Project 338

Been a while since I've last updated, I still haven't got round to fitting the brembos! However I have done a few little interior bit to tidy the car up:

I've fitted the leather pretensioner covers on the seats as I hated the way it looked with them exposed.

Also today I removed the original gear knob and replaced it with a richbrook slant type fitted to some of the Swiss trophies,

I struggled to locate one to start with but contacted richbrook directly and they still have them, just not listed for sale.

Still an absolute pleasure to own this car even 6 months down the line!

Still loving the trophy, I've put another 10k on it or there abouts.

Today's I have changed the Nearside driveshaft for a new unit as it had become notchy on full lock...

I noticed the outer ARB bushed need changing while I was doing this so my question is should I go for powerflex or OE?

If you're poly bushing, be aware that it's a rocky road. The bushes that may not requiring change at the moment will suffer increased wear as the poly bushes are alot denser than oem. IF you're doing road miles, don't do the black series - you're fillings and passengers won't be liking it lol

I may just got OE then to be fair as new OE should still be an improvement over 90k old bushes

Also just put a brand new set of PS3 on the front as during the driveshaft work I noticed they needing doing too!

Been a while since I updated 338,

Just been looking after the general maintenance of it, a

Today it's had a full service and while I was in there I investigated a problem of the car not getting up to temperature,

I found this to be a failed Thermostat housing gasket, also the source of a small oil leak... This has now been replaced with a genuine Renault part.

I noticed when changing this that someone had previously had a go at fixing it Due to the amount of instant gasket present.

This was all cleaned away and the new gasket was fitted without any instant gasket as per Renault advice. The trophy is once again in great mechanical condition.

JJ55 said:

Just painted mine as part of my brake refurb. I fancied a lairy yellow but ended up doing black to keep a more standard look
View attachment 25084View attachment 25085

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@JJ55 ....what did you use for painting the callipers?

Glad to see you care for it big time. How is it doing right now?

It's been a good while...

And I'm currently in the progress of putting the trophy back on the road after a 3 year break.

I've stripped all the arch liners out and given everything a clean. Currently fitting new discs and pads and getting my spare set of Sachs dampers ready for fitting so the others can go for refurb.

I also plan to apply Lanogaurd under the car and to the arches as it looks great and the moment and it would be nice to keep things that way!

Really looking forward to having 338 back on the road!

It has also now had a new alternator as the old one was goosed! Done using the jubilee clip method of compressing the tensioner, which I must say made things much easier!

And a little under bonnet cleaning, I know they didn't come with the engine cover I just prefer the looks tbh, fuel rail cover is off as the paint is drying

Another little update for #338 as it's slowly making its way back onto the road...

Since last time she's had:

2x rear tyres Toyo TR1 we'll see how these go they may end up replaced with PS3.

I've removed the worn original sachs dampers as per the photo and replaced these with standard Cup units. I do have another set of brand new rear Trophy Sachs dampers squirreled away, but these will remain unfitted and boxed.

New rear discs and pads with wheel bearings and ABS rings. The old ones had had it.

I've removed all the arch liners previously, I have now fully cleaned the underside and arches and applied Lanogaurd to the full chassis to give it some extra protection.

I'm definitely knocking the items off the list and hopefully it'll be MOT time next week!

I've for sure being punished for allow 338 to be off the road for so long...

An exhaustive list has finally come to an end fingers crossed

To get her to the point she's ready to drive again I've had to:

Replace the 2 rear ABS sensors... Sounds a simple job but having to remove the rear stub axles to fit abs sensors is crazy!

Also I had to purchase a scanner capable of reading the ABS system so I opted for the launch one and it's spot on where even my Delphi ds150 clone wouldn't give me the information this did!

New rear calipers as the seals decided they no longer wanted to seal.

New coolant and an oil change with a genuine Renault filter.

New Bosch lambda sensor post cat due to eml light.

Front brembo discs and pads

Polished both headlights

Tonnes more cleaning and fussing around as it seem to want to throw up a new issue every time one was resolved.

I'm feeling brave so I've bought the timing tools and I'll be doing the belts and dephaser after I've popped it for an MOT.

Now definitely getting the love it deserves!

Finally got round to an MOT! Needed a wiper and a bulb. Advisory for where I topped the power steering fluid up prior to the test and spilt. But a clean MOT now and I can start enjoying the Trophy again over 3 years since it was last on the road!

A little update on 338, I was dailying her for a little while and picked up some issues because of this, so in the near future she'll be having a power steering pump as the whine is a little excessive.

But other than that it's very tempting to keep it going as my daily.

Well a few bits fitted today, genuine aux belt kit and a refurbished power steering pump, so much nicer without the whine!

Also on the list of jobs was to replace my pink snake skin effect door handles with some freshly painted numbers!

I think the time has come to let project #338 find a new home, for me it's been a joy, but I have less and less time to give it the love it deserves, I'll be sticking a full MOT on it this week and producing a for sale add. Basically I want a swift sale at around £5.5k but as I say a full advert will be incoming later in the week. Sad times but life and time longer allow this!

Even for a swift sale a £5.5k price feels very low for 348.

Goodluck with the sale

Renault Clio 182 Trophy – #338/500

A real driver's car – still spirited, just in need of a little love.

This is Clio Trophy #338 of 500 UK examples—Renaultsport’s iconic limited-edition hot hatch, designed to be driven hard and reward confidence behind the wheel. Fitted with bespoke Sachs suspension, Recaro seats, and a lighter, sharper chassis setup than the standard 182, the Trophy is still considered by many as one of the finest front-wheel-drive cars ever built.

#338 is a real-world example—used, enjoyed, It’s not a concours piece, but it’s got great bones and recent work that make it a strong candidate for restoration or continued enjoyment. I'd say it remains project #338 and not concores #338 please bear this in mind!


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🛠 Engine & Mechanical

In 2020, the original engine was replaced with a Clio 172 F4R engine, enhanced with Renaultsport 197 cams—a well-proven upgrade that adds a little extra urgency in the upper rev range. It delivers strong, eager performance and retains excellent driveability. This was due to an aux belt failure which subsequently took out the cambelt.

The auxiliary belt and tensioner were replaced recently, as documented in the Project #338 thread on the Clio Trophy Forum. The engine starts, idles and revs cleanly, with no fault lights or hesitation.

The gearbox is solid with a fresh oil change l.

Also worth noting: the car has had full new discs and pads all round, providing strong, confident braking as well as a full round of recommissioning work to put it back on the road last year, including a new alternator, power steering pump, ABS sensors, rear discs and wheel bearings and multiple other items.


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Suspension, Wheels & Tyres

Running on its original Sachs remote-reservoir dampers, the car still retains the Trophy's defining suspension setup. They remain functional and deliver a decent ride and feel, though they could be brought back to peak performance with a rebuild in future.

Included via separate negotiation is a full spare set of Sachs dampers for all four corners, ideal for refurbishment while continuing to drive the car. The rear dampers are extremely difficult to come by.

Wheels are the correct 16" Speedline Turinis in anthracite, with cosmetic wear but structurally sound. I also have a spare trophy wheel with the correct offset again via separate negotiations.

Tyres:

Front: Michelin Pilot Sport 3s – approx. 50% worn

Rear: Brand new Toyo T1Rs



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Maintenance & Protection

Engine replaced in 2020 (Clio 172 base with 197 cams) not trying to hide anything and I feel I must make this clear hence the bold text. This was due to an aux belt failure that took the cambelt with it.

Recent aux belt and tensioner (see Clio Trophy Forum thread)

Full new discs and pads all round

Fully Lanoguarded underside for long-term corrosion protection

No dash lights present.

Full MOT (this week)



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Exterior

Finished in exclusive Capsicum Red, the paint retains decent shine and character, with expected age-related wear including stone chips and minor marks from real-world use. Panels are straight and free from accident damage.

There is a very small amount of corrosion around the fuel filler neck—common on these cars, and only just starting to appear. Worth monitoring or treating for future peace of mind, but far from structural.

Factory V6-style rear spoiler and orginal front splitter are still in place.


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Interior

Original Recaro Trendline seats are present. Cabin is fully intact, functional, and presents honestly for its age. All electrics work as they should. This has been supplemented with a retrimmed snappy steering wheel and rich brook shift knob as per the Swiss spec trophy's.

Includes the original numbered plaque: #338 of 500.


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Spares Package (by separate negotiation)

A collection of useful spares is available separately, including:

Full set of Sachs dampers with documentation.

Dephaser

Single speedline with trophy et.

I Will update this as I dig through my spares



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Summary

Clio Trophy #338 is a rare and useable example of a true modern classic. It’s already had some major mechanical jobs done—including the engine swap, cam upgrade, new brakes, and underbody protection—and just needs a little cosmetic attention and love to bring it back to its best.

It's a real shame to let her go but needs must and please let me be clear she is certainly not a show piece and will need some love but I have priced it keenly and would be keen to avoid getting beaten up further.

Whether you’re after a fast-road project, a weekend B-road toy, or a future modern classic to gradually restore, this is a solid, honest base with character, pedigree, and potential and given some love I'd imagine there's a financial incentive there too!

The trophy is coming up 20 please bear this in mind!


And I'll upload some photos once I get her cleaned!

Hi Liam

Where are you based in the country -

Regards

Nick