alfadog Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 (edited) Hi folks, newbie here with what is my first French car, the 182 Cup, in Melbourne. My background is in Japanese stuff - Datsuns and Mazdas. My brother had a 504 which had a driving position that immediately triggered a memory when sitting in the Clio! However, I'm more of a fan of value-for-money, and Euro stuff simply offers a better proposition these days. I am late 30s M with no kids, work in Automotive and just wanted something to offer cheap thrills without having to worry too much. As per my WTB ad, I recently flew up to Sydney and drove this car home. It performed perfectly, and was a joy to drive. In fact, nearing Melbourne I took a detour to take the long way home so I could drive it some more!! If that doesn't say I bought the right car I dont know what does. This thing is therapy!!! Yes I bought quite a nice example with low kms, for me, I just want something I can jump into and enjoy without headaches. Gradually I hope to improve and amplify its character. For now, I've got a lot of cleaning up and inspecting to do. It's had the belts done recently so thats good, but keen to hear from the brains trust here on best first fixes/modifications. My thoughts: 1. Steering - seems a bit tired, need to check CV joints etc. 2. Suspension - it's fantastic out of the box and I'm keen to get to know the car more first, but down the track, is there any consensus for options in AU? 3. Wheels - From what I read it seems 15x7 +35 is the go for the road, is that right? I see Turinis and 2118s are the standard, but will RPF1 fit? I saw something saying they dont clear front brakes? 4. Gearbox - again just seems like its a bit loose after 18 years. Has anyone got experience with https://www.pure-motorsport.co.uk/racing-precision-gear-linkage-kit-clio-2-rs.html ? 5. Rear hatch struts - mine are on the way out, is there a common aftermarket option to replace these? 7700842256 Some piccies from the drive home (6.8l/100km WOW): Edited 27, May 2023 by alfadog 17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mpptim Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 (edited) This looked like the one to buy 😍 congrats! edit: probably needs CV joints, make sure you get the ones with the bigger holes. Maybe different springs at the most, anything else will ruin the sweet ride quality. The linkage kit is great but rattles like a mofo Edited 27, May 2023 by Mpptim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 Congrats! Lovely example. I’d look into Koni yellow rears and new cup front struts paired with a new set of eibach springs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slick Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 (edited) Congrats on your purchase. I have a non-cup 182 which I have done sprints in. The modificiations I did were camber pins in the front suspension with 2 deg negative camber, rear anti roll bar set on soft, Yokohama AD08R tyres, Ferodo DS performance pads and Dot 5.1 brake fluid. The car is quite fast, compared to other more modified 182s, and is neutral in handling. Sprints at Sandown, Phillip Island (best fun you can have with your clothes on !!!) and Winton ..... Interestingly, for me, I found that the circuit the car was best at was Phillip Island - it loves the long fast corners !! The car has also retained its absolutely magic compliance and ride quality on normal (read shitty) Victorian roads. My car is a 2005 model - 175Kms. I would suggest you did some simple setup changes (as above) then do some track days to see how the car suits you and your driving style - and then change more if required. Less is more !!!! Edited 27, May 2023 by slick 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dartology Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 Congrats mate and welcome. Fantastic first French car too. Keep a thread going as you tinker with it I’m sure no one would complain about more Clio II content. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lachlan8 Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 Rear hatch struts just AliExpress will sort ya mate. Great buy, well done and welcome to the community. The only regret you'll ever have is if you sell it so don't Ever. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slick Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 31 minutes ago, lachlan8 said: Rear hatch struts just AliExpress will sort ya mate. Great buy, well done and welcome to the community. The only regret you'll ever have is if you sell it so don't Ever. ^^^^^^ what he said !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walkie86 Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 Welcome and congrats on buying a great example! Wheels - Turinis are 16s, 2118s are 15s. I prefer 16s but each to their own. The issue with RPF1s (from memory) is rear caliper clearance, not front. But I have seen 16" RPF1s fitted to Clios in the past. Enjoy the new beast 😀 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xeno182 Posted 27, May 2023 Report Share Posted 27, May 2023 Congratulations, looks great! I half had my eye on this one, but the price and being interstate put me off a bit. Actually I was quite glad you bought it first (this seems to be a common feeling on this forum)! Good luck with it and hope it turns out to be a great car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt205 Posted 28, May 2023 Report Share Posted 28, May 2023 Don't go 15' for the road, extra sidewall takes a little sharpness out of the steering. Standard issue cup suspension is as good as anything for road IMO, I don't think it needs changing in any way unless you are looking for laptime which may not mean anything to you. Good wheel alignment on fresh factory struts, bushes and other perishable bits, done. Good rubber essential. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
63x1092 Posted 28, May 2023 Report Share Posted 28, May 2023 3 hours ago, Matt205 said: Don't go 15' for the road, extra sidewall takes a little sharpness out of the steering. Standard issue cup suspension is as good as anything for road IMO, I don't think it needs changing in any way unless you are looking for laptime which may not mean anything to you. Good wheel alignment on fresh factory struts, bushes and other perishable bits, done. Good rubber essential. Yep, that’s what I said about the work I’d done on my F1 when the dog was here the other week, keep it stock and you’ll have less troubles. Still disappointed he didn’t offer me $15K like I hinted in the other thread, oh well at least this one’s worth all its money. Good buy, now you gotta come over again to show it off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimonH Posted 29, May 2023 Report Share Posted 29, May 2023 (edited) I had my steering rack refurbed - not a common thing to get done but was definitely worth it and made the steering feel just right. I had a pure gearshift but didn't like it - i am in the minority though- the Yanoo bushing/refresh kit was the perfect answer as it replaces the worn factory items and just makes it feel new. As above for suspension, OEM is very well judged, Koni yellow/Eibach is very good too, many like Bilstein B14 as well. Yanoo info here http://www.dp-automotive.hu/dpa_developments.html#q6 Edited 29, May 2023 by SimonH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jall Posted 29, May 2023 Report Share Posted 29, May 2023 Looks like a very neat car! I have the PMS gear linkage, but wouldn't recommend the one I have for a road car, makes too much rattling noise. I think they have a few options to mitigate that now though. The main thing I like about it is it gets it into a much better position. When harnessed I couldn't get the standard shifter into third confidently. If I was doing suspension in a road car I would definitely do Koni/Eibach and replace all the worn bushings. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerthRS Posted 2, June 2023 Report Share Posted 2, June 2023 On 29/05/2023 at 9:09 AM, SimonH said: I had my steering rack refurbed - not a common thing to get done but was definitely worth it and made the steering feel just right. I had a pure gearshift but didn't like it - i am in the minority though- the Yanoo bushing/refresh kit was the perfect answer as it replaces the worn factory items and just makes it feel new. As above for suspension, OEM is very well judged, Koni yellow/Eibach is very good too, many like Bilstein B14 as well. Yanoo info here http://www.dp-automotive.hu/dpa_developments.html#q6 I have the understanding from a cliosport.net forum thread that Yanoo past away recently😔. So only way to source his kit would be through the used market. I've heard changing the red plastic bush on the bottom of the gear stick to brass and replacing the old bush on the gearbox end with a new unit makes a good improvement. Had the PMS shifter kit on my old 182. It really is like loading a rifle. NVH increases significantly. Best way to stop that is to cover the rod under the car with lead flashing held down with hose clamps. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 7, June 2023 Author Report Share Posted 7, June 2023 (edited) Thanks for all the feedback and tips guys, I appreciate it! Just looking at suspension and I realise the cup has 60mm hub spacing upfront however is there any difference in the back? I ask because when looking at Koni yellow rears, all the websites appear to say compatibility "excl Cup". Am I looking at the right product here? https://automotivesuperstore.com.au/koni-8010-1048sport (8010-1048SPORT) Edited 7, June 2023 by alfadog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted 7, June 2023 Report Share Posted 7, June 2023 Yes the Koni yellows do not come in 60mm bolt spacing to fit a cup 182. The rear Koni yellow fits and is universal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 24, June 2023 Author Report Share Posted 24, June 2023 (edited) Just been collecting parts, replacing little bits to freshen it up like rear hatch struts, centre brake light, numberplate light and some new floor mats. And just DRIVING. Last week got home from a 17 hr flight at 5AM and literally the first thing I did was go for a spirited drive up to Olinda. What a joy this little thing is!!! Edited 24, June 2023 by alfadog 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 29, July 2023 Author Report Share Posted 29, July 2023 (edited) With the weather a bit more reasonable, fitted this Fabia front lip spoiler, subtle but I think really finishes off the front nicely. Edited 1, August 2023 by alfadog 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 1, August 2023 Author Report Share Posted 1, August 2023 Also an ITG intake aka expensive noise generator 😄 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerthRS Posted 2, August 2023 Report Share Posted 2, August 2023 How's the noise 'generation' in comparison to what was on it before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt205 Posted 2, August 2023 Report Share Posted 2, August 2023 22 hours ago, alfadog said: Also an ITG intake aka expensive noise generator 😄 Really wanting one of these. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 2, August 2023 Author Report Share Posted 2, August 2023 Honestly, I was hoping it would be a bit more throaty than it is. It has added some character to an otherwise fairly forgetful engine note that’s for sure (sorry to Renault tragics!!). Below 4k is just more noise, 4-5 is encouraging and above 5 is where it sounds more alive. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 25, August 2023 Author Report Share Posted 25, August 2023 Fitted up with a suspension refresh - went with the brains trust street combo of factory front Cup struts, Koni yellow rears and Eibach Sportlines. Looks like the strut tops were already replaced recently so didn't do those, but the bump stops were trashed so replaced those. Observations: A lot flatter cornering obviously, and definitely noticeable improvement in damping. Old shocks were originals. Feels as a whole more 'taut', love it. Got to get some proper wheels/tyres and an alignment though. Very happy with the look. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted 25, August 2023 Report Share Posted 25, August 2023 How good is that setup! Massive fan of the Koni yellow rears with the Eibach Sportlines, i have the exact setup on the Trophy except running the front Sachs with remote reservoir on Eibachs as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 3, September 2023 Author Report Share Posted 3, September 2023 Now with ARB! I think this should let me set the rear shocks softer for better ride whilst keeping it neutral in the bends… in theory? I’m no expert got to get tyres and an alignment for sure. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamR Posted 7, September 2023 Report Share Posted 7, September 2023 On 25/08/2023 at 8:17 PM, alfadog said: Fitted up with a suspension refresh - went with the brains trust street combo of factory front Cup struts, Koni yellow rears and Eibach Sportlines. Looks like the strut tops were already replaced recently so didn't do those, but the bump stops were trashed so replaced those. Observations: A lot flatter cornering obviously, and definitely noticeable improvement in damping. Old shocks were originals. Feels as a whole more 'taut', love it. Got to get some proper wheels/tyres and an alignment though. Very happy with the look. Can I ask where you sourced the factory front struts for your Clio? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 8, September 2023 Author Report Share Posted 8, September 2023 On 07/09/2023 at 5:37 PM, SamR said: Can I ask where you sourced the factory front struts for your Clio? Renault Parts Direct https://renaultpartsdirect.co.uk/ Flat rate shipping with a number of other parts still ended up cheaper than local Renault wholesale price 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onrus Posted 9, September 2023 Report Share Posted 9, September 2023 Do you need to email them for shipping? I didn’t see Aus come up in the options for shipping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerthRS Posted 9, September 2023 Report Share Posted 9, September 2023 Really?! Renault parts direct specifically said to me in July that they haven't shipped to Australia since brexit 🤔. They recommend KamRacing instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 9, September 2023 Author Report Share Posted 9, September 2023 Not sure - my order was in June and no hiccups at all. It was 180GBP flat rate shipping so not cheap but works out fine if you're ordering a lot. Perhaps their website has been updated since then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerthRS Posted 10, September 2023 Report Share Posted 10, September 2023 Oh that's interesting time wise. I was also attempting to purchase a fair bit. Strange 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamR Posted 11, September 2023 Report Share Posted 11, September 2023 On 09/09/2023 at 8:42 AM, alfadog said: Renault Parts Direct https://renaultpartsdirect.co.uk/ Flat rate shipping with a number of other parts still ended up cheaper than local Renault wholesale price Thanks, I think I tried emailing them last year, but didn't get a response... Might try my luck again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 24, October 2023 Author Report Share Posted 24, October 2023 Well this should be interesting! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted 24, October 2023 Report Share Posted 24, October 2023 Nice! They are a great tyres from all reviews that i have read. I had a set but never used them. Then sold to @edgar , who ran them on the weekend in the wet and smashed the Lotus crowd! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 4, November 2023 Author Report Share Posted 4, November 2023 Busy saturday! Actually less painful to fit than I was expecting. What a QUALITY piece of kit PMS stuff is. Just took for a test drive and think I’ve got it dialled in ok. Mostly I am just ecstatic that there isn’t any of the dreaded “rattle” you hear about with these things. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 5, November 2023 Author Report Share Posted 5, November 2023 Btw i did 4 “mods” to help quieten it down after reading various threads. All back together now after another test drive 1. fill linkage with lead shot (1kg) 2. Heavily grease rubber gaitors up front 3. small piece of heavy tape on lock out plate 4. sound deadener around mounting box 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted 5, November 2023 Report Share Posted 5, November 2023 Must be silent now! Good job 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 17, December 2023 Author Report Share Posted 17, December 2023 (edited) So this finally arrived (RS182 system) Question - is it worth replacing the cat for a 200 cell or something while I'm there? Edited 17, December 2023 by alfadog 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted 17, December 2023 Report Share Posted 17, December 2023 6 hours ago, alfadog said: So this finally arrived (RS182 system) Question - is it worth replacing the cat for a 200 cell or something while I'm there? Pic or link now working? Which system did you get? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 17, December 2023 Author Report Share Posted 17, December 2023 Updated - I went for the Scorpion RS182 system (resonated!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted 17, December 2023 Report Share Posted 17, December 2023 6 minutes ago, alfadog said: Updated - I went for the Scorpion RS182 system (resonated!) Very nice! They sound great. I'd add in a 100 cell cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Choon Posted 17, December 2023 Report Share Posted 17, December 2023 On 05/11/2023 at 12:30 PM, alfadog said: Btw i did 4 “mods” to help quieten it down after reading various threads. All back together now after another test drive 1. fill linkage with lead shot (1kg) 2. Heavily grease rubber gaitors up front 3. small piece of heavy tape on lock out plate 4. sound deadener around mounting box How much did this help ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 18, December 2023 Author Report Share Posted 18, December 2023 11 hours ago, Choon said: How much did this help ? Well it did the job! Not sure if they're normally as noisy as the Internet makes them out to be but mine's silent now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Choon Posted 20, December 2023 Report Share Posted 20, December 2023 On 18/12/2023 at 9:58 PM, alfadog said: Well it did the job! Not sure if they're normally as noisy as the Internet makes them out to be but mine's silent now! Awesome, can you please tell me where you got the lead shot from ? I want to quiten mine down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 12 January Author Report Share Posted 12 January (edited) Just put the new wheels on, wow absolutely transformational. These were second-hand from Japan, and needed a lot of elbow grease to clean them up. I thought they were gold centres but it was just accumulated brake dust!! Iron remover and a few evenings of clay bar to clean them up, also needed a few paint touch ups Centre caps came up nicely with just plastic polish Went for AD09s On the car Alignment - these guys love their Renaults! Recommend! Edited 17 January by alfadog 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 12 January Author Report Share Posted 12 January (edited) Also with tyres they weigh 3.25kg less than stock wheels per corner! Edited 12 January by alfadog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mase Posted 12 January Report Share Posted 12 January 1 minute ago, alfadog said: Also with tyres they weigh 3.15kg less than stock wheels per corner! That seems quite a bit. How does that feel from the drivers seat? Not super knowledgeable about unsprung weight changes so thought I’d ask. I’ve stock 182 Cup rims on my 172. I’m a fan of the look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 12 January Author Report Share Posted 12 January (edited) Fantastic - noticeable in every way. Lighter steering, better turn in, less crashy over bumps. Much more 'agile' feeling, like its on its toes. Of course, the tyres also make a huge difference. Reaaally sticky I've put different wheels on different cars many times before, but this for sure is the most noticeable difference I've experienced. Edited 12 January by alfadog 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfadog Posted 7 February Author Report Share Posted 7 February (edited) Got a magnaflow 200c cat and the Scorpion RS192 system fitted. Really nice sound, very happy with this. Butt dyno says more peppy but I guess I need a tune to actually see any real gains. Recommend Stuart at Burwood Auto After Edited 7 February by alfadog 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gambit Posted 7 February Report Share Posted 7 February Car looks great, how come you missed 2 on 2? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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