2512 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

After a few weeks the suspension started to make a noise, so promptly bought some B14 coilovers expecting the issue to be a top mount, wrong, swivel hub. Double bad thing.

44586807892_68971627b2_k.jpgIMG_2524 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

Two trips to BeanieSport later and we have a refurbished gearbox fitted and new swivel hub bearing. Unfortunately the replacement box is leaking so needs a revisit.

44587302412_f9833535da_k.jpgUntitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

Standard Renault headlight bulb change shot...

29698601687_bd77b8801f_k.jpgIMG_2670 by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

Which brings me up to the last few weeks; tried the R26 wheels on it, but they just don't suit it in my opinion. But the drilled discs work very nicely thank you very much! Also swapped my 200 diffuser for a gloss painted 197 one. Want to cut the exhausts back to slash tips. More function over form.

44637364871_bd0d1bea04_k.jpgUntitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

42827314750_0c6ec74856_k.jpgUntitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

42827314780_5030f8cef8_k.jpgUntitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

So do I miss boost? Not really. Love chasing the shiftlight in the Clio and I feel it is the right balance of speed and agility for where I live. Plan is to get on track as soon as the box leak is fixed.

Darren
 
Wow plenty of stuff going on there mate however glads it’s all working out now!

Great to see it on track at some point
 
That’s what I’ve done! Best of both cars then:wink:

The whole lot is off to Chris at BeanieSport to go in to stock for the next Meglio build. Just not mine unfortunately.

And to be honest, I think the NA engine is a pretty good balance. I did miss the revs when I bought the second R26!


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Reactions: Big Ben
looks like you have spent a few penies on your Renaults and also you know your stuff..as Ben mentioned above,we are very good at spending peoples money..anything you need just give us a shout..enjoy revving her up to the red line h07003.gif
 
Welcome bud! Black is always a great looking colour when its shiny like that! Bummer about the bad start but sounds like its worth it. These are never common cars and loads are getting broken (especially when its simple things)

The Torque mount is the main one that makes it feel solid. The gearbox bush and dogbone bush dont add many vibrations.
 
Looks good mate. Shame about the problems at the start regarding the syncros and ball joints. They’re the main issues with these cars plus the manifold which all seem to be done. Once those big jobs are sorted you’re set for a while then!
 
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Reactions: DarrenR27
A little more tinkering: boot carpet from Ollie Gerrish and boot brace from Young Arthur.

44061653545_e237b003ca_k.jpgUntitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

43161840050_7350139022_k.jpgUntitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr

Just need to get steering wheel and gear knob refurbished and I'll be happy inside. Already happy outside. So that just leaves performance parts as and when funds allow.
 
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Reactions: Sean197
Love the R27 in black, a shame the front and rear stickers have been removed though. I'd be tempted to refit them but they cost a fortune!
 
Love the R27 in black, a shame the front and rear stickers have been removed though. I'd be tempted to refit them but they cost a fortune!

Thanks Sean.

Stickers we’re off when I got it. But having also had R26s too I have a love hate with the stickers.

For me, it’s just the right amount of special without being OTT. Stickers are about £125 in total for front and back, so not too bad.