[spy23714]

So I drive a 5.0, but a buddy of my has an '01 GT and he keeps flirting with the idea of putting a cut-out in his hood to make the scoop functional but he's a procrastinator. I want him to hurry up and do it, but I told him to post something on here first about it. He's a procrastinator. If you cut out a little hole with a saw, would the extra air coming in help much. I know it's a little country, but I live in Texas.

[FunkyBoss]

The cutout is most likely not gonna feed any air to the airbox, so I seriously doubt he is gonna see any more performance out of it. Of course it never hurts to keep the engine bay cool. Just remember, cooler air doesn't really mean more hp, just less likely to detonate.

[braupe]

The 01' GT spy is talking about is mine, and yes Im a procrastinator, thx spy. I know it wont help with the air box, but I was thinking it might help keep under hood temps down. my only concern is rain water coming in right on top of the motor. Is this going to cause any problems? there is a honeycomp black insert in the scoop, I was just going to drill out the honeycomb and cut a hole in the hood its self. would that work?

any input would help, thanks.

[lxarlo]

if the purpose is to keep the engine bay cooler, than i would get a 03-04 cobra heat extractor hood. this way air flows in through the grille and out through the extractor vents. the other way, theoretically will pressurize the engine compartment, but is only goin to cause a problem with constant high speeds.

[braupe]

what is the side affect of a pressurized engine compartment? I can't afford a cobra hood yet, but I agree.

[blueoval]

I would think if anything it would keep air from entering the engine bay from under the car. If their is a air pocket in the engine compartment then it could keep air out. The only thing I could think if thats what it does is keep air drag from out from under the car. I have never heard about any of this but when thinking about it this is what I came up with.

[tripleblack]

Mustang engine compartments tend to be high pressure zones anyway. The 99-04's have a mild problem with this, which is indeed why the 03-04 Cobras had the extractor hoods (borrowed now for use on the GT500 as well). These help with the heat, but they are also handy to prevent the hood from blowing off at high speeds.

The other high pressure zones are the front fenders, which is why pulling air from inside the fender is the preferred source for cool intake air. Cars (all borrowed from BMW z series cars) who have aftermarket slotted fenders "correct" this condition, but they are also giving up an excellent source of cool, high pressure air to suck into the intake.

The stock GT hood and scoop are really not designed for function, but looks. Modifying them as you describe will cut the amount of drag they currently create (which would seem to be considerable, with the scoop nothing more than a large, blocked air catcher).

I suspect the amount of air you will grab by drilling some holes in the existing honeycomb is minimal, as is the reduction in drag. The danger of cramming water right on top of the intake is real, though this will probably do little harm (unless you like a clean motor, which will now be getting whatever gunk you suck up from the highway).

I personally believe the ram air kits that are patterned on the Mach One shaker hood designs make the most sense. They are about the same amount of labor (I've helped with two) that you will expend to drill out the plug and cut a hole in the hood, and the shaker both looks FAR better than the stock item, it actually works.

My personal experience with my Cervini hood and bumper cover is that the motor ran cooler immediately, but these pieces are DESIGNED to accomplish this mission.

Having said all this, I know at least 3 other people who have done exactly what you are considering, with no big ill effects.

If heat is what's realy driving you, consider swapping out to a 180 degree unit. It will do more for the problem than cutting holes in the hood

[baravelli]

I did it on my 2001 three years ago. I live in the Great NorthWet and rain water ingress is not a problem due to the ABS honeycomb. What moisture accumulated inside the engine compartment sprayed on the top of the firewall.
You can feel the convection cooling/heat rising thru that opening while in park! To releave compartment pressure, I also removed the neoprene rubber insulator that seals the hood to the cowl. On my Focus, I dremel down to the rain gutter. Intimidates fellow passengers when they see the back of the hood vibrate @ 100MPH!

[dtorres03gt]

I did my 03 gt and took out the honey comb all together but soon found that the factory mounts were not strong enough to hold it down at high speeds. So before it flew off I fabricated a brace for it and have no problems since. the only pluse i found from it was my plenum stays slightly cooler. It was more of an appearance issue for me.

[braupe]

Does anyone happen to have any pictures of this? it would be helpful, I plan on doing this in the next few weeks.

thx.

[dtorres03gt]

I'll take some and post the pictures tomorow.

[braupe]

Originally Posted by dtorres03gt

I'll take some and post the pictures tomorow.

That will help alot, Thanks

[braupe]

any luck with those pics?

[dtorres03gt]

Hey man I haven't had internet for a week... I'll get them up tomorro, Sorry About that man.

[braupe]

Hey no problem dtorres, I appreciate the help.