Step six
Refit the air filter box - getting the plastic peg into the rubber bush underneath at the front is a bit trial and error - and secure it with the bolt and the plastic pin. Fit the worm drive clip from the kit onto the duct so you can reach the tightening screw, and persuade the duct onto the filter box elbow. Tighten the clamp (this takes quite a few turns), then refit the filter and replace the top housing. Reconnect the duct to the inlet system, and tighten its clamp.
Step seven
You can now refit the outer parts of the side vent. You will find that the inner flange neatly retains the bell mouth flange of the duct, and once the outer housing goes in place, it all looks nice and tidy.
Step eight
Replace all the gubbins of the engine cover and the felt-backed liner (the fun part of the job), reclip the hood and retire to the driving seat.
Duct clips neatly into place
Duct flange fits between inner and outer liners
The result
I've found no audible difference in the engine, so the resonator box doesn't appear to do anything much. I have found though, that for the first time, when I start the engine, the indicated intake air temperature goes down! It also stays down while it's running, seeming to operate within a few degrees of ambient air temperature. At idle it will rise slightly as the air filter box warms up, but once there’s a decent flow of air to the engine it settles back down again. If I switch off it goes up fairly steadily, but again it will drop when I restart.
The reduction is so great I can't see any need to add an air scoop. I had been thinking about it, but can now happily stop wondering how to produce something that looked professional. There is no such thing as ram effect at the speeds the car can achieve anyway!
I reckon the height of the intake is now a bit lower, and would be more vulnerable to floodwater levels than the standard engine bay position, but it's still above the wheel centre. I don't think I would feel too happy trying to go that deep anyway.
On the road it's difficult to say there's any obvious difference, but the pick-up in 3rd gear feels pretty brisk when overtaking.
All in all, it's been an easy job to do, and it should have made a definite improvement. The duct from Europa Spares is exactly right for the purpose, and the intake lurking behind the grille is nicely visible.
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