Rob_SRi Monaco 172 Project Thread

[rob_sri]

Awesome dan.. Think I may sort out a meet sometime soon at a dyno place nearby, there a quite a few brummies on here!

Clio update:

Failed mot tester was VERY anal.. Tyres were 2mm and over wear markers but were due a change.. I was hoping not to change them till payday though!

Think he was after the work though as immediately started plucking prices out the air and writing them down and seemed annoyed when I said I would do the work myself

The lines were very very slightly corroded on the rubber fittings but in fairness the Cv did have a slight tear

So fitted a new shaft and brake lines from Renault.. And a full set of Yokohama S Drives

And I've got a new system lined up too in the form of the ktec 182 system.. Really miss having twin rear pipes.. Just adds so much character and makes the car stand out

 

[td_dan]

Ye sounds like a good idea wouldnt mind getting my on the rollers as its apparently mapped, car will look lovely with those twin pipes

 

[rob_sri]

Awesome !



Quick picture of the turinis with fresh rubber on

 

[rob_sri]

New cup spoiler brake light

Part number 7700429000 for anyone searching...

My old one was looking a bit scabby, plus when I was cleaning the earths from an intermittent fault it pretty much fell apart inside! Could have probably resoldered it but it was only £30

 

[rob_sri]

So at the weekend I took the 172 to Wales for a good blast

It handles SO much better on the new yokohamas + b14s

the grip even in the wet is brilliant!!! (Being as it rained sideways pretty much all weekend I had plenty of opportunities to test it) and I can honestly say I certainly rate the Yokohama s drives as a good all round tyre!

whilst I was out and about I picked up a new system.. Maybe a controversial mod but I don't much care

It's a Ktec 182 style system and carbon trims

I think I've missed the twin pipes of my last 182.. Rear Carbon trim is definitely on the cards too like my last one

In my opinion I prefer the 182 rear end with the twin pipes in that it makes the car look that little bit more special and ever so slightly more bonkers..

And I think shoehorning a 2.0 into one of these little plastic sheds is pretty bonkers so why not shout about it..

I'm sure people may think well you should have sold it and bought a 182 and I did consider it but truth is this car was a bargain (silly cheap) when I bought it but I've spent so much on rectifying common faults and putting in a reconditioned box, new clutch, belts etc it's certainly better the devil you know and I know it's been well cared for!! I think genuinely this car wants for nothing at the moment and should hopefully stay that way (or at least till its next French episode) and what is the point in swapping about when they are pretty much identical cars other than this..

Another plus for keeping this is I like the colour.. Being as they didn't do a Monaco 182 (afaik) then it again makes it a little different and I like that..

Still I think if a decent BG 182 shell came up I would find it hard to say no as BG remains my favourite colour.

(I think the supra will end up BG eventually)

Anyway.. This is it after a clean up

RS Tuner is on the way too

Next up is definitely RARB and cage..

 

[Cookson]

Just read the whole thread. Cracking little car that. I always wanted silver turinis on my Monaco too.

Great progress, looking forward to seeing some pics of the twin pipes on the car in Monaco

 

[rob_sri]

Just read the whole thread. Cracking little car that. I always wanted silver turinis on my Monaco too.

Great progress, looking forward to seeing some pics of the twin pipes on the car in Monaco

Cheers mate

So it's on..! I very cautiously cut the holes with a Dremel after measuring a friends 182

Took ages with measuring and re-measuring about 10 times before finally making the cut

Got the twin pipes fitted by John Ashley Exhausts in Walsall who did a great job along with fitting a stainless decat at the same time!

Fitted the carbon trims and cleaned

 

[Stay Puft]

That looks amazing. Always wanted a twin exhaust on my flamer 172.

I always though that you needed to remove the spare wheel in the boot etc?

edit.. new ktec product, pricey though.

 

[Jimbob 2705]

Looks great Rob, like all your cars - talk about me being bloody jealous!

 

[rob_sri]

I had a flick through some old photos the other day and I thought I would share them.. It's come along well!

And now

 

[andy_coops]

I bought the wrong colour. That's all.
Enjoyed reading this too - thanks for sharing

 

[leedsboy]

Like a different car!!

 

[General Dave]

Literally cannot beat a Monaco... Love this car!! Hat is off to you sir.

 

[Welsh.Dan]

Fair play Rob that's lovely... Monaco and flamer are lovely colours on 172, the Monaco definitely looks smarter imo.
Twin pipes looking perfect! One thing I never liked on 172 is the back end as it looked a bit pants with no exhaust considering its a 2.0... A little underwhelming.

Silvers turini suit a Monaco perfect.
Lol @ how s**t the paint was before!

 

[Scrooge]

Looks fantastic!

 

[rob_sri]

little update.. took it to FCS last weekend as managed to get a pass and track time for a bit of a bargain!

and....Was all going well up until this point...

Queuing up

Had a great little battle with an integra.. was my first outing on such a big track so definitely need to get some more practice in.. first few laps were very sloppy.. and the car took some getting used to with the new ARB fitted.. loved it though.. after a few laps it was clear my brakes were fading so brought it in to cool off..

back out again..

After some enthusiastic laps the car developed a slight vibration from my nearside left front wheel.. So decided to limp it back to the pits where I discovered a torn inner tie rod boot and a knackered looking joint..

Decided to get the AA to take it back to prevent any further wear or risk it letting go.. I guess its what i pay the relay part of my membership for so may as well use/abuse it!

when i got back after checking the pads were looking a bit low i decided to order some new brembo high carbon discs and Mintex M1144 race pads.. (Thought I'd give them a go before maybe changing to the DS2500 as i know they are well rated on here)

im definitely going to be doing a few more track days in it and might be going to the ring very shortly so some new suspension bits were ordered on top of the bits i needed to fix the car.. New tie rods, boots, wishbones and balljoints should hopefully firm up the steering.. Think with the B14's, solid top mounts etc most of it will be brand new under there.. i plan on getting it set up/corner weighted by Total Control Racing at some stage soon after this has been done as they did a fantastic job of my last 182 and that made a massive difference to the handling.

after alot of research i decided to go for all lemforder items as some people have said they are better quality than some of the OEM items for less money.. so il let you know how they go!

Going to start pulling it apart tomorrow and see...

 

[rob_sri]

Forgot to mention.. Whiteline RARB was fitted too before FCS

Love it.. Need to play around with the set up.. Which will happen as I mentioned above

:smile:

 

[dann2707]

Just read through this. Awesome work, the car is looking incredible compared to how you got it.

Are you coming to csf?

 

[josh11490]

I use mintex 1144 in my 106 GTi track car, seem to be brilliant, I haven't cooked them yet, but I can't compare to dc2500 unfortunately.

Seen this at fcs and it's super clean! Looked well on track too!

 

[rob_sri]

I use mintex 1144 in my 106 GTi track car, seem to be brilliant, I haven't cooked them yet, but I can't compare to dc2500 unfortunately.

Seen this at fcs and it's super clean! Looked well on track too!

cheers mate im seriously rating the 1144's.. very good braking performance and for the price of them too you cannot go wrong! ive done some hard tests and they seriously grab well + with the new discs/fluid its transformed the braking!

Just read through this. Awesome work, the car is looking incredible compared to how you got it.

Are you coming to csf?

ive loved cleaning it up! its took forever but the paint codes on these cars are simply epic so its been rewarding to work with! unfortunately i couldnt make CSF.. next time!

update on the Lemforder parts... well they didnt fit.. the tie rods were too short and the wishbones were wrong! didnt have the ARB fixing points on!

so looks like OEM renault! still will be miles better when fitted and then I can get it down to Total Control Racing for corner weighting made such a massive difference..

I thought i'd write a list of things ive replaced on the car anyway since my ownership;

Engine
All fluids, (oil, brake, coolant and associated filters including cabin) changed frequently + Spark plugs
Ktec style induction kit
matched inlets
Belts/dephaser pulley changed
RS Tuner remap
new wiring loom + o2 sensors
polybushed engine mount

Drivetrain
Gearbox overhauled and refurbished by agency transmissions
new driveshafts
polybushed dogbone mount

Steering and suspension
Sabelt Renaultsport wheel
new Bilstein B14 Coilovers
PMS Solid top mounts and strut brace
whiteline rear anti roll bar
(new OEM balljoints
new OEM wishbones
new OEM tie rods (inner and outer)
corner weighting by total control racing) items in bold to be done when the parts arrive.

Brakes
Mintex 1144 Race pads
Brembo HC brake discs
OEM rear brakes and bearings
new OEM rear brake lines

wheels and tyres
Refurbished Cup speedline Turinis
Yokohama S Drive Tyres
New OEM Turini centrecaps


Interior
Sprayshack RS silver strips


Exterior
Full paint correction and detail
Headlights cleaned up
new OEM Valeo rear light clusters
new OEM Valeo Cup spoiler brake light
new OEM rear number plate light
new OEM RS badge
new brake light switch
Valeo flatblade wipers
new number plates front and back.. front 3/4 plate
Cup spoiler + painted
Respray rear bumper
Respray petrol cap
Respray mirror cap
HEKO wind deflectors
Tow eye
type R aerial
Silvervision bulbs all round
LED sidelights and numberplate bulbs

Exhaust
Ktec 182 style exhaust
John Ashley stainless decat pipe
new OEM downpipe kit
Carbon fibre exhaust trims


new bits to buy
TDC Sensor - it seems okay for now but preventative measure.. seems to very occasionally splutter when starting.. my old 182 did this before the TDC sensor gave up.
New OEM headlights
7k Bulbs
New OEM clear side repeaters and silvervision bulbs
braided front brake lines


wishlist
Roll cage + powdercoat silver
boot carpet
421 Cat cams (had 438's in my last 182 which were epic.. completely transformed the car)
ITBs (this has always been the dream and I would have had them fitted on my last one until someone kindly wrote it off for me.. but having gone a different route now and a throttle bodied clio and a boosted supra may be asking for trouble and financial ruin haha)
eventually front bumper and bonnet respray although it looks fairly presentable for now.. stone chips are annoying me!


I think thats it for now.. I may look at things like seats etc in the future but its hard to know which way to go with this car.. its a daily but its so much fun to drive hard its pushing me towards more track related bits.. maybe i should meet in the middle with a 'clubsport' kind of build.. not stripped, comfy seats, caged, and well set up suspension.. aim for the best of both worlds?

I dont intend on setting any lap records but i do enjoy peddling it round a track.. maybe as i get better behind the wheel that will change!

Anyways here is a couple of pics of the new lights

All about the little things !

 

[imprezaworks]

This looks ace

 

[Jekyll]

Such a nice looking car!

 

[Saamjohn]

Looks unreal, especially with all the 182 mods

 

[rob_sri]

Quite a while since I've updated this.. but I've been busy with Christmas etc and a lot of attention has gone on getting my supra back on the road for summer

Still.. looking back through my camera roll I can see I gave it a good clean with the new lights in [emoji23]

Love Monaco in the sun! [emoji16] miss this weather!! Hopefully we will start getting the sun back soon

Picture with the supra

So after Christmas the MOT was due.. initially it failed on a torn steering rack boot

Plus had some advisories.. that the rear brakes were sticking

I'm told this is common in the cold weather but I decided to do a brake service, and free everything up a bit..

However..

When I took the rear discs off the near side wheel bearing fell apart despite only being sub 10k old! (Yes correct spacers etc were installed, think I just got a sh*t one!)

Unfortunately they were 13 months old and not covered under warranty [emoji22]

So new discs o'clock too.. great [emoji1303]

Whilst I was at Renault I asked for a quote on something I've been wanting to do for some time..

Full front end refresh to compliment the B14s, pure top mounts + brace and uprated engine mount and dogbone

Being as I needed to order a new steering rack boot and inner rods come with them it's how I justified it (in my head it works..[emoji848])

They (b*stards) managed to do me a very good price indeed and further convince me that spending circa £300 right after Christmas was a totally great idea

So I left with

2x Wishbones
2x balljoints
2x inner track rods
2x track rod ends
2x steering rack bushes
2x inner anti roll bar bushes
2x outer anti roll bar bushes
And a new hole in my underwear..

And then I returned for more "lovin'" in the form of two lower pinch bolts + nuts

Due to the fact I was replacing all this I decided to invest in some eibach camber bolts because at this stage I was in full f**k it mode..

To be honest it made sense so I could get it set up perfectly after all this work was carried out

Collected them from Kam Racing who were very helpful

A lot of the parts that were replaced were tired and I'm glad I did this! Inner rods..

Yeah... kinda goosed..

There was absolutely no resistance in either of them, unsurprising really..



Old vs new inner ARB bushes

These were a bit of a pain in the ass but with some careful modification (bending) of a large screwdriver I managed to pry the clamps down on the new items

Using the clamp as a pivot against the bulkhead you can just about get enough purchase on them

Bolt in and heaaave!

Just enough to get a nut on the back and pull them tight!

Steering rack bushes were next.. again.. fiddly.. frustrating..

but not tooooo bad

Took best part of two days messing around with all the fiddly little bits and doing it at the end of January probably wasn't the best call.. but hey oh!

It's dark and I seem to be missing a circular rubbery bit!

Fitted my goodridge braided lines too whilst I was there which are a nice addition to the mintex 1155's and brembo HC discs

Off to A-Line the following day to get it all set up (I know it's filthy [emoji23][emoji22] I'm waiting for a weekend to spend a good few days deep cleaning it, wheels off, suspension arches etc and underside clean too)

Very reasonably priced £38.00 and set up with an 'even' fast road spec

Very happy with the way the car drives now, turns in beautifully and feels so much tighter!

Completely got rid of the vague steering I was living with before, none of the parts that came off were alarmingly bad or broken but they all showed signs of tiredness

In fairness it is a 52 plate French car with 124k on the clock!!!! [emoji23]

I think I've made a lot of excuses for this car in the 'driving feel' department since I expected it to be a lot more sloppy compared to my last 182 which was caged, cammed and generally a lot more modified

Turns out I think that this was exactly what it's needed! Really has 'sharpened' everything

Cannot wait to get it on the track again in the summer and really push it and see the difference but even driving on the road now the car feels way more planted and sure footed

Would recommend.. il be giving Renault auto world Willenhall a 5* on trip advisor [emoji23][emoji23]


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[-Simon]

Really good write up mate. The front end refresh is something i will be doing soon too. Car looks epic, I was originally going to buy a Monaco 172 before the cup. Love the colour.

 

[rob_sri]

Really good write up mate. The front end refresh is something i will be doing soon too. Car looks epic, I was originally going to buy a Monaco 172 before the cup. Love the colour.

Thanks mate

Would definitely recommend the refresh.. for how much it cost too! Car feels SO much tighter!

Just can't wait to give it some punishment when the weather improves and get it on a track to test the limits because even in the wet at normal road speeds it feels so much more confidence inspiring

Turn in is noticeably more responsive!


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[182_steve]

Just had a read through from start to finish and "wow :smiley:" just about covers it haha, as already said in the thread the car genuinely looks like a different car now, great work........ I personally think the 182 rear end looks great on it but the silver Turnini's and coilovers have made the biggest visual transformation :up: You would never guess looking at these photos it's done 124k!!

Supra looks awesome too!