rolling road - any recommendations please? - Bedford area

Post by **ColinChandler** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:34 pm

Hello all,
Just been re-reading Minor Monthly and Roger Rust's article about getting his car set up properly on a rolling road after an engine rebuild. That seems a good idea to me so does anyone have any recommendations please? I live in Bedford in a similar area to Mr R. Rust so maybe there's somewhere that appreciates and understands a Morris nearby? Also does anyone have a rough idea of the cost too?
Many thanks, Colin.

Post by **jonathon** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 10:23 pm

Southam Mini Metro Center Napton on the Hill, Southam nr Coventry. Tel 01926 815681. Ask for Rod or Colin, a better place you will not find. A series specialists and multi champions in both rally and grass track cars.

Post by **ColinChandler** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:43 pm

Thanks Jonathon and also to Roger Rust who pm'd me and also recommended the Southam Mini Metro Centre. Your help is both much appreciated.
Best wishes, Colin.

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:48 pm

No probs Colin, if you go , do drop in on us ,were just the other side of the hill, always a cup of tea on the go!

Post by **Kevin** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:00 am

There is another one a bit nearer to you in Royston run by Peter Baldwin who is an A series specailist of many years standing.
Wilshers Garages, Cambridge Road, Wimpole, Royston, Cambs, SG8 5QE, 01223 207217

Post by **ColinChandler** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:34 pm

Thats brilliant so thanks to everyone for the contacts. My only problem is now what sort of biscuits to take with me to have with my cuppa.

Post by **jonathon** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:55 pm

Well we tend to favor chocolate Hob Nobs if you are making your way over to Napton. Might even supply them if you like.
SMMC often do Mini test and tune days on a weekend, might be an ideal opportunity for a group to have their Minors looked at and tuned correctly.

Post by **Matt** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:59 pm

*cough* web rally *cough*

Post by **jonathon** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:03 pm

You need to see a doctor Matt

Is your thought a tie up here or am I being dim. (you don't have to answer that)

Post by **Matt** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:11 pm

Yup, gayden in the morning rolling road for those who are interested in the afternoon ;)

Post by **d_harris** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:00 pm

Yeah, I hope you turn up to the Rally Jonathon

Post by **jonathon** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 11:13 pm

I most certainly will.
I can ask about a test and tune for those who interested only they will want a fair number to make it worth while.
I'll ask about this tomorrow, and get back to you.
Would this negate a good driving route or would you like me to prepare one anyway.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 11:21 pm

Peter Baldwins RR is 'famous' in the Mini world for giving higher BHP figures than any other RR! However - he is an absolute expert at setting up an A series engine - but when it's not a full race engine I wonder if you will actually get the great man himself - or one of his employees.

Post by **jonathon** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 11:33 pm

Ahh ! at SMMC you will always get either Rod the genius engine builder/ multi championship grass track engines and chassis or Colin his son expert set up artist, and race mechanic to several Monty Carlo mini racers/ winners.

Post by **alex_holden** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:22 am

jonathon wrote:I can ask about a test and tune for those who interested only they will want a fair number to make it worth while.

Roughly how much would it cost?

Post by **Judge** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 8:27 am

Dan_Harris wrote:Yeah, I hope you turn up to the Rally Jonathon

I was hoping that Jonathon would come on this years LEO

PS Sorry for the hijack

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:21 am

I'd love too Bill but time doesn't allow I'm afraid, and at the moment my cars in a million bits.

re rolling road, I have spoken with SMMC today and they are more than willing to do a test and tune day for you. They will need around 10 cars to make it worth their and your while though. could be 5 in the morning and the rest after dinner.
They can offer two services, a power run subject to a compression test and check over first, and a check compression test ,soft run and re check, adjust carb, timing etc as required and then a full power run.
The first option is £25 the second £50 plus any parts and VAT.
As with all rolling road sessions they will make a judgement on the engine condition before using the rollers, and should an engine mishap occur they assume no liability.
They are a pro outfit and rolling road every day nearly so they are not the reckless type.

Post by **alex_holden** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:07 am

I'd be interested in the tuning run. I need to get around to sorting out the brakes, manifold, carb, and exhaust upgrade on Fenchurch first though.

Post by **jon1739** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 2:34 pm

*said in a hushed tone* If you did get this organised I would love to feature it in the magazine.

I think a rolling road session is a wise investment, it doesn't have to be all about what power it makes, but making sure that everything is set up correctly, fueling, timing, etc.

Post by **Judge** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 3:10 pm

Go for it