If I'm understanding correctly, you can buy a used ecu from a 197 and send it and your current ecu to someone who can swap the immobiliser over from the current ecu to your 'new' ecu. You'll then have a standard unlocked ecu which can be remapped.
Later gearbox from a 200 is slightly better but not by much. Other clio and megane gearboxes fit but are completely the wrong ratios to suit the engine and will ruin acceleration.
Stones/debris can absolutely cause the aux belt to come off, which in turn can take the timing belt with it. Both Pure Motorsport and AP Motorsport sell covers to protect against this.
Unfortunately unless you can prove a parts failure (tensioner etc) then I'm afraid you're left with the bill.
Anyone have Jimmy's contact details so I can get the login details of the Instagram page? Failing that I'd be happy to set up a new page, might encourage companies to give discount codes etc to members.
Thoughts welcome.
Yeah sorry, didn't realise those were your pics. Looks like you have a ktr resonated system with a decat pipe. Check the backbox, it'll also have the ktr logo on it.
It'll pass the mot if the first cat is still present at the manifold. Replacing the decat with a standard cat will quieten it down a little, also if it's non-resonated then fitting a resonated centre section will also help.