Bedford - noise levels

wianw · Post by **wianw** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:06 pm

Has anyone done a track day at Bedford Autodrome? I was thinking of doing the EVO evening on 13/7, as I need to be in that neck of the woods anyway. I spoke to the organiser and they are very stringent on noise levels and I would be mighty narked if I booked and then didn't pass the test.

Two questions:
1. Has anyone any experience of doing this - are they as strict as they appear?
2. How could I get the car checked before booking?

Appreciate any feedback

Cheers

Ian

ps - planning to take the GT3

neil · Post by **neil** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 5:22 pm

Seloc's probably the best place to ask. From what I've read it's pretty strict though - 87db drive by which is quite low.

Found this on Seloc:

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=28112&page=1#pid410134 wrote:I took my car along to Bedford today for noise testing. The car has a PTP170 conversion which includes:
...
The static test was 94db (max allowed 101db)
The drive by test was 78db (max allowed 87.5db)

So, nowhere near the limits :clp:

I would also like to point out that they don't charge for this and the staff there were very friendly and helpful. If you want to book a test give Steve Ingamells a call on 01234 332400

From that it sounds like you can get tested for free. Not much use if you're not going to be there in advance though

smitstui · Post by **smitstui** » Thu Jun 14, 2012 2:35 pm

I bought a Sound level meter but havent used it. I dont know how accurate they are but it was cheap from ebay!

tonyg · Post by **tonyg** » Thu Jun 14, 2012 5:49 pm

Bedford have been ultra-strict for years (i was there in 2004). It's difficult to assess drive by, but i've just googled it and found this -

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... 0&t=493028

and the level would appear to be 101 db static - your 911 GT3 (providing the exhaust is standard) SHOULD pass that easily.

My caterham which is a fair bit louder than every GT3 i've heard only measures 95 db static.

If you are anywhere near Aberdeen i have access to an SPL meter.

Kelvin · Post by **Kelvin** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 2:38 pm

They are very strict. However, if you have the on circuit noise meters pointed out to you, you can lift when you're near them which is what a lot of folk end up doing. My Honda S1 was right on the limit at Bedford but this was induction noise (or mechnical rattle) rather than exhaust as my exhaust was barely audible.

Worth pointing out that Bedford is that much fun as circuits go.

wianw · Post by **wianw** » Fri Jul 13, 2012 9:47 pm

So, this is what happened. I turned up with a well-warmed car, having driven from Edinburgh. Checked in with the noise guy, and revved it to around 75% of max - 5500rpm (my arithmetic is poor). Noise guy appears with furrowed brow- the car is borderline. I play the "it's a long way to come not to be let on" card. He is very helpful and says that the real issue is drive-by noise, and that if I am "sensible" with revs all should be OK.

Did around 30 laps of the 2.8 mile circuit with no problems. Met some kindred spirits including a guy who has the last 2-11 ever built. Conditions were mixed between dry and soaking, so one had to be canny as the grip was changing with each lap.

The circuit is pretty flat, and doesn't present any real surprises, but allows a safe environment to push the car and explore some limits. I only did it because I needed to be down here anyway, but wouldn't suggest it as a "must do" for anyone on the forum.

Cheers

Ian

Dominic · Post by **Dominic** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:46 am

Glad you got on, and enjoyed it.

tut · Post by **tut** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:02 am

Kelvin wrote:They are very strict. However, if you have the on circuit noise meters pointed out to you, you can lift when you're near them which is what a lot of folk end up doing. My Honda S1 was right on the limit at Bedford but this was induction noise (or mechnical rattle) rather than exhaust as my exhaust was barely audible.

Worth pointing out that Bedford is that much fun as circuits go.

think you left the "not" out.

Same problem with me Kelv everytime I have been to Donnie. First time it was the Lotus Show as well, so went over and bought a new exhaust system from Geary. Made no difference, it was a five inch, so he changed it over for me FOC to a 6" the following week. Next time there same result, so lifted off and used 6th for the two overhead meters after being black flagged twice. Same the last time that I went, static was 83db, really hacked off by now so went up to the tower where he kindly informed me that it was inlet hiss not exhaust. You could not even hear it from the pit lane never mind any residential areas, and it would have been drowned out by the jets landing and taking off. Here's a good idea, lets buy a house next to an Airport and a race track then complain about the noise.

Burnt my boat by driving through the next two black flags and using max revs around the circuit at the end of the session, so probably banned for life now. Robin even re-routed the air filter into the engine, but same result.

tut

Scottish Elises