Recent Work

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

Some reassembly to make sure all the fixed location items are in before running fuel lines and fire extinguisher piping. The next bit is fiddly but needs to be done right. #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub #classiccar

There's been a few variations on the intercooler pipework over the years.. have plenty of options this time! #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

Time to start on the fuel lines, @helperformance is our choice, great products and brilliant service #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #turbomini #classicmini

Getting a bit ahead of myself mocking up intercooler piping when there's so much else to do! But starting to resemble a proper engine bay #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

The beautiful @bagsportfab manifold kit and @garrettmotion GBC turbo arrived in March '23, so it's a bit embarrassing to only start looking purposeful now!! 🙈 #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #classiccar

Swipe to fit the engine. I wish it was as easy as that! Dropped in and now the real work begins as I raid the pile of parts to try and find everything! #classiccar #classicmini #roadlegalracecar #turbomini

What's taking so long? Err, everything! 🤣 #racecar #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini #roadlegalracecar #modifyeverything

Think that's the final piece of the puzzle for the interior. Quick fitment check with new battery and passenger seat and think it's time to strip it all (again) and colour it in. #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini #roadlegalracecar

Bit less room in passenger footwell, but they'll have to make do if they agree to get in 😂. New pipework to work up for the discharge nozzles and a rethink on the operating cables #roadlegalracecar #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini

Even I think I may have gone too far for a light bracket 😂 but cannot resist the dimple dies! #addlightness #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini #roadlegalracecar

The additional minimum safety upgrades from hillclimb & sprint to circuit racing are the fire extinguisher and rain light, so time to throw these at the turbo build. #classicmini #turbomini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar #downtonmotorclub

Digital Speedo integration into 80's mini triple clocks, some finessing required, but concept is good to go #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini #restomod

With velour seats and massive dash with square gauges, this series 2 Fiat 131 supermirafiori marks the entry to the 80's on interior design #fiat131 #supermirafiori #classiccar

For a short while yesterday, I had the steering wheel in to check some concepts before it all came back out for mods and final tweaks. It is progress, but slow pace at the moment #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #downtonmotorclub

Was always gutted I couldn't run this wheel in the hillclimb car, but since we stole the semi-dished one from my turbo for it, I guess it'll have to live in the silver stead now #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #downtonmotorclub

A trial fit of the road/trackday passenger seat at least proves that it all works when needed. Handbrake and battery cut-off left to package within reach of harnessed driving position #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar

That'll do, think I can look to get it into a single colour and then start adding some good stuff. #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar

Tidied up some old butchery from years ago, added some lightness. The inside of the turbo is almost ready for the next stage.. #turbomini #classiccar #classiccar #roadlegalracecar

The @kentautodevelopments internal gear linkage kit is fantastic. All the hardware necessary to sort the conversion. Waiting on new @ompracing seat to arrive before the driving position can be finalised. #classicmini #turbomini #classiccar

The classic mini steering column is hiding a 9/16-36 spline, same as a MkII Escort. UJ unlocks massive steering wheel adjustment to get that driver position just right #classicmini #classiccar #miniturbo

Column mount sorted. When people wonder why projects take so long, it's because these took two hours to make, and they are relatively simple! #classiccar #classicmini #turbomini

Workshop supervisor owns the floorspace, if you lay down expect a space invader #shopdog #cockerspaniel

MGA in for some winter refinement. We do seem to have a lot of red classics in Dorset! #classiccar #britishcars #mgaroadster #mg

Thanks to @captureyourcarphotography we get to see Nigel's close call at @loton_park from last year for the whole month. Right place at the right time for this incredible shot. #classiccar #classicmini #hillclimbandsprint #downtonmotorclub #lotonparkhillclimb

Lifesaver for 80's/90's brittle plastic trim. Hot staple plastic welder is a great little tool. #classiccar #keepoldcarsalive

The Recaro seats were an option on all other versions of the Integrale but standard in the Evo2. A very comfy but purposeful seat. #deltaintegrale #lanciadelta #classiccar

Some fun and games changing the handbrake cable on the Integrale. It's all got a specific order and quite involved, but worth it. #deltaintegrale #lanciadelta #classiccar

I don't get tired of seeing this Evo 2 Delta. Couple of leaks to investigate and some odd bits to keep on top of. #classiccar #deltaintegrale #lanciadelta

November 2011 and today, it seems to be the season for empty engine bays... Maybe I'm the problem? #turbomini #classicmini #classiccar #britishcars

Family drive in the "two seater beater" this afternoon #classiccar #triumph #triumphvitesse #britishcars

The Mazda MX5 engine fits quite nicely in the Toyota Hilux engine bay. Loads of induction noise and plenty of room for a turbo system... 🤔 #engineswap #toyotahilux #mazdaengine #classiccar

First wash and a road test for the Mazda powered Toyota Hilux. The "new" cortina rear axle has a much better final ratio and can finally make use of the six speed MX-5 gearbox #engineswap #classiccar #toyotahilux #mazdaengine

Unwritten workshop rule: Any seat that comes out of a car, belongs to the dog #shopdog #cockerspaniel #ififitsisits

Amazing dash in this 1956 Jaguar XK140. The photo doesn't do the wood justice. A lovely place to sit on the comfy leather sofa, just so long as you aren't too tall, the pedal offset and large wheel are rather restrictive to driver leg length. #jaguarxk #jaguarxk140 #xk140 #classiccar #britishcars

E-Type toolkit, a factory option and now sought after by enthusiasts, jaguar branded tools either in a tin or a leather roll depending on model. #jaguaretype #etype #britishcars #classiccar

When the parts pile for the project reaches this size, it must be time to make some progress... #classicmini #turbomini #classiccar #roadlegalracecar

The ugly side of restomod... Shoehorning modern electronics and associated loom into old cars that don't have much room 🤮 #classiccar #restomod #engineswap

Semaphores are functional again on the 1955 Morris Minor #classiccar #britishcars #morrisminor

Some odds and sods to do on this 1955 series II Morris Minor. Owner wants the semaphores functional, but separate to the retrofitted indicators #morrisminor #britishcars #classiccar

Sunbeam Rapier in this week for a safety check and once over. Still used every week and surely a rare old beast these days. #sunbeam #sunbeamrapier #britishcars #classiccar #rootesgroup

After multiple changes of plan, I finally have a turbo oil drain. Had to modify a rather lovely @kentautodevelopments pinion support housing to include a drainage point but it's done! Love the combination of components on this. #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar

The GBC is a great little turbo, should massively outperform the previous bigger units. A couple of final puzzle pieces to sort then the engine can go in #turbomini #classicmini #roadlegalracecar

E-Type and Vitesse looking resplendent at @national_motor_museum this morning. A great and varied turnout already for Simply British #classiccar #britishcars #triumphvitesse #jaguaretype #beaulieu

Vitesse is clean and ready for @national_motor_museum on Sunday #triumph #triumphvitesse #vitesse #britishcars #classiccar