Engine levelling

I started to consider air filter options to fit onto the throttle bodies. I like the look of the ITG sausage filters that fit through a slot in the side of the bonnet. To check whether I could actually fit one these filters, I made up a cardboard template to the same dimensions as the filter's backing plate and then mounted it onto the rubber trumpets. Looking at the throttle body assembly, I noticed they are angled downwards towards the front of the car and the panel filter wouldn't fit over the top chassis rail. Based on the advice in this thread on locost builders, I made the decision to try change the engine's position to 1) be able to fit the panel filter and 2) try and level up the engine as much as possible.

I started by cutting up different thickness mild steel plate to act as packing under the engine mounts. These were then sprayed with hammerite and left to dry over night. Using the engine crane, I lifted the engine just enough to slot the plates under each engine mount. The right side has been raised by approx 13mm and the left by 7mm.

Engine mount with new spacers in place:

Throttle body position before:

And position after:

When I went to connect up the steering column link, I found the previous modification I made now collided with the oil filter so, out with the hack saw and welder again! I've made the necessary changes to the link section so it clears the oil filter, it just needs painting again.

The panel filter should now clear the top chassis rail without any problems. The engine still appears to be angled down though. I'm wondering whether the gearbox mount is too high at the back. I'm using the Caterham mount as the donor's mount was past it's best and very sloppy. The Caterham mount is taller than the standard sierra mount so this could be why the gearbox is high as the back although I wouldn't have expected this much angle since the difference between the heights of the two types of gearbox mounts isn't that much. Whether this angle will any issues in the long run, I'm not sure....

Since the engine is now slightly higher on the left hand side, it may mean that the side panel will need some more dremel drill action where the exhaust passes through.