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Fresh air into the engine compartment

FM Former Member
My VS has two small holes inside the engine lid below the grill area. I assume all other VS speedsters are the same. I don't know about the other manufacturers. The location and size indicate that they are for drainage. I read (don't ask, I cannot remember) that the original design of the 356 (VW also) was to get fresh air into the engine compartment throught these rear lid grills (the original 356 grills all have some venting or slots under the grill).
Since there have been other discussions about the importance of sealing off the engine from exhaust heat, I thought that maybe this VS design prevents fresh air from entering the engine compartment, consequently, no fresh air into the fan housing. I was thinking of cutting some large slots in the section under the grill. Am I mad?
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FM Former Member
My VS has two small holes inside the engine lid below the grill area. I assume all other VS speedsters are the same. I don't know about the other manufacturers. The location and size indicate that they are for drainage. I read (don't ask, I cannot remember) that the original design of the 356 (VW also) was to get fresh air into the engine compartment throught these rear lid grills (the original 356 grills all have some venting or slots under the grill).
Since there have been other discussions about the importance of sealing off the engine from exhaust heat, I thought that maybe this VS design prevents fresh air from entering the engine compartment, consequently, no fresh air into the fan housing. I was thinking of cutting some large slots in the section under the grill. Am I mad?
FM Former Member
I had a mental image of someone stuffing a yellow rubber ducky back there. On the engine lid, there should be sizeable openings to either side of the rain shield directly below the grill, they seem big enough to provide substantial fresh air to the engine compartment - although exactly how substantial has been debated here before. Are you maybe only seeing the small holes that a luggage rack would attach to? I do agree with Bruce and others that a hole in the wall directly opposite the fan is a good idea, my VS didn't have that but it does now. One bit of caution for anybody about to saw a hole there, check for wires routed on the other side of the wall where you are about to cut (ooops, at least I had disconnected the battery).
FM Former Member
Ricardo: All the original lids that I have seen have quite intricate vents and openings. These holes are obviously for water drainage.

Greg: I'll look again, I know my eyesight is not what it used to be. However, I believe the only holes are small ones (maybe 1/2 inch diameter) on either side towards the bottom. There doesn't appear to be any other way for air to make it into the engine compartment from that grill area. As far as cutting a hole in the firewall area, doesn't that recduce the integrity of that part of the tub? As it is, the fiberglass body has enough flex and roll. But another hole? Hey, I'll do anything to satisfy this speedster Jones, including cutting holes! Thanks.
FM Former Member
Robert, If you are truly concerned with the flex/stress movement due to the cutting of a hole.
A semi-proper way to carry the integrity around your hole would be to;
1. find a stiff sheet metal ring with an inside dia. of your liking
2. cut your hole to match the inner dia. of your newly found ring
3. rough up the area around your hole (go easy now)
4. glass in the ring around your new hole
kinda like a boats port hole minus the glass


Me, I'd cut my hole (if it wasn't there already) and add a trim ring for looks.
Fiberglassin is messy.
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