Ive been toying with the idea of fitting a set of fully adjustable coil overs to the R26.R and wondered if anyone could give me some feedback of personal experience with their R and/or what options there are out there that people know or have heard of? Ive done a little bit of research and ive only really come up with either KW 's or H&R's. In terms of KW's i was hoping to get a set of "Clubsports" but apparently ive been told they don't supply the clubsports for the R26.R. The next best thing is a specific race race kit which can be adapted to my personal choice governed by the type of usage of the car etc. Ive been quoted £1860 and then if i want i can get special top mounts on the front for £390. The kit is a ‘KE competition race’ and is adjustable height, dampening and compression. In terms of the H&R ive been offered "mono tube" whatever that means or a specific race kit. I don't know about pricing for this yet.

I appreciate I'm likely to get shot down in flames by the likes of Conley and i equally appreciate that I'm no where near talented enough on the track to drive beyond the potential means of the cars current stock set up. But if you guys could at least humour me and advise me of my possible options then i would be most grateful. ;)

Keep the money and leave it as it is then mate

Slam the goddam mofo

Other than the two mentioned there's the AST kit, Nitron kit and the Gaz kit (I had this and removed it after 3 weeks). I've got R26R suspension on my R26 but if I was to change I think id plump for the ASTs if only cause the Nitrons are pretty pricey. Both kits can have user defined spring rates.

See i spoke to Nitron 2 weeks ago? At Autosport, and they told me they do NOT have a specific kit for the Megane yet. And if i was interested i'd have a 12 month wait. So im not sure where your're coming from poobah?

Any link to this AST kit as i was just going to go with the KW V3s personally...

See i spoke to Nitron 2 weeks ago? At Autosport, and they told me they do NOT have a specific kit for the Megane yet. And if i was interested i'd have a 12 month wait. So im not sure where your're coming from poobah?

Any link to this AST kit as i was just going to go with the KW V3s personally...

Coming from? KTR developed a kit but haven't advertised it for sale. Figured they'd be willing to offer that as last time I spoke to nitron they said they'd only sell through ktec for the Megane kit.

For AST..............can I suggest the AST UK website...........google perhaps?

www.astsuspensionuk.com

Am I right in saying that coilover kits fit all the megane sport range I.e 225,R26 and R26R?

Coming from? KTR developed a kit but haven't advertised it for sale. Figured they'd be willing to offer that as last time I spoke to nitron they said they'd only sell through ktec for the Megane kit.

For AST..............can I suggest the AST UK website...........google perhaps?

www.astsuspensionuk.com

Coming from in terms of the info on Nitron. However, im not sure why they would not of mentioned a kit is in development with Ktec to a potential client... so dont get all worked up.

Thanks for the link to the AST kit thats not on their site either *rollseyes*

Coming from in terms of the info on Nitron. However, im not sure why they would not of mentioned a kit is in development with Ktec to a potential client... so dont get all worked up.

Thanks for the link to the AST kit thats not on their site either *rollseyes*

Look at the AST news section on the right of the front page......sport line 2 and competition kits.

For info on the nitron/ktec kit search their section on here as it was well documented during testing.

Oh and drop the attitude when someones trying to help. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother these days.

Your more than correct though poobah, the ktec post regarding the nitron kit for 250 and r26 was a long time ago now.

Least you can talk with experience of the coilovers.

can i ask why? ive had a few cars ive put coilovers in, such as mini cooper s, mx5 but not once have i thought the .R needed them??

A long time ago. Great for newer member looking for info! Who'da thought Nitron wouldn't even know/say what was going on. I bow down to you poobah, i mean the news 'article' is bare of any info and from Dec '10.

Tbh, you wasn't exactly helpful anyway, but thanks for your effort.

You didn't know about the AST or the gaz kit and now you do.........id call that helpful. I apologise im not directly responsible for ASTs website content! :p

Fear not, I shant bother again seeming as you seem to know it all anyway.............

Aha! I have determined you are a bad mind reader :P I knew full well about the GAZ kit, but from previous ownership i would NEVER even consider a free set from them!

I never said i knew it all, hence asking for the link on their site. Apologies to Hoops for going off subject abit also.

renault built the car for track use........unless you can beat the lap time at the ring i'd leave it standard !!

A long time ago. Great for newer member looking for info! Who'da thought Nitron wouldn't even know/say what was going on. I bow down to you poobah, i mean the news 'article' is bare of any info and from Dec '10.

Tbh, you wasn't exactly helpful anyway, but thanks for your effort.

That's why the forum has a very useful search function which when you type in nitron many wonderful appear :)

That's why the forum has a very useful search function which when you type in nitron many wonderful appear :)

Thank you, but if you are told by Nitron themselves there was no kit being developed for atleast 12 months would you of used it? Oh and we all know forum search facilities arn't as amazing as you would make out.

Thanks for your input :)

Haha never said it was amazing at all but I put nitron in and found many threads.

I understand you were told by nitron themselves and never disagreed with you but been to other manufacturers who k-tec use and they have said similar.

Thanks guys! LOL!!

See i spoke to Nitron 2 weeks ago? At Autosport, and they told me they do NOT have a specific kit for the Megane yet. And if i was interested i'd have a 12 month wait. So im not sure where your're coming from poobah?

Any link to this AST kit as i was just going to go with the KW V3s personally...
Funny they wanted my car at last years Autosport as they were ready to fit. Until I realised they didn't know the difference between an R26.R and an RS250.

Hoops. Speak to Mitch at KW. Top guy. The kit on the R26.R is actually very good. His words not mine. He thought only the 2 way race from his would be better. But the question I have to you is this: Are you using the current setup to its full potential yet?

mines having the kw treatment in the next few weeks! Don't forget with coilovers its all down to the setup :) ill let you know what I think once its been on track!

What are you fitting? 2 way race?

I had originally looked at v3's but im now toying with the idea of the 2way races as the car very rarely gets driven on the road! along with the top mount kit just to give the camber and caster options

Mitch said to me the V3's weren't suitable for the 26.R. Hence his recommendation for 2 way race.

Mitch said to me the V3's weren't suitable for the 26.R. Hence his recommendation for 2 way race.

i didnt know that if im been honest! there is a big difference between the two kits both in spring rates and damper settings! ill run it past matt at tdf on monday he has done afew down there!

Hoops - save your money, at least until you've been on track with it. As Bahn says, it's a fine set-up out of the box.

IMHO - Get some time under your belt first, then if you're still keen AST do a full coilover kit. Full coilover for the front and rear, others "only" do coilovers for the front and a spring/damper for the rear. AST also produce a matching adjustable top mount kit. Gloucester is the place to go.... http://www.powerstation.org.uk/

Hoops - save your money, at least until you've been on track with it. As Bahn says, it's a fine set-up out of the box.

I agree, unless your looking for that extra 10th in a lap time I would leave as is. Its not just a matter of fitting then driving, it will need a good geo/corner weight set up for it to be a massive difference over the original!

But if you want to get some then I recommend AST, give Curtis a shout as I believe he has done a few kits for various R's, not sure if any of the owners are on here, but this thread may bring them out for discussion!!

mines having the kw treatment in the next few weeks! Don't forget with coilovers its all down to the setup :) ill let you know what I think once its been on track!
Hi dale if you want to sell your R set up drop me a PM mate

Steve

Im guessing that it will be the KW "2 way Race" that i was offered? Does £1,860 seem about right? To be honest i will see how i get on at Bedford in a few weeks time and reassess from there. If I'm being perfectly honest I'm more than happy with the way the car drives and handles on the road and I'm sure it will only feel better on the track - but i was also wanting to improve the aesthetic look of the vehicle in terms of ride height as i hate the huge gap between the arches and how far in the wheels sit in.

That's a lot of money to lower a car mate , if that's the main reason for buying coilovers then don't tell anyone as the men with the white straight jackets will come nocking at your door mate, lol

Grrrrrrr. (Kev goes off and mumbles to himself about how several perfectly good chassis engineers worked on ride height and vehicle dynamics just so someone can change it to improve "the gaps between the wheel arches")

Grrrrrrr. (Kev goes off and mumbles to himself about how several perfectly good chassis engineers worked on ride height and vehicle dynamics just so someone can change it to improve "the gaps between the wheel arches")

I see your POV but on the otherside though, it's a track biased road car. I wager it can be improved for 100% track use.

Oh Im sure it can. And I plan for mine to be. But at this moment in time Im not meeting the extremities of the chassis to warrant better suspension.

My "Grrrr" was about lowering it for aesthetics.

Grrrrr



;)

At least Hoops is honest about it. The major driver is looks.

With some careful research and thought, you can also work towards a more capable track car.

You need to get the spring rates matched to your requirements, get it corner weighted and if you also opt for some top mounts and....you are willing to accept some on road compromises and ....are prepared to put the effort in to develop the damper and camber settings to suit your needs...you will end up with a more track orientated suspension.

Will the track handling be fully appreciated and utilised? Up to the driver.

I can't deny the KW race setup will make it a better car with some road compromises in lieu of a track geo. But for looks? Hmmmm

;)

I was expecting that response and take it on the chin. At the end of the day its my car and I'm fully entitled to do exactly as i please with it. I appreciate and respect everyones views and thats why i dared to ask the original question and was honest about the exact reasons for considering it. I personally have never bought a car in my life that i didn't consider i could improve in some way, be it in the performance/handling dept or the looks dept. I bought the R26.R primarily for track days and it will only get used on the road for occasional "dry" sunday blasts and to keep it "ticking" over. I do not profess to be an awesome driver but i believe i can hold my own and certainly drive my cars on track to the limit of my own ability - which i appreciate will be some way off the full potential of the cars ability. Now, i don't personally feel that means i can't then try and improve it, regardless of my true motives, because I'm not fully utilising what the factory gave me. As i said, i appreciate and respect anyones views provided they are given in an equally respectful manner. But as i said, at the end of the day the car is mine and i can and will do whatever i please with it. Money is not an issue but i equally have no intention of just throwing it away for the sake of spending it. I agree that its a lot of money just to lower a car - however I'm not simply looking to just lower it, i genuinely believe that the handling could be improved also. If it was a box standard 3 series that looked like it was on stilts then i would simply throw springs and spacers at it. Quite obviously i would never do such a thing to a car of this ilk just for aesthetics. I genuinely don't want to ruin what i have at present. However, putting the cost aside and assuming i have no issue with cost, if by fitting coil overs and (agreed with Conley) spend some quality time/investment setting the car up properly, then IF as a by product the ride height and stance of the vehicle is also improved more in line with whats pleasing to my personal eye, then thats a win-win situation for me. I genuinely don't want to turn this into a huge slagging match, as I'm not interested and i will just avoid commenting. I was merely asking for advice on coil overs and thankfully i have learned about a few products and i can investigate further. I prefer to be honest and thats what ive been - i LOVE this car but i want to tweak it a little and yes part of that tweaking is for aesthetics and part is performance/handling. I don't want to fall out with anyone simply because i want to fiddle with my car and so far you've all been very helpful and welcoming and I'm looking forward to meeting some of you at Bedford and Spa etc. I will leave the car as is for Bedford and reassess from there. Thanks again for the input though. Steve.

Sorry Steve, I was only jesting. Of course you can do whatever you want and IMHO you won't go wrong with KW even if it is just to lower it. I didn't mean to cause offence. Hope I haven't. If I can help in any way with contacts just ask.

Kev.

Steve, I suspect your motives are similar to a number of owners on here, the difference being you perhaps have deeper pockets to enable you to actually put it in to practice. As a good compromise I've always thought it a great shame that Nitron have never expanded their Street Series Coilovers past the elise, exige and vx220 as I suspect they'd appeal to many occasional track/road drivers. If I were to go down the coilover route again, from the current offerings it'd probably be the AST setup. Im sure Curtis at AST would be able to advise spring rates to suit your track/road requirements.

Contact AMM on here who has the AST setup and could give you some genuine first hand feedback.

To be clear it is also my intention to fit 2 way race, although as a person I regard in high opinion asked me "did I need them if I wasn't using the complete with of the tyres on the current setup" he was right I don't (yet) and am working on that. When I do it will be bye bye to the current setup. However so many have been in my car and commented how flat it corners for a road car on factory shocks.

Uprate and chase down those 265's. Sorry, just having a laugh.

Kev - i genuinely wasn't offended buddy and I'm sorry that ive given that impression and caused you to feel the need to apologise - we've spoken on the phone recently and i can tell you know your stuff and you also seem like a great guy - we can chat more when i see you at Bedford - but i appreciate the gesture above so thank you.

I also appreciate your feedback Poobah too - and the AST set up is something i will definitely consider. Would be absolutely ideal if i could get to see AMM's car in the flesh and get him to take me for a lap in it. Does he do track days??

Kev - i genuinely wasn't offended buddy and I'm sorry that ive given that impression and caused you to feel the need to apologise - we've spoken on the phone recently and i can tell you know your stuff and you also seem like a great guy - we can chat more when i see you at Bedford - but i appreciate the gesture above so thank you.

I also appreciate your feedback Poobah too - and the AST set up is something i will definitely consider. Would be absolutely ideal if i could get to see AMM's car in the flesh and get him to take me for a lap in it. Does he do track days??

He does yeah. Best to drop him a PM and see what days he has planned this year. AST kit has a full coilover rear rather than a separate spring and damper like most other kits.

Kev - i genuinely wasn't offended buddy and I'm sorry that ive given that impression and caused you to feel the need to apologise - we've spoken on the phone recently and i can tell you know your stuff and you also seem like a great guy - we can chat more when i see you at Bedford - but i appreciate the gesture above so thank you.

I also appreciate your feedback Poobah too - and the AST set up is something i will definitely consider. Would be absolutely ideal if i could get to see AMM's car in the flesh and get him to take me for a lap in it. Does he do track days??Yes AMM Does do track days I've done a few with him, great guy and knows his stuff to, I'm certain he'd would be more than happy to take you out mate. I have his phone number I could allways pm him to see if it's ok to pass it onto you

Steve

Get some coilovers and il buy ur .R set up for my 225 lol.

Get some coilovers and il buy ur .R set up for my 225 lol.
Sorry Eric but your way to late

Why do you guys want the setup designed for a lighter car on a heavier car? I don't understand?

Because mine is stripped and it's not far off the same weight all bar a few kilos , with the bonus of lowering it

That's what poobah is running and says its made a big difference for not a lot of money

I see.

I see.

Yeah it works really well on a lightened R26. When I had coilovers I had it corner weighted and it was around 1290kg. Imo you need to get it down to this sort of weight as a minimum to allow the .R setup to work well. Not really suitable for a fully stocked standard car though. Its certainly a step on from the R26 setup and works beautifully on track.

He does yeah. Best to drop him a PM and see what days he has planned this year. AST kit has a full coilover rear rather than a separate spring and damper like most other kits.

Thanks for the info fella, appreciated. As i said i will definitely consider AST. Just to clarify though - does this mean that the KW set up is not a full coil over front/rear kit?


Yes AMM Does do track days I've done a few with him, great guy and knows his stuff to, I'm certain he'd would be more than happy to take you out mate. I have his phone number I could allways pm him to see if it's ok to pass it onto you. Steve

Steve - many thanks and yes i would be grateful if you could do this for me. If he is going to Bedford on Feb 18th that would be ideal - if not then i would consider booking a track day that he has booked and meet him there etc. Either way, thanks for your help.

Out of interest - which company can anyone recommend to buy the AST kit from?

I'm not sure but amm would

No problem. Ive noticed that AMM hasn't posted anything for a while so not sure if he is still active on here? Im in no hurry so will just get Bedford done and go from there.

Sorry Eric but your way to late

Balls, i did post that day 1 of this thread, as i use my phone to post 90% of the time on here if the sig drops out u loose the post, due to my lack of admin iv left it to late to repost, how much is the .r set up from renault? If its daft money for me il give the lower springs ago, needs to look lower and maybe ther wil be benifit to them, not start that thread again lol.

Thanks for the info fella, appreciated. As i said i will definitely consider AST. Just to clarify though - does this mean that the KW set up is not a full coil over front/rear kit?



Steve - many thanks and yes i would be grateful if you could do this for me. If he is going to Bedford on Feb 18th that would be ideal - if not then i would consider booking a track day that he has booked and meet him there etc. Either way, thanks for your help.

Out of interest - which company can anyone recommend to buy the AST kit from?


No the KW V3 has a seperate rear damper and spring (front is obviously a coilover). The KW clubsport is likely to be a Coilovers unit on the rear. For the AST kit best to go direct to Curtis at AST UK. Best to ring rather than email him also.

Eric - The .R setup is about £1200 all in. Ive got all the seperate numbers and prices at home if you want them?

No the KW V3 has a seperate rear damper and spring. The KW clubsport is likely to be a Coilovers unit on the rear. For the AST kit best to go direct to Curtis at AST UK. Best to ring rather than email him also.

Eric - The .R setup is about £1200 all in. Ive got all the seperate numbers and prices at home if you want them?

hmm, bit expensive for me atm but if it works better then most coilovers and its obouisly cheaper than kws it could be the way to go, also you dont have the constant arguement with yourself that the set up wrong etc. although the h+r fixed coilovers are slightly cheaper but their not proven like your .R setup, should get saveing.
yeah if you dont mind mate ill have them, atleast ive got prices to work with then if i decide to save up for a set, ill brows some of your pics latter, see how the ride hight looks, cant say i rember.
thanks

hmm, bit expensive for me atm but if it works better then most coilovers and its obouisly cheaper than kws it could be the way to go, also you dont have the constant arguement with yourself that the set up wrong etc. although the h+r fixed coilovers are slightly cheaper but their not proven like your .R setup, should get saveing.
yeah if you dont mind mate ill have them, atleast ive got prices to work with then if i decide to save up for a set, ill brows some of your pics latter, see how the ride hight looks, cant say i rember.
thanks

I've got a pic of it next to a standard r26 somewhere (might be in my blog). Will dig it out for you.

Personally, as happy as I am with my .R setup, I wouldn't pay £1200 for it. Too much for a fixed setup IMO. Worth having as a secondhand buy though.

I was just lucky I found my 500 mile old set from TdF.

No the KW V3 has a seperate rear damper and spring (front is obviously a coilover). The KW clubsport is likely to be a Coilovers unit on the rear. For the AST kit best to go direct to Curtis at AST UK. Best to ring rather than email him also.

KW dont do the "Clubsport" kit for the R26.R apparently - so if i went down the KW route (which if I'm honest is the most likely) then it would have to be a specific race kit as mentioned in my very first post in this thread. Im just not sure if its the "2 way race" that some other members have referred to earlier? KW seem to have more race pedigree than AST unless I'm mistaken and seem more well known than AST. Will need to do more research but will certainly look into the AST option.

KW dont do the "Clubsport" kit for the R26.R apparently - so if i went down the KW route (which if I'm honest is the most likely) then it would have to be a specific race kit as mentioned in my very first post in this thread. Im just not sure if its the "2 way race" that some other members have referred to earlier? KW seem to have more race pedigree than AST unless I'm mistaken and seem more well known than AST. Will need to do more research but will certainly look into the AST option.

If you want some more user feedback on AST id suggest going on Cliosport.net as many of those guys run them. KW are more high profile as theyve managed to blend Motorsport and Road tuning and have done their marketing well. Certainly good kit from the units I've owned.

AST on the other hand are more Motorsport focused hence are less well known by the general public and tuning fans. Overall a smaller company. Still good kit though. :)

KW dont do the "Clubsport" kit for the R26.R apparently - so if i went down the KW route (which if I'm honest is the most likely) then it would have to be a specific race kit as mentioned in my very first post in this thread. Im just not sure if its the "2 way race" that some other members have referred to earlier? KW seem to have more race pedigree than AST unless I'm mistaken and seem more well known than AST. Will need to do more research but will certainly look into the AST option.

Steve speak to Mitch direct at the factory he will explain all. If you speak to him really nicely he may even fit and set it up for you. I could be tempted to join you on this ;) Two cars two fittings ;)

Steve speak to Mitch direct at the factory he will explain all. If you speak to him really nicely he may even fit and set it up for you. I could be tempted to join you on this ;) Two cars two fittings ;)

Sounds good to me fella - lets talk and discuss at Bedford.

Are you booked on?

Are you booked on?

At Bedford?? Yes matey, booked it ages ago - was recommended to me by R26RScott. Its on Sat Feb 18th.

Out of interest - are you coming to Spa in April?? Have you got a place all booked??

Not booked it off yet. Have you?

I've got a pic of it next to a standard r26 somewhere (might be in my blog). Will dig it out for you.

Personally, as happy as I am with my .R setup, I wouldn't pay £1200 for it. Too much for a fixed setup IMO. Worth having as a secondhand buy though.

I was just lucky I found my 500 mile old set from TdF.

i know hoefully one will come up second had while i save, dont really want a adjustable set up to be honest to much hassle for me at least, unless some KWs come up second hand maybe ill be tempted, second hand .R would be my wish, thanks mate ill have a brows through your blog

Not booked it off yet. Have you?

Yep - im all booked in for both Bedford and Spa - and ive got Eurotunnel and Rad Blu hotel booked too for the Spa trip.

Hey Barn, how about a group buy proposal if you have contacts at AST?

Something I thought about doing next year if I convert my car to mainly track only but I would possibly bring the plan forward for a deal / professional setup and first hand adjustment advise.

A group buy on Coilovers and set ups........the lost cause, the lost leader, the lost utopia.

Here we go .....

I know more negative comments on the way John

i have the ast kit on my car with adjustable top mounts i can recommend the kit to any one on hear my car was the fist to have the ast kit on it .
the kit is a full coilover setup unlike the kw's , gas , h&r's and nitron kits that are out there also if you call curtis at ast uk and exsplane what you are planing on doing with the car i.e. manly trackdays with just road use between and so on he can have the kit made for you rather than having a kit off the shelf that is ether to soft for track or to hard for the road .
i am at the moment booked to do a trackday at oulton park with www.trackaction-online.co.uk in march i think it is it will be the first outing this year for my car as long as i sort out the brakes any one interested in the ast kit is more than welcome to come to oulton where i will take you a round the track for a cupple of laps so you can see how the dampers make the car handle

What do you think the cost would be Amm

Steve

Fancy doing that one at oulton Steve with amm?

Hey Barn, how about a group buy proposal if you have contacts at AST?

Something I thought about doing next year if I convert my car to mainly track only but I would possibly bring the plan forward for a deal / professional setup and first hand adjustment advise.

I was referring to KW. I can't see them entertaining a group buy to be honest.

I was referring to KW. I can't see them entertaining a group buy to be honest.

Ok, no worries. Even if it was free set up and advise from the horses mouth it would be a good idea. I've not ruled out the kw race kit.

Fancy doing that one at oulton Steve with amm?

Yes mate it just depends on the date as I'm booked in at donington on the 11th of march through focused events £125 if you up for it , we will deffinitely do some together though mate

Their Factory is in Fichtenberg in Germany (about 320KM south of the ring). and they are not really set up for a group fitting. KW offer free advice all the time with the factory being just an email away. I will advise that Race kits are not suitable for general road use.

Plans for mine if I keep are not general road use. More trackday toy without a R price tag.

If you keep it ?

If you keep it ?

My plans are to keep it and turn it into a trackday toy tbh, but I said this about the 19v 16v then the Clio 16v then the 172 then the 182 and now the r26. Your guess is as good as mine, but I've been a fan and owner of Renault hot hatches for 18 ish years and have no plans of getting out now.

What could you rePlace it with though , fcuk it bang some coilovers on it think that will make you keep hold

What could you rePlace it with though , fcuk it bang some coilovers on it think that will make you keep hold

I know Steve, Love the meg for track days as its not worth alot anymore and is capable enough to embarrass alot more expensive machinery. I does fail me at times if the day is too hot for example when driven hard. I am playing with brakes at the min, next will be mich cups to give me a bit more endurance on track as my r888's have got one day left in them without a drive home, then I will be looking at better seats to stop me sliding round on track along with getting it stripped of all unessesary weight before finally looking at suspension.

I looked at seats K-tec have some decent cheap ones think they are oreca for around £250 each mate

I know Steve, Love the meg for track days as its not worth alot anymore and is capable enough to embarrass alot more expensive machinery. I does fail me at times if the day is too hot for example when driven hard. I am playing with brakes at the min, next will be mich cups to give me a bit more endurance on track as my r888's have got one day left in them without a drive home, then I will be looking at better seats to stop me sliding round on track along with getting it stripped of all unessesary weight before finally looking at suspension.

Cups won't last as long as 8's They start with about 4mm!

Yep, seen them and look ok. Not looked to much at other options at this moment in time.
Regarding your question - what other car would I get? I like to think I have a great choice already. The meg is very usable, chuck my bikes on the roof mount bike rack and go mounting biking, cheap track fun etc. In the garage lives the exige which is an absolute blast to go out in and would recommend everyone to have one in there garage. Just got to keep my head thinking logically as I always find myself looking at the gt3 rs which would be the worst thing I ever bought.

Cups won't last as long as 8's They start with about 4mm!

Apparently they last longer. Done alot of reading on this topic recently.
Michelin seem to have a habit of making sticky rubber which will last a long time.

Yep, seen them and look ok. Not looked to much at other options at this moment in time.
Regarding your question - what other car would I get? I like to think I have a great choice already. The meg is very usable, chuck my bikes on the roof mount bike rack and go mounting biking, cheap track fun etc. In the garage lives the exige which is an absolute blast to go out in and would recommend everyone to have one in there garage. Just got to keep my head thinking logically as I always find myself looking at the gt3 rs which would be the best thing I ever bought.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Just tweaked that for you.

Gt3 Rs , I'd love one but there in another league as far as money and running costs, I was going to have an RS 250 but I'm buying another house to rent out so I'm chucking a lot of money into that , this will be my 2nd now so hopefully will make me a good pension so a new car will have to wait till next year unless I have another good year, who knows

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Just tweaked that for you.

I know what you mean hence I keep looking but so many downsides regarding the gt3 rs for me. Firstly it is my dream car but would I track it? Prob not! Would I be worried about adding miles to it? Probably! Please, please, please don't tell me I'm wrong as I spend must days convincing myself I'm right.

My dream car is a 911 / 997 my mrs has often said , just go out and buy one and get it out of your system but then I think ill spend the best part of 40k for one then it will sit in my garage do 2k miles a year and lose a fortune, thus bought 2 houses to rent out for a safer investment , I'll have one in the future though

Other thing is would I track it and drive it like I do the meg, I dought it very much

I know many RS drivers who bought an .R to track because it was cheaper over the year....Including the cost of the .R! These guys have "many" cars also!

Other thing is would I track it and drive it like I do the meg, I dought it very much

No you wouldn't and if you did you will always be worried about putting 40k in the barrier! Fight it like me! I'll take you out in the exige some time then you will be hooked with the scream of a supercharger and a stage 3 exhaust in your ears.

I love exiges. But I don't fit :(

No you wouldn't and if you did you will always be worried about putting 40k in the barrier! Fight it like me! I'll take you out in the exige some time then you will be hooked with the scream of a supercharger and a stage 3 exhaust in your ears.I'll keep you to that John , cheers

I love exiges. But I don't fit :(

Big lad?

6.5" tall and size twelves. Knees around 10 to 12 on the wheel and feet across all three pedals :(

6.5" tall and size twelves. Knees around 10 to 12 on the wheel and feet across all three pedals :(

Bloody hell Kev, maybe I should think again about that offer of a passenger lap, my poor old car will feel as slow as hell!!!!

6.5" tall and size twelves. Knees around 10 to 12 on the wheel and feet across all three pedals :(

Bloody hell, you would need to be cut out of an exige.

Respect my friend! Lol.

There was more headroom than my 350Z. No room for feet though.

Did you have a 350z? Was looking at a 370z yesterday for the missus. What are they like (apologies for the thread drift!)

350 is a better chassis than the 370. I was involved in bringing in the first 370Z into the UK less than 72 hours after the LA Launch. Don't buy a 370 new. They depreciate badly. 313bhp 350Z would be my pick.

Gt3 Rs , I'd love one but there in another league as far as money and running costs, I was going to have an RS 250 but I'm buying another house to rent out so I'm chucking a lot of money into that , this will be my 2nd now so hopefully will make me a good pension so a new car will have to wait till next year unless I have another good year, who knows

Buy to Let in a housing market stagnent and predicted to fall further. Brave move.

I know what you mean hence I keep looking but so many downsides regarding the gt3 rs for me. Firstly it is my dream car but would I track it? Prob not! Would I be worried about adding miles to it? Probably! Please, please, please don't tell me I'm wrong as I spend must days convincing myself I'm right.

Do you track your Exige? The 'S' is not far off the pace of a 996 RS on a tighter circuit.

Mind you there is a difference in value with 996 RS's being rock solid and about £60K for a nice 2004.

The 997 RS seems a bit unwanted ATM and there are some nice ones floating about for £70K. Possible good long term aquisition.

911 track day fun? Ive had more amusement in a Clio 172.

Buy to Let in a housing market stagnent and predicted to fall further. Brave move.

Not necessarily, depends on how long he wants to keep the property. In todays climate then most likely, but in the long run a much better investment than a car!

They wear amazingly well actually, and overheat much less quickly than Toyos.
The more powerful and heavy your car is the bigger the difference between the two is. Very edgy on wet trackdays though..

It is importent to bed them in properly and get a structured heat cycle into them before the track day, as their "care and feeding guide" details.
i.e don't just blast off on track in brand new ones.



Cups won't last as long as 8's They start with about 4mm!

Not necessarily, depends on how long he wants to keep the property. In todays climate then most likely, but in the long run a much better investment than a car!

Don’t tell me, we have a precursor for that tired and often churned out phrase 'I'm in it for the long term’

A 5%+ drop in residential property for 2012 is a very strong possibility. That is a £15K loss on a £300K investment.

Short term losses are real. Amateur investors always try to ignore them.

Buy to Let is a huge gamble in the current property market climate.

They wear amazingly well actually, and overheat much less quickly than Toyos.
The more powerful and heavy your car is the bigger the difference between the two is. Very edgy on wet trackdays though..

It is importent to bed them in properly and get a structured heat cycle into them before the track day, as their "care and feeding guide" details.
i.e don't just blast off on track in brand new ones.

Do you really think a pre-heat cycle is that important before a track day TB?

Racing is a different environment, but track days......

Even Michelin rate it as a procedure providing marginal advantage and just providing a bit more consistency.

‘Shaving’ is the much bigger player and of course, no one on here is going to want to shave a new Cup just for a track day.

Michelin are always guarded about detailed heat cycle procedures and tyre performance because there are just too many variables to be specific.

Don’t tell me, we have a precursor for that tired and often churned out phrase 'I'm in it for the long term’

A 5%+ drop in residential property for 2012 is a very strong possibility. That is a £15K loss on a £300K investment.

Short term losses are real. Amateur investors always try to ignore them.

Buy to Let is a huge gamble in the current property market climate.I bought my first buy to let 6 years ago , I put 10k down the house is still worth as much if not a little more as I got it quite cheap, up to now I've had 20k profit in rent alone ant the 2nd one I'm buying is an even better deal I'm in it for the long term as I've bought them to give my 2 daughters a head start in life, so bad investment, up to now I don't think so, don't think a car at 10k would of made me 20k do you, oh yeh and I still have the house and the tenant is reducing the mortgage every month

My own house is worth 300k and it's lost nothing cos it's not for sale, with a bonus of having a very small mortgage on it. I'll look at selling in another 10 years when and if the kids have fled the nest the wife and I will down size and enjoy the fruits of our labour.

I bought my first buy to let 6 years ago , I put 10k down the house is still worth as much if not a little more as I got it quite cheap, up to now I've had 20k profit in rent alone ant the 2nd one I'm buying is an even better deal I'm in it for the long term as I've bought them to give my 2 daughters a head start in life, so bad investment, up to now I don't think so, don't think a car at 10k would of made me 20k do you, oh yeh and I still have the house and the tenant is reducing the mortgage every month

Quality thread drifts or what....

What makes you think I’m comparing residential housing investments with buying a car?

The past 6 years in the housing market does not set a standard for the next 6 years.

Even BTL professionals have discounted capital growth in property values unless you have been in prime London residential.

Whilst rental yields have increased due to demand, when you cut out the loan to value gearing (capital growth) and throw in the big risk of negative gearing (capital depreciation) due to falling house prices, future interest rate rises and further UK economic shocks – many professionals have either held portfolios, off loaded or shifted to safer investment havens.

Regarding 'yields', they are also the most massaged numbers in finance. A pal of mine often talks about his BTL rental gross yield of 4% (rent v mortgage) whilst conveniently ignoring maintenance, buying and selling costs, voids, tax and the big one - his house has gone down in value to the tune of about £50K in 2 years. Actual yield = big negative. He is funding the roof over his tenants head.

Good luck with it Steve, but it’s a much riskier investment than it was 10 years ago. The 'it's a no brainer’ type investor left the BTL market about 3 years ago.

:offtopic: :sleep:

Anyway, about these coilovers!!??? LOL!!

Yes mate let's get back on track did you PM AMM

:offtopic: :sleep:

Anyway, about these coilovers!!??? LOL!!

Top tip, research and chose your spring rates very carefully.

Top tip, research and chose your spring rates very carefully.

thats very correct that is the ones on my car are 450lb springs all round with is fine for road tires but i am running slicks now so i have got to have a chat with curtis about which spring rates to go for now i am thinking maybe 550lb springs but not going to touch them till i have spoken with curtis at AST

There was more headroom than my 350Z. No room for feet though.

You know what they say about people with big feet...........big shoes.

My own house is worth 300k and it's lost nothing cos it's not for sale, with a bonus of having a very small mortgage on it. I'll look at selling in another 10 years when and if the kids have fled the nest the wife and I will down size and enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Your laffing mate, wish id got a house while i was living the eaisy life in the army, but instead i got my megane and a Rallye and a cbr, lol and a gd few nites owt and a hurrendus ammount of tubs of protein, end result no house or investment for my future, houses are always a win, always tempted to buy, decorate and sell on at a profit.

If I were you Eric I'd get one bought and get it rented out, make it work for you while your still young, I dought you'll regret it mate

Dear lord this has drifted. Back on topic please gents. :)

Dear lord this has drifted. Back on topic please gents. :)Yel, can't agree more

Your laffing mate, wish id got a house while i was living the eaisy life in the army, but instead i got my megane and a Rallye and a cbr, lol and a gd few nites owt and a hurrendus ammount of tubs of protein, end result no house or investment for my future, houses are always a win, always tempted to buy, decorate and sell on at a profit.

Hold fire on the house Eric. Do a bit of that tactical analysis drilled into you by the Army.

And what a coincidence today.... check out some out those big price drops outside London. Official figures:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/house-prices-down-13-per-cent-6297092.html

Timber......

Dear lord this has drifted. Back on topic please gents. :)

Yes, quite right Pooh.

Hold fire on the house Eric. Do a bit of that tactical analysis drilled into you by the Army.

And what a coincidence today.... check out some out those big price drops outside London. Official figures:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/house-prices-down-13-per-cent-6297092.html

Timber......Enough on houses back to the topic

Do you track your Exige? The 'S' is not far off the pace of a 996 RS on a tighter circuit.

Mind you there is a difference in value with 996 RS's being rock solid and about £60K for a nice 2004.

The 997 RS seems a bit unwanted ATM and there are some nice ones floating about for £70K. Possible good long term aquisition.

911 track day fun? Ive had more amusement in a Clio 172.

This goes to show that you can talk sense at times mr Conley.
I've not tracked the exige yet and tbh I have no plans to do so. Looking back I bought the wrong one if I wanted to track it as its a limited edition mint baller making me question what I do with it. I feel I would do the same with a 997 rs, Sunny days etc.
The 996 rs seems to be the better investment in terms of the rs. The guy who owns targa floria cars where I got the exige from said they had started to appreciate and would be a long term better buy than a 997rs due to them being fewer in numbers.
Im happy to keep the meg for track days as fun can be had without all the risk and let's me push on a little more.

Sorry, I be back on topic now!

You keep it mate there a lot of fun for cheap money mate

Get donington booked on the 11th of march mate , I'm also at cadwell on the 19th of feb it's a good little track , nice and tight and technical will suit the meg well

I'm off skiing again in feb, so I might do Oulton in march and get a spin with amm if he dosn't mind. After that I'm easy Steve apart from the beginning of June when I have been daft enough to sign up to cycle the coast to coast again.

This goes to show that you can talk sense at times mr Conley.
I've not tracked the exige yet and tbh I have no plans to do so. Looking back I bought the wrong one if I wanted to track it as its a limited edition mint baller making me question what I do with it. I feel I would do the same with a 997 rs, Sunny days etc.
The 996 rs seems to be the better investment in terms of the rs. The guy who owns targa floria cars where I got the exige from said they had started to appreciate and would be a long term better buy than a 997rs due to them being fewer in numbers.
Im happy to keep the meg for track days as fun can be had without all the risk and let's me push on a little more.

Sorry, I be back on topic now!

I talk sense all the time Mr Fredrick. Unfortunately, people just can’t comprehend or digest it.

I talk sense all the time Mr Fredrick. Unfortunately, people just can’t comprehend or digest it.

In Conleys world it all makes sense. I'll be the first to agree I don't comprehend or digest at times. I do always like giving you Credit when you deserve it thou.

I'm off skiing again in feb, so I might do Oulton in march and get a spin with amm if he dosn't mind. After that I'm easy Steve apart from the beginning of June when I have been daft enough to sign up to cycle the coast to coast again.

ill be about for oulton in march fingers crossed for some good weather

ill be about for oulton in march fingers crossed for some good weather

Are you the Dale I met with your dad years ago on a Renault track day at oulton? Yellow r26?

I talk sense all the time Mr Fredrick. Unfortunately, people just can’t comprehend or digest it.

No, but we do laugh at it!!

No, but we do laugh at it!!

I'm now going to adopt a more direct and simple style Clarki.

Should appeal to the assembled masses.

Time for a pic. Fancy a top mount?

http://www.rcephotos.com/photos/albums/carolhall/Carol_Hall_RCE_marketing_5.sized.jpg

Show me the rear pic please.

I'm now going to adopt a more direct and simple style Clarki.

Should appeal to the assembled masses.

Conley, honestly fella, I go on the xtrailowners site now and again and adopt my own familiar style and fcuk me they go bonkers. Ive had threads locked, pm's from admin...and only done about 45 posts in total!!

I've tried to point out its the internet and they should chill out, have a laugh and not believe everything they see, hear and read...but alas, to no avail.

Now fair enough I can be plunt, but never directly rude or insulting - that's not my style. But, like many, i do like a bit of banter, its what gets us through the day.

So basically, please...dont change, lol...life would be very boring without the conleyator.

And, do you know whats worse...i'm sure that seat she's sitting on is a Recaro from an evo 7 or 8 (non FQ model)...how frikkin sad am I!!

Much appreciated Clarki.... keep the banter rolling.

I couldn't agree more, keep the banter going.
Nowt better than a bit of community spirit and a good giggle.

Much appreciated Clarki.... keep the banter rolling.

You are losing your cult status jon and becoming to mainstream.
i can see a stalin-esque purge coming.
Better check the backseat of the twister from now on as you get in,
as well as the classy roofbox.
A prestige item of the highest held esteem.

Could throw the odds in your favor for any birds watching
when chucking car keys on the bar,and you just happen to mention the mini cheddar rice rocket is sporting one.

In Conleys world it all makes sense. I'll be the first to agree I don't comprehend or digest at times. I do always like giving you Credit when you deserve it thou.

pot-pouri,mange tout rodney....you know it makes sense.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q4/andrewjeffs/del.jpg

You are losing your cult status jon and becoming to mainstream.
i can see a stalin-esque purge coming.
Better check the backseat of the twister from now on as you get in,
as well as the classy roofbox.
A prestige item of the highest held esteem.

Could throw the odds in your favor for any birds watching
when chucking car keys on the bar,and you just happen to mention the mini cheddar rice rocket is sporting one.

She’s loaded up for a road trip squire.

Going mainstream? - Au contraire my son.

You lot are proper barkin'!!!

isn't that 2 stops from dagenham?

isn't that 2 stops from dagenham?

Jeez Kev, is that as good as your jokes get!!!??

I thought it was funny??!!

I thought it was funny??!!

Says it all Nell!!!

Im here till saturday, try the veal.



Take my wife.....please.

Lol!!!!

in summary, did you get coilovers or not?

In summary, no. The car performed faultlessly at Bedford and i would hate to spoil what Renault have worked so hard to achieve. The other main reason for not messing around with the R is that i know people don't like modified cars when you come to sell them so i think its best to leave well alone and learn to get the most out of what the car can deliver out of the box. Roll on Spa!!!