Its new, and its blue (182)

[Ricardo]

Had a bit of a mare this week regarding a recovery company supposed to be delivering this Clio to me, 2 fail attempts and damage to the front splitter later....

Anyway (a long story) i ended up having to hire a trailer and drive in total 500 miles today to pick it up instead.

So, here's my new Clio, a Racing Blue 182 'Full Fat' model. extras include GAZ coilovers, 16" Speedline Turinis in white, stainless exhaust. In really good condition, the main issue is 2nd gear synchro gone so another gearbox came with the car. Of course this is reflected in the price

Plans are to get the box changed, new clutch, fit the OZ wheels and new tyres. Have it set up for trackdays (brakes, hoses, geometry)


newrb by Ricard o1, on Flickr


newrb1 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


photo3 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

To go on once i've painted them gloss white

oz2 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Matt@CodeRedMotorsports]

Like it!!

Sprint it in road going class?

[Ricardo]

Like it!!

Sprint it in road going class?

Road going class sounds good to me

[Matt@CodeRedMotorsports]

Nice one, there is a north weald event on 1 april.
Go check out the competition???

[Ricardo]

Nice one, there is a north weald event on 1 april.
Go check out the competition???

To compete or to spectate

I imagine there will be some Renault Sport models in attendance again

[Big Steve - Raider]

No offence Ricardo, but i'm a little confused?

You had the White Clio 172 Track animal...... Got Rid

You then had the Blue Clio 172 Cup..... Got Rid

Put up a thread looking for something new & ask for opinions.

Then today have gone out & bought the same car again??

Am I missing something?

[Mart]

Love that smurf blue colour, and reckon it looks the don as is on the white Turini's

Steve, I guess the 182 gives day to day creature comforts & driveability, whilst also having the potential to be blatted around a track if needs be as well.

Perhaps the aforementioned Clio's were too track focused?

[Ricardo]

The 172 Cup was bought to replace the white 172, the everyday and track car. It wasn't the car for me so I sold it before sinking more money into it. Luckily I got back 99% of what I spent on it...... The white 1 sold so I used the money to purchase the 182

Steve, we've all done many a project, sold it on only to do the same again... And again... And again

Its what some petrol heads do, there's as much fun in doing a project as it is to drive it. Think what we've all done over the years with the amount of cars we've had.

Mart and I have started, finished, stopped halfway through projects. Spent many evenings, weekends working on interesting cars, conversions. When I think back now I like to think we had good times and experiences (R19 Chamade turbo,C1J, 180bhp) its not about now but its provided fun conversations over the years

[Penfold aka The Dealer]

Looks good Richardo, have to meet up soon

[Daz5774]

Very nice mate!

[The new Bill J]

Nice car Rickay - I've always loved that colour

Just don't ruin it, by fitting those silly wheels you've got

[Ricardo]

Nice car Rickay - I've always loved that colour

Just don't ruin it, by fitting those silly wheels you've got

They're changing colour and should suit the racing blue colour

Painted 1 wheel today


Photo_01105B31-F949-4163-7013-6F933C8D03FC by Ricard o1, on Flickr


Photo_0BCF8546-B8B8-1E51-BC1D-D231696CE3C7 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Matt@CodeRedMotorsports]

You bugga Rich! they look handsome now!

You going to have the 'Gordini' stripes put back on it in the same colour as the wheels?

[Ricardo]

You bugga Rich! they look handsome now!

Cheers, 15" in size so better for trackdays than the 16s on there at the moment

[Ricardo]

The original stripes were taken off about 3 years ago, i think i'll leave them off

[jesus in the seat of a 5]

Steve, we've all done many a project, sold it on only to do the same again... And again... And again .............

that is so true ric, love the colour bud, also love the wheels...nice paint job too bud on em......comin to a track near you...aye...

ps , i still have a brand new front and rear strut brace and full samco set for these.... {shameless plug}

[Ricardo]

Steve, we've all done many a project, sold it on only to do the same again... And again... And again .............

that is so true ric, love the colour bud, also love the wheels...nice paint job too bud on em......comin to a track near you...aye...

ps , i still have a brand new front and rear strut brace and full samco set for these.... {shameless plug}

And header tank

Pm me a pic and price for the Samcos please oh holy 1

[jesus in the seat of a 5]

And header tank

Pm me a pic and price for the Samcos please oh holy 1

1st things your bud...ill pm regards the pipes....

[Mart]

Mart and I have started, finished, stopped halfway through projects. Spent many evenings, weekends working on interesting cars, conversions. When I think back now I like to think we had good times and experiences (R19 Chamade turbo,C1J, 180bhp) its not about now but its provided fun conversations over the years

Luv you like a bruva, bruva

I'm pretty sure we'd have had some more projects/conversions on the go, if it weren't for me moving so fricking far away.

Great days mate

[Mart]

Steve, we've all done many a project, sold it on only to do the same again... And again... And again .............

Hook, line, sinker

[Ricardo]

Luv you like a bruva, bruva

I'm pretty sure we'd have had some more projects/conversions on the go, if it weren't for me moving so fricking far away.

Great days mate

Bruv

The R5 16V and the C1J Renault 19

Mart, first ever test drive of the 19

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpoSlvNMeyg

[Ricardo]

Ok, it's been a while but things are starting to happen. The gearbox has been swapped over so now 5 smooth gear changes

There's a to do list i'm working on so it's nice and crisp for the french trip the beginning of June. Today the first job was to take off the damaged front splitter the janky recovery company did and replace with a nice carbon jobbie

Other tings:

Diagnose and repair the subtle missfire
Buy and fit new discs with the Carbon Lorraine RC5 pads
Adjust the ride height as it's unfortunately too low
Buy and fit more subtle carbon goodies
Maybe treat it to new 16" OZ Ultraleggeras in matt grey

I gave it a decent wash today, and if i don't mind saying so myself it looks frikkin mint


pics 004 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


pics 005 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


pics 006 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


pics by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Spooky]

[Ricardo]

A big thanks to Matt ( Codered Motorsports) who came over from Kent last night to finally put the missfire issues to bed. Plugged the Renault CLIP in and threw up and lambda sensor fault, jacked the car up to find the loom connector had been ripped away from the sensor connector. As i don't have any loom connectors knocking about Matt hard wired the lambda sensor to the loom to get it back up and running. This is temporary, the plan is to cut a foot long length of loom from a scrapper with a decent connector so i can re plug the sensor back in a la factory. He also tested the lambda sensors by heating them up and taking a voltage reading to make sure they were ok, which they were.

CLIP plugged back in, all previous fault codes cleared and car idling much better. Took it out for a run to clear the cobwebs and everything seems ok, the odd pop but it seems that it needs some miles put on it with nice V Power to get the ECU to see the changes.

Drove it more today and seems pretty good, the ESP and SERV kept coming up after a minute or 2 after ignition. It did it 3 or 4 times today everytime i'd start it up and drive.... But the last couple of times they havent come on... So fingers crossed, they wont

So, while i was out i took a couple of pics. There's still a few bits to do so Matt will be a busy man


RB 009 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


RB 001 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[The new Bill J]

I'm really loving the RS Clios at the mo, and this one looks awesome. They look so good when they're dropped

[Big Steve - Raider]

I'm really loving the RS Clios at the mo, and this one looks awesome. They look so good when they're dropped

Next week Pallets

[The new Bill J]

Next week Pallets

Yes, next week - The week when the weather's going to be not quite as bad as it's been this last week, or month







Ssshhhhhh, be quiet Onion

[Mart]

How's those ET16's...

[Ricardo]

So there's this week and next week to push on with getting the Ricardos Blue 182 ready for the euro trip. I've been running it to work and so far it's been awesome to drive, the Milltek exhaust sounds well, was worried it would drone at the 70mph point but no.

So, time to get ordering, parts that didn't work and parts that need changing. he main components that need sorting... or even changing is the suspension. The GAZ coilovers are not great, a phone call to GAZ and they can refurb the front dampers for £40+vat each so i might go for that for now. The rear dampers are shot so i'm thinking of going Koni, IMO a better damper than GAZ.

So, brakes to fit, raise the rear end, and might take the front struts off to take to GAZ in Basildon. Turn around time is a day or 2 so they could be back on by midweek next week. Then sort rear dampers.

New spoiler brake light and rear wiper

RB 012 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

New Brembo HC front discs to go with the Carbn Lorraine pads

RB 015 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

New genuine rear discs with bearings pressed in

RB 002 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Ricardo]

Oh and new Renault HT leads

RB 004 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

Set of NGK plugs

RB 004 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

About £200 spent this week!

[Mart]

[Ricardo]

So, i decided to fit the new front discs and Carbon Lorraine RC5 brake pads. Hardest part being 1 of the Torx screws rounding off, gentle persuasion finally made it come loose. I also had a new Alpine headunit fitted by a local audio company, it gives me the opportunity to run an I Pod, I Phone, memory stick via USB or MP3 player with 3.5mm lead. IMO looks better than the old stereo as it's black.

So, i'll bed the front pads in next week. Tuesday i plan to take the front dampers off to be refurbed, also found the knocking problem on the rear damper which turned out to be the bush gone where the bottom bolt holds the damper to the beam. I also need a GAZ C spanner to adjust the rear platforms to raise the back end.


RB 009 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


RB 005 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


RB 007 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


RB 008 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[alex johnston]

when is this forsale then

[Ricardo]

when is this forsale then

This is a keeper, have long term plans for this. I'm really enjoying the drive, a few tweeks and it's just how i want it

Love the colour and everything about it

[alex johnston]

This is a keeper, have long term plans for this. I'm really enjoying the drive, a few tweeks and it's just how i want it

Love the colour and everything about it

needs a turbo!!

[Ricardo]

Ok, so the front brakes are bedded in, the pads are a little aggressive and will go back to an OE pad for everyday use. The Carbon Lorraine pads are spot on for track, i had more brake dust on the wheels in 24hrs than a week and a half with OE ones fitted

Attention is turned to the rear discs/pads as they've seen better days, to be honest it's something i've done on all the Clio's i've owned. It's peace of mind knowing the important stuff is done so i work my way through the service items within days/weeks of purchasing a car. You never know how long parts have been on.

New V Old disc

RB 015 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

Seen better days

RB by Ricard o1, on Flickr

Genuine pads

RB 017 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

Genuine Renault discs with bearing already pressed in, the only way

RB 018 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

Also, been cheeky and ordered something for the Clio which will be with me in the next 2 weeks. Can't wait, they'll transform the way it feels as the coilovers on at the moment are well past their best. Ignore the price, Spax are doing BIG discounts and bought them for hundreds less

http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pag...product=424745

[Ricardo]

Another job done after work today, the GAZ rear damper lower bush insert had worked its way loose so the damper was knocking on the lower bolt. Thankfully a 2nd hand set of GAZ dampers came up for sale for £30 the pair so i bought them as an interim solution while the Spax coilovers are on order.


RB 019 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

Loose insert

RB 021 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

Thought i'd try these Bosch twin aero wipers out so i ordered a set of E Bay for £15


RB 020 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

Bar failing to raise the suspension the Clio seems to be ready for the weekend ahead.... apart from a wash

[Ricardo]

Ok, the clio is running all good so far. The Spax should be here on Monday so hopefully fitted next week sometime. Went to the breakers last week to buy another foglight as the drivers side 1 was cracked, i ended up coming home with a set of trackday wheels

The tyres have 4-5mm left on them and they're a half decent make each. 2 Hankooks, 1 Michelin and 1 Bridgestone They'll certainly get some use at Blyton Park next month



I also said to myself, never, NEVER will i spray a set of wheels AGAIN!

These are just for track so whats the point............... Until i was having a rummage in the store room and came across some primer cans

I flatted them back but wasn't really bothered about the kerbing on the rim edges, i liked the primer that much i ended up lacquering them afterwards. I think they'll look ok next to the Racing Blue. So, Spax on, geo setup and its ready to go for Blyton

[Ricardo]

Centre caps back in and tyre black spray applied


RB 038 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


RB 037 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Chris Beer]

That car really REALLY needs those Turini's back on, like now..

Used to enjoy seeing pictures of it on CS but can't help but say changing them is a mistake to how it looks now mate

[TrixNFlix]

That car really REALLY needs those Turini's back on, like now..

Used to enjoy seeing pictures of it on CS but can't help but say changing them is a mistake to how it looks now mate

I second that, but hey.... Aslong as your happy with it that's all that counts

[Coops]

agreed the turinis are a beautiful wheel, the F1's are frankly crap!

[Ricardo]

The Turinis ARE still on

The F1s are track only wheels

[Coops]

The Turinis ARE still on

The F1s are track only wheels

[Ricardo]

So today i fitted spacers behind the rear discs as they werent on, apparently not having them fitted fudges the bearings pretty quickly. Found it strange there wasnt any behind the old discs, with the spacers fitted it pushes the disc out half inch. It certainly notices with the wheels back on........ Which leads me on to the next thing i did, i fitted the primer grey OZ wheels on, gave it a wash and took some pics.


WP_001018[1] by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Ricardo]

WP_001020[1] by Ricard o1, on Flickr


WP_001021[1] by Ricard o1, on Flickr


WP_001023[1] by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Ricardo]

Finally, FINALLY.... I get my hands on these, i ordered them nearly 4 weeks ago from an automotive company based in S****horpe. They were dong these sooo cheap, retail at between £7-800 usually but a host of companies started doing them with decent discounts but still couldnt get near to what i paid for them

Just need to book in Matt from Codered Motorsports to fit them and give it the full geo setup.


Roll on Blyton Park


RB 041 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Ricardo]

First, apologies for the crap quality pics (taken on the HTC phone)

A big thanks to Matt at Codered, i went to his workshop today to have the new Spax RSX coilover kit fitted along with the Whitline rear anti roll bar.



Grubby, seized GAZ compared to new, shiney Spax


Rear dampers, adjusters and springs fitted


Whiteline fitted, then realising the bracket bolted to the bottom of the damper needed pivoting 180 degrees. In doing so it brought the roll bar more in line with the rear beam


Ride height all sorted, the rear adjusters are on their lowest setting. Even with this it sits higher then the GAZ setup, the Spax springs are slightly longer. All done with half a tank of petrol.

The Spax front ride height is set to 10mm higher than the GAZ. The top hole on the front damper is elongated for negative camber, with the hub set to max negative camber the wheel rubs on the adjuster so the hub is pulled back the other way. It's still only millimetres away so the plan is to fit a set of 5mm spacers just to clear the damper.

Geometry time: Once the front and rear dampers are on its then time to set the tracking and check the camber. Now the coilovers are on i'll hopefully book in for some trackdays along with hopefully sprinting. With this in mind Matt's tweaked the toe to just over a 1mm of toe out to start with, pulling the hub on the elongated top hub hole has given it 2 degrees of negative camber. This should be a good compromise for both track and everyday driving to and from work. The dampers also have over 20 settings on the damping rate so as a start off point they've been set to half way.

Old school setting up




Initial feedback on the drive home is positive, with the damping set half way the ride feels good and not too harsh. Found a few country roads earlier and have to say the turn in feels a little sharper, overall a definite improvement. Bring on Blyton

[Ricardo]

So, gave it a wash and took some pics. I don't think i can improve on things now, mechanically it's done. New brakes all round, new suspension, 2 sets of wheels to choose from. If anything it will be minor changes as i go along.


RB 053 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


RB 055 by Ricard o1, on Flickr


RB 047 by Ricard o1, on Flickr

[Mart]

Looking good Rickymeister

Should be a hoot to drive around Blyton