...and get an exclusive PH discount. And a bacon sarnie
One of the joys of owning a car that is either old or mildly fettled (or both), is finding out precisely how much horsepower you have beneath the bonnet.
The only way to do that, of course, is to take your P'n'J along to a rolling road, which is a thoroughly satisfying (if potentially nerve-wracking) experience. And when you combine that with bacon butties and fresh coffee, well, we reckon you've got the makings of a fine day out.
And that's exactly what CFM engineering in Reading, Berkshire, is doing on Sunday April 22 for its 'Rolling Road and Open day' for PHers, complete with an exclusive PH discount. Spaces are limited to about 25 to 30 vehicles for the actual rolling road power run experience, says CFM, though all are welcome for a general meet and chinwag. Each owner with their vehicle on the rolling road will get a power run print out, and a brief talk through on findings, any concerns and areas for improvement.
The power run is normally £42, but will be discounted to £35 (thereby 'saving' the VAT) - and CFM says it will also credit this cost from any future work should a PHer require any CFM Engineering service, which is jolly nice of 'em.
Parking is available on site and in an adjacent car park for circa 50 to 60 cars, though to avoid congestion and interruptions a running order will be set up. Bookings will need to be paid in advance so the approximate running order can be maintained. Please telephone 0118 967 7799 to reserve your slot, or if you have any general questions.
Here at our premises in Reading we have a Sun Ram 12, 2 Wheel drive rolling road. Which can currently measure up to 276 Horse Power at the wheels. NOW 750+ BHP
I am a director of CFM Engineering and can confirm the system is new from Dynostar, with all new sensors, electronics and strain gauge, and the mechanical end being a SunRam12. Of this the Rolling Road itself has been stripped and rebuilt in the last 12 months with brand new bearings, the rollers have be knurled for maximum grip, and then reassembled and laser aligned. The calibration is also checked monthly.
Electronically it is UNLIMITED for horsepower and torque readings, though mechanical grip would be the limiting factor. With the above rebuild and knurling, slip has not been a problem to date. We estimate it may run out of grip north of 750bhp, but this depends on the weight of the vehicle, chassis/wheel alignment etc. It hasn't been a problem on powerful lightweight single seaters with cold slicks.
The system also measures the mechanical run-down losses rather than an estimate. It is as you can see from the pictures 2 wheel drive only.
Any more queries please don't hesitate to phone, in the meantime I hope to see you there.
Thanks for the detailed response! My ride is (supposed to be) around 415 HP but AWD and as it's new (to me) I'd like to measure it, but prob not with you guys if you're one axel only. Tempted by the bacon buttie though ;-)
Not formerly, but in the same building. Clifford Cox went bust in 2010. We purchased siezed assets from the Landlord and spent 5 months refurbishing premises and machinery that was kept. The rest was replaced.
I am a director of CFM Engineering and can confirm the system is new from Dynostar, with all new sensors, electronics and strain gauge, and the mechanical end being a SunRam12. Of this the Rolling Road itself has been stripped and rebuilt in the last 12 months with brand new bearings, the rollers have be knurled for maximum grip, and then reassembled and laser aligned. The calibration is also checked monthly.
Electronically it is UNLIMITED for horsepower and torque readings, though mechanical grip would be the limiting factor. With the above rebuild and knurling, slip has not been a problem to date. We estimate it may run out of grip north of 750bhp, but this depends on the weight of the vehicle, chassis/wheel alignment etc. It hasn't been a problem on powerful lightweight single seaters with cold slicks.
The system also measures the mechanical run-down losses rather than an estimate. It is as you can see from the pictures 2 wheel drive only.
Any more queries please don't hesitate to phone, in the meantime I hope to see you there.
Thanks Skid(Mark)
Edited by skid on Friday 13th April 19:00
Cool thanks for the opportunity shame I got rid of my lotus 7 rep I never did test it!
How many places are left can anybody tell me? I know somebody who'll be very interested in doing this, dont think hes posted in a while and cant remember his username off the top of my head, but he is a member.
Will try booking it tomorrow. See what my Stratos kit is putting out from its 24v Alfa engine. If I don't get booked on the rollers, should still go along for the meet-up aspect.
I'd really be interested in seeing a list of predicted verses recorded HP. It's suprising how many people think they are lugging around a huge amount of HP and once dyno'd are not. PH should consider posting the results in a table format. I'd take a peak.
I'd really be interested in seeing a list of predicted verses recorded HP. It's suprising how many people think they are lugging around a huge amount of HP and once dyno'd are not. PH should consider posting the results in a table format. I'd take a peak.
To be fair to customers we'll let them post their predictions and results. This isn't an exercise to humiliate anyone who might have a bad day or result because of a minor factor like spark plugs breaking down.
Things happen. We're here to help identify problems and rectify/improve.
Things happen. We're here to help identify problems and rectify/improve.
This is why RR sessions are so useful and I am aiming at getting one done shortly. I want to run my TVR up on a RR and see how close it gets to the claimed 285BHP it left the factory with........and no, it almost certainly did not although it does run very nicely according to my chosen service centre
Once I know the true figure I can work with the various TVR specialists I trust and make a few upgrades such as sportier cam, sleeved pistons, balanced crank, ported heads etc, etc. I can then work out the "bang per buck" and if it is viable to do this.
I'd love to come along to this session but have a long standing lunch appointment that SWMBO will kill me for breaking.
although it does run very nicely according to my chosen service centre 
