What has this got to do with SVA?

A Hole in the bonnet

Our performance kit came direct from Webcon via Swindon Racing Engines. The DCOE45 Carbs, inlet manifold and trumpets have been fitted to the engine for some time.  We realised that the JR air filters supplied would need the bonnet to be modified if they were going to fit. In the past people have cut a hole in the side of the bonnet to accommodate the filter. We would have to do the same to accommodate the forward filter on our car. Thinking SVA, we were fairly sure that this would be unacceptable to the Vehicle Inspectorate.  A call to Chris Masters confirmed that it would be unwise to modify the bonnet this way. 

Westfield use a Pipercross domed filter that fits entirely within the bonnet, but Westfield also modify the throttle linkage mechanism.  We on the on the hand have used the standard Webcon linkage, mounted underneath the carbs.  Dimensions from the Demon Tweaks catalogue give the depth of the Pipercross air filter as 190mm, which will interfere with the Webcon throttle linkages.  Currently we are investigating with Pipercross and Webcon to find a suitable solution.

Our problem was the trumpets supplied by Webcon via Swindon Racing Engines were approx 60 mm long with matching JR filters.  I talked to Pipercross but the depth of the filter backplate looked like it would interfere with the Webcon Throttle linkages mounted under the Left Hand Carburettor.  (See photo above left).

Andrew consulted the Webcon catalogue . There appeared to be some 42 mm trumpets and matching filters which might fit.  Andrew spoke to Paul at Swindon racing engines and got some to try.  We fitted them and trial fitted the bonnet. Perfect result just a few  millimetres to spare.  (See photo above right).