RenaultSport Megane R26 R.
Discussion
I get all the chat. Don't get me wrong the R26R is on my radar. But.. the Clio Trophy has it all and delivers it all at 10/10ths. Whilst I am biased I've driven both and for real driver 'feel' there is not another car that can match the Clio Trophy. Hence it being in Harry's garage. He knows his stuff. I will never sell mine.
Gary29 said:
Awesome! I ran a 225 Trophy for a few years, absolutely loved that car, this is obviously next level though.
I wish I had the time and inclination to keep a car this clean like I used to when I was younger, looks amazing. My very first thought was 'get rid of that KTEC badge!'
Thank you, very kind! I wish I had the time and inclination to keep a car this clean like I used to when I was younger, looks amazing. My very first thought was 'get rid of that KTEC badge!'
The K-Tec badge had to go; nothing personal just visual clutter!
LaurasOtherHalf said:
I understand it's the middle of winter but c'mon! These cars are for driving, not hoovering stripes into!
This one made me laugh! Yes granted, my OCD gets the better of me and I get carried away!However; proper usage is on the way. I never quite feel like a cars mine until I've done these little detail jobs and I may as well do them now while the weather is poor! The car is suited for warm, dry conditions and that's how I feel it will be best enjoyed with a bit of heat in the tarmac and minus road salt!
Danny.
st33ly said:
Love the car dude.
I have a replacement centre console if you want it? Mine was all marked from the Sabelt harness bashing off it all the time. Its easy to fit. Email me if you want it for a small fee. craig_490@hotmail.com
Hope you got the numbers book pack with yours.
Cheers
My centre console has been bashed by the harnesses! I'm hoping I can be rather more careful so have been on the casual hunt for an unmarked one and would be interested if yours is so!I have a replacement centre console if you want it? Mine was all marked from the Sabelt harness bashing off it all the time. Its easy to fit. Email me if you want it for a small fee. craig_490@hotmail.com
Hope you got the numbers book pack with yours.
Cheers
Are you referring to the presentation pack? If so then sadly not; always on the lookout however!
Danny.
Trophy Husband said:
I get all the chat. Don't get me wrong the R26R is on my radar. But.. the Clio Trophy has it all and delivers it all at 10/10ths. Whilst I am biased I've driven both and for real driver 'feel' there is not another car that can match the Clio Trophy. Hence it being in Harry's garage. He knows his stuff. I will never sell mine.
The Clio 182 Trophy is such an amazing hot hatch that I had the pleasure of owning and one I will always hold in high regard! 100% of the power is usable and how refreshing it is to drive after anything 'modern'! That very EVO diaries video is what made me have an extra level of want for the Trophy over anything else! I watched a video recently where Henry Catchpole (another ex EVO) described his 182 daily driver as an automotive palate cleanser which sums the car up perfectly! I miss the high revving Clio and its typical RS how the Megane (minus VVT plus a tiny turbo) has the same engine but feels so very different!
One thing I do think Renault missed with the Trophy was a limited slip differential, had it had that and the Sachs, I believe it would be held in even higher regard than it is!
I needed to try a more purposeful R26R while I still can!
Regards, Danny.
Firstly if anyone could advise me on 'Quoting' multiple people on one post rather than multiple I'd be grateful as I know it can be done but other than typing it all out manually can't yet fathom another way.
Anyhow; not an awful lot to report but I thought I'd check in while idle on this miserable day! I don't cope well with being idle and had resorted talking to the cat (no response as of yet) ha!
On another off note; I've been playing Horizon 4 which is amazing; I was disappointed to find none of my current cars are on the game! Shame, I'll just have to settle with the real thing I guess..
I took it for a quick drive last weekend when it felt more like mid spring; oh how I miss spring.
Strapping into the 6 pointer every time makes every outing feel like an occasion before you've even turned the key, or rather inserted the silly plastic card and pressed the start button. The button isn't the easiest to reach when harnessed in I must add!
Pulling up at the fuel station it does turn heads; although I haven't worked out wether that's in a positive way or not. Either way I aren't fussed, not many people 'get' these cars after all! If there is a queue after fuelling up people have an extra level hate for you as you awkwardly clamber over the huge seat bolsters and spend an age re harnessing yourself into your French hatchback! Sounds silly doesn't it..!
On the road you feel hardwired to the running gear and the noise is like nothing else love it or hate it! I feel it lacks induction roar; as for the remedy I suggest you watch this space!
I never realised just how much heat the tyres would need in them to work properly and this soon becomes evident as I have a clear stretch of road to stretch its legs! The car feels infinitely capable but the tyres inspire little confidence as the RPM and speed builds. I should add that this car doesn't have R888's fitted any longer and has similar tread and compound Federal RSR's. I was going to replace with the OE R888's eventually however..
As I will be doing little to no track work; I am considering more road and weather friendly Michelin Cup Sport 2's which are still very focused and best suited to dry but should offer more confidence in less perfect conditions! I plan on taking it to Isle of Man this autumn and I cannot see myself being able to take advantage of the roads over there on the current set up. Any thoughts would be welcome on this matter!
After a tipsy eBay purchase; I decided to fit something that wouldn't usually appeal to me!
Yes, it's fake carbon but they are easily removable and protect the originals!
Plus I've never liked the fact the Renault badges are the only chrome on the whole car. Take a look for yourself before you judge too heavily!
Whilst mine is missing the presentation pack the handbook is full of goodies and I found it particularly amusing that the R26 R came with it's own handbook and safety leaflet thrown amongst the pedestrian version handbook!
I would have loved to picked this car up new; what a brave move during a recession!
That's all for now, stay tuned for more pedantic rambling..
Regards, Danny.
Anyhow; not an awful lot to report but I thought I'd check in while idle on this miserable day! I don't cope well with being idle and had resorted talking to the cat (no response as of yet) ha!
On another off note; I've been playing Horizon 4 which is amazing; I was disappointed to find none of my current cars are on the game! Shame, I'll just have to settle with the real thing I guess..
I took it for a quick drive last weekend when it felt more like mid spring; oh how I miss spring.
Strapping into the 6 pointer every time makes every outing feel like an occasion before you've even turned the key, or rather inserted the silly plastic card and pressed the start button. The button isn't the easiest to reach when harnessed in I must add!
Pulling up at the fuel station it does turn heads; although I haven't worked out wether that's in a positive way or not. Either way I aren't fussed, not many people 'get' these cars after all! If there is a queue after fuelling up people have an extra level hate for you as you awkwardly clamber over the huge seat bolsters and spend an age re harnessing yourself into your French hatchback! Sounds silly doesn't it..!
On the road you feel hardwired to the running gear and the noise is like nothing else love it or hate it! I feel it lacks induction roar; as for the remedy I suggest you watch this space!
I never realised just how much heat the tyres would need in them to work properly and this soon becomes evident as I have a clear stretch of road to stretch its legs! The car feels infinitely capable but the tyres inspire little confidence as the RPM and speed builds. I should add that this car doesn't have R888's fitted any longer and has similar tread and compound Federal RSR's. I was going to replace with the OE R888's eventually however..
As I will be doing little to no track work; I am considering more road and weather friendly Michelin Cup Sport 2's which are still very focused and best suited to dry but should offer more confidence in less perfect conditions! I plan on taking it to Isle of Man this autumn and I cannot see myself being able to take advantage of the roads over there on the current set up. Any thoughts would be welcome on this matter!
After a tipsy eBay purchase; I decided to fit something that wouldn't usually appeal to me!
Yes, it's fake carbon but they are easily removable and protect the originals!
Plus I've never liked the fact the Renault badges are the only chrome on the whole car. Take a look for yourself before you judge too heavily!
Whilst mine is missing the presentation pack the handbook is full of goodies and I found it particularly amusing that the R26 R came with it's own handbook and safety leaflet thrown amongst the pedestrian version handbook!
I would have loved to picked this car up new; what a brave move during a recession!
That's all for now, stay tuned for more pedantic rambling..
Regards, Danny.
Edited by Willo26 on Sunday 10th March 14:08
Looks proper that. The carbon badge suits as well.
I still wouldn’t swap my DC2 as Im an N/A man & think it’s the absolute pinnacle of hot hatch fun with B18 revs, lack of weight & pin sharp handling. The Honda engineering and focus shades it over the Clio for me
If ever I was to consider something forced induction then an R26 would be on the list for sure however...
I still wouldn’t swap my DC2 as Im an N/A man & think it’s the absolute pinnacle of hot hatch fun with B18 revs, lack of weight & pin sharp handling. The Honda engineering and focus shades it over the Clio for me
If ever I was to consider something forced induction then an R26 would be on the list for sure however...
chrismc1977 said:
Looks proper that. The carbon badge suits as well.
I still wouldn’t swap my DC2 as Im an N/A man & think it’s the absolute pinnacle of hot hatch fun with B18 revs, lack of weight & pin sharp handling. The Honda engineering and focus shades it over the Clio for me
If ever I was to consider something forced induction then an R26 would be on the list for sure however...
DC2’s are a special car to say the least! I’ve always been a naturally aspirated man and more modern classic orientated too! Having a limited slip differential in such an old school car is such a bonus and never will an engine be so naturally revvy again! I still wouldn’t swap my DC2 as Im an N/A man & think it’s the absolute pinnacle of hot hatch fun with B18 revs, lack of weight & pin sharp handling. The Honda engineering and focus shades it over the Clio for me
If ever I was to consider something forced induction then an R26 would be on the list for sure however...
I was looking at various cars the DC2 would have fit the bill perfectly; automotive perfection!
Willo26 said:
DC2’s are a special car to say the least! I’ve always been a naturally aspirated man and more modern classic orientated too! Having a limited slip differential in such an old school car is such a bonus and never will an engine be so naturally revvy again!
I was looking at various cars the DC2 would have fit the bill perfectly; automotive perfection!
Here’s the thread on mine. Still enormously competent and fun! Should be up your street I was looking at various cars the DC2 would have fit the bill perfectly; automotive perfection!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/processpost.as...
Willo26 said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
I remember that pamphlet, my presentation pack is still in the loft in it's original box it was sent in.
Would you consider selling the presentation pack? Regards Danny.
If an owner of the actual car (#154) ever tracked me down I might consider reuniting it, but only if I couldn’t buy the car back first!
Very nice car
If you're doing "little to no" track work then just buy Michelin Pilot Sport 4.
No need to buy more.
If anything it's stupid to buy semi-slick tyres and then use it on the road as they will provide less grip than something like a PS4 (I speak from experience).
Seems a shame to not track it, track days are a huge laugh and it's the perfect car for it..... otherwise might as well have just bought a normal one :-)
If you're doing "little to no" track work then just buy Michelin Pilot Sport 4.
No need to buy more.
If anything it's stupid to buy semi-slick tyres and then use it on the road as they will provide less grip than something like a PS4 (I speak from experience).
Seems a shame to not track it, track days are a huge laugh and it's the perfect car for it..... otherwise might as well have just bought a normal one :-)
With milder weather comes progress..
First of all; what started out with bulb fitment ended up in a front end detail and here's how!
Being an absolute nutcase for detail, one thing I usually do to my cars is fit these nifty little silver vision bulbs from Phillips.
As illustrated they take away the orange glow from an otherwise neat and clear lamp unit! The illuminated colour on them is bright orange not dull as some of the imitation units can be.
Fitting them to the rear lights required little effort and no tools! Moving swiftly to the front clusters; the ones which had bothered me more and prompted the purchase. I was fooled by the inspection caps on the wheel arch liners and thought it would be easy enough to whip the wheels off and swap them in situ. I was wrong. As with every other Renault from the era; any bulb change seems too awkward and risky to do without removing the front bumper! Not the end of the world as from experience on my Clio; they are easy enough to remove!
What struck me first of all was how little was holding the bumper on! Four clips under the bonnet, two tiny screws in the wheel arch at either side and three bolts underneath shared by the under tray and wham bam were off! The only thing that would be extra on a normal RS Megane would be multi plugs for the fogs and headlamp washers which was not an issue on this poverty model (ha ha). Once off I carefully manoeuvred into my garden and not for the size and shape of the thing I could have lifted it with my little finger!
I do appreciate the less is more approach that Renault apply, you cannot help but feel all of the 1252 KG kerb weight is in the shell because literally everything on this car weighs nothing! After all this is a 5 Star Euro NCAP!!
Three bolts and the headlamps are out. At this stage changing the indicator bulbs are as easy and twist and pop! (Left is before, Right is after on the below picture).
Usually at this stage it would be time to bolt everything back together but I am not usual. Instead I took it upon myself to do a little tidying up behind the bumper!
Starting with some tar remover on the wheel arch liners and the chassis bits I could get to! While soaking in I tried some of this magic stuff on the stained callipers.
It's certainly done something!
Arches looking much cleaner with the front section of the arch liner removed at this stage! Didn't scrub at the factory wax which can be observed oozing out of the bung.
With the arch liner back in and wheel back on at one side!
The headlights even got a the treatment; top is cleaned bottom is not!
The opposite side built up, I drained the screen wash bottle as there was much smelly crud in the bottom!
So four hours later I'd finally re fit the bumper and my bulb change was complete!
Next up for progress.. I decided since the vehicle hadn't had a service since April last year (less than 1k ago mind) to give it a little service!
I got some genuine ELF 5W40 of which the Megane accepts 5.4L of! A genuine filter and plug washer and some 75w80 ELF gearbox oil and a plug washer!
After getting the car suitably warm on the journey; I promptly removed the under tray and dropped the oil piping hot!
Underneath was immaculate as expected. Underneath the bottom arms being the only thing that were disappointingly rusty. The K-Tec Exhaust is very minimal and looks like a blooming drain pipe!
Next up I replaced the oil filter and released the drain plug on the box!
The oil was black, quite metallic coloured and disappointingly the drain plug is not magnetic meaning the metal is left to float around rather than attracted away from the moving parts! Had I had known this fact, I would have got hold of a magnetic plug prior to removal; it's something I will consider next time!
Next I removed the wheels at the front and the arch liner front section at the nearside to locate the filler plug! Very easy to find and a plastic twisty cap which was pleasing! To locate the plug I had to unbolt a plate from the body to the chassis leg. This plate in fact..
As you can imagine this offended me quite a lot.. I promptly removed the offside arch liner and found the other side was in a similar condition! Then this happened..
And this..
While the strengthener plates were being painted I set about filling the gearbox! I used a funnel and some garden hose (yes really!) I'd read that the gearbox accepted 2.1L on a vehicle with the LSD. I lowered the jack so the car was level as if it was on the ground and began to fill. Rule of thumb with a box is fill until a slow trickle is observed from the filler bung.
I re inserted the filler plug, the box had taken 1.7L of oil which I was happy with as it's difficult to drain all the fluid from the diff and box; I will be draining again in the future and inserting a magnetic bung anyway!
I couldn't help but notice my filler pipe matched my car; not intentionally I promise!!
I took the time to give the exhaust a quick polish while underneath but didn't spend ages!
I gave the brakes a quick strip, clean and grease at the front which was so easy it's un real!
With that my plates were dry in the spray booth and ready for fitment!
Much better wouldn't you agree!
With that, I refitted the arch liners replacing a couple of clips; refitted the sump plug, under tray and wheels! The car took a textbook 5.4L of engine oil and started with no incident! I also topped my dead empty screen wash bottle and checked the whole thing for leaks! Overall I'm very impressed with everything and ready to give the car some proper usage!
I spent hardly anything on the service and gave the car a comprehensive job with no compromise which is above the level of a main dealer and probably even a specialist! Just as I was finishing off a parcel arrived which is just the cherry on top really; ultra comfy and look stunning! I'm truly ready..
For now, thats all!
Danny.
First of all; what started out with bulb fitment ended up in a front end detail and here's how!
Being an absolute nutcase for detail, one thing I usually do to my cars is fit these nifty little silver vision bulbs from Phillips.
As illustrated they take away the orange glow from an otherwise neat and clear lamp unit! The illuminated colour on them is bright orange not dull as some of the imitation units can be.
Fitting them to the rear lights required little effort and no tools! Moving swiftly to the front clusters; the ones which had bothered me more and prompted the purchase. I was fooled by the inspection caps on the wheel arch liners and thought it would be easy enough to whip the wheels off and swap them in situ. I was wrong. As with every other Renault from the era; any bulb change seems too awkward and risky to do without removing the front bumper! Not the end of the world as from experience on my Clio; they are easy enough to remove!
What struck me first of all was how little was holding the bumper on! Four clips under the bonnet, two tiny screws in the wheel arch at either side and three bolts underneath shared by the under tray and wham bam were off! The only thing that would be extra on a normal RS Megane would be multi plugs for the fogs and headlamp washers which was not an issue on this poverty model (ha ha). Once off I carefully manoeuvred into my garden and not for the size and shape of the thing I could have lifted it with my little finger!
I do appreciate the less is more approach that Renault apply, you cannot help but feel all of the 1252 KG kerb weight is in the shell because literally everything on this car weighs nothing! After all this is a 5 Star Euro NCAP!!
Three bolts and the headlamps are out. At this stage changing the indicator bulbs are as easy and twist and pop! (Left is before, Right is after on the below picture).
Usually at this stage it would be time to bolt everything back together but I am not usual. Instead I took it upon myself to do a little tidying up behind the bumper!
Starting with some tar remover on the wheel arch liners and the chassis bits I could get to! While soaking in I tried some of this magic stuff on the stained callipers.
It's certainly done something!
Arches looking much cleaner with the front section of the arch liner removed at this stage! Didn't scrub at the factory wax which can be observed oozing out of the bung.
With the arch liner back in and wheel back on at one side!
The headlights even got a the treatment; top is cleaned bottom is not!
The opposite side built up, I drained the screen wash bottle as there was much smelly crud in the bottom!
So four hours later I'd finally re fit the bumper and my bulb change was complete!
Next up for progress.. I decided since the vehicle hadn't had a service since April last year (less than 1k ago mind) to give it a little service!
I got some genuine ELF 5W40 of which the Megane accepts 5.4L of! A genuine filter and plug washer and some 75w80 ELF gearbox oil and a plug washer!
After getting the car suitably warm on the journey; I promptly removed the under tray and dropped the oil piping hot!
Underneath was immaculate as expected. Underneath the bottom arms being the only thing that were disappointingly rusty. The K-Tec Exhaust is very minimal and looks like a blooming drain pipe!
Next up I replaced the oil filter and released the drain plug on the box!
The oil was black, quite metallic coloured and disappointingly the drain plug is not magnetic meaning the metal is left to float around rather than attracted away from the moving parts! Had I had known this fact, I would have got hold of a magnetic plug prior to removal; it's something I will consider next time!
Next I removed the wheels at the front and the arch liner front section at the nearside to locate the filler plug! Very easy to find and a plastic twisty cap which was pleasing! To locate the plug I had to unbolt a plate from the body to the chassis leg. This plate in fact..
As you can imagine this offended me quite a lot.. I promptly removed the offside arch liner and found the other side was in a similar condition! Then this happened..
And this..
While the strengthener plates were being painted I set about filling the gearbox! I used a funnel and some garden hose (yes really!) I'd read that the gearbox accepted 2.1L on a vehicle with the LSD. I lowered the jack so the car was level as if it was on the ground and began to fill. Rule of thumb with a box is fill until a slow trickle is observed from the filler bung.
I re inserted the filler plug, the box had taken 1.7L of oil which I was happy with as it's difficult to drain all the fluid from the diff and box; I will be draining again in the future and inserting a magnetic bung anyway!
I couldn't help but notice my filler pipe matched my car; not intentionally I promise!!
I took the time to give the exhaust a quick polish while underneath but didn't spend ages!
I gave the brakes a quick strip, clean and grease at the front which was so easy it's un real!
With that my plates were dry in the spray booth and ready for fitment!
Much better wouldn't you agree!
With that, I refitted the arch liners replacing a couple of clips; refitted the sump plug, under tray and wheels! The car took a textbook 5.4L of engine oil and started with no incident! I also topped my dead empty screen wash bottle and checked the whole thing for leaks! Overall I'm very impressed with everything and ready to give the car some proper usage!
I spent hardly anything on the service and gave the car a comprehensive job with no compromise which is above the level of a main dealer and probably even a specialist! Just as I was finishing off a parcel arrived which is just the cherry on top really; ultra comfy and look stunning! I'm truly ready..
For now, thats all!
Danny.
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