Liquid Yellow R26 No.2549

Discussion in 'Megane Projects' started by ChrisC, May 18, 2015.

  1. Hi all,

    Im not really one that tends to post a lot, I've lurked around on the forum for some time now and only made the odd post here and there.
    Ive always had a thing for French cars, my previous car was a full fat clio 182

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    I had this for around 2 years, the 8 or 9 months I got to know the car changed a few bits n bobs on it got it to a spec where I was happy with it and decided I wanted to do some track days. I did my very first track day at mallory park and absolutly loved it, destoyed my tyres in the process lol decided it was time to invest in some proper rubber and went for 888's, through the next year I did several other trackdays, mostly at Donington.

    Then I decided I wanted a bigger car, I just couldnt think of a replacement. Part of me liked the Megane but wasnt sure, I also quite liked the Astra VXR and focus ST. After test driving some Focus ST's I felt it wasnt for me, absolutley loved the sound and it pulled hard but it was just too wallowy, I knew id end up spending loads on suspension to track it, also drove a couple of VXR's and just couldnt click with it plus it was a bit dearer than I wanted to spend really. I also test drove a few megane R26's, one I did back to back with a Focus ST from a local trader as i had the opportunity, that definatley ruled the Focus out lol. From there I fell for the R26, so I test drove a few others till I found the right one and next thing you know I end up with this on my drive.....

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    Got it at a price I feel was right for what needed doing, it had full service history and only had 39k miles on, 3 previous owners, the usual spec with xenons which was a must after having them on my clio. It was also standard (well so I thought lol) in good condition too just needed tidying up to my standard lol.

    I've actually owned the megane around 15months now and still absolutely loving it, it was 100% the right decision I love the practicality of the car whilst still being able to have a good blast in it and use it on track. So anyway I thought id share my progress on the car so far :smile:

    It didnt take long till i started buying things for it, literally weeks into owning it I had ordered LED bulbs for interior, Osram diadem indicator bulbs, shorter front number plate.....

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    Over the first few months over ownership I just spent time tidying up the car changing minor things like the aerial,cleaned exhaust tips, changed the exhaust mounts too. Few other things which I didnt get pictures of like new genuine floor mats from Adz as well as new number plate lamps which had LEDS put in.
    Also realised the tyres were shit lol luckily I got a non repairable puncture in one so took the opportunity to order some conti sport contact 5's, purely because my dad had the 225/40/18's on his Seat Leon FR and I had drove that quite a lot, and it got some abuse since it was a company car and wasnt my own haha. So i learned to trust these tyres and decided to invest in them on the R26 since they were also popular on here among a couple other tyres.

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    Being winter and first 3-4 months into ownership I was planning more what I wanted to change on the car so the major purchases were minimal as I was also still selling my clio and needed the funds back from that really. How ever around march a group buy come about on Clio197.net for a remap at RSTuning and was shared onto here, and I just couldnt miss out on this. I also sold the clio Start of April too which helped fund the next few things ready for RSTuning which I had booked mid to end of May, I cant remember the exact date.

    So the ordering began :smiley:

    First to turn up was my RSTuning decat pipe...

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    A few days later this box turned up.....

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    I managed to get a bit of discount through a freind so took the liberty of ordering these....

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    It also turned out ITG filters are only in Coventry so got one of the vans at work to stop by and grab a filter from them...

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    Next stop was to visit Mr Mark Black to fit my decat, whilst I was there he offered to fit the rest of my stuff. He also found my hub bearings wasn't in the best of condition, they hadn't seizing badly yet, but once stripped we could see it was only a matter of time. Luckily I had some spare cash with me and he took care of both my hub bearings. Absolutely top bloke, gave up his saturday afternoon to fit all this. Didnt do too bad time wise either was around 4 hours maybe 4 and half hours to do the lot, well worth it though what a difference, and the noise I just grinned the entire way home. I loved how with the filter and recirc valve it fluttered and when the boost got higher the flutter was louder, the real entertaining part was I hadnt told my Mrs yet. She doesnt mind me doing this but I just wanted to see the look on here face... So I took my time driving it so it wouldnt make a sound, till I got to a dual carraigeway and opened it up a bit, her face was a right picture haha, she likes it aswell though which is good :smile:
    I also liked the changed of exhaust note, it was subtle but made a nice difference. And im sure it made the whistle louder, never got bored of these, I did wonder if the novalty would wear of but still to this day the noise of the induction still makes me grin.


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    The next stop now was RSTuning which was only a matter of couple weeks after having all this fitted, so I took it steady till then as suggested by Mark.
    Ill update again later in the week with a bit more my progress as theres still quite a bit to go yet and its getting late haha

    Chris
     
  2. Good read and progress! Car looks great!

    Can I ask what size your front plate is? I was going to order a shorter one from FancyPlates this morning.
     
  3. Thanks mate :smile:

    of course, I think it was 100mm, it's not a lot shorter than the standard 113mm but enough to make a difference on the bumper. I think some other guys have gone when 90 or 95mm too.
     
  4. Yeah I had a 90mm one on my old 172's. And when I measured the recess yesterday I came up with 100mm to. So ordered that a few hours ago.

    Thanks
     
  5. I thought it was 100mm, yer that's it 89/90mm in the guide on Cliosport.net i think it is lol
    i had the same on my 182 as you can see
     
  6. I keep forgetting to update on this, guess I should bring this up to date lol!


    Shortly after getting the decat, indtuction kit and recirc valve fitted I got myself booked in on the group buy early last year.

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    You'll have to excuse the reg, Paul made an error when going through the details, he realized halfway through mapping lol!
    After speaking with Paul, it turned out the car had previously been mapped but had no signature on the map so he was unable to say who but was likely a driveway job. This was also hiding a fuel injector issue he said due to it running so rich on the previous map. So I’m really glad I went to see Paul.
    Despite the fact I had an injector issue, and he also confirmed my clutch was slipping (he did a limited amount of runs due to this) I thought it made decent power for what had been done, coming out with 263bhp and roughly 285ftlb of torque.

    As soon as I got back I set about sorting my injectors out, Paul had changed my fueling to compensate for this when I fit some new ones.
    Over the next few months, the weather was shit (pretty standard for the UK I guess) I was just taking it steady in the car, combination of rubbish tyres and clutch slipping. In this time I decided what my intentions were and what I wanted from the car. I still had the bug for track days so it was settled and I was really happy with the Clio as it was just wanted more power and a bit bigger car. With this in mind the spending started!!.....

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    The weather finally perked up so got right round to getting things done,
    I fitted all the suspensions components myself, what a pain the arse the front was lol. Had an early start must of been around 9-9:30 and I got the back done in around 30 mins, thought at this rate i'll have the car done not long after lunch, man was I wrong haha. TBF, I had planned to get everything done at once, over a weekend it had a full overhaul..... Cooksport springs, new genuine front shocks, Febi top mounts, new genuine TRW anti twist links, genuine tie rods, new drop links and tie rod ends, all new Febi engine mounts also got the Airtec intercooler fitted......

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    After a long weekend, it was all on, I ran out of time to get the scan gauge fitted that weekend. But was really chuffed with the end result, everything was starting to look a little worse for wear and I couldn’t believe the difference in the intercoolers, the original really is pathetically tiny haha.
    After getting this lot fitted I went for a steady drive up to a mate in Kwik Fit to sort my tracking out, got it set to parallel, then the week after I went up to Mark Black to get my R26R clutch and Solid flywheel fitted along with the Vibratechnics wishbone bushes and new ball joints too since it was all apart, would have been rude not to!

    I didn’t get any photos of that as I left the car with him, but the drive back was great. Such a difference having the solid flywheel, felt a lot freer on the revs and was nice to give it a bit more of a push now the clutch wasn’t slipping every time I tried to accelerate! The car was almost how I want it, it felt really tight and drove like a dream. Up next was the brakes as the originals were a bit worse for wear. Cracks on the front discs and the rears were absolutely shot.
    I had been speaking to Johnny at Track Focus Direct and he was quite happy running the EBC blue stuff on the road, so I thought I'd give them a try with how cheap I could get them through work. The discs I decided to change to the Brembo High carbons, me being as anal too I painted the centre of the discs so they didn’t go horrible and corrode/rust. Once removed, I realized how shot the original discs were and pads had seen better days too.

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    Gave the caliper a clean up too....

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    Forgot to get pics of the rear brake change that weekend, I managed to get a photo couple of weeks later. Again I went for plain discs from the 175dci/Clio 200, along with a set of standard aftermarket pads since the rear doesnt do a great deal. May look to invest into some better ones at some point....

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    From here I just tried to enjoy the car a little and just drive her, get used to the changes I had made.
    With it being such a lot of changing and spending I didnt get any track days fitted in as I was hoping to have got a couple done by this point. By this point it was around July, I had a week of in September for my birthday and coincidentally there was a track day at Donington that week. So I the other half was kind enough to give this me as a birthday present. It was also a push to get the last touches done to the car!!
     
  7. With Donington approaching, I was unhappy with the movement I had from the engine since having the solid flywheel fitted. It was like the standard lower mount wasnt up to the job and at certain points, mostly gear change it sort of knocked, or jolted is another way of putting it. Its a hard one to explain but if youve had a solid flywheel fitted youll know what I mean. With this on my mind and lukcily powerflex had just released the range for the clio sport 200, I purchased the lower engine mount insert as it was same as the megane mounts, also got a new febi mount whilst I was at it.....

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    I had also decided I fancied a bit more noise, luckily someone had a completely silencerless system cheap. I snapped that up and just used the rear part to start with and removed the rear silencer, if that was enough I was going to remove the centre silencer and refit the rear to see the difference. With just the backbox gone though that was great, combined with the decat it gave off a nice tone, still no Astra VXR sound unfortunatley :worried: haha
    Had not long fitted new exhaust mounts, so I swapped them over too.

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    Next up was the final and most important purchases before my track day :smile:
    The all important Ferodo DS1.11's along with another set of discs, so I have a set for m track pads and a set for my road pads, since the Brembos can be had cheap enough and would be more benificial that way.
    Managed to pick up a couple of bargains too, a set of 4 Kumho v70a's in medium and 2 almost new Dunlop DZ03G's, got a bit lucky collecting them too, as I managed to do them all in one round trip from Nuneaton to Northampton for the Dunlops and then down to Kettering I think it was for the Kumho's.
    Id also got a 2nd set of wheels, which were in really good condition compared to mine, I also needed 2 new road tyres, so after a bit of swapping round I ended up with the better rims as my road wheels and track wheels were my old tatty ones. Took the opportunity to give the wheels a polish up and some sealant before fitting for the road.....

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    Next up was the main event - Donington Park
    I was really nervous, first time out in the R26, I had to build that trust up again in a different car. Start from scratch which was also kind of exciting learning the boundries and what the car is capable of.

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    [video]http://vid613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/chrissyboy09/Megane%20R26/IMG_4452_zpskrnwazkw.mp4[/video]

    Cheeky little clip there aswell going down the straight, I had an absolutely awesome day at Donington. The car was fautless all day and performed great. It was a whole different league to the Clio when i went in that. The brakes were very sharp, took a little getting used to, in terms of how late you can brake with them and no matter how hard you pressed there was no fade. I was used to the DS2500's on the clio. Suspension was great, I feel it has that balance atm were its still great to drive on track without loosing the comfort/daily driveability on the road. The only gripes I really had with the car was the standard seats and seatbelts, they didnt realy hold you aswell as I thought they would.

    I wanted to try and make these changes before the next trackday, however being late in the year and knowing weather was going to be crap I thought I'd hold out till the following year for more trackdays, and I knew I wouldn't be rushing then.
    I set out looking for some harnesses and managed to come across a good buy on cliosport.net for a pair of OMP harnesses which were brand new, I only wanted the one, but the chap would only sell as a pair. So I fitted one and the other is still brand new in the box as im unsure what to do with it.

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    Whilst I was fitting the harness I had both seats out and gave it a good clean out as I hadn't cleaned it properly for a few months. The mrs also thought it would be funny to put flat eric in the back, so he's stayed there for a bit haha

    On the hunt for more grunt I managed to spot a Ktec 3 inch backbox really cheap and it was almost new. I thought I'd give it a go before I invest in a new system and decide I didn't like it after spending loads. Luckily I had a silencer less centre pipe still, I nipped to see a mate at an exhaust centre and he knocked me up an adapter pipe so I could use the Ktec backbox with the standard centre. The drive back was great, loved the sound of it! The pops and splutters from it put a smile on my face, really added a little bit more character to it. From that I decided I would invest in a full system at some point in the future, its just a case of right time right moment then.

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  8. Not a lot happened after this, I gave the car a good clean and decontamination, followed by a seal and some decent wax as it was the Performance French Car end of season expo coming up. I thought I'd finish up the year with this since I missed trax.

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    And some shots from the show with my mate in his storm grey clio 200....

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    Shortly after the show it was service time, and then I made use of some discount from Ktec and invested in a vibratechnics lower engine mount....

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    The updates/changes really slowed off after this, as I had purchased my first house with my gf. We got the keys end of November 2014 and finally moved in May 2015 lol. We wanted to get all the decorating and changes done before we moved in. So we didnt have to mess around when living in there, we could just get in and finish off small things, add final touches and enjoy having our own house. This took up a massive amount of time, so much so my car wasnt cleaned for 6 months haha, it was normally washed every other weekend!

    Thats all up to around May/june 2015, after this I did get some trackdays done and few other changes. Still need to upload photos for this, so I'll update again over the next few days. Then hopefully the thread will be fully up to date and updates will be as I go along then instead of mass uploads hahaha

    Thanks

    Chris
     
  9. matt e

    matt e South East RSM Area Rep

    looking good chris, bet it feels like brand new with all the suspension refreshed
     
  10. MEGA update haha - cracking thread mate.

    Some great upgrades as well! - bet the V70a's were epic on the track!

    How did you find the change to race gearbox oil (if any) ?
     
  11. Thanks Matt, erm you could say that!
    I did the same on my clio too, certainly gives you piece of mind especially when doing track days

    Cheers dude, still got more to stick on in a bit too :wink: thought I'd make use of my time off since weathers bit shit

    I run the V70a's on the rear and use the Dunlops on the front since they're a little more hardwearing. The Kumhos wouldn't have lasted the day I don't think haha
    Mega grip though, love the combination. Mallory in September raped my N/S front Dunlop, going to get them swapped before my next trackday. Ive also got some Yoko A048's to try at some point see how they are.

    TBF I just used the Fuchs sintofluid, seems ok so far... cold it can be a little stiff but other than that it is good.

    I'll have a big update this week too, waiting for a little something to turn up :wink:
     
  12. Double post
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2015
  13. Time for another update :smile:

    Through the start of 2015 it was a little difficult to change anything as I said, I was just so busy with the house. However I did manage to squeeze a few small changes in.....

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    After some thinking, I decided to go with the ktec 3 inch exhaust, downpipe back system. I was close to going with a custom system from Edwards Motorsport who do some absolute brilliant systems. A friend of mine has a system from him on his mango 220hp saxo. It was just the time scale, they needed the car for around a week or so, then there was getting it there as they are almost 2 hours away and at the time I was relying on the car with the house and all. I may still switch to a system from them in 2016 if things go to plan.

    Nextup I picked up something I wouldn't have bought new, but since it was such abargain I bought it anyway.

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    I also dropped ontoanother bargain I couldn't miss on, got them at a steal of a price and next tonew too. I had already committed and paid for another set but the seller washaving trouble finding some of the bits, but he was also selling me the actuatorso I just went through with the sale anyway, which is why I have a second setfor sale.

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    Due to spending somuch time on the house, I had started to make another collection of parts

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    So after gettingtogether a few things and I finally had a spare weekend I decided to get themall fitted together.....

    Off with the old onwith the new...

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    Came across thislittle beaut at work, a diesel syphon. Worked a treat when putting the new gearoil in...

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    Old shitty oil out,couldn't believe the state of it

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    Engine mountschanged over

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    Old bush out, newone in

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    New stainless steelcaliper pins

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    Finally after allthis fitted the car felt brilliant. Brakes felt a lot better, I was surprisedthe difference the hoses made, should be a lot better on track. The enginemounts are brilliant, I have always had these fitted on my cars. I had them onmy Clio 182 (didn't really have a choice with the RS2 inlet fitted) also hadthem on my 106 rallye, I always felt they completed the car, especially if youhave changed suspension around etc. Just the feel they give makes it so muchtighter and nicer to drive, despite the comments the vibrations really are notthat bad either, I have left the upper torque mount in place too.

    So I had a couple oftrack days booked, but before these I wanted to make sure the car was ok,mainly with me fitting the actuator and having fitted the rest of the exhaust,an intercooler and corrected the injector fault I got myself booked inhere.....

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    Car park busy asnormal lol

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    And since my lastvisit I had gained a little, going from 263bhp to 272bhp almost, and torque wasat around the 290ftlb now which was great, Paul didn't even have to tweak themap, luckily the changes from last time had sort of corrected itself with the changesand was running sweet. So I was dead chuffed with those results, especially asI was expecting to need 630cc injectors, he said if he had tweaked my map iwould have needed them, but current fuel duty was at 84% too so we just leftit.

    Overall I'm deadchuffed with the output from the car and how it drives, i would have liked tohave injectors but thing is it would set me back best part of £500 and I justcouldn't warrant that for the gain of 10bhp and 10lbft of torque, I'm sure itwould make a big difference in how it drives and I know everyone who has it ishappy with how the car is. But currently I'm happy with how it is, it has morethan enough power to have some real good fun on track. Plus I know with my luckill get them fitted and the engine will shit itself on track lol

    More to come :smile:

     
  14. Another great update mate!

    Interesting what you mention about the vibra-technics engine mount kit - I've only had it fitted for about 3 weeks now - very surprised at how little extra vibration they give you (I have fixed back buckets as well) - and the whole car feels so tight and pointy.

    Interesting point you make about the duty cycle of your injectors....my car made 253BHP /275Ftlb at rstuning - had it on a dyno the other week and my injectors are at 98%!, made 215WHP vs the 212.5 WHP at RS tuning.
     
  15. Thanks dude

    yeah I think the kit is great, as you say it just feels like one. I remember the first time I fitted these, in fact it was to my saxo which was already pretty well specced, the old ones must have been shagged the difference was unreal, best part was first start up and the engine stalled lol. Was fine 2nd time round gave it a small amount of rpm to keep it going. Going back to vibration though, try getting into a 106 Rallye with pug sport group n mounts, the Megane and Clio with vibratechnics is like being in. Luxury car in comparison haha.

    Thats interesting! At least I think it was 84%, I'm sure it was mid 80's, he said over 90 when the car is being used for track days etc should really be looking at 630cc injectors. Think mine made 227 whp will have to check got the print out some where.


    Oh yeah another small update I forgot to add, since you mention about bucket seats, I also picked this bargain up at trax this year.....

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    ps - excuse the awful flooring lol, it was what came with the house. I've got some nice oak down now haha

    chris
     
  16. Looks great Chris glad to see your settling on some nice quality modifications.
     
  17. some great updates Chris since i last met you for those tyres. God this needs a spoiler lol (im a sucker for them though love them).

    Interesting to see your view on the engine mounts i was half tempted to do this on mine but wasn't sure about the vibrations.

    How you finding the engine dynamics short shift is it any better now?
     
  18. Thanks for the comments Corey, there's still plenty more to come this year. Got a few changes I'd like to make. And get the seat fitted, I hate being awkward, XL seats are a nightmare to get fitted!


    Thanks mate, it has changed a lot actually since then, it's funny how much can change in a short period of time. Funny you should mention the spoiler though.....

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    I've had it around 6 months, got it cheap just before Adz left Renault. Just haven't really looked for anywhere to spray it, I'll get on it when the whether perks up. Just need to find someone who can actually do a decent job. Plus I'm still undecided on colour LY or anthracite to match the wheels and mirrors. Although I'm swaying more to LY!

    Youll have to have a go in mine if you want dude, the vibrations really are minimal! And I've got a spare set :wink:

    a lot lot better now. I've done gear oil change which helped. As well and mess around with the bolts etc and it turned out I had a dodgy thread which meant it was tightening fully, so sorted that and been a lot better since I first fitted tbh
     
  19. Spoiler!! Nice, i got mine done by sprayshack but had it supplied and painted as i think it was around the time Adz left so it just made it easier for me.

    ref the engine mounts might have to take you up on that offer next time i have some free time :smile:

    I would also go LY for your spoiler but that would just be my preference.
     
  20. Yeah I have seen sprayshack, was tempted with them was just a little worried regarding postage wouldn't want it getting damaged and with the luck I have it would more likely get damaged lol.
    That's cool dude, drop me a pm when you have some time spare mate. I'm not a million miles away and tend to be in most the time.

    I think your right, the mrs also thinks LY. I am more for LY it was just that thought of... I wonder how it would look in anthracite. I've had a nosey on internet and I don't think there is many that have this colour combo, so I'm going to stick with my gut instinct of LY :smile:
     
  21. Your cars looking great and some nice bargains and well thought out mods along the way :-)

    Interesting to read you guys thoughts who are running the ktec/vibratechnics mounts, I've also got these and am finding the absolute opposite! I've always ran uprated engine mounts, from Group N's in my 106 to Hardrace in my Impreza's, but find Ktecs mounts far too much in the megane, Cold starts, pulling away at just above idle or blipping the throttle while stationary sends a shudder through the car and I'm also finding an annoying vibration at certain rpm points on over-run. I'm actually having a standard lower mount fitted this weekend to try to take away some of the harshness. to me the proof of a good engine mount should be that the driver is the only one that is aware of the change, it should be almost imperceptible to the passenger/s, yet the Ktecs are almost embarrassingly noticeable!

    I wonder why my experience is so different to what you guys are finding?
     
  22. thanks mate :smile:

    that's interesting, tbf I do know what you mean regarding the slight blip on throttle when stationary, and pulling off. I get a slight shudder/vibration but I don't personally find it that bad. Don't get me wrong I do have some vibrations, I just don't find them as bad as others say. I've always found cold start a little worst, but it soon quietens down. do you run aircon a lot too? I find with this running it does enhance the vibration quite a bit.
    How old is the kit on your car?
     
  23. Ah OK, good to hear you are noticing some of the same stuff as me, was beginning to think I must have a harder spec set or something! Yea aircon is noticeable when switching on/off now. My kit is about 3 weeks/1000 miles old, I know some will say they'll settle down, but I've rarely found that with uprated mounts, and they'd have to settle quite alot! Don't get me wrong they do everything you want from uprated engine mounts, I just feel they could be a good deal softer and still do the job 99% as well.

    Did you remove the fourth standard mount on the top right hand side when you fitted the Ktec mounts?

    What's your verdict on the powerflex inserts, did they make a noticeable difference?
     
  24. Evening all!

    I thought I’d squeeze this final update in to bring the progress thread fully up to speed.
    After I had visited RS Tuning to get my map checked, and a track day approaching I gave the car my final check over to make sure I was happy with it. I was really looking forward to see the how the car would perform with the changes I had made. The main changes since my last track day was the harness, engine mounts and exhaust, I also decided I’d try stripping the car to see how it was with no interior.
    With it being a bit later in the year then intended I only managed to squeeze 3 track days in before I went away in November. I had 2 booked at Donington Park and 1 booked at Mallory park to finish off my year of track days.

    First up was Donington Park on the 18[SUP]th[/SUP] July 2015
    I had an absolutely brilliant day, once again the car performed absolutely faultless. Once I got my tyre pressures to a point I was happy with how the car performed I just left them, only checking them now and again to make sure they were maintaining the pressure I was happy with. The harness was a big help I certainly felt a lot more secure and didn’t move around as much. I still feel the standard recaros are not the most ideal seats for track days. Hence why you see above I had bought a bucket seat to get in for 2016. As I knew I wouldn’t get chance to fit it before the next couple of track days. The engine mounts were great, just felt like it completed the car. Really did reduce that movement when dropping through the gears from higher speeds. With it being stripped and the exhaust in it sounded great, really felt like it added some character to the car. I know they still don’t sound the best but from inside it was brilliant. Overall I just felt more confident as I had been driving the car more with this spec before the track day. Whereas my previous track day it was all fairly new. With this extra confidence it allowed me to brake into corners later, my lines were better so carried more speed out the corner too. I managed to average around 9mpg which was quite amusing. I certainly had the track day bug after this though. Here’s a few pics from the day though……

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    [video]http://vid613.photobucket.com/albums/tt217/chrissyboy09/Donington%20Park%2018-07-15/IMG_5886_zpsdqmwjoyn.mp4[/video]

    Back into Donington on the GP circuit on the 31st of August 2015
    Again was a great day despite it absolutely lashing it down all day, it stopped off a few times into the day and just when you think it’ll start drying up it started raining again. For this day I just left my road tyres on to go round on. I felt a little like I was starting from scratch again though as I was having to get used to the weather with it being my first day like this in the R26! Started off the day quite reserved. Steve1 popped by too which was helpful, he took the passenger seat for a bit which helped me tidy up my lines and give some good points in terms of braking etc. With the weather how it was, I backed off a little and just mainly concentrated on my lines and getting to know the car more. Progressively I did speed up through the day as my confidence built and I think a little down to the fact my lines were better I was just naturally carrying more speed as well, I just didn't quite have full confidence in the tyres though as they were quite low in tread which annoyed me a little but they're all sorted now so wont be an issue next time I run into a wet day. Overall it was a good day, just really quite annoying with the amount of red flags there was. One of the guys in the garage I was in said his partner counted roughly around 13 red flags which was shit when you think average down time per flag is around 10 mins. That’s a lot of lost time because of other drivers just either driving like idiots pushing too hard, or not paying attention, I do understand its difficult in some situations etc. But still when you go round and see an old mini on its side you and his mate in another come off the first lap out after that red flag just says it all really lol.

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    The final track day of 2015 - Mallory Park
    I had not initially planned this day, but Steve mentioned it after coming to visit me at Donington. So I thought while there was still spaces, and since the track is literally 5 minutes from where I live I thought I’d get on it. It was pretty cheap too for a full day. I tend to travel to most track days on my road wheels and put my track wheels/tyres on when I get there, with Mallory being so close I just turned up on my track tyres. So it was quite nice not having to swap wheels first thing. Met up with Steve and Dan (not normal dan) in the café for briefing, then headed straight out. Weather was bit colder than Donington so my tyre pressures were quite out. I spent a bit getting them right, once that was done and id got use to going round in the R26 it just flew round. Last time I was here in the clio I had road tyres, so was interesting going round in a car with an extra 100bhp on semi slicks, the grip round was fantastic with the tyres, it certainly did rape the outside edge of my n/s tyre going round gerards though haha. Was a fantastic day though had a great time and once again a faultless day out in the R26. Steve also took me out in the clio (the shitter) that was a good laugh, it was interesting going out in a car and just pushing it right to the edge, with it being just a cheap fun car just makes it a different kind of fun round the track as you kind of just don’t care if you come off. Whereas going round in the megane you tend to have that little thought in the back of your mind I may come off, so tend to drive around 90% instead of just 100% flat out like the clio lol.
    Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pics while at Mallory but I still may purchase them from the company who took them. If I do, I’ll stick some up on here.

    That’s all for now, got a few more updates to come when I get them/they arrive.
    I’m really hoping to get a lot more track days done this year. I’ve really got the bug now, already got 4 booked so far! First one this year is Silverstone GP circuit on the 22[SUP]ND[/SUP] Feb, got tuition booked that day too with Matt Neal so should be an interesting day, just hope the weather holds out.
     

  25. I guess some of it could be down to the fact I don't use mine daily maybe, do you use yours daily? I get a vehicle through work to commute, so mine only really comes out once maybe twice at the weekend. So it could be the fact I don't drive it every day so I don't pay much notice when really they're the same as yours or I'm getting the same issues just over looked them.

    Yeah I know what you mean though, maybe they should do 2 versions like on other cars. I've noticed they do a road/fast road mount and a track mount, but then when you look at how many people run the Vibra mounts there isn't a great deal so maybe it was cost effective enough to warrant doing this. where as when you look at the clio 2 they're always for sale 2nd hand and there's a large amount of people that use them, especially when compared to the megane.

    I decided to leave the upper 4th mount fitted, a lot of people say you can remove it and it does reduce some of the vibration, is yours still fitted? doing track days I decided id rather leave it in, it certainly doesn't do any harm fitted.
    Erm I noticed a big difference, I was still using the original upper mounts with the powerflex lower. The biggest difference as mentioned previously was the movement I had gained since fitting a SMF flywheel as I think the original DMF kind of hides this movement a little. A lot of people with the clio 2 run the powerflex lower with vibra uppers as vibratechnics didn't make a lower mount for these. That's the set up I had and it wasn't as noticeable on the clio as it is on my megane, but then overall I don't find it that bad on either as I say.
     
  26. Hi Chris,

    Looking good on track and sounds like a couple of good days had there :-) I've got the first one for 2016 booked for Feb 13th at Woodbridge, just an airfield track but will be good to see what the Megane can do.

    Yes unfortunately our Megane has to wear many hats!! It's day to day task currently is ferrying my partner and our 4 month old daughter around wherever they fancy going, then it becomes the full on family car at the weekend and lastly my toy for proper driving when I get the chance. For this reason uprating it is a fine balance and with the mounts being harsher than expected they're not going to make the grade, I would put these mounts at the track end of the spectrum rather than fast road.

    So I'm thinking standard good quality engine mounts with a powerflex insert in the dog bone may be the way forward for a firmer than standard feel but not OTT end result.

    PS. Initially I had the 4th mount fitted, but then removed it in the hope it would take the edge off the mounts, however I can confirm it does absolutely nothing once the Ktecs are on! I'd ditch it personally, save the weight lol, you'll see when you remove it that the design allows for a fair degree of engine movement before it come into play, something you don't have with your mounts!

    I'm now back to a half standard set up, being a stock dog bone and 4th mount, with ktec left and right mounts, this is much better in terms of NVH inside the car, however the vibrations at certain points in the rev range on over-run and the harshness on blipping the throttle etc are still there. I expect it's the drivers side stock mount that soaks up most of this.

    My overall verdict on the kit would be that it's absolutely fine for a weekend car or dedicated track toy where driving enjoyment is the main aim, the added harshness will probably feel exciting compared to a normal car anyway! But for general road use/everyday driving it comes up short and requires further development.

    Chris am I right in saying you replaced your stock mounts shortly before fitting the Vibratechnics kit? If so I may be interested in the left and right mounts plus the dog bone inserts if you still have them and fancy selling :-) Cheers
     
  27. Good write up Chriss, I'll be in the R at silverstone this time, you can give me some instruction this time, the (shitter) is good fun on small tracks though and as you say, a right laugh.
     
  28. Nice update mate!

    FWIW I have the extra torque link still in place - the next time its at the garage I'll get them to remove it if its redundant now and just sell it on.

    Tuition with Matt Neal sounds great - keep meaning to try and get some booked myself - I did my first 4 days ever last year and a bit like yourself, totally bitten by the bug now. Enjoy Silverstone!!!!!
     
  29. Ahhh ok, I guess the more time you spend in any car the more you pick up on things. That's certainly one thing about the Megane it's so useable for all purposes. The mounts are quite stiff as you say, tbf I think most who run these probably don't use their cars as dailys, I could be wrong. But maybe that's why many don't comment on it. But then there are others that have the same findings as yourself. So your probably not far off in what your saying dude!

    What about trying the vibratechnics lower with 2 upper standard mounts. I did try this option for a couple of months but I really can't remember how it was like this. But worth a try maybe?

    I don't have the powerflex insert dog mount im afraid dude, but I'll drop you a pm later tonight or tomorrow regarding the mounts as I may be able to help out still :smile:

    thanks pal! Lol I dunno about that. I've still got a lot to learn haha.

    Thanks mate, yeah I considered taking it off. I just couldn't really be bothered lol. Guess it'll save like 300g in weight though haha. its so addictive isn't it, but it's almost great fun. Silverstone should be great, it's my first time there so glad I've got the tuition booked as well!
     
  30. Excellent Thread. Great stuff:cool:
     
  31. I'll be chasing you round donington soon Chriss
     
  32. Thanks mate :smile:

    Yeah that will be an interesting day now :wink: really looking forward to it if my changes all go to plan
     
  33. Update time :smile:

    as silverstone gets closer it's time to put some of my plans into place, end of Jan/start of Feb the lurches started....

    Firstly I picked this little cheeky number up

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    Managed to to get my self an .R bonnet :smile:
    Also managed to get this .R gear gaitor and gear knob

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    Next up came a really tough choice and that was picking my steering wheel, but eventually went with this....

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    thought it would match the gear gaitor and gear knob nicely

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    With the weather being a bit better the weekend just gone I thought I'd make a start getting some stuff fitted with silverstone on Monday
    needed to get this little lot fitted.....

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    Febi exhaust mounts which actually have the genuine mounts inside which I was surprised about! Short shifter done by Boardy (thanks mate) also changed the gear oil as that was due with some fresh Fuchs Sintofluid 75w80, got some new genuine injectors fitted too. treated myself to some .R fog blanks as well but I ran out of time to fit these so shall get on it this weekend.

    Gear ar knob and steering wheel finally fitted....

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    I did manage to get the bonnet fitted during the week but I only have a night photo of the bonnet and isn't the best but thought I'd add it anyway lol

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    really impressed with the changes, can't wait to drive it now as its not moved since I've fitted all the new bits. Will get out in it this weekend to make sure everything is all good.
    Got another busy weekend planned on the car too so will have another update or two before the big day at silverstone Monday


    Chris
     
  34. I have the Vibratech mounts and had them on at first without the torque mount had them on for 12 000kms thus far around 9000kms I started to develop wheel hop which got worse over time.

    One night tried to race a golf 7gti and the wheel hop was so bad with tc turned off I almost thought something may break I just backed out of the race not long after had torque mount fitted and wheel hop gone instantly.

    I also find the mounts sending alot of vibration through the cabin when lifting off the throttle between 3000-2500rpm's.
     
  35. Looking good mate :wink:
     
  36. Nice updates mate!

    This is going to be a track weapon in no time!
     
  37. Where is the steering wheel and boss kit from dude? Cars looming great
     
  38. Thanks for the comments guys :smile:
    Got anther busy weekend on it now, so will update tomorrow with some more stuff


    al225 - I got the steering wheel from www.ybracing.com
    it's a limited edition wheel that can only be bought from here in this colour, you can get the targa wheel from other places but only with yellow stitching and yellow band. Plus if you sign up to their newsletter you get a further 10% off the whole order like I did :wink: haha. The wheel is only £130 new as its on offer, their discount code says it doesn't work with other offers but it worked for me when I put it in and I got even more off, aswell as free postage.
    The hub part number you need is... OD/1960RE117A
     
  39. Thanks for your reply dude..
     
  40. Few more updates over the last week :smile:

    I had another busy weekend on the car before the track Monday 22nd Feb
    had this little lot to get fitted.....

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    New discs and some ds1.11's as mine were a bit shagged lol

    also picked this up off eBay....

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    OMP 60mm steering wheel spacer, having long legs I sit quite far back and I felt quite distant from the steering wheel.
    with the new steering wheel set up I thought it would be worth trying s spacer and came across this and thought it would be ideal and even better that it matches the rest of the bits lol. With it fitted it does feel a lot more comfortable driving the car now.


    Now its time for the biggest update so far :smile:
    these little beauts turned up this week......

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    They look an absolute work of art, over the moon with them.
    Really can't wait to get them on. I have another track day on 12th of March at donington park
    I was hoping to get them fitted by then but it may be a little tight, so will probably get them fitted during March. Need to look at getting some more track days booked up too I think. As the next one isn't till end of June

    I also went to silverstone on 22nd Feb, which was amazing. But I'll update on that over the weekend when I get some pictures loaded on the laptop from the day
     

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