An odd track car - Renault Laguna
Discussion
After purchasing a Laguna 2 (1.8 Dynamique) last year (as a temporary car), I had a natural affinity the the charms of this much forgotten(?!) car.
I have been on track in a few different cars, but wanted something more permanent. In the medium term, it would also serve as a second car when the inevitable issues occur to my main car (P38).
2007 Laguna 2, 205 GT. Possibly one of the cheapest ways of getting on track. The usual Clios and such don't agree with me, as i'm not a small guy. This fits well, remembering that you need extra head room for wearing a helmet on track. These have a slightly detuned F4RT from a Megane 225. They also weigh less than a Megane. Good stuff.
After a quick wash after pickup.
These cars have heated, electric leather seats, sat nav, cruise etc. All for £500! It even had service history for oil every 10k from new, and a recent cambelt change. Just run in at 170k miles.
First port of call was to sort some tyres. The car came with a set of steel wheels on winters, and a set of original alloys that looked like they'd been plucked from the bottom of the ocean with decent tyres that were finished.
The new plan was; semi slicks on the steels, cheap road tyres on the alloys.
I was offered a lightly used set of Dunlop Direzas for a great price.
A rattle can job on the steel wheels resulted in:
Very nice.
After a service and a few runs on the road, it was time for Cadwell Park.
Took a friend
The car did really well. The only issue being the brake fluid reservoir cap. It had a quick "fix" and was replaced afterwards.
Straight line speed was better than the lightly modified 2.0 MX5, which is good.
MPG on track, as to be expected.
Taking some lines a little strong and the usual interface with the marker cones.
As the car had proven itself, I sorted the road wheels.
Refurb:
The colour is Ford Rado grey, as I couldn't get the garage interested in sorting the original Renault colour.
Wheels fitted
Colour coded centre caps sorted
As no custom parts are available, a universal filter to release the turbo noise
and then a custom remap at a Renault specialist.
Dyno print out below. It became apparent that the car had been mapped (badly) before. 219.9 to 227.4. A small increase, but huge changes in the graph as you can see (it has more than 200 horsepower for over 2k RPM). It has made a big difference to how the car drives and it now pulls hard to the redline.
These can make more power, but it was struggling to hold boost, due to wear and tear (not that common for these to be on such high mileage without major work).
I'm about to book Snetterton for August, so I shall see how it gets on!
I have been on track in a few different cars, but wanted something more permanent. In the medium term, it would also serve as a second car when the inevitable issues occur to my main car (P38).
2007 Laguna 2, 205 GT. Possibly one of the cheapest ways of getting on track. The usual Clios and such don't agree with me, as i'm not a small guy. This fits well, remembering that you need extra head room for wearing a helmet on track. These have a slightly detuned F4RT from a Megane 225. They also weigh less than a Megane. Good stuff.
After a quick wash after pickup.
These cars have heated, electric leather seats, sat nav, cruise etc. All for £500! It even had service history for oil every 10k from new, and a recent cambelt change. Just run in at 170k miles.
First port of call was to sort some tyres. The car came with a set of steel wheels on winters, and a set of original alloys that looked like they'd been plucked from the bottom of the ocean with decent tyres that were finished.
The new plan was; semi slicks on the steels, cheap road tyres on the alloys.
I was offered a lightly used set of Dunlop Direzas for a great price.
A rattle can job on the steel wheels resulted in:
Very nice.
After a service and a few runs on the road, it was time for Cadwell Park.
Took a friend
The car did really well. The only issue being the brake fluid reservoir cap. It had a quick "fix" and was replaced afterwards.
Straight line speed was better than the lightly modified 2.0 MX5, which is good.
MPG on track, as to be expected.
Taking some lines a little strong and the usual interface with the marker cones.
As the car had proven itself, I sorted the road wheels.
Refurb:
The colour is Ford Rado grey, as I couldn't get the garage interested in sorting the original Renault colour.
Wheels fitted
Colour coded centre caps sorted
As no custom parts are available, a universal filter to release the turbo noise
and then a custom remap at a Renault specialist.
Dyno print out below. It became apparent that the car had been mapped (badly) before. 219.9 to 227.4. A small increase, but huge changes in the graph as you can see (it has more than 200 horsepower for over 2k RPM). It has made a big difference to how the car drives and it now pulls hard to the redline.
These can make more power, but it was struggling to hold boost, due to wear and tear (not that common for these to be on such high mileage without major work).
I'm about to book Snetterton for August, so I shall see how it gets on!
Thank you for the comments.
Yes, the engine name is unfortunate.
I’ve had three Renaults recently and can’t sing their praises enough; a real surprise.
It’s about to have a brake fluid change and another service. The only “major” problem is vibration under braking, but I’ll deal with that if the next track day goes well.
In future, I could see a full strip occurring. Rear seats were taken out last time as they are extremely easy to remove (bolts are large, obvious and not rusted, so come out with the impact wrench, easily). The steels are much lighter than the alloys, too. It really did so well last time, so I’m looking forward to upcoming drives.
Yes, the engine name is unfortunate.
I’ve had three Renaults recently and can’t sing their praises enough; a real surprise.
It’s about to have a brake fluid change and another service. The only “major” problem is vibration under braking, but I’ll deal with that if the next track day goes well.
In future, I could see a full strip occurring. Rear seats were taken out last time as they are extremely easy to remove (bolts are large, obvious and not rusted, so come out with the impact wrench, easily). The steels are much lighter than the alloys, too. It really did so well last time, so I’m looking forward to upcoming drives.
MJ85 said:
There is one estate version for sale on eBay, right now.
Yeah I have seen it but will most likely be the beginning of next year. It would complement my odd ball choice of rally car (twingo 133). I also like the mk3 Laguna as there sensable money but a lot of the turbos are autos. A track day at Snetterton 300 this month with two friends.
The car did well, but felt down on power. I was also struggling with engine temps on the day. The brakes were finished by the end and I've been having problems with the electric handbrake. It feels like a sticking caliper. Discs and pads are next, Brembo, perhaps. Brake fluid was changed before the track day, and it did help. I was told off for exceeding track limits, pushing a little too hard!
All three cars were identical in a straight line from 20 - 120 MPH. Made for some tight stuff!
The car did well, but felt down on power. I was also struggling with engine temps on the day. The brakes were finished by the end and I've been having problems with the electric handbrake. It feels like a sticking caliper. Discs and pads are next, Brembo, perhaps. Brake fluid was changed before the track day, and it did help. I was told off for exceeding track limits, pushing a little too hard!
All three cars were identical in a straight line from 20 - 120 MPH. Made for some tight stuff!
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 29th August 16:54
After something of a Covid delay, she’s been back on track. This time, Brands Hatch Indy circuit. The car performed really well, some good shots by the photographer.
The car has had a few issues since the last update. Needed a new wheel bearing, radiator and intake pipe. Electronic handbrake still sticks and I was black flagged due to flames coming from the front brakes. It’s booked for Cadwell next month, so maybe some changes in time for that.
Edit - just realised I left the rear blinds up during the track time. Not something you’d see regularly !
The car has had a few issues since the last update. Needed a new wheel bearing, radiator and intake pipe. Electronic handbrake still sticks and I was black flagged due to flames coming from the front brakes. It’s booked for Cadwell next month, so maybe some changes in time for that.
Edit - just realised I left the rear blinds up during the track time. Not something you’d see regularly !
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 29th June 21:01
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