I continued with the engine mount modifications today. Modified brackets were installed and engine bolted in place. The next modification was to the front suspension sub-frame. A section of the square tube needed to be removed as it was in the way of the carburetors. The photo below shows this however it will require welding up at a later date when the sub frame has been removed from the car (welding while its bolted to the wood is likely to cause burning of the plywood as its so close).
With the final modification it was possible to reassemble the inlet manifold and carburetors and the bonnet now closes.
Its still all a really close fit but i can’t see how i can easily gain any more space. Will just have to hope the engine doesn’t flex too much on its mounts, other wise it could end up damaging the bonnet.