2007 Renaultsport Megane 230 F1 Team R26
Discussion
Haven't ben back on here for a while, been having too much fun!
Megane is properly sorted with the new tyres now, grips like a grippy thing on grippy stuff.
Drove from Blackpool to Cardiff through mid Wales a few weeks ago (twisties all the way!) and bloody loved it. The PS2 tyres are outstanding though, incredible grip!
I was still a bit nervous on the throttle, probably because its the quickest thing I've owned to date. We still have a 206 1.6 16v which I've owned for about 5 years and still use it to get to work now and then. Going from the 206 into the R26 makes the R26 seems soooo much quicker lol.
Got a few things to cover in the next 6-12 months.
- Fit new side lights
- Get autoglass out and get a new front screen - full of scratches and a few chips here and there.
- Get the clutch done - not an urgent one yet, but the release bearing is a bit noisy. Still deciding what I want, seen a few options from KTR or Engine Dynamics but am weighing up the pro's and con's.
Cleaned out the scuttle drains, had a bit of a lake in my engine bay as they'd blocked completely. A few pokes and some strategically positioned jets of water had them flowing again. Bloody stunk though
Also had to get a new battery. The thing wouldn't start and had to be jumped by the AA, new battery bought and been fine since - funny how it just died though!
Went to World Series Renault at Silverstone in September and had the R26 on show in the collectors area.
Was a great day, shame the weather was a bit cold through. Got a nice pic of the car and quite a few freebies (sorry Squareflops).
Also got to do a brief couple of laps round the Silverstone circuit, which was just mega - sadly couldn't open up the throttle though!
18 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Last weekend was dry so rather than wash the car, we went up to the Forest of Dean for a drive and a walk (well a drive mainly, but I needed an excuse!). Really starting to get to know the car and how it handles know and what gear I need to be in when. There isn't much turbo lag, but there is turbo lag, if you get what I mean. Its caught me out a few times where I've dropped to 2nd but would have been fine in 3rd and vice versa, but its coming slowly.
19 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Finally, I bought an R26.R rear strut bar copy. The jury is out on whether it actually does anything (probably not), but it means I can dump the rear seats and about 30kg, but also get to hear the exhaust note in the cabin a bit more - it sounds mint!
Just got to get some cheap carpet to cover the bare metal where the rear seats would be. Then get some harnesses to finish off the look.
20 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Llandow circuit with Squareflops on Saturday to get a feel for the place. Never been on track properly, but that may change!
Megane is properly sorted with the new tyres now, grips like a grippy thing on grippy stuff.
Drove from Blackpool to Cardiff through mid Wales a few weeks ago (twisties all the way!) and bloody loved it. The PS2 tyres are outstanding though, incredible grip!
I was still a bit nervous on the throttle, probably because its the quickest thing I've owned to date. We still have a 206 1.6 16v which I've owned for about 5 years and still use it to get to work now and then. Going from the 206 into the R26 makes the R26 seems soooo much quicker lol.
Got a few things to cover in the next 6-12 months.
- Fit new side lights
- Get autoglass out and get a new front screen - full of scratches and a few chips here and there.
- Get the clutch done - not an urgent one yet, but the release bearing is a bit noisy. Still deciding what I want, seen a few options from KTR or Engine Dynamics but am weighing up the pro's and con's.
Cleaned out the scuttle drains, had a bit of a lake in my engine bay as they'd blocked completely. A few pokes and some strategically positioned jets of water had them flowing again. Bloody stunk though
Also had to get a new battery. The thing wouldn't start and had to be jumped by the AA, new battery bought and been fine since - funny how it just died though!
Went to World Series Renault at Silverstone in September and had the R26 on show in the collectors area.
Was a great day, shame the weather was a bit cold through. Got a nice pic of the car and quite a few freebies (sorry Squareflops).
Also got to do a brief couple of laps round the Silverstone circuit, which was just mega - sadly couldn't open up the throttle though!
18 by the northern monkey, on FlickrLast weekend was dry so rather than wash the car, we went up to the Forest of Dean for a drive and a walk (well a drive mainly, but I needed an excuse!). Really starting to get to know the car and how it handles know and what gear I need to be in when. There isn't much turbo lag, but there is turbo lag, if you get what I mean. Its caught me out a few times where I've dropped to 2nd but would have been fine in 3rd and vice versa, but its coming slowly.
19 by the northern monkey, on FlickrFinally, I bought an R26.R rear strut bar copy. The jury is out on whether it actually does anything (probably not), but it means I can dump the rear seats and about 30kg, but also get to hear the exhaust note in the cabin a bit more - it sounds mint!
Just got to get some cheap carpet to cover the bare metal where the rear seats would be. Then get some harnesses to finish off the look.
20 by the northern monkey, on FlickrLlandow circuit with Squareflops on Saturday to get a feel for the place. Never been on track properly, but that may change!
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Thursday 12th November 21:44
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Thursday 12th November 21:45
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:27
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:27
Cheers mate, gutted Llandow didn't come off.... wasn't fancying standing around in that rain.
Really warming up to the idea of some track time once the clutch is done though.
Trying to think of some ideas to cover the bare metal where the rear seats should be, some cheap acoustic carpet should do the job hopefully.
Really warming up to the idea of some track time once the clutch is done though.
Trying to think of some ideas to cover the bare metal where the rear seats should be, some cheap acoustic carpet should do the job hopefully.
Well Llandow was a wash out, didn't go in the end as the rain was just ridiculous Didn't fancy standing around getting soaked, but will be keeping an eye out for the next one!
In other news, I'm now in talks with Dan at SJM Automotive to sort out the clutch. Tried a few places round Cardiff, but prices vary immensely and I know Dan does top quality work so I'm just gonna give it to him to sort. He's researching the R26.R clutch for me too, so will see what he comes back with.
Also, I got a net for the brace!! Only test fitted really, but it looks mega.
I just need to sort the straps a bit better, thinking I might use some rubber bands or something to make sure it can't shift.
21 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
In other news, I'm now in talks with Dan at SJM Automotive to sort out the clutch. Tried a few places round Cardiff, but prices vary immensely and I know Dan does top quality work so I'm just gonna give it to him to sort. He's researching the R26.R clutch for me too, so will see what he comes back with.
Also, I got a net for the brace!! Only test fitted really, but it looks mega.
I just need to sort the straps a bit better, thinking I might use some rubber bands or something to make sure it can't shift.
21 by the northern monkey, on FlickrEdited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:28
After a spot of BMX'ing on Wednesday and having a few heavy tumbles, I decided to clean the car instead of going out on the mountain bike.
Car was stinking after a few weeks as a daily. Think the 206 will be used now that I've seen the gritters out!
22 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Autobrite Magifoam mixed up. Need to use a bit less water I think, as I wasn't too happy with the foam consistency (although it was better than last time!).
23 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Jet washed the car 1st to get rid of the surface muck. Really impressed with the little Karcher!
Foaming, left to dwell for about 10 mins. I think this was about half way through.
24 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Cleaned the wheels with Autoglym wheel cleaner, will get them refurbed in the new year I think as there's a bit of laquer peel on the fronts.
Shampoo'd and then rinsed off before drying with my big drying towel (really need another one).
25 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Results after Autoglym Super Resin Polish and HD wax. Protected the wheels with something else from Autoglym.
26 by the northern monkey, on Flickr]
27 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Also hoovered the interior and measured up for some carpet on the bare metal where the back seats should be.
Finally, I've been in touch with ProSpeed exhausts in Cardiff to get the rear box chopped out.
Think I want to keep the standard tips, but we'll see!
Car was stinking after a few weeks as a daily. Think the 206 will be used now that I've seen the gritters out!
22 by the northern monkey, on FlickrAutobrite Magifoam mixed up. Need to use a bit less water I think, as I wasn't too happy with the foam consistency (although it was better than last time!).
23 by the northern monkey, on FlickrJet washed the car 1st to get rid of the surface muck. Really impressed with the little Karcher!
Foaming, left to dwell for about 10 mins. I think this was about half way through.
24 by the northern monkey, on FlickrCleaned the wheels with Autoglym wheel cleaner, will get them refurbed in the new year I think as there's a bit of laquer peel on the fronts.
Shampoo'd and then rinsed off before drying with my big drying towel (really need another one).
25 by the northern monkey, on FlickrResults after Autoglym Super Resin Polish and HD wax. Protected the wheels with something else from Autoglym.
26 by the northern monkey, on Flickr]27 by the northern monkey, on FlickrAlso hoovered the interior and measured up for some carpet on the bare metal where the back seats should be.
Finally, I've been in touch with ProSpeed exhausts in Cardiff to get the rear box chopped out.
Think I want to keep the standard tips, but we'll see!
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:30
Cheers all! Need to get myself a DA polisher, has a few marks and scratches up close which annoy me, so will need more work next year to really bring it up nice.
Chr1sch said:
Looks lovey - if you dont mind me asking, where did you get the net from? I'd like one for my track car too 
The guy on eBay selling them for the Megane is "a4quattrosport". Haven't seen many, he seems to sell one or 2 now and then though.Seems it has been a while since posting on here... but not much has happened with it bloody raining!
Finally managed to give it a really good clean last weekend, it's nice to know that under all the muck, it's still pretty shiny.
28 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
29 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
30 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Got some acoustic carpet for less than a tenner from eBay a few weeks ago, hoping to cut it to shape to cover the metal where the rear seats should be. Just need the rain to stop 1st.
Finally managed to give it a really good clean last weekend, it's nice to know that under all the muck, it's still pretty shiny.
28 by the northern monkey, on Flickr29 by the northern monkey, on Flickr30 by the northern monkey, on FlickrGot some acoustic carpet for less than a tenner from eBay a few weeks ago, hoping to cut it to shape to cover the metal where the rear seats should be. Just need the rain to stop 1st.
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:30
Cheers! Yep you can't deny it had a great looking booty.
Braved the fine rain this afternoon to sort some carpet. Cost me a whole £10 to do and am more than chuffed with the results.
Before/After:
31 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Completed:
32 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
33 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Looks much better inside now, although the Mrs has finally clocked that the rear seats won't be going back in anytime soon!
Braved the fine rain this afternoon to sort some carpet. Cost me a whole £10 to do and am more than chuffed with the results.
Before/After:
31 by the northern monkey, on FlickrCompleted:
32 by the northern monkey, on Flickr33 by the northern monkey, on FlickrLooks much better inside now, although the Mrs has finally clocked that the rear seats won't be going back in anytime soon!
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:31
Been a bit busy of late, so figured an update is required in here!
Had my MOT a few weeks ago, which went well apart from an exhaust hanger. Had the hanger replaced (eventually), but also had a few advisories - play in steering rack, creak from steering rack and corroded rear springs.
So, after getting a brilliant quote from Flux, I decided to get a few things done on the car.
1st off was springs, so I got some Cooksport springs as soon as they came into stock and had them fitted a week later.
34 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
35 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
36 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
37 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
As you can see, the front driver side spring had corroded and snapped, which has completely justified the cost of the springs.
I also had the Track Focus Direct steering rack bush fitted and the rack lubed, it now feels completely solid and there is no more squeak!
One unexpected expense was a track rod, as the thread had corroded so much that we just couldn't get it back on.
Finally I had the tracking done on the way home, but plan to get it checked again once everything has settled down.
In other news, the rear seats are out again and the brace/net is back in. I put the seats in over easter thinking I'd be ferrying family around, but that didn't happen so out the come.
I still need to get the rear belts out, but didn't have time on the weekend.
38 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
It makes such a huge difference having the seats out, the car just feels much more responsive in acceleration an turning. Coupled with working suspension and accurate tracking, the car is an absolute blast at the mo.
I'd also planned to get the back box chop done this week, but low and behold, the car throws something else at me...
Cue a 1/2 width sized crack in my screen.
39 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
So fingers crossed I can nurse it to work tomorrow and get it fixed. Admittedly I can't wait as the screen was already peppered with little scratches and chips, but the back box chop will have to wait till payday now.
Had my MOT a few weeks ago, which went well apart from an exhaust hanger. Had the hanger replaced (eventually), but also had a few advisories - play in steering rack, creak from steering rack and corroded rear springs.
So, after getting a brilliant quote from Flux, I decided to get a few things done on the car.
1st off was springs, so I got some Cooksport springs as soon as they came into stock and had them fitted a week later.
34 by the northern monkey, on Flickr35 by the northern monkey, on Flickr36 by the northern monkey, on Flickr37 by the northern monkey, on FlickrAs you can see, the front driver side spring had corroded and snapped, which has completely justified the cost of the springs.
I also had the Track Focus Direct steering rack bush fitted and the rack lubed, it now feels completely solid and there is no more squeak!
One unexpected expense was a track rod, as the thread had corroded so much that we just couldn't get it back on.
Finally I had the tracking done on the way home, but plan to get it checked again once everything has settled down.
In other news, the rear seats are out again and the brace/net is back in. I put the seats in over easter thinking I'd be ferrying family around, but that didn't happen so out the come.
I still need to get the rear belts out, but didn't have time on the weekend.
38 by the northern monkey, on FlickrIt makes such a huge difference having the seats out, the car just feels much more responsive in acceleration an turning. Coupled with working suspension and accurate tracking, the car is an absolute blast at the mo.
I'd also planned to get the back box chop done this week, but low and behold, the car throws something else at me...
Cue a 1/2 width sized crack in my screen.
39 by the northern monkey, on FlickrSo fingers crossed I can nurse it to work tomorrow and get it fixed. Admittedly I can't wait as the screen was already peppered with little scratches and chips, but the back box chop will have to wait till payday now.
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Monday 6th June 19:02
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:32
Well... it's been a while since posting on here, so an update is overdue.
Still got the Megane and enjoying more than ever - hopefully below will explain why!
Back in September, I took a morning off to get some Hel braided lines fitted, along with engine oil, gearbox oil and some RBF600 brake fluid dropped in and a general poke about by my mechanic for a stamp in the service book.
40 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
41 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Safe to say I'm impressed with the brakes. They felt quite spongy and lacked feel previously, so I'm not sure if its just the fluid or the lines, but I've got much more confidence in the brakes now.
Still got the Megane and enjoying more than ever - hopefully below will explain why!
Back in September, I took a morning off to get some Hel braided lines fitted, along with engine oil, gearbox oil and some RBF600 brake fluid dropped in and a general poke about by my mechanic for a stamp in the service book.
40 by the northern monkey, on Flickr41 by the northern monkey, on FlickrSafe to say I'm impressed with the brakes. They felt quite spongy and lacked feel previously, so I'm not sure if its just the fluid or the lines, but I've got much more confidence in the brakes now.
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:33
In November, I bought some new cleaning stuff from DVS Car Care and decided to give it a go while the weather was dry.
Opted for the Poorboys Black Hole kit/deal, and the meg has come up really well.
I need to invest in a better camera though!
42 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
43 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
44 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Opted for the Poorboys Black Hole kit/deal, and the meg has come up really well.
I need to invest in a better camera though!
42 by the northern monkey, on Flickr43 by the northern monkey, on Flickr44 by the northern monkey, on FlickrEdited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:33
Took the car and all the parts to Dan at SJM Automotive and left it there for a week.
Dan was great, kept me updated along the way and I really appreciated the feedback!
Quaife is in!!
45 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Had a few issues with a drive shaft and found a few leaky gearbox seals - also replaced an ARB link which fixed a knock up front and sorted a leaky thermostat.
and it was done...
Spent a fortune in fuel yesterday getting to know the car again. It's just immense.
The front end feels incredibly tight, it can actually put the power down now.
Grip is just amazing, it goes exactly where you point it. Previously would get moved around on road undulaitons or wet patches, but now stays straight and true.
Brake pads and disks are next on the list, then a track day!
Dan was great, kept me updated along the way and I really appreciated the feedback!
Quaife is in!!
45 by the northern monkey, on FlickrHad a few issues with a drive shaft and found a few leaky gearbox seals - also replaced an ARB link which fixed a knock up front and sorted a leaky thermostat.
and it was done...
Spent a fortune in fuel yesterday getting to know the car again. It's just immense.
The front end feels incredibly tight, it can actually put the power down now.
Grip is just amazing, it goes exactly where you point it. Previously would get moved around on road undulaitons or wet patches, but now stays straight and true.
Brake pads and disks are next on the list, then a track day!
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:34
supersarbs said:
As I read through the thread I was thinking 'what about the diff'! I had the megane 250 with the LSD, absolutely loved the way it pulled you into corners.
Looks a nice megane, thanks for the updates.
Thanks...Yeah the diff absolutely transforms the car, coupled with the lighter flywheel and stronger clutch, it absolutely flies off the mark!Looks a nice megane, thanks for the updates.
SamGTV said:
I had one of these, why did I sell it! Stupid me. Yours is a lovely well cared for example. Don't sell it not much in the real world as rewarding.
Thanks, this one is definitely a long termer. Currently looking out for a house, my one and only pre-requisite is a garage that will house the Megane. Mrs has free reign on the rest ha.DanielSan said:
Really tidy looking car! I keep being tempted to go back seats out and have a rear brace in mine but have a feeling if I put the brace in then I won't be able to get my mountain bike in the back without height issues. I need to have a look next time the bikes in the back, or just not be lazy and use the carrier I have on the boot 
Cheers - how many bikes do you need to fit? I'm 100% certain 1 will fit in the back with the brace, it's quite high up in the back (I've seen a mtb in the back of a 350z before, so it must fit in a Meg!) I would test, but my mtb goes in the Pug 206 hack..
No rear seats makes a pretty big difference - I had to put them back in for a trip to my parents and I hated it... lost any sense of speed and the car felt slow with all the weight!
Its over 25kg weight lost by removing the rear seats, i need to do my rear belts but haven't yet figured out how to put a resistor across the sensors.
Its over 25kg weight lost by removing the rear seats, i need to do my rear belts but haven't yet figured out how to put a resistor across the sensors.
Been getting used to the diff and SMF, has made such a difference to driveability.
Back to Dan's for a gearbox reverse sensor as mine seems to have packed up, but apart from that, no issues *touch wood*.
More cleaning stuff after running out of snow foam and shampoo. Trying ValetPro at the moment and am pretty impressed.
Really want a DA polisher, but that can wait til the weather improves.
Back to Dan's for a gearbox reverse sensor as mine seems to have packed up, but apart from that, no issues *touch wood*.
More cleaning stuff after running out of snow foam and shampoo. Trying ValetPro at the moment and am pretty impressed.
Really want a DA polisher, but that can wait til the weather improves.
DanielSan said:
Really daft question but what did you mount your rear brace to? It seems to be a lot higher up than other braces I can find.
it's only for aethetics tbh, bolts to the rear seat clamp things. Theres a guy on Megansport facebook that makes them, although I haven't seem many for sale recently.Full cage eventually, well thats the plan anyway!
3 and a half months on.. and yet more updates to the Megane.
If the thing kept working for longer, I might have time to keep this updated a bit more frequently, but such is frech car life.
After having the SMF fitted, I had the dreaded crank sensor fault causing the EML to stay on. With it being close to MOT time, I took a trip up to EFI parts to have this mapped out. Unfortunately no proper remap this time round though!
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Took an opportunity to drive back through north-south wales via Bala. Such an amazing drive back, the car was outstanding.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Then it was on to the MOT. Mostly ok, the only major issue was the springs weren't seated in the top mounts correctly. After a bit of investigation, it looked like both front springs had popped out of their seats, either due to worn mounts or the springs not being fitted correctly in the 1st place.
So while eveything was out, we took the opportunity to put brand new Renault top mounts and dampers in.
The car is completely different now, it just floats over the road. No crashing or over exaggerated rebound. It's just superb.
Old top mount.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
The old dampers were a bit rotten.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Nice and new.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Since then it was plain sailing until a knock developed. Diagnosed as an engine/gearbox mount, suspected due to the stiffer clutch/SMF being a fair bit harsher on the 10 year old mounts than before. So I've ordered powerflex black inserts, which will hopefully go in at some point next week.
Apart from that, it's just been a case of keeping it clean and enjoying it!
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
If the thing kept working for longer, I might have time to keep this updated a bit more frequently, but such is frech car life.
After having the SMF fitted, I had the dreaded crank sensor fault causing the EML to stay on. With it being close to MOT time, I took a trip up to EFI parts to have this mapped out. Unfortunately no proper remap this time round though!
Untitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrTook an opportunity to drive back through north-south wales via Bala. Such an amazing drive back, the car was outstanding.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrThen it was on to the MOT. Mostly ok, the only major issue was the springs weren't seated in the top mounts correctly. After a bit of investigation, it looked like both front springs had popped out of their seats, either due to worn mounts or the springs not being fitted correctly in the 1st place.
So while eveything was out, we took the opportunity to put brand new Renault top mounts and dampers in.
The car is completely different now, it just floats over the road. No crashing or over exaggerated rebound. It's just superb.
Old top mount.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrThe old dampers were a bit rotten.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrNice and new.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrSince then it was plain sailing until a knock developed. Diagnosed as an engine/gearbox mount, suspected due to the stiffer clutch/SMF being a fair bit harsher on the 10 year old mounts than before. So I've ordered powerflex black inserts, which will hopefully go in at some point next week.
Apart from that, it's just been a case of keeping it clean and enjoying it!
Untitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrUntitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrUntitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrUntitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrMinor update, we've found and fixed the knock!
Turns out both anti-rotation links were very loose. I reckon they may have been undone while the gearbox was being rebuilt, easy to forget to tighten them back up I suppose. Fotrunately no damage done and all other bolts checked, the knock is gone.
We thought it was a ball joint or a bushing on the whishbone, so I'd bought a new wishbone from Renault to swap in. But as thats now gone back, I've put the funds into my 1st track day.
So, brakes have been rebled with RBF600 and I have some DS2500 pads to go in.
Planning a trip to Demon Tweeks on Saturday to get a helmet.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Untitled by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Turns out both anti-rotation links were very loose. I reckon they may have been undone while the gearbox was being rebuilt, easy to forget to tighten them back up I suppose. Fotrunately no damage done and all other bolts checked, the knock is gone.
We thought it was a ball joint or a bushing on the whishbone, so I'd bought a new wishbone from Renault to swap in. But as thats now gone back, I've put the funds into my 1st track day.
So, brakes have been rebled with RBF600 and I have some DS2500 pads to go in.
Planning a trip to Demon Tweeks on Saturday to get a helmet.
Untitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrUntitled by the northern monkey, on FlickrGassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff