Do you have an NA with a T2 hood? Or maybe you got rid of the top mount inter-cooler? Tired of your engine getting wet from rain or washing? Tired of the annoying whistle noise at 50+ MPH? I found that if you cut a foot long section of a black foam pool noodle and wedge it inside the scoop from the back side it will solve all of your problems. It fits quite snugly, blocks all air and water, and is invisible to the naked eye. You have to get inches away from the scoop opening to see it and it looks factory even still.

This may seem like a ghetto fix to some, but it really does work! Thought I'd share.

 

I have have to switch my hood to that. I bonded a peice of 3 ply carbon on the bottom with silicone to cover the hole, and i think i looks kind of tacky. Thanks for the idea.

 

Stop buying all our turbo hoods! : )

 

Im actually trying to trade mine and get a clean aluminum NA hood actually. Front mount is the only way i would go when i get my turbo motor.

 

Thanks for the tip. I just picked a TII hood two weeks ago and once it gets paint I am going to install it. I had been wondering how to deal with the water issue. Great idea. By the way, where have you found black pool noodles? I only see blue, red, green, yellow in the stores.

 

Try a to get pipe insulation from a hardware store, it's basically the same thing.

 

That's actually what it is... For a hot water heater. It looks exactly like a pool noodle.

 

Question: How many have had the water actually cause problems?


When I went to a FMIC on my TII, had no issues, sure the bay got a bit wet, but nothing major. IMHO I dislike the idea of taking a car that actually has a functioning hood scoop, and making it non functional.

 

I've had no problems with water in 3 yrs, and like the working hood scoop for the underhood venting it provides. The cool air is mildly useful in hitting the intake plenum, which helps with charge density - I notice the difference when autocrossing, if not on the street. It also helps cut down the heat soak underhood, which in the past I'd avoided by popping my hood between autocross runs

 

iv never had any water problems, i think iv herd my belt sqweek once, but i like how the scoop helps cool the engen and when stoped it lets the heat vent out.

 

This is not an " I've never had problems" thread. I'm simply giving a solution to those who this problem pertains to who are worried about these problems. Having the scoop open actually creates a vortex inside the engine bay that changes air pressure and can cause cooling issues at interstate speeds.

I noticed at 80+ MPH for extended mileage, the temp needle seemed to read a bit high and even fluctuated. This fixed that.

I experienced a loud whistle at 50+ MPH. This fixed it.

I experienced some water seepage. While nothing catastrophic ever happened from this, the foam fixed it. I'm sure over time the throttle cams and metal bits and pieces could start to rust.

Not to mention, my gas mileage went up a full MPG after doing this. It's been this way for about a month.


The water issue seems to be of no concern to some of you. Just let me say this, Why drive around even knowing there is a small issue and not fix it? It's a simple fix. The foam installs in seconds, stays put, is invisible, cheap or free, and weighs nothing.

 

I seriously don't see the point of having the TII hood just to block it off. As a few above said water is minimal & has never caused a problem, so what are you fixing? You say that by blocking off a source of cool air at 80+ helped cool the engine????? I have never had this issue either & I have never noticed a whistling at 50, but my damn car might be too loud to hear that. BTW there is alot of scooped hoods out there for other cars & not to say you are wrong but never heard any of these issues from them. Hey man whatever works for you though.

 

Why do I have a scoop on a non turbo car? I just do. It looks better in my opinion and it's lighter than the original one. If I ever swap this engine into my SA and swap a stock 13bt into this car that's one less thing to worry about.

Have you ever looked up close at most cars with hood scoops? They're fake. Blocked off with plastic. Just for looks, and there's nothing wrong with that.




Picture this... The radiator is bringing in high pressure air, but so is the scoop. When these two forces collide it creates a pressure "vortex" and can give the same results as driving around without a radiator fan. Somewhat...

A similar effect is caused by the famous "JDM decapitator hood tilt". Opening a second pressure point in the aerodynamics will cause fluctuating temps.

I'm assuming my gained MPG is from a more stable engine and intake temp. I lost that MPG when I removed the original hood ,and I wondered where it went...

 

Aluminum 'vert hood FTW!! Lighter, no scoop, no problem!