Recommendations for tuning in Midlands area

[mandalman]

Evening all.

 

Shameful confession time. Due to work commitments I haven't used my Caterham in almost a year. However, It was overdue an MOT so I took it down this morning. Even though it had sat outside on my drive (under cover) in all that time, it started unaided on the third try. Got love 'em. Anyway, it passed so I am going to make a determined effort to use it more and i may even get out to some club evenings for the first time ever!

Now to the point of my post. The emission check at the MOT station revealed that it is running very lean and suggested it would benefit greatly from being tuned. They did not feel confident tuning twin carbs themselves and suggested finding a specialist.

I've used N J Potter in Leicester for general work in the past but I was hoping to find a tuning specialist closer to my home in Birmingham. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance

 

[29south]

Northampton Motorsport every time - not round corner granted, but worth the journey

[Mavic82]

8 too would say Northampton Motorsport, however in the Birmingham area I would also recommend Alton automotive. Particularly for tuning on Webber carbs. They looked after several of my race cars.

if he has not retired yet then Roger is your man

[Edzup Ezzer]

I think Mavic means Aldon Automotive.

[7 wonders of the world]

If the OP's footnote is correct we are talking about a 1999 SLR - TB's and MEMS

 

[StevehS3]

Is it running lean or possibly sucking air in through the exhaust joints [and thereby reading lean on the tester's sensor]?

[mandalman]

I would have no idea Steve - I am a total mechanical numpty. Just going on what the MOT tester told me but obviously he didn't investigate. I guess taking it to a tuner who reveal what the problem was?

[StevehS3]

See if the exhaust primaries rattle or move or seem a loose fit. See the attached which was mine - albeit an extreme case but was certainly drawing air in. Looking over threads about MOT failures, often it is because of running lean. Do Caterhams really run lean?

[StevehS3]

See if the exhaust primaries rattle or move or seem a loose fit. See the attached which was mine - albeit an extreme case but was certainly drawing air in. Looking over threads about MOT failures, often it is because of running lean. Do Caterhams really run lean?

[mandalman]

Thanks Steve, that was an extremely useful video which prompted me to check mine. I assume exhaust 'primaries' are the first joint after the tubes exit the bodywork (sorry but mechanically I am criminally uninformed). Mine does not seem to exhibit any rattling or looseness although interestingly my inspection did reveal that the upper retaining bracket is cracked right the way through, so effectively doing nothing. The second joint is extremely secure with a large clip. 

For now I am going to assume a tuning problem. I have put myself on the waiting list for Aldon Automotive (estimate 8 weeks). I'm taking it as a good sign that they are so busy but I think i could get in to see my GP before they get to look at my car. Not to worry. Like many owners I'm sure, mine is not a daily driver so it won't hurt to wait