The work has been varied, initially calibration work for Jaguar S-type V6 2.5L & 3.0L engine models and the XJ 3.0L model, based at Whitley. Followed by Cruise Control and LVG (Low Volatility Gasoline) calibration work for Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover & Sport models, based at Gaydon.
In Oct 2006 I transferred to the JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) ‘SWAT’ Team based at Whitley. This team of 7 people has been established to increase the engine test facility utilisation at both R&D sites in readiness for major future engine programmes (AJ133 and Lion V6/V8 diesel). Efficiencies have been gained by preparation of dyno kits, engines spares, regular meetings with facility and engine project managers, management of test bed resources and introduction of new procedures and processes.
Several specific examples can be given;
• Better guidelines for the supply, installation and return of high value items such as Kistler in-cylinder pressure transducers, resulting in their prolonged life and reduced loss. These sensors represent ~£0.5M of investment that was not being managed effectively. The redesign of the mounting adaptor also allows these sensors to be easily removed for calibration or replacement which consequently reduces engine & test cell downtime, and also extends sensor life by only fitting sensors when engine pressure data is needed.
• Development of a Matlab GUI to use the INCA-Matlab API for engine hot testing prior to engines going into development vehicles or test cells. This application performs ignition on, warm up and hot idle checks on all engines that come from prototype engine build and identifies faults before a robust engine calibration is available to perform diagnostics. This test has been running since December 2006 for over 300 AJ133 & Lion engines and has saved considerable downtime and removal of engines from development cars.
• Re-use of shelved ETAS equipment (ES1000.1/VME kit) to support engine durability testing using CCP so higher specification equipment (ES1000.2/3 & ES590) can be used on calibration test cells & vehicles, avoiding additional capital budget expenditure of £120k.

Living in France restoring a large property. This satisfied a family desire to live abroad and gave the children a cultural experience and opportunity to learn fluent French.

Calibration of bifuel vehicles (Ford Transit, Mondeo & Focus) for LPG or natural gas (CNG). In particular I was responsible for the complete LPG Focus programme. The bifuel system used, which was manufactured by Metatron and developed by CRF (Fiat), injected liquid rather than gaseous fuel. These programmes were undertaken in conjunction with Cosworth Technology, so I had a supporting role between the two companies.

Various calibration programmes, mainly using Ford EEC-V and Siemens engine management systems. These covered all aspects of calibration and some GDI benchmarking work. My work was similar to that at Lotus, with continued involvement in emissions, certification, engine dynamometer mapping, climatic and diagnostic development of engine and vehicle systems.

Calibration of the Lotus Elan turbo charged and naturally aspirated models, including engine mapping, emission and SHED testing, fuel economy, vehicle and engine performance, climatic testing (in various hot, cold and altitude test facilities and real world locations), homologation, certification and diagnostic (OBDI and OBDII) work. Management of 50,000 mile AMA mileage accumulation exercise on two vehicles. Experience of General Motors (Delphi) engine management systems. Car assembly line start-up and support.
Calibration of Lada models for throttle body fuel injection and catalyst emission control.
Enhanced evaporative emission research (ORVR and VT SHED), instrumentation of vehicles, data logging, and report writing. Direct contact with customers discussing their needs and resolving issues.

Calibration of Lucas engine management systems for Jaguar, Rover and Saab programmes in the Petrol Injection Laboratory and Ignition Laboratory.