Kangoo Compact (aka Racevan3)

[Brigsy]

Theres a bit of a misconception of weight with vans, they are always heavier than you think due to more metalwork. My old Kangoo was 1136kg and quite stripped, and my Extra van is 920kg, compared to a gtt in the 800kg region.

A quick reckon up on power to weight and its around 270hp per ton. I reckon this big fuckoff cast ballast weight on the rear weighs 20kg too so might bin that.

 

[Adey]

20kg get that out sharpish! 270/280 ish is where I'm at and it gives me the willys if I haven't driven it in a while. Going to be bonkers in a van, how's it feel to drive with its height? or is it not noticeable?

 

[andybond]

Agreed! I expected it to be lighter.

Where is all the weight Brigsy?

 

[Big Steve - Raider]

Where is all the weight, Brigsy?

It’s not all Brigsy, the van weighs the most..

 

[Brigsy]

Agreed! I expected it to be lighter.

Where is all the weight Brigsy?

All steel on the back mate. A lot more steel panel than any hatchback

 

[Brigsy]

Stock kerbweight is 1260kg as far as i know. In some respects im not shocked at the increase - the engine and gearbox are no doubt heavier than the smaller dci engine, larger heavier brakes and suspension on the front and the 18" wheels will weigh more than the old 14" steels. Its full fat with aircon too.

I reckon i could claw a bit back if removed a couple of bits, but prob no need as even at this weight its still 270hp per ton.

From a reckon up it should still be good for high 12sec qtr and approx 112mph terminal speed on the dragstrip with good tyres

 

[Brigsy]

20kg get that out sharpish! 270/280 ish is where I'm at and it gives me the willys if I haven't driven it in a while. Going to be bonkers in a van, how's it feel to drive with its height? or is it not noticeable?

It feels like a car to drive with the low seating position of the recaro's and sharp steering, totally different to stock kangoo2.

Just need to get some proper suspension on it, i have a baseline weight now though so can look at spring rates. I reckon any megane track setup should be ok as similar weight.

 

[DaveL485]

1380kg with 20kg tolerance on the weighbridge. Heavier than you would think, similar weight to mk2 meg. On the plus side as its got plenty of power its alright

Wow thats almost the kerb weight of an R21 Quadra and 200kg more than a 21 Turbo 2wd

 

[Charlie 3Rs]

My Kanglio on Track feels like 95%of its total weight is in the roof... its a handful, it's fun but your knackered after half a dozen laps people say its hilarious to follow 'cavitating' on the main straights is on description

 

[Brigsy]

Ive done the mk1 with 172, mine cornered excellent and felt just like a 172 to drive really. I dont think mine was tiring to drive ? i used to go out in it for loads of laps at a time on track and it was good for giving the usual 172 a run for its money. My mrs used to take it out on track too we both found it easy as to drive.

Enjoyed it but was lacking power on the straights, i planned on doing a turbo conversion but got the right offer and off it went. Used to have it on 3 wheels all the time and 2 wheels on occasion enjoyed it though was fun.
Current one is mega fast in comparison. Once i get the handling sorted it should be really good with the mk2 meg rs perfo hub setup up front and lsd.

Wow thats almost the kerb weight of an R21 Quadra and 200kg more than a 21 Turbo 2wd

Cant compare the old stuff to modern really. Its fully loaded with aircon, abs, airbags all over and ive added to it so was always going to be quite heavy. Good job its got fuck loads of power lol.

 

[Brigsy]

Small update

Breather plate was leaking oil as the sealant had failed (as per most f4r) so took the opportunity to fit the correct meg 250 larger volume breather plate compared to the r26 one i fitted previously.

Its knacker tight to fit with turbo on but just managed to slide it in on an angle. Used a gasket instead of sealant this time, see how that fairs.

Also took the opportunity to remove the pcv valve that goes the breather plate, removed the pipe and fitted an 1/8 npt grubscrew and bunged the hole on the inlet with a samco end cap. Thats the last of the emissions crap gone.

Fitted a new Ramair proram airfilter. I had a foam one fitted previously, but not too keen on them now as seen a couple fail and damage turbos.

In other news had a chat to Cooksport/Ast about suspension options so will be looking into ordering soon.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Adey]

Soon to be fully track ready then once the suspension is on? I can not wait to see this destroying things

 

[Ian M]

Great evenings read with a couple of tins ! been some build mate, but great results!

 

[andybond]

Cooksport/Ast about suspension options so

Go on mate!

 

[Brigsy]

Soon to be fully track ready then once the suspension is on? I can not wait to see this destroying things

I hope so mate. Ive not really stretched its legs much yet. Showed up a tuned r33gtst the other day though

Great evenings read with a couple of tins ! been some build mate, but great results!

Cheers mate. Its turned out pretty good and quick for what it is. I reckon its as quick as the Extra van. Should be class with suspension upgrades.

Go on mate!

Needs must mate. The decent options are quite slim for mk2 and it really really needs a good setup on it to be useable. Ive heard off everybody that the ast are the dogs bollox for road and track use.

 

[andybond]

Agreed! Suspension and tyres. The things that keep the power on the road rather than the air.

I think the AST are a premium product from reading and as I understand it Cooksport are invested in their development so must be decent.

 

[Brigsy]

Aye they are a higher end setup but by all accounts absolutely worth the money.

Im avoiding bc as did not really rate them on the 250, ride was shite on normal roads. Ive seen avo/gaz gold and they dont look too bad, both monotube setup iirc, but not much feedback so dont want to buy twice.

 

[Adey]

AST were the best handling suspension I ever had on a Clio, that said they were pricey vs everything else. was in the region of £1200 12/13 years ago.

There were quality issues with rear springs snapping, the B5 RS4 boys were having the whole shocks snap! The service was great though and they were always looking to improve on them, I had the car in multiple times free of charge for changes and upgrades. Used to be managed by someone called Curtis before Cooksport. Id assume things have got loads better since then

 

[Brigsy]

Updates

Had the Kangoo in for a map tweak at EfiParts, as changed a few bits since last map, new clutch, new oem n75 valve, air filter etc.

The short story is - clutch basically failed straight after mapping earlier this year, it was slipping on the last power runs and once fixed with uprated clutch it was quick for a short period of time then boost dropped a bit. Que fault finding and replacing a load of bits (Renault life?!) New n75 valve got the boost back up and felt quick on the road again but didnt really log boost.

Strapped on the dyno and first run was 335hp ish hp, down on power from last time due to lower boost pressure. Looks like the n75 valves can differ a lot from new, which might not cause too much bother on stock power but quite a difference on a mapped setup with raised boost.

A few more runs and more n75 duty was dialled back in to raise the boost pressure back up to around 22psi resulting in 378hp & 345ft/lb.

Feels mega quick again, and loads smoother power delivery which helps with traction. Great job from Chris as usual, it feels loads better to drive now.

 

[Adey]

Epic van is epic, going to fucking bonkers out on the track