IVA Test Date Confirmed

Email received this morning from my chosen test station to inform me that my test is booked for first thing on the 10th February.  Not long now, better get back to the final items on my to-do list.

IVA Test Fee Paid

VOSA in Swansea called to relieve me of my test fee.  The local IVA test centre should be in touch soon to make the test appointment.

IVA Application Posted

IVA application form, self build declaration, along with supporting docs sent to VOSA in Swansea.

MoT Passed

Passed.  Only issue was the emissions.  CO, etc. was fine, but the lambda value was too high.  Webcon has added a timing retard feature to the ECU to help with this.  With the relevant wire connected to earth the timing is retarded 10 degrees.  This causes the exhaust gas temperature to rise and get the catalyst to 'light'.  The issue is particularly acute at idle as the exhaust gases will be cooler.

The second attempt was better, but still a fail.  Then I noticed the exhaust gas probe was not fully in the silencer. If it is not fully in it can 'sniff' fresh air and upset the readings (due to the pulsing of the air, in and out of the silencer end).  With the probe fully in, everything was good and the emissions test was passed.

With the MoT out of the way I'll get on with making a booking for the IVA test and finishing off all my IVA-prep jobs.

Gear Lever

After reluctantly taking the angle grinder to the £60 Rally Design gear lever I took it down to the local welding shop.  Really pleased with the result and only cost £10.  They had to dip it in water to keep it cool so as not to melt the plastic ball joint inside.  This now clears the dash nicely with the gear knob fitted.

MoT Booked

MoT slot and car trailer booked for Friday 13th January.  Fingers crossed!  Final jobs to do including cutting an angle into the gear lever and getting it welded up.

Mirrors Fitted

IVA compliant racing style centre mirror bought from Car Builder Solutions.  This has rubber trim around the edges and  a single M6 threaded mounting.  This was bought in preference to a similar model with a flat mounting base.  The flat base would not have sat flat on the curved Avon scuttle top.

Dumbo ear air brake side mirrors inherited from Bob following his IVA (thanks).  Likely to be upgraded to something more sporty at a later date.