Classic Ph1 GT Turbo Identification guide

extracted from : http://classicregister.com/content/how-identify-1985-1987-renault-5-gt-turbo-phase-1


This identification guide / buyers guide has been drafted for those interested in the Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1, otherwise known as the “Super 5” GT Turbo. This car, much like the Golf GTI, has a somewhat cult status in the early hot hatch sector, and they are becoming increasingly sought after. Information on these cars is fairly scarce in English, even on dedicated forums, so this guide has been drafted to assist those who want to be able to easily distinguish between the GT Turbo and other models in the 5 range, as there can be a substantial price differential between the models which are based on the same body shell.
This guide provides identification criteria for external features, interior features, mechanical features and of course the important engine and chassis number prefixes relevant to the Renault 5 GT Turbo. If you believe additional information can be added, please don’t hesitate to contact us or login and comment at the base of this page.
Period of Manufacture: 1985 – 1987
Number produced: Approximately 160,000 worldwide (Estimate received from French “Retro02” Forum and includes Phase 1 and 2. Note, Phase 1 cars were produced in lower numbers than Phase 2).
Please note that this is only a guide, and should not be relied upon for a vehicle purchase. You should always undertake your own research and consult with professionals before purchasing a vehicle the identity of which is uncertain.

External Features - Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1
The Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1 had the following external features, which make a good starting point for identification of a genuine vehicle.

• 2 door hatchback body.
• Rear spoiler was an option.
• Fog lamps integrated in lower front bumper (These are slightly larger and more square than Phase 2).
• Body kit colour was usually grey plastic unless the car was white, in which case the body kit was also optional in white (see images).
• Body kit on Phase 1 had a small immitation air vent at the front of the rear wheel arch. This is unique to the Phase 1.
• Embossed lines in the plastic flarings at the rear corners of the back wheel arches (where rear flares join the bumper). This is unique to the Phase 1.
• Phase 1 cars had a Renault badge in the centre of the grille, with a red “GT Turbo” badge at the bottom right. The Phase 1 grille also had both cvertical and horizontal vent pieces.
• "Renault 5 GT Turbo" badge on LHS rear bootlid.
• Lower side decals with a dark shade effect running between the wheel arches. Note, Phase 1 decals do not state “GT Turbo” like the Phase 2 cars.
• 5" X 13” unique Phase 1 mag wheels.
• Height was 1372mm, sitting slightly lower than the standard car.
• Series 1 had a red pin stripe / strip running through the bumpers, continuing along the side of the cars (on the side of the car this was integrated into the top of the side decals). Note, on red cars, the bumpers had a red stripe, and the decals had a black stripe.
• Section of C-pillar panel was often unpainted and left in grey plastic finish (as opposed to being painted on all Phase 2 cars). Like the body kit, this was also often painted on white cars.
• Top front centre mounted antenna.

 

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Interior Features - Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1
The Renault 5 GT Turbo had the following interior features listed below. There are several unique features such as the seats, steering wheel and other small finishes which are unique to this car, however, much of the interior is obviously shared with the standard Renault 5.

• Two tone dark grey / light grey cloth seats (light grey having a red stripe pattern through it as shown in the images).
• Red pin stripe through the lower door card trims (door bins).
• Grey carpet.
• Standard grey interior plastics used on the dashboard and other trims.
• 3 spoke Renault sports steering wheel with Renault centre boss.
• 5 pod dash combining a turbo pressure guage within the rev counter.
• Carpeted trunk cover / lid connected to tailgate.
• No centre console extending around the gear change (as was in the Phase 2).

There were of course options such as sun roof, and perhaps radio options. If anyone has any further information on interior features and the various optoins available we would really appreciate you getting in touch with us by emailing or commenting below, so we can update this section.

 

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Original Paint Colours / Codes - Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1
The Phase 1 Renault 5 GT Turbo was available in the following paint colours / codes as outlined below. Note, not all of the cars in the attached images are Phase 1 cars, and are for colour example purposes only.

• Bleu Lumière (Blue Light) = 495
• Bleu Alpine (Blue Alpine) = 485
• Blanc Nacré (Pearl White) = 168
• Blanc Panda (White Panda) = 348
• Gris Argent (Silver Grey) = 620
• Gris Cendre (Ash Grey) = 644
• Noir (Black) = 694
• Rouge (Red) = 705

Unlike the Phase 2 cars, the Phase 1 cars chassis plate may not list the paint code unless it is a very late phase 1 car, with the oval symbol embossed in the plate. Instead, the paint code is shown on a large sticker on top of the RHS suspension strut tower as shown in one of the attached images.

 

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Chassis Number - Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1
The chassis number on a Renault 5 GT Turbo should be 17 figures long and begin with the following prefix, which applies to both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 cars:
VFIC405050
This starting prefix will be followed by the car’s individual / unique seven digit code.
Chassis Number location:
The chassis number is located in 2 positions on the R5 GT Turbo.
Firstly, it is embossed in the vehicle ID plate which is riveted to the RHS firewall of the car. The location of the plate and number is shown in the images for a better description. Note, the Phase 1 car usually has a thin / portrait layout chassis plate smaller than the one shown in the close up image, (without the circled numbers on the RHS), so don't be concerned if it looks different to the plate shown in close up. The other images showing the engine bay are genuine Phase 1 cars with the smaller chassis plates.
Secondly, the chassis number is stamped into the body of the car, on top of the RHS suspension strut, under the hood. The location and style of the typeface is shown in the attached images. Note, the number is often (but may not be on all cars) stamped in twice (once with full letters punched in which curve around the strut top, and another typeface which appears to use small punch holes and is stamped in a streight line.

 

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Engine Number - Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1
The Renault 5 GT Turbo used the “C-Type” engine block known as the “Cleon 1.4”. This engine was widely used over a range of Renault vehicles, however, the R5 GT Turbo used blocks with specific numbers on the engine. The numbers to look for are as follows:

• C1J 782
• C1J 784
• C1J 788 (Phase 2 only - commonly installed as replacement engines in Phase 1)

Location of engine number:
As you face the engine block from the front of the car, the engine number is located on the front top left face of the engine block (behind the alternator), on an aluminium plate riveted into the engine block. The location is better described by the pictures attached.

1. Mechanical Features - Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1

The Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1 had the folliwing mechanical features:

• 4 cylinder C-Type engine block, 1397cc.
• Phase 1 suspension strut tops sit right in the middle of the strut hole, (as opposed to Phase 2 which are slightly offset).
• Front and rear mag wheels 5.5" x 13" aluminium alloy.
• Front and rear tyres 175/60 HR 13.
• Single Solex carburetor 32 DIS.
• Single Garret T2 turbocharger (0.65 +/- 0.25 bar) and air / air exchanger.
• RE208 ignition module.
• Four wheel disc brakes: Front brakes 238mm ventilated discs / Rear brakes non-ventilated 238mm discs.
• Front suspension: MacPherson struts, coil springs, dampers, anti-roll bar.
• Rear suspension: Trailing arms, torsion bars, dampers, anti-roll bar.
• 5 speed manual trasmission.