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Newbie With Clio 172 P2 Sport - Taken It To Wakefield


Clio172P2

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Hi all,

 

I am a newbie here.

 

I purchased my Clio 172 P2 Sport 2003 model last month so this is my first French car. I do have other cars but I want something light weight for Wakefield track and leave my Skyline for SMP.

 

Can you please tell me what is the average lap time a slightly modded Clio should do @ Wakefield? I have experienced but by no mean a pro.

 

Attached are pics of my Clio & Skyline track cars and below are the links to my vids.  I wasn't expecting much but it was a really fun car to drive on track.

 

 

Clio on track:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08qYEZoVKvU

My Clio introduction:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy2KWhEF8ZA

My  Skyline on track:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEsS3NnXFF0

 

My 2003 Clio Sport has:

RS 98 Tuner
Federal 595 RSR 15" tyres
Ferodo DS2500 pads, stock rotors, steel braided lines
K&N air Filter
K-Tec exhaust, engine mount & gearbox mount
K-Tec solid suspension strut mount 
Stock suspension, gearbox and full interior

 

I saw someone with a serious modded turbo Clio there but I am not sure where to get all those weight reduction items. Is there a special performance shop in Sydney/Australia? His race version looks tough and went great. See pic. You may recognise that car, I only got to speak to him briefly.

 

Planning to test the Clio more @ Wakefield and happy to join others. Hope to learn more about this fun hatch to reduce my lap time with it.

 

Thanks Eric

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post-20664-0-52354400-1428016546_thumb.jpg

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Edited by Clio172P2
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> I am a newbie here. I saw someone with a serious modded

> turbo Clio there but I am not sure where to get all those weight reduction items.

 

I think he made them himself in his workshop.

 

> His race version looks tough and went great. See pic. You may recognise

> that car, I only got to speak to him briefly.

 

That's probably Cam.

 

> Planning to test the Clio more @ Wakefield and happy to join others. Hope to

> learn more about this fun hatch to reduce my lap time with it.

 

Hi Eric,

 

I have a RS-172 engine and was just thinking yesterday about lightly turbo-charging

it, I already have some turbo's sitting around from some old Nissan Sylvia's. I've

opened a discussion with my mechanic and might even have a

turbo-charging plan/discussion in the next few months.

 

Another option might be to just pull out the whole engine from an RS-225 Megane and install that.

 

> Is there a special performance shop in Sydney/Australia?

 

One guy that's definitely competent to do specialist work and customisations is Julian at RenoTech in Hornsby.

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Welcome mate! 1:14s with a lightly modded Clio seems about right, 1:13s with practice.

 

That turbo clio you saw would've been Cam (camsmyth on here). It's a mental custom build with Megane engine and not road registered. Not sure what times he's doing now but it's v quick.

 

Have a look on the forum for parts and K-Tec Racing/Pure Racing website for overseas bits and pieces.

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Wow, thanks guys. Helpful. Definitely will look those up for more research.

 

It would be wonderful if I can achieve 1:13 or 1:14 with my Clio. Keen to find out what's set up required on top of skill level. Coilovers?

 

My Skyline can do 1:09 when driven by the instructor but I could only do 1:13, therefore 1:14 for Clio sounds about right since I could only do 1:17/18 last time. Maybe a better driver would have done it already.

 

Nevertheless it was a fun drive and will try it out again soon.

 

Is his name Cam? We only chatted for a few minutes as he was busy setting up his car. He said he did 1:10 before this turbo charge setup. Nice guy.

Edited by Clio172P2
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You'll probably find that you get closer to the car's potential sooner with the Clio than the Skyline. Being FWD it'll be a bit easier to drive on/over the limit.

 

On top of your existing mods, camber bolts for the front ($50), camber shims for the rear ($20), rear anti-roll bar ($300), replace worn bushing ($300ish if you DIY) and some weight reduction (free) will be the best bang for buck. After that coilovers, grippier tyres, lighter wheels, adjustable top mounts and wishbone bushes. If your pockets are deep, roll centre correction kit and lsd are big winners according to those that have done them.

 

Sounds like you have plenty left up your own sleave at the moment though, so probably just go for the cheap/easy stuff until you are closer to the cars limits.

 

Enjoy :)

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Definitely, Clio feels more lively at Wakefield. Although the Skyline RWD is capable of better lap time, it is still a heavy 1,400kg coupe. Clio's 1035kg light weight and its short wheelbase provides fast turn in. Feel very nice plus parts are cheaper to run.

 

You are right. I really just want my cars to be reliable on track so I can improve my skill level. No crazy power mod on mine until I can drive them to their current limits.

 

I should get the below if they are helpful.

 

camber bolts for the front ($50), camber shims for the rear ($20), rear anti-roll bar ($300)

 

My Clio may have LSD but cannot confirm. It leaves two skid marks on the floors if you take off. See pic.

 

IMG-20150305-WA0000.jpg

Edited by Clio172P2
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Easy way to check, jack the front up and the front wheels should turn in opposite directions if you rotate one.

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Thanks, loving it. The car is so responsive.

 

It would be a huge bonus if my Clio has a LSD. I understand the factory Sport doesn't have it, but when I drove it on track it did not have any inner wheel spin or the feeling of pushing wide in cornering. It exited all the corners very smoothly. My Skyline has the aftermarket Nismo mechanical LSD and it helps a lot. I assume the LSD is what makes Megane so special.

 

I typed in Renotech Hornsby and no search came up. My Clio was serviced by AP automotive with all the receipts, I assume they are Renault Specialist.

 

Not sure why ABS & ESP lights came on together sometimes? Do you recommend switching off ESP when driving on track?

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 I assume the LSD is what makes Megane so special.

 

I typed in Renotech Hornsby and no search came up. My Clio was serviced by AP automotive with all the receipts, I assume they are Renault Specialist.

 

What makes the Megane so special is that most of them don't have LSDs and yet perform so astonishingly well that people think they do have one. The ones that do have LSDs (for example the R26) are an even more special kind of beast I hope I get the privilege of owning one day.

 

This is the Renotech facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RenoTech/818261504875068?fref=ts

Edited by cloudy
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If your car was serviced by AP automotive then you got a good one !!

 

If you want to know about your car ring Paul (from AP) and he'll be able to tell you all about it. He would've gone over the entire car.....I think it helps if you can remember the name of the person who owned it before you as that's how his filing system works I think.

 

Did you have the ESP on when you were on the track ?

 

If so that would explain the lack of wheel spin..... Turn it off, it's much quicker and gives you more control :)

Edited by wade
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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi all wiser ones,

 

Yesterday I drove up to Wakefield Park during our crazy thunderstorm and tested my car again on the wet track. Although it performed fine and I had fun keeping up with turbo 4WDs, I found the rear end of my car was still twitchy under braking, especially after the long straight into turn one. Kind of hard to apply braking force after the kink when the back end wiggled. My brake switch malfunctioned also so no ABS and EPS, had a few lock ups.

 

Questions:

 

Does this mean my rear shocks are worn? Is my Clio lacking aero downforce at the back?

 

Should I purchase Whiteline rear anti roll bar, rear shock mounts and camber bolts to cure this condition? I read this is a common flaw even I have harder aftermarket suspension.

 

 

Positive side. I found my Clio has a LSD when driven on the track yesterday. Loving it.

Edited by Clio172P2
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I'm really jealous your Clio came with LSD :)

 

At WP after the main straight, you have to brake hard with a bit of right turn, don't you?

 

My 182 also feels twitchy under braking if the steering is not dead straight. Adding negative camber will only make it worse. I have camber bolts and initially set it to -3.8° but dialled it back to -2.5° because the car tramlined a lot and too twitchy under braking.

 

I just keep the fuel tank full to have some weight on the rear axle and use low rear tyre pressure :)

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Yeah, I did not even know Clio could come with LSD. Was it an option when purchasing it new?

 

Glad I have it, it helps turning those tight corners enormously.

 

You are correct. At WP after the main straight, I have to brake hard with a bit of right turn and it often unsettles the rear end. You almost have to anticipate which way the rear is going to sway and micromanage it to get it under control. Not the most inspired feeling at that speed. With my other car, it would reach 170km and still remain stable through the kink but this Clio doesn't need that much speed to feel light at the rear. Although I still have standard stock Sport suspension. I am still contemplating about getting the rear ARB & camber bolts because as you said the negative camber will only make it worse. Need more down force in the rear.

 

A bit of excitement driving on the wet track. The Clio is very light so it could keep up with those bigger power cars but at the same time it aquaplaned a few times when I drove it near the edges and it just suddenly slid straight into the mud field.

 

 

post-20664-0-27794600-1429872462_thumb.jpg

Edited by Clio172P2
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No, all the LSD's are aftermarket and extremely expensive to purchase and install. 

How do you know for sure? Jack the front of the car up and see if the wheels turn in opposite directions.

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Well, I am attending the Ozrenault track day on 16th July with this Clio. Hoping to meet other Clio enthusiasts to understand how to get more out of this little car. 

 

On top of the existing mods that came with the car, I am now adding camber bolts & shims, Whiteline ARB and now sourcing a set of second hand coilovers / shocks.  Let's see how it will perform with those.

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These were recommended by Julian at Renotech:

 

 - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/195-50-15-1955015-FEDERAL-595-RSR-RS-R-MOTORSPORT-SEMI-SLICK-RACE-TYRES-/361266305611

 

I got mine from St-George Tyres at Banksia, and they had them in stock.

 

Well, they've lowered my car, sharpened my steering, and my luxo-barge feels like it's on rails now. They'd probably do even more good on a Clio-172, no doubt.

 

They're even road legal and you can drive around the streets with them, apparently. It's probably the cheapest bang for buck change, apart from running 98-ron. Others could comment.

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Thanks. As per my list of mods done shown in the beginning of this thread, I have already put on the Federal tyres and done 2 track days with those. While they provide good grip and don't wear out as fast. I found the overall grip level would reduce progressively during the day after each sessions even after I adjusted the tyre pressure. For a light weight stock power Clio sport, these tyres are indeed a bargain.

 

The extra suspension mods I am looking for is to reduce that nervous rear end under brake from high speed.

Edited by Clio172P2
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I came across this page which might help:

 

 - http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/topic.asp?h=27&t=821173&mid=0&nmt=clio+172+mods+and+tuning

 

 

"Brembo HC plain discs
Ferodo DS2500 pads
Braided lines
Castrol Response Super Dot 4"

 

I've heard some Ford owners that go to Wakefield Park talk about using Nulon brake fluid. I don't know how old your brake fluid is, but I'd say there'd be no harm in getting it completely replaced with fresh (Premium) fluid by a mechanic.

 

Whilst I can't ever say I have a lot of recent track experience, I did find using the best brake-pads to be found and brake fluids very worthwhile.

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Thanks. As per my list of mods done shown in the beginning of this thread, I have already put on the Federal tyres and done 2 track days with those. While they provide good grip and don't wear out as fast. I found the overall grip level would reduce progressively during the day after each sessions even after I adjusted the tyre pressure. For a light weight stock power Clio sport, these tyres are indeed a bargain.

 

The extra suspension mods I am looking for is to reduce that nervous rear end under brake from high speed.

If you are getting coilovers don't drop it too much in the front, make sure the control arms are still pointing down

 

As for rear end twitch.... All Clios do it, make it work for you and it'll dial out some of the understeer you are no doubt getting :wink:

 

Upgrades all seem very sensible and is a proven path, good luck and hope to see you at the track day !!

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  • 3 weeks later...

Whiteline ARB, camber bolts and rear shims done.

 

IMG-20150504-WA0000.jpg

 

Clutch pedal link rod snapped while driving after work last night and had to tow it :(  A $40 part malfunction caused a big headache as the clutch pedal went straight to the floor. Cannot change gear.

 

Positive side tells me that i should be glad it did not happen when I was tracking the car at Wakefield. So I will suck this up.

 

Have to buy this to fix the problem. 

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Renault-Clio-II-and-Clio-Campus-Clutch-Pedal-Link-Rod-Linkage-/251904213543?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AClio&hash=item3aa6a94227

Edited by Clio172P2
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  • 2 weeks later...

Third track day with my Clio 172 since I got it 4 months ago. Still loving it. My 172 performed well on track and kept up with other Japanese modded cars.

 

See its action from yesterday here.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=843_WvlOm2g

 

I have yet to decide on its coilovers and next stage of improvement. Cam has given me some useful advice.

Edited by Clio172P2
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  • 4 weeks later...

Whiteline ARB, camber bolts and rear shims done.

 

IMG-20150504-WA0000.jpg

 

Clutch pedal link rod snapped while driving after work last night and had to tow it :(  A $40 part malfunction caused a big headache as the clutch pedal went straight to the floor. Cannot change gear.

 

Positive side tells me that i should be glad it did not happen when I was tracking the car at Wakefield. So I will suck this up.

 

Have to buy this to fix the problem. 

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Renault-Clio-II-and-Clio-Campus-Clutch-Pedal-Link-Rod-Linkage-/251904213543?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&fits=Model%3AClio&hash=item3aa6a94227

Good to see you are enjoying the car and progressing with both it and your driving :)

 

One thing I noticed in that pic, your arb drop link bushes look rather squashed... Instructions specify not to over tighten them, in order to prevent splitting. From memory it was something like when the washer stops spinning that's tight enough???

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Yeah, I am fully enjoying. Always amaze that the Clio can give a bit more each time.

 

Thanks for the advice. I will ask my mechanic to look into those drop link bushes in my next service.

 

One question. Even with softer stock suspension, I still felt the stop bumps sometimes while cornering the tight fish hook turn. Is that normal? I think it happens when my entry speed is too fast.

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No, all the LSD's are aftermarket and extremely expensive to purchase and install.

 

How do you know for sure? Jack the front of the car up and see if the wheels turn in opposite directions.

So..... if you Jack the front up, leave the car in gear, and spin a tyre, if they spin opposite ways you've got an lsd?
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