Well after 2 and a half years of **** posting and lurking I thought I should share my progress.
Coming from a 1.8 litre Astra the Clio was certainly a step up. The way it goads you to redline and that glorious chassis is an intoxicating combo.
I purchased it from Walkie86 in Feb or March 2013 and if you've seen the collection of RS's his family has you know it's a good car.
He personalised it...as you do with an RS.
Full Ozi-Cozi Ventureshield stone-chip protection
2. Freshly painted wheels in R27 anthracite
3. K&N panel filter
4. R27 (Cup) suspension
5. H&R 30mm lowering springs (matched with the R27 dampers)
6. RSTuner 98RON map - adds mid-range torque and flattens out the low-down torque hole
7. Darkest legal window tint - fitted at the dealer by the first owner
8. Centre resonator in the exhaust removed for a little bit of rasp to the exhaust note
9. AUX-in adapter
10. RENAULTsport steering wheel trim
11. Both main beam and high-beam globes replaced with Osram Nightbreaker plus
12. Full-size spare with OEM Continental tyre
Really enjoyed the car with these mods and set about looking for my own touches to add.
Old diffuser
Anthracite diffuser from a 200
Matches the wheels
Got a parcel tray so no more broken eggs.
It was around this time that I really started to notice the flat spot.
Purchased a 64mm throttle body and V6 airbox to help eliminate said flat spot.
Employed the Fernandes technique to install.
Went for a drive to settle the throttlebody and I was pretty joyful with the sound from the airbox. Any modded intake on the NA F4R is a quality sound. The improved response coupled with the growl it makes when you plant it is addictive, they compliment nicely and the car feels much more lively.
I pulled over to see if it had popped off because I thought the only way it could sound like that is if it had come off, nope just a screamer now
To add to the sound (and the poke) I got an Akrapovic fitted.
Few mods contain a significant impact before the mods become incremental improvements. The exhaust is one of them. Any aftermarket exhaust is a good improvement as all the ones I have heard all sound really nice.
Again, it's just a good sounding engine with an exhaust and intake upgrade.
I had a nice stereo in my last car and the stock Clio one is laughable at best (this never enters your head with regard to purchase, and rightly so).
If I'm in traffic and can't enjoy the chassis I want decent sound so I ordered some bits...
KCE-400BT, Bluetooth Module $200
Alpine Headunit - IDA-X305S $300
Stalk Adapter $150
Focal 130 A1 5.25" Splits
Pioneer TS-SWX251 Preloaded 10" TS-SW251 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer Enclosure Box
XDI804 ARC AUDIO AMP 4-Channel
and some Stinger wiring.
This is a significant upgrade but it could do with some sound deadening and rear speakers to fill the cabin. Happy enough as it is, it's clear and it can rumble a bit.
The Odessey battery powers this fine btw.
Had some trouble installing it so took it to a pro.
Clean install on my dirty floor.
The Amp is about the size of two iPhone 6+'s next to each other and an inch and a half high. Good output for a little unit.
Not my preferred headunit but works fine
Originally wanted this
A Parrot Asteroid Classic. Has a nice OEM look but I couldn't find the stalk adaptor nor could a company rep advise me on one. A couple of months ago I saw a car on here with this head unit so it can be done.
Sub is removable for track days
The foot print is large but manageable. It still fits the groceries and whatever else I chuck in the car week to week.
Moving to 2014 we had Henk from Fastchip fly out and map our cars. When I say we I mean one person organised the whole thing, I paid and turned up
Far cheaper than a local tuner or an off the shelf map.
And made an earth shattering 114kw's atfw's. In your money I think it's somewhere around 194bhp. The airbox arrangement doesn't get a good chunk of air and the throttle body to inlet manifold will have a step with the larger throttle body.
Those 4 NM of torque were immediately noticeable.
On the quest for more response I picked up a Sprintbooster through this forum. Thanks Chris :thumbsup:
A great mod for the money.
Was fortunate to get these through the OzRS forum
Proper offset wheels make a world of difference on the III. Again, a match to the diffuser - so lucky.
Also got DS2500's, Goodridge braided lines + Motul RBF600 brake fluid installed but no pics of these.
I think it's 2015 at this point in development
We have a couple of really good specialist tech's in Sydney and one of them repositioned the airbox.
No more restrictive bend and the battery remains in the engine bay. The engine note improved, it sounded more throaty. More depth to its roar. The had to relocate the ABS unit slightly including the lines and make a new mount.
Vibratechnics mounts are the left two and the right two are Raptor6767's dogbone mount and lightened crank pulley
This proved that stiffening up an already stiff car does help, it helps alot.
First track day
It's here you really feel what the chassis is capable of. I never thought it could corner that fast.
I was falling out of my seat on some corners which was distracting. I spun, I was slow and I hung on for grim life. It was such a good day.
I had the car serviced shortly after and at the mechanic I was offered a drive in a 197 with a Quaife fitted. Uh oh, I think I need this in my life.
The Quaife was hovering at a price where it could dip below a $1000AU. That means about $200 less in customs taxes and GST (VAT). I refreshed the Demon Tweeks page several times a day for about 3 weeks and she hit $994 ex shipping, just under the $1000 threshold
Only took 4 days to get here and proceeded to get the following done.
- New OEM Clutch
- New Clutch Slave Cylinder
- New Driveshaft Seal x2
- New Input Seal
- New Rear Main Seal
- New 3rd + 4th Synchro's
- Motul LSD Diff Oil
- Quaife LSD
- Engine Dynamics Lightweight Flywheel (4.3kg's compared to 6.3kg's for the stock flywheel)
Man she was a firecracker after these bits were added! I had the car go into limp mode on the way back from the last track day I'd done. Turning it off and back on again fixed it - lol.
I'd been babying it around so to have it back fresh and ready to thrash was good times.
Under wraps
Shiney
Very nice additions that make you feel like you rediscovered the car.
The way it spins up with the flywheel is impressive and the way the diff applies the power is like your sorting through the asphalt with your hands.
Feel like I'm aiming it at corners now and not just chucking it in.
Added door pulls the other week
Instinctively I still go for the factory handles. It's only when I'm looking at them that I use them. They're more for storage for me.
And today I picked up a complete interior from a Raider. Front and rear door cards, Recaro's and rear seats all in leather.
Originally didn't want leather as you stick to them in Summer. The fabric ones wear quiet badly and not having to get them reupholstered sounds pretty good. Really happy to get Recaro's as they don't come up for sale here in Aus very often. This is the second set in 2 and a half years I've seen. I've enquired about getting some shipped from the UK but it's pretty much cost prohibitive especially with our weaker dollar compared to the last 2 years.
There's a Ktec harness bar available to me soon too so no more falling out of the seat on trackdays.
Question: Will 200 rear seats fit in a 197? A quick test fit while loading up the car (the whole interior fits in the Clio III btw) showed it wouldn't settle flat in its spot naturally + no need for middle belt but I think there was a hole there for a middle belt...
I'll add some more pics when I put the interior in.
I plan to add coilovers, adjustable top mounts and poly bushes all round in the short term and long term who knows, hopefully I don't play with the engine. My readings on here shows it loses its character and appeal.
After 2.5 years I'm happier with the car than I ever have been, it's just such a good steer.
Cheers,
Rick.
Coming from a 1.8 litre Astra the Clio was certainly a step up. The way it goads you to redline and that glorious chassis is an intoxicating combo.
I purchased it from Walkie86 in Feb or March 2013 and if you've seen the collection of RS's his family has you know it's a good car.
He personalised it...as you do with an RS.
Full Ozi-Cozi Ventureshield stone-chip protection
2. Freshly painted wheels in R27 anthracite
3. K&N panel filter
4. R27 (Cup) suspension
5. H&R 30mm lowering springs (matched with the R27 dampers)
6. RSTuner 98RON map - adds mid-range torque and flattens out the low-down torque hole
7. Darkest legal window tint - fitted at the dealer by the first owner
8. Centre resonator in the exhaust removed for a little bit of rasp to the exhaust note
9. AUX-in adapter
10. RENAULTsport steering wheel trim
11. Both main beam and high-beam globes replaced with Osram Nightbreaker plus
12. Full-size spare with OEM Continental tyre
Really enjoyed the car with these mods and set about looking for my own touches to add.
Old diffuser
Anthracite diffuser from a 200
Matches the wheels
Got a parcel tray so no more broken eggs.
It was around this time that I really started to notice the flat spot.
Purchased a 64mm throttle body and V6 airbox to help eliminate said flat spot.
Employed the Fernandes technique to install.
Went for a drive to settle the throttlebody and I was pretty joyful with the sound from the airbox. Any modded intake on the NA F4R is a quality sound. The improved response coupled with the growl it makes when you plant it is addictive, they compliment nicely and the car feels much more lively.
I pulled over to see if it had popped off because I thought the only way it could sound like that is if it had come off, nope just a screamer now
To add to the sound (and the poke) I got an Akrapovic fitted.
Few mods contain a significant impact before the mods become incremental improvements. The exhaust is one of them. Any aftermarket exhaust is a good improvement as all the ones I have heard all sound really nice.
Again, it's just a good sounding engine with an exhaust and intake upgrade.
I had a nice stereo in my last car and the stock Clio one is laughable at best (this never enters your head with regard to purchase, and rightly so).
If I'm in traffic and can't enjoy the chassis I want decent sound so I ordered some bits...
KCE-400BT, Bluetooth Module $200
Alpine Headunit - IDA-X305S $300
Stalk Adapter $150
Focal 130 A1 5.25" Splits
Pioneer TS-SWX251 Preloaded 10" TS-SW251 Shallow-Mount Subwoofer Enclosure Box
XDI804 ARC AUDIO AMP 4-Channel
and some Stinger wiring.
This is a significant upgrade but it could do with some sound deadening and rear speakers to fill the cabin. Happy enough as it is, it's clear and it can rumble a bit.
The Odessey battery powers this fine btw.
Had some trouble installing it so took it to a pro.
Clean install on my dirty floor.
The Amp is about the size of two iPhone 6+'s next to each other and an inch and a half high. Good output for a little unit.
Not my preferred headunit but works fine
Originally wanted this
A Parrot Asteroid Classic. Has a nice OEM look but I couldn't find the stalk adaptor nor could a company rep advise me on one. A couple of months ago I saw a car on here with this head unit so it can be done.
Sub is removable for track days
The foot print is large but manageable. It still fits the groceries and whatever else I chuck in the car week to week.
Moving to 2014 we had Henk from Fastchip fly out and map our cars. When I say we I mean one person organised the whole thing, I paid and turned up
Far cheaper than a local tuner or an off the shelf map.
And made an earth shattering 114kw's atfw's. In your money I think it's somewhere around 194bhp. The airbox arrangement doesn't get a good chunk of air and the throttle body to inlet manifold will have a step with the larger throttle body.
Those 4 NM of torque were immediately noticeable.
On the quest for more response I picked up a Sprintbooster through this forum. Thanks Chris :thumbsup:
A great mod for the money.
Was fortunate to get these through the OzRS forum
Proper offset wheels make a world of difference on the III. Again, a match to the diffuser - so lucky.
Also got DS2500's, Goodridge braided lines + Motul RBF600 brake fluid installed but no pics of these.
I think it's 2015 at this point in development
We have a couple of really good specialist tech's in Sydney and one of them repositioned the airbox.
No more restrictive bend and the battery remains in the engine bay. The engine note improved, it sounded more throaty. More depth to its roar. The had to relocate the ABS unit slightly including the lines and make a new mount.
Vibratechnics mounts are the left two and the right two are Raptor6767's dogbone mount and lightened crank pulley
This proved that stiffening up an already stiff car does help, it helps alot.
First track day
It's here you really feel what the chassis is capable of. I never thought it could corner that fast.
I was falling out of my seat on some corners which was distracting. I spun, I was slow and I hung on for grim life. It was such a good day.
I had the car serviced shortly after and at the mechanic I was offered a drive in a 197 with a Quaife fitted. Uh oh, I think I need this in my life.
The Quaife was hovering at a price where it could dip below a $1000AU. That means about $200 less in customs taxes and GST (VAT). I refreshed the Demon Tweeks page several times a day for about 3 weeks and she hit $994 ex shipping, just under the $1000 threshold
Only took 4 days to get here and proceeded to get the following done.
- New OEM Clutch
- New Clutch Slave Cylinder
- New Driveshaft Seal x2
- New Input Seal
- New Rear Main Seal
- New 3rd + 4th Synchro's
- Motul LSD Diff Oil
- Quaife LSD
- Engine Dynamics Lightweight Flywheel (4.3kg's compared to 6.3kg's for the stock flywheel)
Man she was a firecracker after these bits were added! I had the car go into limp mode on the way back from the last track day I'd done. Turning it off and back on again fixed it - lol.
I'd been babying it around so to have it back fresh and ready to thrash was good times.
Under wraps
Shiney
Very nice additions that make you feel like you rediscovered the car.
The way it spins up with the flywheel is impressive and the way the diff applies the power is like your sorting through the asphalt with your hands.
Feel like I'm aiming it at corners now and not just chucking it in.
Added door pulls the other week
Instinctively I still go for the factory handles. It's only when I'm looking at them that I use them. They're more for storage for me.
And today I picked up a complete interior from a Raider. Front and rear door cards, Recaro's and rear seats all in leather.
Originally didn't want leather as you stick to them in Summer. The fabric ones wear quiet badly and not having to get them reupholstered sounds pretty good. Really happy to get Recaro's as they don't come up for sale here in Aus very often. This is the second set in 2 and a half years I've seen. I've enquired about getting some shipped from the UK but it's pretty much cost prohibitive especially with our weaker dollar compared to the last 2 years.
There's a Ktec harness bar available to me soon too so no more falling out of the seat on trackdays.
Question: Will 200 rear seats fit in a 197? A quick test fit while loading up the car (the whole interior fits in the Clio III btw) showed it wouldn't settle flat in its spot naturally + no need for middle belt but I think there was a hole there for a middle belt...
I'll add some more pics when I put the interior in.
I plan to add coilovers, adjustable top mounts and poly bushes all round in the short term and long term who knows, hopefully I don't play with the engine. My readings on here shows it loses its character and appeal.
After 2.5 years I'm happier with the car than I ever have been, it's just such a good steer.
Cheers,
Rick.
