77 replies to this topic

[techieboy]

Does anyone know the locations of the drive-by mics?

Here's one I prepared earlier. They're theoretically mobile but I've never seen them in any other positions.



It's the first and third meter that are the problems. The one just after turn 1, is where you're probably at max rpm in 2nd gear. Meter 3 is just before a tight corner where the chances are you've just changed down to second.

Edited by techieboy, 03 February 2010 - 04:44 PM.

[SteveA]

Is it an ACW circuit?

[techieboy]

Err, yes. It is. Took me a while to think about that. Just realised I linked to the wrong map, so updated it with an arrow as well.

Edited by techieboy, 03 February 2010 - 04:45 PM.

[SteveA]

So there is quite a big bit of track between mics 1 & 2 to hoon it.

[techieboy]

So there is quite a big bit of track between mics 1 & 2 to hoon it.

Oh yes.

[VIX]

The one just after turn 1, is where you're probably at max rpm in 2nd gear.

Having just bounced off the rev limiter!

[c_w]

But there's no need for any gripes. Everybody knows Bedford has the strictest noise regs of any track in the country. If you have anything louder than a box standard saloon car then you need to be sure. The onus is on the driver to get the noise checked beforehand, or run the risk of getting kicked off. Yes, it's a pain in the arse but they're more than happy to measure your noise levels before the event and run it around the track for driveby readings. If somebody can't be bothered and trip a meter, then it's tough sh!t. I'm pretty sure that kicking people off the track isn't the best bit of the day for the staff there.

And when is this noise testing "service" available? I've heard of it not necessarily being on the day itself which is not practical for most people (I've never known a car to be out on track before the briefing).

But then doesn't the thought of letting a marshall drive the car to possibly breach the limit make a mockery of it all - because if they do break the limit what happens then?? what's the difference between a marshall breaking the limit and the owner in the first session???

Whatever the justification for this bizarre test, it also states this on msv website:

"Drive by monitoring

If the results of the drive-by monitoring show that your vehicle is generating drive-by sound levels appreciably higher than vehicles with comparable static test results, then you will be called into the pit-lane to address the noise level being generated."

Edited by c_w, 03 February 2010 - 08:32 PM.

[c_w]

So there is quite a big bit of track between mics 1 & 2 to hoon it.

The straight from the bottom left to the chicane is crazy long!!! I saw nearly 140mph there, a speed unheard of at any other circuit.

[VIX]

And when is this noise testing "service" available? I've heard of it not necessarily being on the day itself which is not practical for most people (I've never known a car to be out on track before the briefing).

But then doesn't the thought of letting a marshall drive the car to possibly breach the limit make a mockery of it all - because if they do break the limit what happens then?? what's the difference between a marshall breaking the limit and the owner in the first session???

Whatever the justification for this bizarre test, it also states this on msv website:

"Drive by monitoring

If the results of the drive-by monitoring show that your vehicle is generating drive-by sound levels appreciably higher than vehicles with comparable static test results, then you will be called into the pit-lane to address the noise level being generated."

Noise testing is available by prior arrangement with MSV. Phone them up beforehand and arrange a time. You'll need to do it beforehand so you have time to fix any problem before any trackday. If you're not local then it might not be convenient for you and you might want to try elsewhere ...

I don't understand the problem with the marshall driving the car. The point of the exercise is to see if the car breaks the noise limit.

Whilst the MSV website might be out of date and there might be cause for complaint, in reality, and as stated previously, the noise issues at Bedford are well known on this site and were first documented back in Jan 08: http://www.vx220.org...=noise bedford

Edited by VIX, 03 February 2010 - 09:59 PM.

[Ebo100]

What adjustments can you make to a car if it fails a noise test? Should I look for a different filter or re-pack the silencer?

At Bedford? none, that's the main gripe people have with this place.

You miss my point, If I have a set up that is potentially going to fail, what could I do before the trackday to reduce the chances of getting kicked of track

[techieboy]

You miss my point, If I have a set up that is potentially going to fail, what could I do before the trackday to reduce the chances of getting kicked of track

Assuming you book at Bedford in the first place, then you're somewhat limited. Make sure your induction noise isn't stupidly loud. Ideally, especially if you're running an after-market exhaust that has been round the block once or twice, you'd need to check the stuffing in the silencer (Millteks and Pipers had a habit of breaking down the stuffing and blowing it out). Not easy if you haven't got a repackable silencer as someone will need to cut it open and re-weld it.

Only other option is to try and find some additional bolt on silencers (like a Supertrapp or similar) for the tailpipes although the stacked exhausts and lack of access to the tailpipes for securing them on the VX make that hard to do.

[techieboy]

And when is this noise testing "service" available? I've heard of it not necessarily being on the day itself which is not practical for most people (I've never known a car to be out on track before the briefing).

But then doesn't the thought of letting a marshall drive the car to possibly breach the limit make a mockery of it all - because if they do break the limit what happens then?? what's the difference between a marshall breaking the limit and the owner in the first session???

Whatever the justification for this bizarre test, it also states this on msv website:

"Drive by monitoring

If the results of the drive-by monitoring show that your vehicle is generating drive-by sound levels appreciably higher than vehicles with comparable static test results, then you will be called into the pit-lane to address the noise level being generated."

If you're in anyway less than 100% sure, you need to arrange the noise test before even booking the event. Yes, it might be a pain in the arse to do, if you can't get to Bedford or one of their other circuits easily. But, clearly less of a pain than either being refused access on the static test or getting kicked out after doing one lap and losing £200+.

One of the instructors drives the car for the noise test. The 3 times I've been to Bedford for testing, it's been the head instructor who's done it and I'm more than happy for him to do that. There's no difference at all between you breaking the limit or the instructor breaking the limit on the drive-by test. In either scenario the car has to come off the circuit. The difference is, if you're there for a noise test it hasn't cost you anything and it's then up to you whether you subsequently book a trackday or modify your car to reduce the noise.

If you are "appreciably" louder than other cars (or in my case, on the limit) they call you in and warn you. Which gives you the chance to either modify the car or modify your driving. But, if you break the limit you're out.

[theolodian]

Are there any 2.5" catbacks for the 2.2 that are known to be OK at Bedford? With say at most an ITG type intake?

[BRG_Pete]

I went there with the original off the shelf piper full system 2.25" and ITG filter (+dblias exaust manifold).

After spending a lot of cash on a Harness, Harness bar etc I was desperate to get on track and not be turned away. A self test was done (with what now seems to be an unreliable DB Meter) registering around 103. To be on the safe side I picked up 2 of these Exhaust Baffles.

The baffles were cut down, the exhaust tips were drilled (one bolt goes through the lot +a few washers as spacers), and the baffles nudged into place. I believe the static was around 95-96 on the day, not sure on drive-by.

Unfortuntely without a back to back test with the same reader I can't confirm how well (if at all) these are working.

Edited by BRG_Pete, 04 February 2010 - 08:14 AM.

[techieboy]

Are there any 2.5" catbacks for the 2.2 that are known to be OK at Bedford? With say at most an ITG type intake?

You'd probably be fine at that level of tune with a new 2.5" Piper, a 2.5" Tullet and likewise a 2.5" tubby Milltek (as long as they still had it's stuffing in). I used to be fine there with the original thinner NA Milltek and an ITG in my pre-SC and Piper days.

[techieboy]

Unfortuntely without a back to back test with the same reader I can't confirm how well (if at all) these are working.

That's a shame as it would be good to know how effective they are, although it takes a brave man to take a drill to the tailpipes. The short run of tube for the tailpipes before they merge is a real pain in the proverbial as it probably meant almost cutting those baffles in half, I guess?

[MartinS]

I had the £5 db inserts from demon tweeks, and even though I had to cut a lot off them, they definitely reduced the levels by a few db, and changed the exhaust note deeper. I tried initially gum gumming in for test purposes (but lost one!), so drilled and bolted in. Sadly need them again now, but made the mistake of giving them to another vxer whne I got a better exhaust (but prior to the sc!). Martin s

[BRG_Pete]

Unfortuntely without a back to back test with the same reader I can't confirm how well (if at all) these are working.

That's a shame as it would be good to know how effective they are, although it takes a brave man to take a drill to the tailpipes. The short run of tube for the tailpipes before they merge is a real pain in the proverbial as it probably meant almost cutting those baffles in half, I guess?

Yep pretty much cut them in half, i ended up with about a 10.5cm baffle. Made a complete hash of it with a hack saw, then headed round to a friends to use a cicurlar saw. The tail pipes were a pain to drill, especially upwards into the bottom pipe without taking the diffuser (mmg) off.

Edited by BRG_Pete, 04 February 2010 - 11:33 AM.

[Jameshs]

I had the £5 db inserts from demon tweeks, and even though I had to cut a lot off them, they definitely reduced the levels by a few db, and changed the exhaust note deeper. I tried initially gum gumming in for test purposes (but lost one!), so drilled and bolted in. Sadly need them again now, but made the mistake of giving them to another vxer whne I got a better exhaust (but prior to the sc!).

Martin s

have you been tested yet then?

[c_w]

And when is this noise testing "service" available? I've heard of it not necessarily being on the day itself which is not practical for most people (I've never known a car to be out on track before the briefing).

But then doesn't the thought of letting a marshall drive the car to possibly breach the limit make a mockery of it all - because if they do break the limit what happens then?? what's the difference between a marshall breaking the limit and the owner in the first session???

Whatever the justification for this bizarre test, it also states this on msv website:

"Drive by monitoring

If the results of the drive-by monitoring show that your vehicle is generating drive-by sound levels appreciably higher than vehicles with comparable static test results, then you will be called into the pit-lane to address the noise level being generated."

If you're in anyway less than 100% sure, you need to arrange the noise test before even booking the event. Yes, it might be a pain in the arse to do, if you can't get to Bedford or one of their other circuits easily. But, clearly less of a pain than either being refused access on the static test or getting kicked out after doing one lap and losing £200+.

One of the instructors drives the car for the noise test. The 3 times I've been to Bedford for testing, it's been the head instructor who's done it and I'm more than happy for him to do that. There's no difference at all between you breaking the limit or the instructor breaking the limit on the drive-by test. In either scenario the car has to come off the circuit. The difference is, if you're there for a noise test it hasn't cost you anything and it's then up to you whether you subsequently book a trackday or modify your car to reduce the noise.

If you are "appreciably" louder than other cars (or in my case, on the limit) they call you in and warn you. Which gives you the chance to either modify the car or modify your driving. But, if you break the limit you're out.

It is not a surprise from your responses to see that you are in Bedford! hehe. Having to arrange a day to go down and have the noise test done is completely inpractical for most people. And would probably cost more than they paid of the trackday to drive down just to do a test in terms of losing a day and fuel. Would you arrange a day off to go up to Oulton Park or Croft just for a noise test? A crazy idea isn't it?

The other problem I have with the "test" and/or a Marshall doing is that it's no different to the owner doing it on the first session! Ie; why is it not a problem for a marshall to break the limit but a complete disaster if the owner does it? Either way the limit has been breached? that can't be undone, whether it's on a "test" or the first session of a trackday. It makes no sense at all to me.

In any case, there are much much better circuits out there (especially all the other MSV circuits) - Bedford is only slightly above an airfield venue IMO.

Edited by c_w, 04 February 2010 - 11:54 AM.