Renault Clio 197 F1 Team
Discussion
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.
IMAG0558 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.
IMG_2002 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!
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Untitled 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.
IMG_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....
In the service station gathering my thoughts!
IMG_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.
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.
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.
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Standard Renault headlight bulb change shot...
IMG_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.
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
So do I miss boost? Not really. I 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
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.
IMAG0558 by Darren Jasper, on FlickrSold 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.
IMG_2002 by Darren Jasper, on FlickrJust 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!
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrUntitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrSo, 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.
IMG_2473 by Darren Jasper, on FlickrTest 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....
In the service station gathering my thoughts!
IMG_2482 by Darren Jasper, on FlickrSo, 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.
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.
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.
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrStandard Renault headlight bulb change shot...
IMG_2670 by Darren Jasper, on FlickrWhich 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.
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrUntitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrUntitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrSo do I miss boost? Not really. I 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
InfamousKeiran said:
I've never really noticed the nice lines of the 197 as they're usually spoilt by the Cup rear wing.
Don’t worry. No BGW going on this one. Like you, appreciate the lines. It’s when you read things like it’s a different body in white to a basic Clio in order to get the rear axle underneath it. That’s the same work BMW did on the M2, on a Clio!Still one of my favourite all time cars to drive, I drove one for a while in 2007 and the had a 200 in 2011. Great cars.
I’d recommend having the steering wheel trimmed by royal steering wheels if it’s started falling apart (which is likely will have) as they make so much difference.
Shame about the issues you’ve had, gearbox is no shock unfortunately!!
I’d recommend having the steering wheel trimmed by royal steering wheels if it’s started falling apart (which is likely will have) as they make so much difference.
Shame about the issues you’ve had, gearbox is no shock unfortunately!!
Jakg said:
Three Meganes, now a Clio, and no mention of dropping a Megane engine in it? I would of bet money that was where this thread was going!
Haha! The engine is sat on my driveway. All ready to go in a Clio (after a new piston), just not mine. The thought continually goes through my mind but, in all honesty, I really like the NA setup as it is.
I ran the R26 for a week alongside the Clio and peak power at 5.2k rather than 7.2k was just no fun. Quick, rabid, yes. But I get more enjoyment from throttle response and aural satisfaction of the crack on a redlined upshift.
Typical Renaultsports, I have a R26 and my friend has the R27 we have both had to spend a fortune on similar stuff, swivel bearings, calipers ect but when you get them good nothing can compare to the enjoyment they give esp on track.
I agree the NA set-up and handling on the clio 197 is superb. On a tight section of track I really cant shake my mates 197 only on the straight can I make a gap. You had your black R26 looking great tho!
I agree the NA set-up and handling on the clio 197 is superb. On a tight section of track I really cant shake my mates 197 only on the straight can I make a gap. You had your black R26 looking great tho!
The 197's do look so much better without the spoiler, however my brother has a ktec (I think?) spoiler on his and it suits it imo.
Clio 197 by Simon Blades, on Flickr
Clio 197 by Simon Blades, on Flickr
Simon182 said:
The 197's do look so much better without the spoiler, however my brother has a ktec (I think?) spoiler on his and it suits it imo.
Clio 197 by Simon Blades, on Flickr
That’s what they call a ‘Sprint’ spoiler. Sold by Ktec and SprayShack amongst others. Clio 197 by Simon Blades, on Flickr
I do like it. But, in my opinion, money spent on cosmetic stuff isn’t a great return on investment.
Rather do performance or reliability enhancing mods.
I've had my 197 for about 5 years now. I don't really use it very much at the moment and when I do, I hardly ever drive it hard.
When I do though, it always reminds me what a great car it is. I've absolutely loved mine but it's getting a bit ratty. A promotion with work will most likely mean that I'll get a car allowance with the proviso that I get a car less than 10 years old and I'll be very sad to see the 197 go
When I do though, it always reminds me what a great car it is. I've absolutely loved mine but it's getting a bit ratty. A promotion with work will most likely mean that I'll get a car allowance with the proviso that I get a car less than 10 years old and I'll be very sad to see the 197 go
A little more tinkering: clubsport spec. Seats out, boot carpet and brace in.
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Untitled 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. And hopefully some track days!
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrUntitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrJust 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. And hopefully some track days!
Then last Sunday I headed up to Exmoor to explore some favourite and some new roads:
Clatworthy Reservoir
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Somewhere beyond the Valley of Rocks
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Decent in to Lynton/Lynmouth
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Toll road through Valley of Rocks
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Another from Clathworthy
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
You might be able to guess what the my favourite angle of the car is...!
One of the front for balance
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on Flickr
Clatworthy Reservoir
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrSomewhere beyond the Valley of Rocks
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrDecent in to Lynton/Lynmouth
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrToll road through Valley of Rocks
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrAnother from Clathworthy
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrYou might be able to guess what the my favourite angle of the car is...!
One of the front for balance
Untitled by Darren Jasper, on FlickrI’m a month into 200 FF cup ownership having only driven rwd beemers all my life.
Genuinely a revelation in pace and poise! Rips roads I’ve driven for years apart like nothing else. Love chasing the red line, mine has the Akrapovic and sounds mental!
I’m thinking of going b14 route so your impressions of them would be useful to hear?
Agree though they’re not the easiest shape to photo. Think you’ve found a good angle there!
This is mine:
Genuinely a revelation in pace and poise! Rips roads I’ve driven for years apart like nothing else. Love chasing the red line, mine has the Akrapovic and sounds mental!
I’m thinking of going b14 route so your impressions of them would be useful to hear?
Agree though they’re not the easiest shape to photo. Think you’ve found a good angle there!
This is mine:
MrTouring said:
I’m thinking of going b14 route so your impressions of them would be useful to hear?
You Sir, have one hell of a garage! Good work!B14s are what they are, budget coilovers. About £900. I paid £300 second hand.
Fixed rate damping and only the front is what I’d call a coilover. The rear is a separate damper and spring with adjustable seat. More expensive 197/200 setups have a proper rear coilover too.
The standard setup rides better, obviously, and probably handled mid corner deflections better. But the B14s improved the look no end and certainly feels more stable at speed.
I ideally wanted KW V3s like I had on my R26 Megane, but got budget constraints this time around.
My advice, if you can afford it, spend more. Or, accept them for what they are.
Thank you! Me and my Dad own all the cars 50/50 and we’ve only just finished the garage which tidied everything up nicely. With these three we like to feel we’ve got most bases covered! Each so different!
Interesting take on the b14s, I don’t realise the rear was a separate spring and damper for instance.
It sounds like you’d recommend the KW V3s - I’m looking for just a bit more rebound control than the standard cup set up gives - it just sometimes feels a little crash/floaty over quick bumps and dips?
Interesting take on the b14s, I don’t realise the rear was a separate spring and damper for instance.
It sounds like you’d recommend the KW V3s - I’m looking for just a bit more rebound control than the standard cup set up gives - it just sometimes feels a little crash/floaty over quick bumps and dips?
MrTouring said:
Thank you! Me and my Dad own all the cars 50/50 and we’ve only just finished the garage which tidied everything up nicely. With these three we like to feel we’ve got most bases covered! Each so different!
Interesting take on the b14s, I don’t realise the rear was a separate spring and damper for instance.
It sounds like you’d recommend the KW V3s - I’m looking for just a bit more rebound control than the standard cup set up gives - it just sometimes feels a little crash/floaty over quick bumps and dips?
You’ve got a better relationship with your dad than I have! 👍Interesting take on the b14s, I don’t realise the rear was a separate spring and damper for instance.
It sounds like you’d recommend the KW V3s - I’m looking for just a bit more rebound control than the standard cup set up gives - it just sometimes feels a little crash/floaty over quick bumps and dips?
B14s won’t improve the crashy. Sorted the floaty though. Just not enough spring travel on the rear I think. And no damping adjustability.
For me, my KWs were perfect. 3 way adjustable although bar height, I left at factory settings.
For the Clio, I suggest you get on a few forums, etc and get some more feedback. And, if you can, try some other’s cars. AST are known to be amazing, but you’re up near £2,000 then.
MrTouring said:
I’m very new to the whole Renault thing - what’s the best forum to join?
Believe it or not, www.renaultsport.co.uk/forum
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