2007 Renaultsport Megane 230 F1 Team R26
Discussion
Picked up my Renaultsport Megane 230 F1 Team R26 last week (will be referred to as "R26", due to the ridiculously long title..) and is pretty much my 1st car that, i think at least, is worthy of a readers cars post.
I've come from a list of smaller engined french hatches which have been oodles of fun, but nothing that has felt quite like this.
We've actually hung on to my Peugeot 206 so SWMBO can learn to drive - I'm 2nd owner and have had it since 20k miles. Its on 97k miles now and still going strong!
I'll be honest, I've never really been into modifying or looking after cosmetics of cars. Mainly just keeping them running nice and comfortably. I don't think the modifying side of things will change too much, but I'd really like to start to understand the finer points of keeping the R26 looking as good as it drives.
Anyway, the car. (Apologies in advance for poor pics, I don't own a decent camera and I've been busy driving rather than cleaning it!).
- 62k miles on the clock
- FSH
- New (unbranded) tyres on the front, part worn on the rear
- Nearly new standard disks and pads all round
- Few small marks / chips in the paint here and there as to be expected.
Spec:
- 1998cc 16V turbo, 227bhp @ 5500rpm, 229 lb ft @ 3000rpm
- Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive, limited slip differential
- 6.1 sec 0-62mph, 147mph
- 1355kg
1 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
2 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
3 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
No plans as such at the moment, off to Devon for a check over and service at the end of the month to give me chance to spot any niggles. Crappy tyres are ok for the time being, will be changed for something more suitable post service. Need the air con regassed and I picked up a small chip in the windscreen yesterday so will get the window people out.
Thats all, for now at least!
Cheers,
Ben
I've come from a list of smaller engined french hatches which have been oodles of fun, but nothing that has felt quite like this.
We've actually hung on to my Peugeot 206 so SWMBO can learn to drive - I'm 2nd owner and have had it since 20k miles. Its on 97k miles now and still going strong!
I'll be honest, I've never really been into modifying or looking after cosmetics of cars. Mainly just keeping them running nice and comfortably. I don't think the modifying side of things will change too much, but I'd really like to start to understand the finer points of keeping the R26 looking as good as it drives.
Anyway, the car. (Apologies in advance for poor pics, I don't own a decent camera and I've been busy driving rather than cleaning it!).
- 62k miles on the clock
- FSH
- New (unbranded) tyres on the front, part worn on the rear
- Nearly new standard disks and pads all round
- Few small marks / chips in the paint here and there as to be expected.
Spec:
- 1998cc 16V turbo, 227bhp @ 5500rpm, 229 lb ft @ 3000rpm
- Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive, limited slip differential
- 6.1 sec 0-62mph, 147mph
- 1355kg
1 by the northern monkey, on Flickr2 by the northern monkey, on Flickr3 by the northern monkey, on FlickrNo plans as such at the moment, off to Devon for a check over and service at the end of the month to give me chance to spot any niggles. Crappy tyres are ok for the time being, will be changed for something more suitable post service. Need the air con regassed and I picked up a small chip in the windscreen yesterday so will get the window people out.
Thats all, for now at least!
Cheers,
Ben
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Sunday 7th June 12:11
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Sunday 7th June 13:03
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:22
Yup a F4RT... goes like stink too!
Specialist found already, hence driving to Devon (from South Wales) for a service.
Will have to get used to the harder ride and still adjusting the Recaro's, but even with the pants tyres its incredibly planted and stable in corners. Turn in is exceptional!
Got some standard fitted mats on the way now, had some halfords things in there which I chucked after about 2mins..
Specialist found already, hence driving to Devon (from South Wales) for a service.
Will have to get used to the harder ride and still adjusting the Recaro's, but even with the pants tyres its incredibly planted and stable in corners. Turn in is exceptional!
Got some standard fitted mats on the way now, had some halfords things in there which I chucked after about 2mins..
Cheers 
Its definetely fun!
Come across a few minor niggles which I'll slowly get sorted.
Need to get the balancing checked on the front, may just be the crapy tyres but get a bit of vibration at 70 on the mway.
Also, noticed I have one or 2 leaky rocker cover bolts. Its a known issue, but nothing serious. Seems to be a design flaw in that oil can seep up the cam cover threads due to them not being properly sealed from the factory. The only way to fix involves the timing belt (and most people seem to leave it until the timing belt is due) but luckily I'm dropping it in for the timing belt at the end of the month.
Started to clean up the engine bay tonight as there was some muck and dried oil on the cam covers, also gives me chance to monitor any leakage. Still a bit of work to do, but looks miles better (should have taken a before picture really).
4 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Its definetely fun!
Come across a few minor niggles which I'll slowly get sorted.
Need to get the balancing checked on the front, may just be the crapy tyres but get a bit of vibration at 70 on the mway.
Also, noticed I have one or 2 leaky rocker cover bolts. Its a known issue, but nothing serious. Seems to be a design flaw in that oil can seep up the cam cover threads due to them not being properly sealed from the factory. The only way to fix involves the timing belt (and most people seem to leave it until the timing belt is due) but luckily I'm dropping it in for the timing belt at the end of the month.
Started to clean up the engine bay tonight as there was some muck and dried oil on the cam covers, also gives me chance to monitor any leakage. Still a bit of work to do, but looks miles better (should have taken a before picture really).
4 by the northern monkey, on FlickrEdited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:22
Renaultsport fitted mats installed...
5 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Big question though, what colour PH sticker? I wanted the french flag LM one, but its black so probably won't stand out
5 by the northern monkey, on FlickrBig question though, what colour PH sticker? I wanted the french flag LM one, but its black so probably won't stand out
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:22
Had the car a few weeks now, tallying up a few niggles / annoyances.
The clutch pedal seemed to "catch" when being released and after a bit of poking around, the plastic clip holding the clutch master cylinder to the pedal was clearly worn and the reason for the issue. Took it to a local garage, who have changed it out for me. Luckily, all covered under warranty, which is great as it now means the warranty has paid for itself and I'm £100 up!
While it was in, I also had the tracking and balancing done on all 4 wheels. While the tyres will be changed asap, the vibration was very annoying.. got told the tracking was well out, wouldn't be surprised if its never been looked at! Feels like a different car now!
Also noticed I need some new wheel arch liners on the front, both sides have cracks and bits missing, so that will be an eBay hunt I think.
The clutch pedal seemed to "catch" when being released and after a bit of poking around, the plastic clip holding the clutch master cylinder to the pedal was clearly worn and the reason for the issue. Took it to a local garage, who have changed it out for me. Luckily, all covered under warranty, which is great as it now means the warranty has paid for itself and I'm £100 up!
While it was in, I also had the tracking and balancing done on all 4 wheels. While the tyres will be changed asap, the vibration was very annoying.. got told the tracking was well out, wouldn't be surprised if its never been looked at! Feels like a different car now!
Also noticed I need some new wheel arch liners on the front, both sides have cracks and bits missing, so that will be an eBay hunt I think.
Yeah cambelt is already on my mind and is being done on payday for peace of mind..
Had a few quotes, ranging from "not a fecking chance" to £500
Had a quote locally of £700, which included all pulleys, belts, water pump and any other bits they could possibly think of, so is a worst case scenario. Other quotes have been belts and water pump only and are obviously cheaper. Think I'm going to go with the local garage for convenience + the fact I trust their judgement!
No work on the Megane today, apart from thinking about PH sticker location. Have ben changing the brake pads on SWMBO's 206 while avoiding the rain!
Had a few quotes, ranging from "not a fecking chance" to £500
Had a quote locally of £700, which included all pulleys, belts, water pump and any other bits they could possibly think of, so is a worst case scenario. Other quotes have been belts and water pump only and are obviously cheaper. Think I'm going to go with the local garage for convenience + the fact I trust their judgement!
No work on the Megane today, apart from thinking about PH sticker location. Have ben changing the brake pads on SWMBO's 206 while avoiding the rain!
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Sunday 21st June 13:21
Aye, am getting it booked in at SJM Automotives now, a Renault Sport specialist near Glastonbury. Comes very well recommended and is near enough for me to make the trip!
Anyways, I finally got round to giving her a bath this afternoon, once it had cooled down a bit.
Like I said in the original post, I'm not really into cleaning / detailing, but after about 30 mins I started to get into it a bit..... over 2 hours later and I decided I'd done
Think it looks pretty good, even if I do say so myself..
I do need to work on my glass cleaning though, damn streaks!
6 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Arms are knackered now, still able to lift a pint though of course
Anyways, I finally got round to giving her a bath this afternoon, once it had cooled down a bit.
Like I said in the original post, I'm not really into cleaning / detailing, but after about 30 mins I started to get into it a bit..... over 2 hours later and I decided I'd done
Think it looks pretty good, even if I do say so myself..
I do need to work on my glass cleaning though, damn streaks!
6 by the northern monkey, on FlickrArms are knackered now, still able to lift a pint though of course
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:23
Cheers all, its definitely keeping the grins coming, still loving it!
Can't stop taking pictures either... she has a big butt..
7 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Booked in for the timing belt change and service in weeks, can't wait to have that done for piece of mind.
Then its the tyres. Getting used to the feel of the car now so pushing it a little harder, the chassis is absolutely amazing. It corners so flat and controlled compared to anything else I've driven, the front end grip and turn in (even with the budgets) is confidence inspiring!
Can't stop taking pictures either... she has a big butt..
7 by the northern monkey, on FlickrBooked in for the timing belt change and service in weeks, can't wait to have that done for piece of mind.
Then its the tyres. Getting used to the feel of the car now so pushing it a little harder, the chassis is absolutely amazing. It corners so flat and controlled compared to anything else I've driven, the front end grip and turn in (even with the budgets) is confidence inspiring!
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:23
Quick update:
Had a bit of water ingress over last week on the passenger footwell and steaming up windows. Panicked slightly as I was hoping it wasn't the heater matrix, which fortunately it isn't.
After a bit of reading, it seems the gutter under the scuttle panel has a habit of getting clogged and then leak water into the footwell.
Cue a lot of swearing and a bit of prodding followed by the sound of about 1l of water gushing out under the car. Think its sorted the issue, but will check again this weekend. Wondering if I can manipulate a bit of mesh to cover the drain holes as they're about the size of a 10p piece.... am not surprised they get clogged!
2nd job has been to find the cabin filter. Thank lordy for the interwebs, I'd never have guessed it was behind the clutch pedal!
Should smell a bit nicer now...
8 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
I also have a K+N panel filter on the way to get her breathing clean, I'm just waiting for it to turn up.
Booked in at SJM Automotives on Tuesday for timing belt and a service ( http://www.sjmautomotive.co.uk ). Never been down that way, but is about 15 min walk from the centre of Glastonbury - any one recommend a decent place for lunch and a coffee?
Oh and for those that do know me, you'll know I enjoy searching for a bit of a bargain... I picked up this lot from a Renault parts specialist on eBay for £32 posted. Will hang on to it for now as SJM will swap out the oil while its in for a service, but I couldn't let it go at that price.
9 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Had a bit of water ingress over last week on the passenger footwell and steaming up windows. Panicked slightly as I was hoping it wasn't the heater matrix, which fortunately it isn't.
After a bit of reading, it seems the gutter under the scuttle panel has a habit of getting clogged and then leak water into the footwell.
Cue a lot of swearing and a bit of prodding followed by the sound of about 1l of water gushing out under the car. Think its sorted the issue, but will check again this weekend. Wondering if I can manipulate a bit of mesh to cover the drain holes as they're about the size of a 10p piece.... am not surprised they get clogged!
2nd job has been to find the cabin filter. Thank lordy for the interwebs, I'd never have guessed it was behind the clutch pedal!
Should smell a bit nicer now...
8 by the northern monkey, on FlickrI also have a K+N panel filter on the way to get her breathing clean, I'm just waiting for it to turn up.
Booked in at SJM Automotives on Tuesday for timing belt and a service ( http://www.sjmautomotive.co.uk ). Never been down that way, but is about 15 min walk from the centre of Glastonbury - any one recommend a decent place for lunch and a coffee?
Oh and for those that do know me, you'll know I enjoy searching for a bit of a bargain... I picked up this lot from a Renault parts specialist on eBay for £32 posted. Will hang on to it for now as SJM will swap out the oil while its in for a service, but I couldn't let it go at that price.
9 by the northern monkey, on FlickrEdited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:24
Brilliant thanks... I might go get a breakfast in a cafe somewhere, have a ponder around Glastonbury / Abbey and make my way over to Street once I get bored (I'd never of known about the shopping centre, cheers for the heads up!).
Will see if anythings happening at Colin Whites, seems they have a lot of 4x4's in the carpark!
Will see if anythings happening at Colin Whites, seems they have a lot of 4x4's in the carpark!
Life Lesson of Motoring #1 - always call the garage the day before to make sure they are expecting you, especially if its a 200 mile round trip 
Bit of a disaster due to miscommunication by both parties, but all sorted so won't go into detail... Dan was great and really really apologetic, will be going back next Wednesday
Anyway, it turned into a 200 mile round trip for a McDonalds breakfast wrap and a coffee. But what a trip it was!
Satnav decided to take me off at junction 22 of the M5, so I ended up driving the B roads al the way to Glasonbury. Zero traffic that early in the morning and the ridiculously straight "Butt Lake Road" was very fun.
10 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Anyway, after chatting with Dan for a while, I popped over to McDonalds to review a route home - I mean, I'd come all this way so I wanted to make something of it at least!
So I drove from Glastonbuy up to Wells, past Wookey Hole and up to Cheddar Gorge where I stopped for a few mins to look around.
11 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
12 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
I then went up Cheddar Gorge, across the Mendip Hills and ended up at Burrington. Then went up past Bristol Airport on the A38 to Bedminster and eventually joined the M5 at junction 18.
A positive day, as I got to bond with the R26.... maybe not the desired outcome, but that will be sorted soon!
Bit of a disaster due to miscommunication by both parties, but all sorted so won't go into detail... Dan was great and really really apologetic, will be going back next Wednesday
Anyway, it turned into a 200 mile round trip for a McDonalds breakfast wrap and a coffee. But what a trip it was!
Satnav decided to take me off at junction 22 of the M5, so I ended up driving the B roads al the way to Glasonbury. Zero traffic that early in the morning and the ridiculously straight "Butt Lake Road" was very fun.
10 by the northern monkey, on FlickrAnyway, after chatting with Dan for a while, I popped over to McDonalds to review a route home - I mean, I'd come all this way so I wanted to make something of it at least!
So I drove from Glastonbuy up to Wells, past Wookey Hole and up to Cheddar Gorge where I stopped for a few mins to look around.
11 by the northern monkey, on Flickr12 by the northern monkey, on FlickrI then went up Cheddar Gorge, across the Mendip Hills and ended up at Burrington. Then went up past Bristol Airport on the A38 to Bedminster and eventually joined the M5 at junction 18.
A positive day, as I got to bond with the R26.... maybe not the desired outcome, but that will be sorted soon!
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:24
More cleaning this weekend, before the rain hit today (dammit, I need a garage).
Tried a Farecla G3 Body Prep Clay Mitt after squareflops not shutting up about the damn thing
haha.
I've clayed cars before, but find it to be such a pita. Especially as I have problems with my hands and griping the clay gets difficult for me.
Loved the results though, paintwork feels like glass and with some wax and sealant its gleaming again!
Apologies in advance for my ugly mug, but I'm kinda enjoying this cleaning malarkey.
13 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
14 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
I really need to get rid of the "roadsail" tyres... thats next on the list once the timing belt is done.
Tried a Farecla G3 Body Prep Clay Mitt after squareflops not shutting up about the damn thing
haha.I've clayed cars before, but find it to be such a pita. Especially as I have problems with my hands and griping the clay gets difficult for me.
Loved the results though, paintwork feels like glass and with some wax and sealant its gleaming again!
Apologies in advance for my ugly mug, but I'm kinda enjoying this cleaning malarkey.
13 by the northern monkey, on Flickr14 by the northern monkey, on FlickrI really need to get rid of the "roadsail" tyres... thats next on the list once the timing belt is done.
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:25
Finally got the dates correct to see Dan at SJM Automotive ( https://www.facebook.com/SjmAutomotiveLtd ) for the timing belt, water pump, aux belt and an oil / filter change.
Dan is a fountain of knowledge on RenaultSport bits and pieces and a top bloke, gratefully he had a look over the car while it was in so he could give me a summary of anything than needed looking at / monitoring - the list is quite short which is great news from my POV!
1) The clutch release bearing is rattling slightly, so its time to start saving for a clutch kit. Quite an expensive job on the Megane (OEM parts are £600+) so wouldn't see much change from £900 -£1k. Fortunately it doesn't seem imminent (I guess you never know with these things), but is something to prepare for in case it starts to get worse.
2) Drivers side CV boot clip is no longer there. It went through its MOT less than a month ago so must have been there then (insecure CV boot is an MOT fail IIRC). Its an easy job and can be done without removing the driveshaft I think, so I've got the parts on order and will do it myself - cost me about £20 including the tool to crimp the CV clip and some CV grease.
3) This isn't an issue, but just something that is going to piss me off massively, to the point that I'll probably have to sort it in the future. Basically, one of the reasons for buying the R26 is the diff. However, it seems that at some point, the gearbox has been changed to a non-diff version... grrrrr
Having said that, I've obviously not noticed I have no diff, which I guess makes it a slightly moot point.
But having an R26 without a diff is like having 2 slices of bread and no bacon!
In other news, my K+N filter should be here tomorrow. Also, after having in depth whatsap conversations with squareflops over tyres (I have budget "roadsails" remember), I think a set of 4 Pilot Sport 3's are on the cards.
Dan is a fountain of knowledge on RenaultSport bits and pieces and a top bloke, gratefully he had a look over the car while it was in so he could give me a summary of anything than needed looking at / monitoring - the list is quite short which is great news from my POV!
1) The clutch release bearing is rattling slightly, so its time to start saving for a clutch kit. Quite an expensive job on the Megane (OEM parts are £600+) so wouldn't see much change from £900 -£1k. Fortunately it doesn't seem imminent (I guess you never know with these things), but is something to prepare for in case it starts to get worse.
2) Drivers side CV boot clip is no longer there. It went through its MOT less than a month ago so must have been there then (insecure CV boot is an MOT fail IIRC). Its an easy job and can be done without removing the driveshaft I think, so I've got the parts on order and will do it myself - cost me about £20 including the tool to crimp the CV clip and some CV grease.
3) This isn't an issue, but just something that is going to piss me off massively, to the point that I'll probably have to sort it in the future. Basically, one of the reasons for buying the R26 is the diff. However, it seems that at some point, the gearbox has been changed to a non-diff version... grrrrr
Having said that, I've obviously not noticed I have no diff, which I guess makes it a slightly moot point.
But having an R26 without a diff is like having 2 slices of bread and no bacon!
In other news, my K+N filter should be here tomorrow. Also, after having in depth whatsap conversations with squareflops over tyres (I have budget "roadsails" remember), I think a set of 4 Pilot Sport 3's are on the cards.
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:25
I didn't, although I did manage to go into a cafe (Hundred Monkeys) that specialised in vegan food and ask for a bacon roll 
It was a bloody good bacon roll though, home made rustic barm!
Went around Glastonbury Abbey for a bit, then got the bus to Street - seriously, thanks for the heads up on that one...
Made a terrible coffee last about 2 hours before heading back to SJM.
Think I need to find somewhere with wifi next time!
It was a bloody good bacon roll though, home made rustic barm!
Went around Glastonbury Abbey for a bit, then got the bus to Street - seriously, thanks for the heads up on that one...
Made a terrible coffee last about 2 hours before heading back to SJM.
Think I need to find somewhere with wifi next time!
I know the one, nearly went in there I think..
Anyway, todays job was replacing the air filter and tidying up the battery terminals.
The filter I removed was date stamped 2012... may not have been fitted in 2012, but it looked like it could have been!
Replaced with a K+N panel filter, can see the difference below..
16 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Didn't get a picture of the battery terminals, but they looked a bit worse for wear. The lithium grease used previously had dried out and flaked all over the battery.
Tomorrow I'll sort the CV gaiter temporarily, until my CV clip tool turns up.
Anyway, todays job was replacing the air filter and tidying up the battery terminals.
The filter I removed was date stamped 2012... may not have been fitted in 2012, but it looked like it could have been!
Replaced with a K+N panel filter, can see the difference below..
16 by the northern monkey, on FlickrDidn't get a picture of the battery terminals, but they looked a bit worse for wear. The lithium grease used previously had dried out and flaked all over the battery.
Tomorrow I'll sort the CV gaiter temporarily, until my CV clip tool turns up.
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:26
Cheers!
I'll be honest, I'm not massively clued up, but my understanding is below.
The F1 R26 230 is the 1st mk2 with a diff, 227 bhp and also has all the normal luxuries inside. Its actually quite a refined car to drive, subtle but quick when you need it.
The R26.R is the stripped out track version of the above, with plastic windows, roll cage, shorter throw shift and had an optional titanium exhaust from the factory.
The R26.R is about 130kg less than the R26 and therefore has softer springs and matched dampers, but AFAIK the chassis and LSD are the same on both cars. Power and engine are the same unit with 227bhp and 228lb torque. Only 230 R26.R's were sold in the UK!
I'll be honest, I'm not massively clued up, but my understanding is below.
The F1 R26 230 is the 1st mk2 with a diff, 227 bhp and also has all the normal luxuries inside. Its actually quite a refined car to drive, subtle but quick when you need it.
The R26.R is the stripped out track version of the above, with plastic windows, roll cage, shorter throw shift and had an optional titanium exhaust from the factory.
The R26.R is about 130kg less than the R26 and therefore has softer springs and matched dampers, but AFAIK the chassis and LSD are the same on both cars. Power and engine are the same unit with 227bhp and 228lb torque. Only 230 R26.R's were sold in the UK!
CV boot clip on.... pita that was!
17 by the northern monkey, on Flickr
Booked in for 4x Michelin Pilot Sport 2's on Saturday! Can't wait, the front "landsails" are bloody dangerous in the wet!
Also spotted I have a side light out, so will try to figure out what colour will match the xenons..
17 by the northern monkey, on FlickrBooked in for 4x Michelin Pilot Sport 2's on Saturday! Can't wait, the front "landsails" are bloody dangerous in the wet!
Also spotted I have a side light out, so will try to figure out what colour will match the xenons..
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Thursday 6th August 21:44
Edited by North3rn Monk3y on Friday 11th August 20:26
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