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Rob's R26



RMDavis

ClioSport Club Member
So after the saga of my Impreza (Details here: http://www.cliosport.net/threads/robs-1995-impreza-wrx-sti-type-ra.801704/ )

I knew that I wanted to get something a little more modern, and that still excited in the twisty's, track etc

I've always liked the Mk2 Megane, it's a quirky looking car and IMO looks even better in 'RS' guise!

Which bring me to the Impreza's replacment my 2008 Renault Megane F1 Team R26 finished in 'Black Gold'

I originally ignored the black cars as I really fancied a bright/lairy colour such as yellow, red, white, or blue. However after looking for a while and finding cars in these colours with poor history (within my budget of 5k) I decided that service history, and a stack of invoices from likie mined previous owners was more important.

I came across this car, and after a lengthy cht over the phone with the owner he seemed like a decent chap, and the R26 had obviously been well looked after with many important components including the swivel hubs being renewed. My preconceptions of the colour were blown away when I first saw it, and after a good look round and a road test, a deal was made and the R26 is now my fourth Renault Sport model!

Heres the advert description:

***
95k miles
First registered 09/07/2008
2 previous Keepers
Mot till 23/02/2018

Full service history up to date using only main dealer and independent Renaualt specialists
Just been serviced at Two Techs Renault specialists in Dartford.
Recently had new plugs and coil packs from Renault parts direct
Tracking and alignment done recently with printouts

Spec:
Standard R26 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres all round
Brembo front brakes with Ferodo ds2500 pads and standard rears
Factory LSD
R26R rear spoiler
Scorpion silencer
New Cooksport springs all round
Air conditioning
Power folding mirrors
Power steering
Central locking
Cruise control
Recaro Trendline seats with no rips or tears to bolsters
New leather gear gaiter
Genuine Renault sport mats
Immaculate rear seat
Pioneer touch screen head unit with apple play

Cambelt and auxiliary belt changed at 62881 miles at Renault services Rugby

Overall the car is in well looked after condition. There is the odd small age related mark on the car but nothing that stands out as offensive
***

In hindsight I should of bit the bullet, and bought one of these a long time ago! It's a fantastic car and as many have said it's like a 'grown up Clio' and what I mean by that is if you take what makes a Clio great and just refine it a little in a larger car.

The drive home was a lot of fun ignoring the obligatory traffic on the M25... Whilst enjoying the drive I had already started thinking about the first mods and what I want to do with the car. I can see the car going down the 'Clubsport' route similar to what I did with my Trophy, think of an R26R but not as hardcore. Caged, but with carpet and full audio etc with the plan to have a fast road car that will be also used out on track.

One thing that I'm not a huge fan of right now is how quiet the exhaust is and how soulless the engine note is! This is already being addressed with a Milltek cat back exhaust system on order (de-cat to follow) and a KTR Induction kit with larger intake hose.

Another problem (or it might just be me) is the poor gear selection. I'm often selecting 5th when I wanted 3rd and when I want 5th it can be tricky, and don't even get me started on selecting 6th! It's quite shocking that Renault didn't put a gate on reverse as I imagine you could easily make an expensive mistake! (Unless they do and mines already broken!) 😂

Any advice on gear selection problems would be most appreciated!

For now the only photos I have are from the advert, and I will let them do the talking!

Very excited for CSF17 as the last two years I've attended have not disappointed and it will be great to see how the R26 performs on track!

renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-1.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-2.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-3.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-4.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-5.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-6.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-7.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-8.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-9.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-10.jpg
renault-renaultsport-megane-renaultsport-f1team-r26-S3004524-11.jpg


Thanks for looking!

Rob.
 

Akay

ClioSport Club Member
  Clubman Cooper S
Looks great, what do you need to look out for on these apart from the usual?
 

RMDavis

ClioSport Club Member
Ha yep. Lee did my matching gear gaiter. Top man
That makes sense, he said he did vehicle upholstery.
Looks great, what do you need to look out for on these apart from the usual?
Thanks mate, among many guides online, forums etc I found this one on Pistonheads to be helpful.

https://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-buying-guides/renaultsport-megane-2-ph-buying-guide/28558
Excellent stif Robsteinas!!
Cheers Mark! [emoji5]
Very nice, a lot of car for the money!
There's plenty of decent cars out there mate!

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
 

massiveCoRbyn

ClioSport Club Member
  Several
That looks really great, especially given the mileage. You'd never think it had nearly 100k on it judging by the pictures! Great car for the money.

There is a short shift mod you can do on some MK2 RS models, but I don't know if it can be done to the R26. Have a look on www.rsmegane.com, you should find details on there I would have thought :)
 

mintno1

ClioSport Club Member
  Ph1 172 / Mk1 Valver
Loved the R26 I test drove, the LSD made it for me, great fun, may end up with one myself at some point, shame about the Impreza but hopefully onwards and upwards, look forward to seeing what you do with it :up:
 

Clio_fool

ClioSport Club Member
Looks great, they are great fun. I was tempted by an R26 but had to scratch the clio itch. Really enjoyed my time in a megane, I've expressed an interest in the new one with my local renaultsport dealer!
 

leedsboy

ClioSport Club Member
  Bean 182 + E70 X5
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this.

I'd love a R26, probably on the cards after we get a house deposit sorted.
 

leeds_182

North Yorkshire & Humber
ClioSport Area Rep
Lovely motor mate.

Looking back I think we Would have both been better off of we'd have done that deal on the rallye!
 

RMDavis

ClioSport Club Member
That looks really great, especially given the mileage. You'd never think it had nearly 100k on it judging by the pictures! Great car for the money.

There is a short shift mod you can do on some MK2 RS models, but I don't know if it can be done to the R26. Have a look on www.rsmegane.com, you should find details on there I would have thought :)
Cheers mate. I was also surprised on how good the car looks for it's mileage.

It would of been nice to of gotten a car with a few less miles, but I'm hoping it's thorough maintenance will counter act this.

There's seems to be a few Megane's on the forum, with well over 100k being used as intended which is promising!
Loved the R26 I test drove, the LSD made it for me, great fun, may end up with one myself at some point, shame about the Impreza but hopefully onwards and upwards, look forward to seeing what you do with it :up:
Yeah the LSD was a real selling point for me. After experiencing the Quaife in my Trophy it it really is a must for any decent FWD!
I know someone selling a short shift if you want. Its miles better with it
Thanks @Danith I'd certainly be interested in one of those.
Looks great, they are great fun. I was tempted by an R26 but had to scratch the clio itch. Really enjoyed my time in a megane, I've expressed an interest in the new one with my local renaultsport dealer!
I was very tempted to just get another 182, but after selling all those choice modifications I had, I would be mental to start another Clio project from scratch again!
Looking forward to seeing what you do with this.

I'd love a R26, probably on the cards after we get a house deposit sorted.
Thanks bud I hope it doesn't disappoint!

Either way I'd highly recommend one!

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
 

massiveCoRbyn

ClioSport Club Member
  Several
Cheers mate. I was also surprised on how good the car looks for it's mileage.

It would of been nice to of gotten a car with a few less miles, but I'm hoping it's thorough maintenance will counter act this.

There's seems to be a few Megane's on the forum, with well over 100k being used as intended which is promising!

Yeah the engines seem to take the miles pretty well and, provided you keep on top of the suspension, there's no reason it shouldn't give you years of fun if you want it.

Bit more power and a short shift is meant to do wonders for them too.
 

RMDavis

ClioSport Club Member
Lovely motor mate.

Looking back I think we Would have both been better off of we'd have done that deal on the rallye!
Cheers mate. I think you're right!

That was a lovely car, and so was that supercharged Saxo you had!

Ah well, you know what they say about hindsight...
When you fitting The scene Porsche wheels?

View attachment 540329
As good as they look on yours bud, they are probably a step in wrong direction for mine! [emoji23]

I'd love a set of R26R wheels though, in red!

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
 
  Ph2 Meg 225
Looks great R spoiler makes such a difference! As well as the short shift I'd look at putting new engine mounts on too, the gear change should stiffen up if the current ones are quite worn :)
 
Get a short shift on it, and a CGR decat.

Could've bought my Ktec exhaust off me if I'd have known!

Have a look at R26R headlights, also on some GT models.

Also the colour is Deep Black, but your TOWIE eyes probably see sparkles all day so you think it's Black Gold.


Looks great mate, do love them hence why I've just got another!
 

Mr R.

ClioSport Club Member
  A special one.
Looks great mate and with lots of nice history too.

Looking forward to seeing you and traveling up together. [emoji41]
 
Lovely car.
The gear selection is a bit wishy washy I've noticed too.
Luckily it's a lift up reverse so selecting an accidental sixth shouldn't happen.
My dmf is on its last legs so gear selection even trickier if pushing on.
Mine came decated and with a scorpion exhaust and induction kit which makes lots of nice noises!
 

Christopher

ClioSport Club Member
  Z4M
Gutted about the Impreza, I loved that car but I can see why you did it.
Nice R26 too. Looks like a VERY good one.
 

RMDavis

ClioSport Club Member
Looks great R spoiler makes such a difference! As well as the short shift I'd look at putting new engine mounts on too, the gear change should stiffen up if the current ones are quite worn :)
I agree mate. I'm glad this one already has the R spoiler as it would of been an essential purchase!
Get a short shift on it, and a CGR decat.

Could've bought my Ktec exhaust off me if I'd have known!

Have a look at R26R headlights, also on some GT models.

Also the colour is Deep Black, but your TOWIE eyes probably see sparkles all day so you think it's Black Gold.


Looks great mate, do love them hence why I've just got another!
Haha! Many apologies Megane Master! [emoji6] when you mention the R26R headlamps are they the black insert xenon units?

I wasn't sure what exhaust to go for, but I can get hold of Milltek systems very cheaply through work so it made sense.
Looks great mate and with lots of nice history too.

Looking forward to seeing you and traveling up together. [emoji41]
Cheers Scott! I'm really looking forward to CSF are you definitely coming?
Lovely car.
The gear selection is a bit wishy washy I've noticed too.
Luckily it's a lift up reverse so selecting an accidental sixth shouldn't happen.
My dmf is on its last legs so gear selection even trickier if pushing on.
Mine came decated and with a scorpion exhaust and induction kit which makes lots of nice noises!
Now this worries me... My gear selector doesn't have anything to lift whatsoever!

You can put it straight into sixth gear! I assume that means I've got a problem with me gear selector!
Gutted about the Impreza, I loved that car but I can see why you did it.
Nice R26 too. Looks like a VERY good one.
Thanks Christopher, as much as I loved the RA the bottom end fault was the final straw and I just had to move on.

I'm hoping the R26 will serve me well!

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Mr R.

ClioSport Club Member
  A special one.
Sure am mate. I'll buy my ticket this week.
Am I right in thinking your going up on the Saturday morning?
 
I agree mate. I'm glad this one already has the R spoiler as it would of been an essential purchase!Haha! Many apologies Megane Master! [emoji6] when you mention the R26R headlamps are they the black insert xenon units?

I wasn't sure what exhaust to go for, but I can get hold of Milltek systems very cheaply through work so it made sense

They're the black insert halogen units, look ten times better.

When you say you can get them cheaply through work. Are you back at the old place we both used to work at!?
 

JP83

South Central-Oxfordshire
ClioSport Area Rep
Was sad to read about the Scooby, but looks like you've got yourself a decent R26 to make your own now Rob. Look forward to the updates!
 

RMDavis

ClioSport Club Member
Sure am mate. I'll buy my ticket this week.
Am I right in thinking your going up on the Saturday morning?
That's great news mate!

I'm heading up on the Friday though. Leaving basingstoke at midday!
They're the black insert halogen units, look ten times better.

When you say you can get them cheaply through work. Are you back at the old place we both used to work at!?
Ah they well look much better against the black paintwork. Especially as a very inconsiderate spider has decided to die inside my offside headlamp and is properly wedged in there! [emoji23]

I'm not working for Euro's mate but still in the motor trade.
@RMDavis unless the r26 has a different gearbox. I've got a 2004 225 with the Nissan 6 speed box they came with. My reverse is a lift up same style as the 172's.

How do you get reverse in yours?
Well I know the R26 has the diff do maybe it's a different gearbox also?

To select reverse I just straight across to the right and down next to sixth.

@Feirny is this the same as yours?

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JamesBryan

ClioSport Club Member
  Titanium 182
Definitely lift up then right and down next to 6th for reverse.

Boxes are near enough the same on the 225 and R26 aside from the diff. Ph1's 225 had a different gear selector on the box too.
 

RMDavis

ClioSport Club Member
Wonder if the lift mechanism is stuck in the lift position allowing you to just throw it across.

Might be someone with more meg experience to enlighten us soon.
Pull yer knob off and see if the spring is broken or there at all. It should just twist off, I swapped mine yesterday so it's all fresh in the mind.
Nope, it's a collar up reverse.
Cheers guys! I've fixed it!

I remember Lee saying he replaced the gear gaiter recently.

So stripped it down and found the plastic shaft not positioned correctly and it had jammed the lift up.

Now refitted it's working perfectly!

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