Megane R26 - Standard to Track

[papps]

Update Time:

Been a while over winter and not a lot has happened - but we do have some progress.....

Fitted rear adjuster extenders for the BC Coilovers, which means you don't have to take the rear wheels off to properly access the damping adjustment on them. These come through the boot!



Had to get the cage painted, to protect fully from corrosion and also for looks of course - ended up going with anthricite to match the wing mirros and OEM alloys, it was a tough decision, and maybe I should of have more balls and went' for bright Red, but I am very happy with the result in the end






Car is getting a mini service at Rentec next week, while the rear seized calliper is sorted out and the car is given the once over for the first trackday of the year next weekend - it looks like it will be dry, but very cold - looking forward to it!

 

[andybond]

Great idea on the extenders @papps

 

[Scott Armstrong]

Saw your car at rentec yesterday as i dropped mine off to get the swivel bearings re-done.

Were not going to the trackscotland on the 13th. Westfield isn't ready yet as we had a delay getting the trumpet extensions manufactured for the NOS. Were also fitting some sheeting to the chassis floor to make it more aerodynamic.

 

[papps]

Saw your car at rentec yesterday as i dropped mine off to get the swivel bearings re-done.

Were not going to the trackscotland on the 13th. Westfield isn't ready yet as we had a delay getting the trumpet extensions manufactured for the NOS. Were also fitting some sheeting to the chassis floor to make it more aerodynamic.

Good stuff mate - the Megane will feel so tight at the front when you've had them re-done

Shame about the Westy , will be worth the wait when its all in and running well!, plus I'm sure a few more degrees of track temp won't do the grip any harm for the first outing at knockhill

 

[papps]

You'll need to get some pics of the aero work you guys are doing under the chassis on the project thread - would love to see more!

@Scott Armstrong

 

[Ricardo]

Great thread, anyone could also use this as a tuning guide to tweak up their car as well. Thanks for sharing!

Just seen this thread and agree, if anyone gonna take their Meg on track this thread delivers on info

 

[papps]

Just seen this thread and agree, if anyone gonna take their Meg on track this thread delivers on info

Thanks mate! - its been a great learning experience for me - literally knew next to nothing before owning the Megane.

Just reminded me I have a couple of updated to post haha

 

[papps]

Update:

Just the Full set of Vibra Technics Engine and Gearbox Mounts fitted to the Megane - the vibrations did die down noticably after 5 or 6 miles, of course, they do yield higher cabin vibrations, mainly on idle and low revs, and most of it is through the pedals - not nearly as bad as everyone warned me - nothing like a 172 Cup with a dogbone mount done.

How do they feel and change the car? a lot...I had no idea how much movement I had in my engine, while on the brakes and in corners, even with all new std mounts - the car feels a lot more adjustable and precise mid bend now - and compliments the other suspension upgrades in making the steering feel a lot more connected (black series arm bushes also helped out with this) Cheapest is Ktec for these atm believe it or not, but they have a ktec sticker lol - sadly I bought the week before the price changed happened anyway...




Rear Brakes:

2 new rear callipers and DS2500 pads on the rear and some more Motul RBF600, my clutch and brake lines have been using this since the summer.

Sadly, the last trackday on the 13th Feb was cancelled due to snow.....This was knockhill on the day lol



More updates are in the pipeline....

Thanks for reading!

 

[andybond]

Sadly, the last trackday on the 13th Feb was cancelled due to snow.....This was knockhill on the day lol

No commitment

 

[JohnVerv]

Great thread, great car! Nice one @papps

 

[papps]

Thanks @JohnVerv !

Its great to look back on - 1 more update in the pipeline..then it will be nothing but track pics and vids

Think I'm at the point where I have to know where to stop lol

 

[papps]

Something a little different here - but I love it.

Its the trackday from the weekend - filmed by a photographer in attendance - AJ Photography - I believe he set this camera up on a tri pod to film, while he was shooting on his hand held!

I've cut it so its just the megane - nice to see how the loading with different cars vary through the bends - and also what a mental turn in the ST and Mini Racers can do with 15Kg rear springs! ha

 

[JohnVerv]

Believe you call that 'up the chuff' with the scooby

 

[papps]

Believe you call that 'up the chuff' with the scooby

Haha yes - good to have my footage to review my driving standards as well - I was maybe a little too frustrated/agressive with him - but it was 3 laps of him pulling over, but flooring it with around 360BHP on the straights.

Here's the on board....the lap after the STi lets me pass is my current PB at Knockhill, 1:02.53



Video goes silent for a second on the hot lap - best leave out what I said :bp:

 

[DaveL485]

This was knockhill on the day lol

If i'd have been there in the Quadra it would have been the best track day EVAR!

Opposite lock sir?

 

[DaveL485]

PS...stop making me want a Megane.

 

[papps]

Well, with the exclusive for turborenault, as I can't keep this to myself much longer.

I was a very silly and naughty boy back in Dec/Jan time..........and placed an order for something I didn't really need lol - oh well......

In my defence you won't believe the discounts available when you go to suppliers directly, especially armed with information about how much you can get it for on the continent.

Anyway, here they are in their glory..



The quality on them took me back actually, compared to the BC's, which I felt were excellent quality for their price point especially.



I have got on so well with the BC's, especially at the track on the last outing with the softer front damper setting for the first time, it will be sad to see them go - but I've been told once going on to the ASTs it will be like driving a Bentley in comparison. I had wanted to stiffen up the rears on the BC's but was basically told I would need a new rear damper assembly also - bringing a budget set of suspension into a 1k+ set up - when I found out the price I could get alternatives for, I just decided to go for that option.

I have a minor rear spring issue to resolve with the supplier first - they sent me the incorrect spring rate on the rears, and after that I will get them fitted and set up as soon as possible....

Once they are on, it has to be tuition time, the car is capable of way more than my ability at the moment - Porsche Cup driver Rory Butcher is meant to be the main man at Knockhill to get a lesson off - they aren't cheap, but you get the track practically to yourself, he'll also show you what your car is actually capable of lol, and you get the full data logging for the session also

 

[andybond]

I have been out in a AST equipped R26R.

You have made the right choice. Epic shocks

 

[Adey]

I had ast way back in the day. Development set on my ph1 clio. Awesome setup and felt great did me proud on many track days and the ring, the only thing to note is they needed servicing quite regularly as springs didn't last but that may of changed now.

 

[DaveL485]

They are sexy as feck.

Good call.