My usual hillclimb car (not a Lotus) will be out of action for some time. I?d already entered for a sprint to be held in May before it broke down and would like to use my Elan instead but only if I can get the Elan to comply with the (British) MSA regulations with as little expense and trouble as possible (my motoring funds are needed for major engine work on the other car). I?m uncertain how in practice certain regulations would apply to the Elan and would appreciate advice and comments on the following:
Reg C(b) 10 throttle springs. I assume this means one spring for each carburettor (that?s how I?ve known scrutineers to interpret it in the past, though it?s not all that clear) so that I have to fix an extra spring to my Dellortos. Any suggestions on how to do this neatly?
C(c) 50 seats ? do standard Elan seats (which tip forward slightly) comply with this?
C(c) 51 headrests. This seems a problem with standard Elan seats. What can I do? (I?m not fitting a roll cage.)
C(c) 52 fire extinguisher I?ll use a handheld one. Where do you suggest I fix it?
C(c) 72 tank filler (petrol cap) must not protrude beyond bodywork. It seems to me the standard Elan petrol cap (and many others) must breach this slightly, but do people get away with it?
I 57 fuel cut off switch ? does the normal ignition switch count as this on the basis that if you stop the engine you stop the mechanical fuel pump? If not, what do you suggest?
I 67 timing strut ? I?d rather not screw this into the bumper. I suppose I could make a bracket that fixed to the bodywork under the bumper.
Oil catch tank ? it doesn?t seem that the regulations require one for hillclimbing and sprinting, though I?ve always had one on the other car. Reg I 53 refers to the size of catch tanks but doesn?t say they?re mandatory. Do you agree?
After writing all this, I?m beginning to think it?s not worth it for what will probably be one event.