Fitting SV8 bonnet to S3..

[Dave_H]

Ok, the purists among you all may not like this but.... I''m in the market for an S3. My problem is I want a low mileage one with the fog lamps in the bonnet (personally I think it just finishes them off) I''ve seen a few "right" cars at low prices, without the fogs. One option I''m considering is to look to fit an S4/V8 bonnet, in place of the one without the fogs. If I were to go to this mod, my thoughts are to go for the S4/V8 bonnet and loose the air scoop as well. Anyone know anyone whose done this? ..Know of the costs involved? I''m capable of the swap/refit of trim/lights etc,just need to get it correctly painted. But is the standard wiring loom/dash switches capable of adding the fogs? ..Is there any mod needed to the induction if the S4/V8 bonnet is fitted/loss of air scoop? ..Am I mad to think such a thing? Edited by Dave_H on Thursday 19th July 21:56

[steve parker]

The S3c has driving lamps fitted to front end. Steve Parker

[johno]

Dave, LeeBee has a S2 with a V8S bonnet on it. It does look superb. In terms of cost LeeBee should be able to tell you exactly. I believe he may even have a bonnet kicking about. He had to have it sprayed aswell. As for fitting, I think from memory it is almost a straight forward swap. Getting the bonnet to align on any 'S' is fun enough ! Having sat behind the wheel of Lee's I can honestly say the 'hump' of the V8S bonnet does obscure your vision. But hey, thats only for parking ! It should not be a problem to wire in the fogs as the cars are fitted with two stage fog lamp switches anyway. Cheers Mark

[Roy C]

quote:Ok, the purists among you all may not like this but.... I''m in the market for an S3.

You're right, you can't be a purist and want a TVR! IMHO The best looking bonnet is the "no hump" S4C version with the air slots between the "wings" and centre section. The "air scoop" on earlier bonnets doesn't scoop air. What you really need is a way of getting the hot air out of the engine bay (it usually escapes from the wheel arches!). Roy

[pdavison]

I have a 1991 S3 with the fog lamps and you're right it does finish the look of the car off. I know that getting an S3 bonnet to fit an S3 is a task in itself, so you might be better off looking for an S3 bonnet with fogs rather than attempting the S4 or V8S option. I gather LeeBee has done it successfully - any clues as to how difficult a job it was ?

[mikeb]

Gotta agree with Roy-C. The S4C bonnet with the Chimera(ish) wings are the best design. Have you tried TET mouldings?? Mike Edited by mikeb on Friday 20th July 20:23

[Dave_H]

quote:Gotta agree with Roy-C. The S4C bonnet with the Chimera(ish) wings are the best design. Have you tried TET mouldings?? Mike

No, still toying with the idea Mike. Thanks for all the response so far guys, be interesting if LeeBee reads this, as it sounds like he's had first hand experience of this. Cheers, Dave.

[LeeBee]

Right I'm back from sunny Cornwall (well it was a couple of times!).Right the bonnet swap was reasonably easy but I have done quite a few of these now so it might be easier for me .I got mine S/H from a car which was written off due to a rear impact.The job of fitting the bonnet took me about 2 days of constant tweaking (without making the lamp wiring looms and fitting the lamps, bumpers etc)and I still have a couple of little jobs to do on it so that should give you some indication of how long it will take someone who is familiar with this task.I actually have a front moulding for sale (brand new) to convert the non lamp bonnet to the late bonnet which you may be interested in? Cheers LeeBee email [e-mail] Edited by LeeBee on Saturday 21st July 19:43