anyone with a custom hood?

[dkgordon]

I have NO idea how I missed that other post. WOW. anyway, it's reborn.

[kyle@stillen]

I don't mean to offend anyone or kick anyone's dog but...

These days there isn't really much weight savings with aftermarket carbon fiber...In fact some carbon fiber parts can be heavier than the metal parts they are replacing. For instance, I'm pretty sure the hoods on the Altima are aluminum...Most carbon fiber manufacturers use fiberglas overlaid with one layer of carbon fiber...This gives the appearance of CF without the cost.

Real carbon fiber (vacuum formed and baked in an autoclave) is extremely expensive and due to its complexity is cost prohibitive for aftermarket use.

Again, I'm not trying to be negative or offend anyone but before buying carbon fiber parts for their weight savings, you might want to actually weigh them.

[dkgordon]

Kyle, Yes, I know our hood is aluminum and was thinking that there would be very little weight difference. I'm looking more at vented hood. I would probably paint the carbon (carbon/fiberglass) anyway.

[kyle@stillen]

DK- I think CF looks great and that scoop design looks very cool. Very similar to my favorite hoods for the G35's.

I just didn't want anyone getting overly excited about "weight savings" with carbon fiber.

[dkgordon]

Kyle,

No prob. I agree.

Tell Kenny, Dale says Hi.

[theoctopussi]

Kyle - the only reason I WOULD get a CF hood is for weight savings... so ViS is no good for that?

[kyle@stillen]

Kyle - the only reason I WOULD get a CF hood is for weight savings... so ViS is no good for that?

I don't want to point the finger at one company because I don't know their exact manufacturing process.

I also don't want to make anyone think that my statement was generalized and applies to all carbon fiber...Some carbon fiber parts will be lighter than the pieces they are replacing...I'm just saying that in the past we have seen CF hoods and trunk lids from various companies actually weigh more than the metal parts they are replacing.

If weight savings is the only reason you are interested in these parts I would recommend asking for the weights of the parts, then weigh your factory parts...If the weight difference is justifiable for you, then by all means it's worth it.

[theoctopussi]

dopeness.

[LongBeachCoupe]

Hmm... Mind you our hood is aluminum... so thered be some cutting required lol... but this looks like it can be a skilled DIY if someone takes the time to do it properly...

Loop is your rear fascia painted yet?

[dkgordon]

what about the braces underneath? aren't they in the way?

[ESP]

So....nobody answered my previous question, so I'll ask it again...With the aftermarket hoods that have the vents in them, isn't it extremely likely that water can get sucked into a WAI? I know it's pretty tough to do it with a proper CAI, but I mean if your intake is right beneath an opening and it's raining out (even just a little bit) isn't hydrolock inevitable?

[dkgordon]

ESP,

I would think that it would depend on where the vents are. With many having the WAI, it would make sence they would make them farther forward and not right above the filter for that application. Hope that makes sence and helps.

[Loop]

Yes, Kyle is correct about carbon fiber hood now days about weight. Due to our hoods that are already light, you won't be saving much weight. It could save you a few lbs, could be the same, or even more. With that being said, don't get the hood if your looking to save weight.

Though if you were to get real carbon fiber hood, your looking into spending around 2k(haven't checked the prices in a while so it might be different now). You must pay to play!

[kyle@stillen]

ESP- In terms of hydrolocking the engine, I would imagine this would be a consideration during the design phase. In my opinion, this would be a great way to incorporate a really nice opening leading directly into the air filter with some sort of block off plate for those rainy days...That way it would turn your "warm air intake" into a true "cold air intake."...Just my thoughts.

[Loop]

Yes, some vented hoods do have an optional peice to attach for rainy days.

[ESP]

ESP- In terms of hydrolocking the engine, I would imagine this would be a consideration during the design phase. In my opinion, this would be a great way to incorporate a really nice opening leading directly into the air filter with some sort of block off plate for those rainy days...That way it would turn your "warm air intake" into a true "cold air intake."...Just my thoughts.

Makes perfect sense! I'm looking forward to seeing what ED comes up with.

[Burtonboarder950]

thread stealers! Just kidding guys

[maxentropy]

Loop-- any word on the hood? Perhaps some piccies?

[Loop]

Hood is coming out end of this month. It takes a bit longer due to the carbon fiber being hand laid.