Recent Work

The #superswedeb4b collected from the legend that is @popbangcolour (and massive props to the associated team of wonderful people who helped style the trust @volvocaruk C30). Coventry to Edinburgh was mostly terrible rain and poor visibility, but here and ready to start the #NC500 from Inverness tomorrow with the rest of the #b4b2025 crew. Thanks to @samson_motors (@where_sleep_rests) for the car, @revive_bournemouth for the paints, all supporters for donations so far. Donations welcome at https://tinyurl.com/BANGERS-4-BEN-2025

We start our journey from the south coast up to Scotland for the NC500 tomorrow. Hope storm Amy is kind to us. Thanks for the car donation from @samson_motors, paint from @revive_bournemouth and fantastic artwork from @popbangcolour and the crew of incredible helpers 😘 Donations welcome, thanks to those who have supported the great cause that's close to our hearts. https://tinyurl.com/BANGERS-4-BEN-2025 #b4b2025 #bangers4ben2025 #bangers4ben

Couldn't let @popbangcolour have all the fun. Ian may have a degree in fine art, but my GCSE art came in clutch 🤣 I made a bad choice on glove... #b4b2025 #bangers4ben2025 #bangers4ben @bensupport4auto

As we approach this year's @bangers4ben_official we remember some of the previous vehicles that have all helped raised money for the cause. Some gems in here! #bangers4ben2025 #bangers4ben

This weekend it's @bangers4ben_official, we're hoping to get our car (to be revealed this week) to/from and around the NC500. Any donations welcome and appreciated https://tinyurl.com/BANGERS-4-BEN-2025

Engine rebuild in-a-box. Set of pistons, oil pump and all the gaskets. 998 turbo will be back together as the designated spare engine. #turbomini #classicmini #minispares

Captured here is either pre-race meditation of a totally prepared racer, or someone trying not to piss his race suit. I won't disclose which one.. 🤣 #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #brandshatch #minifestival #fmitw #fmitw2025 #downtonmotorclub

Lining up against this calibre of equipment was such an experience #turbomini #classicmini #brandshatch #fmitw #fmitw2025

My pit crew caught the moment the piston detonated from the garages. I'm hoping there's a High Def photo in existence to go on the wall with the trophy piston #turboproblems #classicmini #turbomini #brandshatch #fmitw

There's always the next build... #turbomini #classicmini #fmitw #fmitw2025 #turboproblems

Wounded mini is available to view in the Brands Hatch paddock today. Boost control failed and I momentarily had all the power #turbomini #classicmini #turboproblems

Gutted to not be on the grid tomorrow. The experience has been great, I'll be back.. #turbomini #classicmini

Setup in the paddock and a first test session complete this morning. I've got some pace to find to stick with the quick boys, but it's great to be here #brandshatch #turbomini #classicmini #fmitw #fmitw2025

23 years of bleeding knuckles on this mini. I've lost count how many times the engine has come out! Quite a few evolutions since it was a £30 MOT failure.. #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar

I struggled to find another historic style mirror in black to match my driver's one, but @jf3d_components has a lovely little set and with curved glass so I switched out the existing one too. Shame I couldn't use his mount on the offside as it's so light. Top quality as usual, across our cars we've got his handles, mirrors, roll cage brackets and steering wheel hook. #3dprinting #classiccar #classicmini

It looks the part and each sticker is 3hp, right? @thebritishmotorshow @helperformance @minispares @sustainfuels @cherished_vehicle_insurance @bagsportfab #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #brandshatch #fmitw #fmitw2025

Decal details separate the men from the boys. I'm going for top paddock prep just in case the track performance isn't gold standard 🤣 #turbomini #classicmini #brandshatch #fmitw #fmitw2025 #roadlegalracecar

Countdown is on to next weekend #classicmini #turbomini #roadlegalracecar #fmitw #fmitw2025

Final spanner checks and track wheels are going on ready for the @minifestivalofficial at @brandshatchofficial on 2nd/3rd August. #turbomini #classicmini #britishcars #classiccars #roadlegalracecar #fmitw #fmitw2025

I've not seen an A35 pickup before, only 500 made, a lovely example that was shown at @westmoorsclassiccarshow #classiccar #austina35 #britishcars

Great afternoon at @westmoorsclassiccarshow with the Toyota/Mazda truck, and dad's Jag got best classic award #classiccar #engineswap #jaguaretype

Wild Saturday night, I bet the pros don't stitch their overalls

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Went for the extra half turn and it didn't play out 😭 #turbomini #classicmini #turboproblems

It's like this car doesn't want to be raced... Now to get the turbo off and pray the other half comes out without a fight 🤞🏻 #classicmini #turbomini

How quickly the mood can swing in the garage. Was all built back up and then something else appears... #classicmini #turbomini

Testing my patience this week... A new oil leak. This time turbo oil feed. Total arse to reach, but we'll get there. #turbomini #turboproblems #classicmini

Reworked intake system after successful testing dump v recirc to improve lag. Lovely @forgemotorsport valve and the ever reliable @ramairfilters with plenty of @funkmotorsport protection. Getting close to the Mini Festival at @brandshatchofficial

Turbo oil drain leak was beyond paddock repair, but got home, stripped, modified and rebuilt in the afternoon. #turbomini #turboproblems #classicmini

Such a promising day to learn from some fellow competitors before August Mini Festival at @brandshatchofficial but car decided not to play ball #classicmini #turbomini

Gurston this weekend for another round of Downton Speed Series #downtonmotorclub #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini #miniclubman

So tightly packaged on the delta, that every job needs a partial deconstruction to reach the part. It's a marvel and a pain in equal measures. #classiccar #deltaintegrale #lanciadeltaintegrale

Pit shot from Combe sprint in May. 📸 By Tony Smith #classicmini #turbomini #hillclimbandsprint #downtonmotorclub #roadlegalracecar

Breathers upgraded to 1" throughout. Have options on dump/recirc to test at Gurston to look at improving launch #turbomini #classiccar #classicmini

The secret to a good wrinkle finish is to make sure your wife is out and use the oven to preheat and bake the part. #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini

Long term project is back. Customer was looking to sell and we've got ourselves a new shop truck. Mazda twin cam powered 1971 Hilux. Must be time to turbo it... #classiccar #engineswap

This cheeky chappie nearly caused me a mischief at the weekend. Throttle stuck on during roadtest #classiccar #britishcars #mgmidget

They say you can't smell a photo... #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini #roadlegalracecar

@castlecombecircuituk sprint last week with @bristol_pegasus_motor_club. 📸 by Tony Smith #classicmini #classiccar #miniclubman #downtonmotorclub #castlecombecircuit

Have to focus on the goal as I plan several loathed jobs lying underneath the car this weekend #classicmini #turbomini #brandshatch #downtonmotorclub

1960 Chevy Impala in for some tweaks, it's a big old bus with a 4.6l V8 #classiccar #chevroletimpala #chevy #yanktank

Some beauties on track today at @castlecombecircuituk for @bristol_pegasus_motor_club sprint

The keen early few with @cobbracing53 before tomorrow's sprint at @castlecombecircuituk with @bristol_pegasus_motor_club #downtonmotorclub #classicmini #classiccar #r53

New hardware for the track wheels and a light polish despite saying I'd leave them alone! 😂 #classicmini #turbomini #splitrims

Good Downton class entry for the sprint at @castlecombecircuituk this weekend. #downtonmotorclub #classicmini #classiccar

Twin turbo V8 moggy in the @gurstondownspeedhillclimb car park last week #classiccar #turbov8 #morrisminor

@msvtrackdayphotography @brandshatchofficial #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #fmitw

Soft compound tyres got a bit too hot on track, turning into Druids the wheels and tyres did not agree with the required angle. Lesson learnt! #turbomini #classiccar #classicmini

Drove the tyres off at Brands last week. Fortunately no damage to rim or anything else #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #brandshatch

A great trackday at @brandshatchofficial last week with @msvtrackdays. Turbo went well and a great chance to familiarise myself with the circuit for @minifestivalofficial in August. #turbomini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #msvtrackdayphotography

@nigel_samson testing the rear end grip in triangle corner at @loton_park this weekend. Photo by Chris Yates. #classicmini #downtonmotorclub #hillclimbandsprint

@captureyourcarphotography with a cracking shot of the turbo at @loton_park this weekend. The setup not good for the hills, but a decent shakedown for the car at a brilliant event with the @downtonmotorclub #turbomini #classicmini #hillclimbandsprint #downtonmotorclub

Technology? Never heard of her. Looking forward to testing #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #hillclimbandsprint #downtonmotorclub

Got the @wired_remote GoPro setup installed tonight, ready for what looks like a wet @loton_park this weekend #hillclimb #turbomini #classicmini #downtonmotorclub #roadlegalracecar

Valve stem seals done on the 911 and she's looking rather pretty #911 #porsche911 #porsche #classiccar #aircooledporsche

Keyhole surgery to avoid taking the tank fully out. Why? Because I couldn't be arsed with leaking fuel everywhere #classicmini #turbomini #classiccarlife

Some lowered height @protechshocks shocks to stop the suspension bottoming out on the turbo #classicmini #protechshocks #britishmade

@dunlop_eu mig slicks for circuit work from @hptyresltd. There goes another excuse, but don't worry, I got plenty! #turbomini #classicmini #classiccars #downtonmotorclub

Ok, so it might be possible in the car, but a hassle to say the least. So out she comes 🤣 one bolt from the exhaust came out in tact, the others decided to not play #aircooledporsche #porsche911 #porsche #classiccar

MOT'd and taxed, she's road legal again. #roadlegalracecar #classicmini #turbomini #classiccar

Is it possible to change Porsche 911 valve stem seals with the engine in situ? Yes. Is it the easiest way? I don't think so 😭#porsche #porsche911 #aircooledporsche #classiccar

Dream car, but will working on one burst the bubble? #porsche911 #porsche #classiccar

The lovely @carbonweezel bumper has been modified following my attempts to melt the resin 🫣 bit of @funkmotorsport flourish too, just because. #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

Turbo life is a constant battle against the heat in generated, inlet heat shield made from @funkmotorsport barrier sheet. My first time using this and I'm impressed, will be using this again for sure. #turbomini #classiccar #classicmini #turboeverything #funkmotorsport

I focused on the exhaust exit to get the ground clearance and allow future flat floor diffuser, however, managed to get bumper hot enough on the Dyno for it to complain. Luckily @carbonweezel was able to provide two more mounting brackets so will trim accordingly #turbomini #classicmini

GBC17 adding a touch of boost to the 998 a-series #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #downtonmotorclub #roadlegalracecar

Visit to Neil Slark to give the engine some Dyno time. Got hot enough to melt some stuff, but everything working as intended. Conservative timing and safe fuelling giving some good power and torque #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub #classiccars

After a couple of variations, the final plumbing for oil cooler is done. @helperformance fittings, bracket and supplied the Setrab cooler #turbomini #classicmini #helperformance #roadlegalracecar

@madmatt_rs put me onto this stuff and now no fixing is safe.. plus helps me stop wondering late at night if I tightened that bolt or not 🤣 #turbomini #classiccars #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub #classicmini

Beware the last minute "what if?", but better it's done right #turbomini #classicmini #classiccars

There's a reason my bleed valve isn't within reach!! #turbomini #turboeverything #dynotuning

The 80's car using 90's ignition controlled with a 00's laptop. The level of technology I'm happy with. Timing all checked and ready for fuelling to be adjusted on rolling road. #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub #classiccars

Shame to see a brilliantly prepared libre car get split for parts, but wasn't going to let some lightweight handling upgrades from @slcustomsminis get away.. #classicmini #turbomini #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub #classiccars #addlightness

First heat cycle on the turbo and the colours are starting to show. Dyno next week, can't wait. #turbomini #classicmini #turboeverything #downtonmotorclub

A day after it's running and just needs clutch bleeding... An impromptu clutch change! It's all part of the process, apparently 😂 #turbomini #classicmini #classiccarlife

She lives! AFR and timing seem to be about right, good enough to get to the Dyno for tuning #turbomini #classicmini #classiccars #downtonmotorclub #roadlegalracecar

Matched the cars mileage on the digital odometer, if the Speedo sender and pulse calcs are correct I should have a nice accurate Speedo too! #classicmini #turbomini #classiccars #retromod

I may not be running today, but it's nice to get back to a track and catch up with some fellow competitors, and a clean bill of health from scrutineer. #turbomini #classicmini #classiccars #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

She's got a date with an @ourmotorsportuk eligibility scrutineer tomorrow to see if I've read the book correctly.. #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub #classiccars

A late night strip of the carb wasn't on the cards, but thankfully only a couple of tools needed.. and the carb wasn't even to blame!! #turbomini #classicmini #downtonmotorclub #sucarbs

Oil cooler right in the air stream, some lines to make up, but a definite improvement on the previous efforts. Front end going back together this evening #turbomini #classicmini #classicmini #downtonmotorclub

A winning combination of Setrab and @helperformance for the dinky cooler. The brackets are a fantastic upgrade from the usual holey metal strip. #turbomini #classicmini #downtonmotorclub

Back end complete. That's the exhaust tucked up nice and high, a pretty flat floor and the fuel system all back together. With the uprated tow points and rain light that's this end ready to race. Just need to get the important end buttoned up #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

Perhaps change the clutch fluid sometimes? 😂 New hydraulic system on the MGBGT and it's back on the road. #mgbgt #classiccar #britishcars

The trio of MGs recently is complete with this one having lost clutch hydraulics #mgbgt #britishcars #classiccar

Bit of a MG fest at the moment, few bits and pieces to sort on this one. #mgmidget #britishcars #classiccar

Time to get back onto the MGBGT, been ignored in the corner for too long. #classiccar #mgbgt #britishcars

The supervisor has given the engine bay a once over and come up with her final snag list before we're good to crank. Scrutineer to review next week.. 😱 #turbomini #classiccar #classicmini #downtonmotorclub #fmitw2025

Woken up from winter hibernation, couple of bits to sort that are suffering from barn storage (Bill, it's time to build it a garage...) #britishcars #mgbgt #classiccar

The most iconic British car? Certainly don't get tired of looking at it #jaguaretype #etype #britishcars #classiccar

Last bit of work on wiring, and unfortunately it's going to involve posting myself in there, upside down. But then door bars can go in and cabin is pretty much done #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

Abarth 695 Ferrari Tributo has been in for service, cambelt and water pump. Some nice little touches on this model, with some really comfy carbon backed sabelt alcantara seats. Only 152 UK cars were made available. Up for sale soon. #fiat500abarth #695abarth #695ferraritributo

The intrusive thoughts won. It's all part of a plan.. I think. #classicmini #turbomini #roadlegalracecar

Dash bar and steering column install complete the points of contact for driver. Just door bars to fit before all safety related stuff is done. Time to concentrate some energy and time in the engine bay.. #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

The fight for space and neat arrangement continues.. battery cable, fire suppression, fuel lines and pull cables all starting and finishing in different places 🤯 #classicmini #classiccar #turbomini #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

Sourced a spare ashtray from a herald to butcher as a removable phone holder. Sad but it's a need these days, more for GPS speedo and diversions than anything else. #triumphvitesse #britishcars #classiccar #triumphsportssixclub

Getting a remote handbrake to work seemed like a simple task, but took quite some time to sort. Used a modified knott brake cable from a trailer and adjusted mini hardware. Don't "need" one for a track only car or could have used hydraulic, could have located it anywhere for a road car with plenty of options. But wanted to have it in reach in case of an issue with the standard brake system as a last resort. The challenges with keeping a track focused classic road legal! 🤡 #classicmini #turbomini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub