Is the R26 Megane Better When Modified?

So, since picking up the Megane I've been almost adamant that it's a fantastic car straight from the factory, but as time goes on, I am starting to think that it could do with a little more noise, and a bit more drama.
So, I might add a couple of breathing mods to Megane, including a cat-back exhaust, front mount intercooler, and induction kit. How else would you modify the R26? let me know your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.
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[@marvingaines2356]

Would be nice to see your Meg modified more, these cars are beasts when upgraded.

[@85gt]

Thanks for the video. Have owned one since 09 and modified it quite extensively. Best mod I did was take weight out of the back and stiffen it, ala R26.R.

[@chazza114]

I’ve just bought one of these in black to match my Ph.1 172! The guy who sold me my Clio picked me up in a LY R26 and I decided I needed one in the future! Mines currently bone stock aside from a short-shift kit which I’d definitely recommend.

[@meshuggah18]

yep to all those mods, I'd recommend an Evol engineering lower gearbox mount and short shift (as you said) one of the best mods you can do. I refreshed the bushes/shock absorbers so yes to that too, feels nice and t-t-tiight after. Eibach springs are standard on the R26 btw, I have Cooksports on mine they give a nice drop (30-35mm) will make it a little bit crashy compared to standard but it' still comfortable (I been dailying mine 7 years). I know what you mean abouit lack of drama and rawness, I also came from a 172 cup (190bhp on cams) and it feels like it's asleep compared to the cup when giving it some stick, one I fitted the 3" ktec with decat and induction kit I was a lot happier. Not sure if you've done this already but putting the rear seats down adds some drama when going full bollocks, sounds like a jet taking off at the top of the rev range. If the clutch needs doing go for a single mass flywheel and R26.r clutch ( this is actually the same clutch as from the dci diesel, same part number) the response is improved with the smf. Power wise mine is running 290/300 and feels great, it doesn't feel overwhelmed when powering through the corners in 2nd, I get a bit of tyre slip but the lsd is still doing the job fine..and zero torque steer..they are so well set up. Looking forward to an update :) and ps the car looks great! Cheers

[@marvingaines2356]

Im about to get all my suspension bushes poly'd anyday now and done all my engine and gearbox mounts.

[@meshuggah18]

@@marvingaines2356 enjoy! Expect dash rattle like a volcanic eruption for the first couple of months, worth it for extra tighty tightness though

[@Roginator007]

I run 35 front 32 rear on PS4’s in mine.

[@myleshawkins8857]

I’m loving mine, want to keep it as standard as possible with only minor mods as it’s my daily. Done the intake and forge recirc valve, need an inter cooler, exhaust, remap and that will be me done power wise. Definitely want to mod the shifter and refresh bushes at some point but nothing is cheap on these ahah!!

[@Roginator007]

Mine has a forge intake and intercooler, ktec 3” exhaust, 250 turbo, 630 injectors running 296. Sound lovely and goes well

[@ChristopherGower]

I hadn’t considered Forge! Great shout

[@williamhints3337]

I absolutely loved my 225 CUP, I had the cat and a small back box. I’d remove the cat if I did it again. Also I had the ktec induction kit which are a pain to fit but well worth in sounds and intake. I also had the uprated intercooler and felt personally a huge difference! Also recirc valves are the best so the half and half, I had a BOV tho. Also Silicone hose kit all round and new injectors. Constantly ran on 99 octane. If you want you can remap after that but I thought it went well enough and didn’t want to stress or over wear anything as it was my daily.

[@hsustyle1]

Induction kit, recirc valve and h&r springs. Decat for a bit of drama. I've heard some with full exhaust, they are pretty loud especially for a daily. I had a quickshift on mine which made a big difference, will find you a link

[@mrt1392]

Another nice vid 👍 looking at prices on these the more you spend on mods the less resale value, depends on your goals with the car. I totally agree my 182 felt more fun to drive, r26 well planted bit safe

[@ChristopherGower]

That’s exactly why I’m torn on modifying it further. As you say, the further you stray from OEM the less residual value. That being said, I’ll keep all the original bits to hang on to if I do anything

[@kylem8811]

Come june you will have a stage 2+ S3 to test and try 😂😘

[@timbache2126]

Csr already running upgraded airtec intercooler chris 👍

[@ChristopherGower]

I literally had no idea! My bad 😂. Think I need to go read through the history too. I noticed the rear springs are aftermarket (eibach) just not sure on the front?

[@TheRatchet4234]

Have a look at a green filter Europe induction kit from france and a highflow cat or decat followed by a tune. If that's not enough power you can put a hybrid turbo on. Megane 3 turbos aren't worthwhile doing. You don't need bigger Injectors or a forged engine to run a hybrid turbo the people on internet forums are wankers injectors are at 40% duty stock. The only difference between a megane 2 and 3 engine is the turbo is a little more efficient and the megane 3 has VVT while the megane 2 doesn't other than that they are the same. The performance shop I go to here in Australia tells me you can run 28 psi on the stock internals and Im currently at 22 psi also they have changed and recalibrated some sensors to make the car boost consistently. Ktec parts arent the best quality stay away from them I know they are a popular but spend more money and get better quality parts their foam filter doesn't filter very well for daily use I can show you photos of what happens.