Engine lid swap

Hi all,
I've just swapped my 1500 engine lid with a perfect 1300 lid. Looks a lot better, I always thought the shape of the lid on the later cars was slightly at odds with the design of the car... Anyway, as doing the swap means the stock air filter housing won't fit anymore I would like to know what air filter housing options I have- has anyone done the engine lid swap? If so, what did you do for a carb air filter?
Any suggestions? :huh:

This is a modification I have considered in the past. Are there any noticeable issues with cooling? It seems to be a problem I have had with both my cars in the past. With the 1300 lid sitting lower, I would imagine there is less chance of getting rid of the heat and therefore suffering from fuel vapourising that bit sooner?

As for the air filter, I would think a K and N filter housing could be modified with a shorter filter if such a thing exists?

I have no idea as yet because I don't have an air filter fitted so I've not used the car since the swap. Been wondering about this:

www.x19partsholland.nl/CATALOGUS/tabid/2...e/en-US/Default.aspx

I can tell you there are a surprising amount of detail differences in the bodywork around the lids from 1300 to 1500, including different heights of locating holes for the twist-in rubber lid supports where it closes, as well as the side locations for the plastic vents either side of the lid, the metalwork is very different. Nothing that can't be overcome though. I also had to cut and reweld the closing catch on the lid as it is 5mm out from one lid to the other...
Looks great though! I'll post pics when it's all done.

Hi
I did this conversion and the lid did close over the K and N filter, although there was slight contact and the domed securing nuts on top of the filter eventually flattened. Could probably have solved this with some hinge adjustment but never bothered me enough!

Cheers
Kev

That's great to know, Kev, thank you. Do you remember which K&N you used- there are a few to choose from.
Ta

er good question, it was the oval one (not round) that I've seen most commonly fitted to the X, maybe about 6 or 7 cm deep?. Like you I was considering the Abarth filter as it looked shallower (and cooler) can't remember if I ever got as far as confirming dimensions though sorry.

I've just found Henk's original post on here describing the 'Abarth' filters- they're 5cm deep. I've checked clearance on my car and I have exactly 5cm... Not sure whether to risk it. The K&N part number KN56-9029 is 45mm high so I know that would fit. Reading up on it, that is the one recommended for the 1300 X1.9 but it doesn't mention the 1500... maybe it's too small...? Decisions...

Just had a quick look on ebay and the K and N's advertised for the 34 DATR carb seem to be 5.5 cm deep and I think this is probably the one I had.......

There are at least 3 for the 34DATR, the part number I quoted above being the lowest profile one. If I fitted a 5.5cm high one I wouldn't be able to close the engine lid... Maybe your lid sat higher? Perhaps I could modify the inside of it...

Possibly removing the under tray from the lid by drilling out the pop rivets might give you a bit of extra clearance. The only disadvantage is the engine bay isn't protected from rain.

Andy Rowley wrote: Possibly removing the under tray from the lid by drilling out the pop rivets might give you a bit of extra clearance. The only disadvantage is the engine bay isn't protected from rain.

I've just had it all apart to paint it, and pop riveted it back together. I don't want to remove the undertray for the reason you stated. I use my car all year round- it sees lots of rain!
I've now ordered the 45mm high K&N, which I know will definitely fit, although it might have to do with flat nuts on the top of it rather than the domed ones...