Take 2 - RenaultSport Megane 250, Daily/Track car.
Discussion
After selling my old Megane 265 in a moment of madness, I found myself in a Fiesta ST. Which although a great car in it's own right, wasn't anything like the Megane I came to love. So me being me, I ended up thinking about to replacing the car with something a little different. I had initially decided to get something different as there is no point owning the same car twice, right?
After considering every car and it's brother, I couldn't settle on what to replace. Every time though, I kept going back to bloody Meganes.
After looking for what seemed like months the perfect spec came up.
Cup chassis.
Xenons
18's
Climate pack.
Recaro seats.
Not black.
This is going to be my daily, and my track car.
The first thing I did was make sure that the car runs properly and isn't going to let go when driving to work, or when at the track. So the first thing I had done, within a few days of owning it was get the thing booked in for it's cambelt, water pump, aux belt and a thorough check over to make sure that there were no parts on the way out. The only thing it threw up was the thermostat had failed and that was backed up by the fact it wasn't revving past 5,700rpm when normally they rev out to 6500. All the belts, thermostat done, and given a clean bill of health.
It was then on to cleaning and getting it looking tidy, as the paint looked a little dull for white. After spending a day going over it looks significantly better, especially now coated in a mixture of waxes, sealants and glass treatments, it looked a lot better.
Obligatory PH smiley.
Then it was on with the prep for the track work, so some Federal 595RSR's were purchased and duly fitted!
It was then on to the modifications, starting out with a Milltek Non-res catback, no pictures unfortunately, but it sounds ace and has a nice crackle and pop on the overrun and make a nice crack on gearchanges.
A Trackday at curborough spring course has been booked, and the Renaultsport track day at Rockingham in July has been booked.
If you've got this far, well done! I will be updating this post trackdays with some pictures and any eventualities.
After considering every car and it's brother, I couldn't settle on what to replace. Every time though, I kept going back to bloody Meganes.
After looking for what seemed like months the perfect spec came up.
Cup chassis.
Xenons
18's
Climate pack.
Recaro seats.
Not black.
This is going to be my daily, and my track car.
The first thing I did was make sure that the car runs properly and isn't going to let go when driving to work, or when at the track. So the first thing I had done, within a few days of owning it was get the thing booked in for it's cambelt, water pump, aux belt and a thorough check over to make sure that there were no parts on the way out. The only thing it threw up was the thermostat had failed and that was backed up by the fact it wasn't revving past 5,700rpm when normally they rev out to 6500. All the belts, thermostat done, and given a clean bill of health.
It was then on to cleaning and getting it looking tidy, as the paint looked a little dull for white. After spending a day going over it looks significantly better, especially now coated in a mixture of waxes, sealants and glass treatments, it looked a lot better.
Obligatory PH smiley.
Then it was on with the prep for the track work, so some Federal 595RSR's were purchased and duly fitted!
It was then on to the modifications, starting out with a Milltek Non-res catback, no pictures unfortunately, but it sounds ace and has a nice crackle and pop on the overrun and make a nice crack on gearchanges.
A Trackday at curborough spring course has been booked, and the Renaultsport track day at Rockingham in July has been booked.
If you've got this far, well done! I will be updating this post trackdays with some pictures and any eventualities.
A little update:
A couple of months back I managed to secure a boxed Milltek Non-resonated cat-back for £300, about £250 off new. It was fitted and really improved the overall experience of the car, added enough volume to make it enjoyable, adding a lot more pops and bangs, but does have the right balance so it's not a nightmare to daily. No pictures unfortunately as the exhaust it's hidden within the exhaust bumper trim.
As it was due an MOT and service.
Decided to give it a bit of a treat, as it does get driven hard, but I do look after them.
Full gearbox flush.
New RBF600 fluid.
Coolant change
New oil and filter.
I also decided to get a new induction kit, rather than replace the air filter.
I bought this:
An ITG induction kit, fitted at the same time as the service was done. In a nutshell, it sounds ace, lots of whooshes and chirps, with a nice induction noise at the top-end with blow-off noise when changing gear. It appeals to the inner child in me
I also decided to go for some new braided lines whilst getting the new fluid, but there was an issue with the rear lines had partially rusted on. The rears will be done over winter, along possibly with some new coilovers and a general refresh and tidy up.
As the car flew through it's MOT with relatively little issues (needed rear brakes cleaned) and I got an advisory for low front tyres, man maths lead me to buying new wheels.
These:
Autec Wizard, 18x8 5x114.3 ET50 with Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R tyres.
I have one last trackday booked in November, at Castle Combe. Looking forward to it, and be nice to get this back out on track.
Future plans is to get the coilovers fitted, and then look at adding power, and lots more track days and enjoy the car where it excels!
A couple of months back I managed to secure a boxed Milltek Non-resonated cat-back for £300, about £250 off new. It was fitted and really improved the overall experience of the car, added enough volume to make it enjoyable, adding a lot more pops and bangs, but does have the right balance so it's not a nightmare to daily. No pictures unfortunately as the exhaust it's hidden within the exhaust bumper trim.
As it was due an MOT and service.
Decided to give it a bit of a treat, as it does get driven hard, but I do look after them.
Full gearbox flush.
New RBF600 fluid.
Coolant change
New oil and filter.
I also decided to get a new induction kit, rather than replace the air filter.
I bought this:
An ITG induction kit, fitted at the same time as the service was done. In a nutshell, it sounds ace, lots of whooshes and chirps, with a nice induction noise at the top-end with blow-off noise when changing gear. It appeals to the inner child in me
I also decided to go for some new braided lines whilst getting the new fluid, but there was an issue with the rear lines had partially rusted on. The rears will be done over winter, along possibly with some new coilovers and a general refresh and tidy up.
As the car flew through it's MOT with relatively little issues (needed rear brakes cleaned) and I got an advisory for low front tyres, man maths lead me to buying new wheels.
These:
Autec Wizard, 18x8 5x114.3 ET50 with Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R tyres.
I have one last trackday booked in November, at Castle Combe. Looking forward to it, and be nice to get this back out on track.
Future plans is to get the coilovers fitted, and then look at adding power, and lots more track days and enjoy the car where it excels!
OppoLocksmith said:
Ace write up,I really have a soft spot for these. Can you elaborate on what you prefer vs the Fiesta, I currently have an ST and I've always felt that a swap to a Megane wouldn't really offer an awful lot of difference. Was the ST standard?
I had a traffic light GP with a Fiesta ST recently in my 275 and it kept up, so unless it was mountune'd theres not an awful lot in it. At the same time my 275 will keep up with my mates Golf R in a straight line. When it comes to cornering ability on the road I think its who is the biggest d
head. Given OP has gone back to a Megane RS I suspect itll be do do with its chassis on a back road, Ive spent hours wondering what Id replace mine with and Ill be f
ked if I know what.Whats the new gearbox oil like does it still sound like a train signal junction box? Did the shift action improve atall? Quite interested as Ive been considering having mine changed to something a bit thicker.
OppoLocksmith said:
Ace write up,I really have a soft spot for these. Can you elaborate on what you prefer vs the Fiesta, I currently have an ST and I've always felt that a swap to a Megane wouldn't really offer an awful lot of difference. Was the ST standard?
The ST was a standard ST3, without the Mountune kit. It felt quick, but it was a little bland (to me) in comparison, it didn't feel special, whereas the Megane is a little left-field and feels more than a sum of its parts. I also use this on track a little, so the big Brembos, LSD, Recaros and all the others were bits I were going to the Fiesta within a matter of months, whereas the Meg had it already. A std 250 will struggle to pull away from a Fiesta below about 80, as the Fiesta is quite a bit lighter.
MikeGoodwin said:
I had a traffic light GP with a Fiesta ST recently in my 275 and it kept up, so unless it was mountune'd theres not an awful lot in it. At the same time my 275 will keep up with my mates Golf R in a straight line. When it comes to cornering ability on the road I think its who is the biggest dhead.
Given OP has gone back to a Megane RS I suspect itll be do do with its chassis on a back road, Ive spent hours wondering what Id replace mine with and Ill be fked if I know what.
Whats the new gearbox oil like does it still sound like a train signal junction box? Did the shift action improve atall? Quite interested as Ive been considering having mine changed to something a bit thicker.
The gearbox oil does make a difference. I had an occasional issue where, when cold the 'box would thump (like someone has just hit you back) when going into first for the 1st time. And it would try to resist going into third occasionally, so you would end up hitting the syncro, not handy on a track.head. Given OP has gone back to a Megane RS I suspect itll be do do with its chassis on a back road, Ive spent hours wondering what Id replace mine with and Ill be f
ked if I know what.Whats the new gearbox oil like does it still sound like a train signal junction box? Did the shift action improve atall? Quite interested as Ive been considering having mine changed to something a bit thicker.
It's a lot quieter, and the third gear "pissy moments" it used to have are much, much less (i've had it once, in a month of having it done, and I think that was due to me pulling the clutch up to quick.
To be honest, I sold the Megane as I got bitten by the track day bug, and I wasn't keen on thumping around in a 18k car incase I binned it. Trying to be practical, and thinking of buying a dedicated track car I bought a Fiesta ST (on the way back from looking at a 5cyl Focus ST) and then rapidly decided the Fiesta wasn't for me, and then began looking for an earlier 250 that was both cheaper than the Fiesta was, and that I wouldn't be so precious and worrying over.
I was lucky as in 9k miles the 265 cost me nothing, the Fiesta cost me about £500 and I got an absolute bargain on the 250, considering the spec it has.
Thanks for the info OP, makes sense. I love the ST having had all sorts of cars it just fits my day to day requirements perfectly but I have a feeling that a Meg is an itch that needs scratching.
Quite a rare sight on the roads round by me (especially in comparison to the ST) which I think is also an appeal along with the fact you can get away without having to stick a disc-lock on it every 5 minutes . . . . . kind of ruins the keyless entry
Quite a rare sight on the roads round by me (especially in comparison to the ST) which I think is also an appeal along with the fact you can get away without having to stick a disc-lock on it every 5 minutes . . . . . kind of ruins the keyless entry
OppoLocksmith said:
Thanks for the info OP, makes sense. I love the ST having had all sorts of cars it just fits my day to day requirements perfectly but I have a feeling that a Meg is an itch that needs scratching.
Quite a rare sight on the roads round by me (especially in comparison to the ST) which I think is also an appeal along with the fact you can get away without having to stick a disc-lock on it every 5 minutes . . . . . kind of ruins the keyless entry
Mine has keyless entry and go, which is a great help but the OBD socket is in the middle, and the alarm is naffing sensitive. I swear dust sets the pissing thing off. Quite a rare sight on the roads round by me (especially in comparison to the ST) which I think is also an appeal along with the fact you can get away without having to stick a disc-lock on it every 5 minutes . . . . . kind of ruins the keyless entry
People also seem to look at it, I've had quite a few positive (and some negative) responses in the car, in petrol stations and the like, saying nice car, and bet that shifts etc. I did get one knob say that it must be nice to have daddys money, but telling him I paid for it myself and stop being a prick seemed to get the point across.
Agree with the whole thumping an 18k car round a track thing. Id buy a 250 cup in hindsight and basically do what that guy Matt did with his red 250 instead of getting a 275. Recaro pole positions, remap and other bits to have it run 300hp+ and some nice coilovers although it would be set up for road use. I should have sold it 6 months back as I'd not have lost much and done the above but I really do love the car.
I'll look into having the gearbox oil done myself actually as it's not the best box. Sure the PK is used in the Renault traffic.....
I'll look into having the gearbox oil done myself actually as it's not the best box. Sure the PK is used in the Renault traffic.....
MikeGoodwin said:
Agree with the whole thumping an 18k car round a track thing. Id buy a 250 cup in hindsight and basically do what that guy Matt did with his red 250 instead of getting a 275. Recaro pole positions, remap and other bits to have it run 300hp+ and some nice coilovers although it would be set up for road use. I should have sold it 6 months back as I'd not have lost much and done the above but I really do love the car.
I'll look into having the gearbox oil done myself actually as it's not the best box. Sure the PK is used in the Renault traffic.....
Not sure about the traffic but iirc it's used in the espace, least they do more than 30k without the syncros giving up. Not that the syncro on 2nd is great I'll look into having the gearbox oil done myself actually as it's not the best box. Sure the PK is used in the Renault traffic.....
MikeGoodwin said:
Agree with the whole thumping an 18k car round a track thing. Id buy a 250 cup in hindsight and basically do what that guy Matt did with his red 250 instead of getting a 275. Recaro pole positions, remap and other bits to have it run 300hp+ and some nice coilovers although it would be set up for road use. I should have sold it 6 months back as I'd not have lost much and done the above but I really do love the car.
I'll look into having the gearbox oil done myself actually as it's not the best box. Sure the PK is used in the Renault traffic.....
the long term plan is to make it a little like an Trophy R, but with more power. I'll look into having the gearbox oil done myself actually as it's not the best box. Sure the PK is used in the Renault traffic.....
So cage
Pole positions (I'm a big lad, so maybe not!
about 320ish hp.
Coilovers
lighter than std.
But keep it usable, so it's not a dog on road, so keep the climate control, radio, nav etc..
Matt's old 250 was a cracking thing, looked proper imposing in the flesh.
I managed to squeeze one more trackday in before the winter came where everything dies down. It was Castle Combe on a freezing cold, foggy November day.
In short, it was fking brilliant!
These are only a few low-res photos, waiting for the higher resolution ones to be sent over.
The car performed faultlessly all day. Turned up, fitted my uprated pads (Carbotech XP8 for anyone who's interested) emptied the bits out of the car and went out.
At Combe during the day there was some interesting cars there, including an M4, S15, Skyline, Focus RS, Turbo MX5 and loads more. I was quite chuffed with the fact that I wasn't overtaken once all day (No I wasn't holding anyone up either!), and was managing solid 1:22's, which I'm told is pretty quick. I think my fastest was a high 1:20 something, which I was pretty pleased about.
A few people came up to me and asked what power it had, and what had been done. A few seemed surprised it was only sticky tyres, brakes and no real performance increase. Managed to have a great little battle with the Focus RS that was there.
In short, it was f
king brilliant! These are only a few low-res photos, waiting for the higher resolution ones to be sent over.
The car performed faultlessly all day. Turned up, fitted my uprated pads (Carbotech XP8 for anyone who's interested) emptied the bits out of the car and went out.
At Combe during the day there was some interesting cars there, including an M4, S15, Skyline, Focus RS, Turbo MX5 and loads more. I was quite chuffed with the fact that I wasn't overtaken once all day (No I wasn't holding anyone up either!), and was managing solid 1:22's, which I'm told is pretty quick. I think my fastest was a high 1:20 something, which I was pretty pleased about.
A few people came up to me and asked what power it had, and what had been done. A few seemed surprised it was only sticky tyres, brakes and no real performance increase. Managed to have a great little battle with the Focus RS that was there.
Mitch_TCF said:
Always had a soft spot for these!! Lovely car mate.
Glad you had a good day at Combe, one track I'm yet to do.
Cheers mate Glad you had a good day at Combe, one track I'm yet to do.
I did Combe last year in Monsoon conditions, It was the first time I could properly push the car and It was brilliant being able to feel it moving around underneath you.
Blanchimont said:
The gearbox oil does make a difference. I had an occasional issue where, when cold the 'box would thump (like someone has just hit you back) when going into first for the 1st time. And it would try to resist going into third occasionally, so you would end up hitting the syncro, not handy on a track.
Interesting. My 265 sometimes clunks when going into first at a standstill. It's due the 'big' 6 year service in March so I'll get it looked into then.Car looks good, I'd love to take mine round Thruxton, which is the closest track to me!
roadie said:
Interesting. My 265 sometimes clunks when going into first at a standstill. It's due the 'big' 6 year service in March so I'll get it looked into then.
Car looks good, I'd love to take mine round Thruxton, which is the closest track to me!
Thanks! The gearbox oil does help, hugely. I've also got the aluminium trophy gearknob on mine which helps with feel massively. fCar looks good, I'd love to take mine round Thruxton, which is the closest track to me!
king freezing at the moment though! They're worth doing, I would look at putting some lines, fluid and better pads in it though, as a friend who has a 275 cooked his brakes at Combe a few weeks ago. I was able to properly thump around and was repeatedly giving the brakes a thorough workout, at one point the discs were glowing!
Great cars on track though!
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff