Renault sport Clio 197

[Dieseldave]

Who has/had one?

I've had a hankering after one for many years and a nice 07 example has come up for sale
In NI at good money. It has the Recaros, Brembos, Full exhaust, manifold, poly bush mounts
And a few other bits and pieces.

There seems to be a load of different versions available, 197, 200 cup, 197 with cup chassis etc,
Is there much difference between them all. I did look at 2x 200 cups for sale before and they
Were ragged bags of shite so maybe a 197 will be less abused?

What to look out for bar the usual car buying stuff?

[Joe.]

I have had a 197, and the miss' has a 200 at the moment,
Things I would look out for are gearbox syncros, and dry steer the car and listen for any growning noises, the hub joints go and Renault will only sell you the hub not the joint on its own

Few other issues I know of are steering racks having play, Don't think that's massively common to be fair

[Harv]

The Cup has much firmer suspension, and less equipment iirc (things like leather if not optioning the seats, AC, etc are gone)

Good cars though, no huge issues - make sure the gearbox works crunch-free as the synchro's aren't the strongest, so if someone ham-fisted has been thrashing it they can get worn.

[Dieseldave]

Nice info guys cheers. Is the cup chassis just dampers and springs or is there more to it?

[Harv]

27% and 30% stiffer, different dampers, 7mm lower. Slightly different struts to improve steering feel as well apparently. No mention of wider track as with the Ph2 Clio sport in CupvNonCup form.

Interior changes on the Cup vs non-Cup body are here: http://www.cliosport.net/threads/dif...97-cup.272124/

I think I'd have to try and drive both to see if the Cup is a bit too much day-to-day. Maybe I'm just being girly!

[Dieseldave]

Cheers for the info and link. It looks like the non cup is a nicer place to be.

[mattrallye]

For everyday yes Dave. The earlier 197 has a shorter gear ratio and we expensive to run and always revving high. If you want something more refined go for a later one.

[Harv]

I think you can get the full-fat 197 with the Cup suspension as well, just to mix things up!

[matty_d]

I had a full fat 197 for two years as a daily. Loved it! Was a bit softer than the Cup, and definitely less engaging than the 182, but for a daily and a car for occasional blasts it was great. Lift off oversteer was the best bit, and easily controllable. Motorway driving was a pain, I think at 70mph it was around 4K RPM, so long journeys can get a bit tiresome. Used to get an average of 32mpg mostly driving normally, some short blasts of course so gives you and idea of running costs.

As said, watch out for (especially 2nd gear syncros) as they are a weak point. Cold starts are and issue for some, mine was a bit spazzy on very cold mornings but running on 98 Ron would sort it. There is a new map though I think that can be installed to clear this up.

Put mine through a cam belt and depahser pulley change, again something to look for that has been changed. Although all cars should have had that by now!

I want another one now....

[leeds_182]

I bought a new cup in 2008.

I found it slow, thirsty but nice to look at. I swapped the exhaust on mine and it caused the worlds most horrendous flat spot at 2-3k.

[welshpug]

a well piloted R3 clio is a bloody quick car


with the age of them the calipers often need work godspeed do stainless piston kits as well as a refurb service.