Hoods | Bonnets

Why should I install an aftermarket hood?

Show your car some hood love with an aftermarket hood. Your car’s bonnet is one of the first things people see when looking at your car. Most factory hoods are boring, barren, and just flat. Not really enticing to look at, no? For the most part, OEM hoods use a very boring design with no scoops or vents.

However, there are some points to ponder when vying for a new bonnet. With how large your hood is, it's a great opportunity for weight reduction. Many aftermarket hoods are available with a carbon fiber construction which is significantly lighter than a steel or aluminum hood. Less weight improves handling, braking, and acceleration.

Carbon fiber parts weigh quite a bit less than similar parts made from sheet metal and steel, resulting in slightly increased velocity, less drag and better mileage. It’s easy to see why carbon fiber hoods have become the standard for NASCAR, Formula One, IndyCar, and exotic sports and muscle car enthusiasts around the world. In fact, more and more luxury car makers are including carbon fiber hoods or other parts in their higher-trim packages.

Carbon fiber is also astoundingly strong. While expensive, carbon fiber’s strength-to-weight ratio is unparalleled — it’s stiffer and about five times stronger than steel. Additionally, carbon can absorb energy at a much higher rate, making it safer if a collision occurs.

Not to mention, a carbon fiber hood, even flat, will stand out especially if your car’s paint is of a lighter shade. Changing the hood of your car might be tricky, depending on the model. If you ever plan to replace your carbon fiber hood for aesthetics reasons, keep in mind you’ll need to store the original hood in a garage or shed; otherwise you’ll end up paying for a new original equipment manufacturer hood.

Perhaps the only downside of a carbon fiber hood is that it is expansive. And, should it break, you cannot stick it with super glue. It cannot be hammered into place like steel and aluminum hoods. It will have to be completely replaced.

Aside from the material, many aftermarket hoods feature air scoops or vents which can help keep your engine cool by removing hot air from the engine bay. Air scoops can also be used for top mount intercoolers, such as a Subaru WRX. For cars making big power, air vents massively improve cooling which lets you run your car harder for longer.

There are several different types of hoods available here at Vivid Racing. These include louvered hoods, air extractor hoods, cowl induction hoods, ram air hoods, and flat/bulged hoods. Buy online or give one of our world-class professionals a call at 1-480-966-3040.