197 vs 200 throttle response in midrange rpm

[Antti O]

Hi. I bought Clio 200 last year. It pulls great in high rev, but it is milder in midrange. That power "peak" is stronger what i remember compared to my old 197. There is also possibility this is just in my mind, and noisy exhaust (akra) making it difficult to analyze if it is okay or not

Before i had Clio 197 and what i remember it had more torq and power in low rpm area (1500-4500rpm). Power curve was smoother.
If you put some speed in cruise, slowed down and then took that speed from memory 197 sprinted faster in that speed compared 200.

Clio 200 do have Akrapovic evolution exhaust, 197 was completely stock. Is there any possibility that 200 akrapovic exhaust can cause flat area in midrange? I still have that 200 original exhaust in my garage and one option is revert it back to oem spec. One thing to mention is that cambelt has been done by non renault specialist one year ago, it just popped in my mind .. how about if that timing is not spot on. Common problem? I have good Renault dealership here in my city, there is one mechanic who did my 197 cambelt.

Do you know Is there some different maps in ecu between 197 / 200?
I will take 200 to dyno and compare those figures between 2 cars. That will be scheduled for april or may, when we have roads free of snow.

Any ideas, appreciated.

 

[Kazumz]

I found my midrange was better than a 197 but top end was identical.

 

[jacool]

Akra should give You more midrange punch not the other way around. It did great job for me in clio 200.
What year was your old 197. The early ones had short 5th and 6th gear compered to older 197's and all 200's (which in turn have shorter first 3 gears). Because of this 200 should pick up speed slower on high gears than early 197.

 

[Antti O]

Akra should give You more midrange punch not the other way around. It did great job for me in clio 200.
What year was your old 197. The early ones had short 5th and 6th gear compered to older 197's and all 200's (which in turn have shorter first 3 gears). Because of this 200 should pick up speed slower on high gears than early 197.

It was 2007, early with short 5/6 gears.

 

[Mattb_197]

Unless it feels unusually slow or like it's holding back I wouldn't worry. Line up two 197s and 200s and I bet they ALL drive slightly different in terms of engine pull, there are just so many variables. On these I've also read the power can differ massively, some run strong and make around book figures while others struggle to get anywhere near.

I do wonder if the different gear ratios are making a bit of a difference here too, especially if your accelerating from say 30mph in 5th, the 197 box will be holding higher revs so will be a bit more eager to go in that situation.

All you can do really is make sure it's well serviced and everything is tip top. An aftermarket exhaust can introduce a flat spot in the lower rpms so getting it on the dyno and seeing the power curves and the A/F ratios will help, and let you know if it needs mapping. It's on the to do list for me as my car as a resonated Milltek and K&N panel filter and I can feel a flat area around 2000-2500rpm.

 

[Antti O]

Unless it feels unusually slow or like it's holding back I wouldn't worry. Line up two 197s and 200s and I bet they ALL drive slightly different in terms of engine pull, there are just so many variables. On these I've also read the power can differ massively, some run strong and make around book figures while others struggle to get anywhere near.

I do wonder if the different gear ratios are making a bit of a difference here too, especially if your accelerating from say 30mph in 5th, the 197 box will be holding higher revs so will be a bit more eager to go in that situation.

All you can do really is make sure it's well serviced and everything is tip top. An aftermarket exhaust can introduce a flat spot in the lower rpms so getting it on the dyno and seeing the power curves and the A/F ratios will help, and let you know if it needs mapping. It's on the to do list for me as my car as a resonated Milltek and K&N panel filter and I can feel a flat area around 2000-2500rpm.

Hi and thanks for your advice.
I consider if i get timing belt service re-done by my local Renault dealership. Is cambelt kit, waterpump, aux belt kit & coolant enough for that job?
Maybe no brainer to assembly with old parts if they have to modify timing.
Then i know sure that timing is correct.
After that i will take it in dyno.. My previous 197 had only 185 engine hp in rollers. I will take it in same dyno.

197 dyno print:

​

 

[Kazumz]

Hi and thanks for your advice.
I consider if i get timing belt service re-done by my local Renault dealership. Is cambelt kit, waterpump, aux belt kit & coolant enough for that job?
Maybe no brainer to assembly with old parts if they have to modify timing.
Then i know sure that timing is correct.
After that i will take it in dyno.. My previous 197 had only 185 engine hp in rollers. I will take it in same dyno.

197 dyno print:

​

That figure is quite normal

 

[Foxspeed]

there will be an ecu difference in the 197 vs 200 as the 200 had little "mechanical" changes apart from a tweek to the head so most will have been via better mapping...

as for the timing - if its been done recently then just have it checked - not a hard job to put in the crank locking pin and remove the cam seal plugs and put on the cam setting tool

 

[Mattb_197]

Are there no Renault Sport specialists near you rather than taking it to a dealer and having your pants pulled down? - Price will likely be DOUBLE compared to what a specialist would do it for, and they'd likely do a better job too as they work on Renault Sports day in day out.

You can check the timing without removing the belt, but if it does need adjusting then they don't recommend re-tightening a used belt, so you would be best to get a new one in that case.

See what the dyno results are before anything else though.

 

[Antti O]

there will be an ecu difference in the 197 vs 200 as the 200 had little "mechanical" changes apart from a tweek to the head so most will have been via better mapping...

as for the timing - if its been done recently then just have it checked - not a hard job to put in the crank locking pin and remove the cam seal plugs and put on the cam setting tool

Okay i have to ask how much they would charge for checking timing. Only parts those 2 sealing caps and maybe 1 hour labour? Cannot be that expensive..

Are there no Renault Sport specialists near you rather than taking it to a dealer and having your pants pulled down? - Price will likely be DOUBLE compared to what a specialist would do it for, and they'd likely do a better job too as they work on Renault Sports day in day out.

You can check the timing without removing the belt, but if it does need adjusting then they don't recommend re-tightening a used belt, so you would be best to get a new one in that case.

See what the dyno results are before anything else though.

Hi, we dont have renault sport specialists in Finland. These cars are so rare here. So unfortunately dealer is my only option.