Bonnet lift at speed...

[bassfiend]

I've seen various people mention this and it seems to be something that the earlier Chim(p)s have rather than the later ones but just how much does the bonnet actually lift?

Phil

[M@H]

Mine flutters and wobbles a bit at over 110mph.. by 140mph it looks a bit unnerving probably as it is such a long pannel with only a clip at top center and two relatively close together at the bottom.

Cheers
Matt.

[RCA]

Over 120 without the splitter I can just about see my engine!!, Twice without the splitter on 'high speed' runs it has actually pulled the bonnet out the latch and opened!!
Then I can see my engine!!

[zumbruk]

Mine popped open at Brunters at 145. Slightly scary.

[shadowninja]

I was fine at 150+mph... (M reg)... mind you I was looking at the runway not the bonnet!

[shnozz]

little bit worried that there are several reports on the bonnet opening at 120 - 145 mph.

Is there a way of fitting an additional catch to prevent this? Bruntingthorpe and Le Mans are going to lead to these sort of speeds...

[tonyrec]

After reading this post i guess im just lucky.

[bassfiend]

tonyrec said:

After reading this post i guess im just lucky.

No Tony - You just don't drive that fast, officer.

Phil

[shnozz]

and neither do we, officer.

[bassfiend]

RCA said:

Over 120 without the splitter I can just about see my engine!!, Twice without the splitter on 'high speed' runs it has actually pulled the bonnet out the latch and opened!! Then I can see my engine!!

And what did it do in this case? Swing open fully and stay open? Flap about wildly? Swing open then slam back down?

Phil

[RCA]

No it flies up which at about 150 is rather scary, then settles hovering about a foot up. You can just see over the top and also the engine!! If you tap the brakes it comes back down but you need to release the catch as it is still shut!!
Putting the front splitter on the RIGHT way cures this problem.

[V8 Archie]

I've got no splitter, and apart from a passenger side wobble (at legal speeds) I've had no problem up to 150 indicated.

[RCA]

Due to the fact you have a post facelift chimaera
Only applies to pre facelift ones!!

[zumbruk]

shadowninja said:

I was fine at 150+mph... (M reg)... mind you I was looking at the runway not the bonnet!

I *was* looking at the runway, then all of a sudden I was looking at the bonnet. The underside of it.

Seriously, though, it just flapped about. After the initial shock it was no big deal.

[pbrettle]

Got a L reg one and never had a problem. Adjusted the rubber stops and the catch to make it a decent fit and never had a problem, even up to 140.....

I grant you it is pretty flimsy, but check out the catch and make sure that it is actually catching correctly. Mines got some cover around the actual catch on the bonnet, which was coming loose. Sorted this out and its now a snug fit (though a little tight for my liking) and I doubt that it would ever open accidentally.

Also take a close look at the rubber stopper things in the bay itself. Adjust these so that its a decent fit too. Too high and you are putting pressure on the catch, too low and they are not supporting the bonnet - hence allowing it to flex under the pressure of the air, putting more pressure on the catch.....

Worth checking out....

[RCA]

Do you have the splitter on your car?

[jigs]

Bonnet Lift? - is that similar to duvet lift after a load of Guinness?

[pbrettle]

RCA said:

Do you have the splitter on your car?

Who me? I dont believe that I do. Keep meaning to get one sorted out, but have double checked the cooling system and done some simple modifications so that I am not dependent on one - where I live they have LOADS of speed cameras and it wouldnt last anyway....

[tonyrec]

bassfiend said:

No Tony - You just don't drive that fast, officer. Phil

How much faster than 70 does anyone want to go?

[bassfiend]

tonyrec said:

How much faster than 70 does anyone want to go?

I decline to answer that question on the grounds that it would tend to incriminate me and may possibly predjudice any future meetings that we may have. ;-)

Phil