Inlets | Clio 172 Project

Tag: inlets

Tuning in…

by Sy on Aug.15, 2009, under Mods, The 172, Work carried out

As part of my massive monthly spending spree, more on that later, I got hold of an RS Tuner unit second hand, a licence and a new Eee PC 1000H netbook to use with it.

I’d read all of the rave reviews about how this little box of tricks changes the whole feel of the car, I was still sceptical though. But I thought fuck it, I can always try it and sell it on if it was shit. I’m glad to say though everything I read was true.

The car now idles a lot smoother, the rev limit has increased to 7,800 RPM and the shift light has moved up the range with it too. But most importantly is the effect it has had on driving the car, it’s always pulled well but now WOW. It will pull strongly all the way through the revs to redline and doesn’t feel like it’s running out of steam at any point, although a side effect of that is that the 5k “kick” has now lessened…but I can live with that for the better acceleration.

Most people that post their performance Analyzer graphs show substantial differences in the before and after…mine don’t lol. Dunno if I did something wrong or what but quite frankly they are bullshit. But thankfully I don’t need a graph to tell me that the car has much got more torque (no it’s not a plural Mr Clarkson you annoying cunt) and accelerates better through the range. But just for those that want to see what they look like…

So all in all I’d highly recommend people give it a whirl, if you’re around the East Midlands way and just want to change the map on your car instead of buying your own unit drop me a comment with your email address and I’ll sort something out with you.

Anyway other things since my last update, as I’ve been really fucking lazy in keeping this upto date recently.

Brakes

The car is now running new discs and pads all round, along with braided lines and ATE Super Blue Racing brake fluid. I opted for the highly recommended Brembo High Carbon (HC) discs on the front from GSF (part number R60139), cheapest I could find them and the Super Blue, and Ferodo DS2500 racing brake pads from Fred at BTM Performance. At the back I’m running OEM Renault discs, including bearings and ABS rings pressed, and pads from the local stealers, that did me a blinding deal on them TBH. Lastly I got a full set of Exact braided lines from Kam Racing, not the best of fits TBH as I had to file out all the holes that the lines feed through.

Towing eye

As the OEM towing eye for my car was bent, bad tow in the past I’d assume, I decided to go down the Clio Cup Racer style and grabbed one of these from a lad on ClioSport. The quality of it is mint and the fit perfect, just had to tap out the towing hole as it was full of nearly nine years worth of shit. Saves me having to fuck about when I finally get back out on the track.

Carbon splitter

Spotted this K-tec carbon splitter going for cheap on ClioSport, brand new and never fitted. So snapped it up and then quickly got it fitted. As it’s for a Ph2 the fits not perfect and I had to fuck about with it a bit, but now it’s on it looks mint and finishes off the front end…although I now live in fear of kerbs/speedbumps/rabbits/large pebbles lol.

PTFE Gaskets

In a bid to cool down the inlet temperature I grabbed a set of PTFE gaskets from, once again, a lad on ClioSport. The OEM gaskets, at least under the plenum, needed replacing anyway. Until I get the inlets matched I’ve just fitted the gasket under the plenum for now, but will get the other one on when I need to swap the inlets out.

Other bits

As I’ve got an annoy knocking noise I’ve got a Powerflex polyurethane Dog Bone mount bushes kit to go on along with a set of Compbrake Solid Top Mounts. I’ve also just ordered a set of Eibach Sportlines which I’m waiting to take delivery of, but unfortunately Eibach are having problems manufacturing the rear springs at the minute so I’m having to wait. Hopefully be here soon and then this little lot will go on.