While looking at my engine after my Stage 1 install I noticed two little nuts under the hood. I discovered that they hold on the black hood scoope insert. I thought "What the Hell" and removed them and the insert to take a peak inside. I ended up leaving it out for a while just for fun. It looks to me that the incoming air flow would be considerably increased with out the insert? With it there is about 3/8" - 1/2" of space and w/o maybe double. Removing the insert leaves to little slots in the hood that were under it. They are about 1/4" X 1/2" each. I may try a 3/4" black rubber washer on each side of the hood held together with a short 1/2"allen bolt and washers to cover the slots. The scoop opening would look better with a little black edging like used on door edges to finish it off. I figure that any improvement in air flow under the hood would be helpfull to that hot box area?

 

Interesting thought, Bob96. I wonder if you are on to something. Only negative I can think of is that the insert is kind of funnel shaped, and while the opening is narrower after it tapers, the taper may actually be beneficial. The higher velocity created by the taper(read-velocity stack) might help direct air to the back of the duct where the turbo cooling outlets are. I am very curious though. We sure could use as much airflow as possible.

 

I have read about people doing this on SRTforums and if I remember correctly they got leaves and other crap back by the turbo.

 

A little 1/4" mesh screening would fix that real quick.

 

Good point.

 

Taking it out does catch alot of debris, as many people with the Revolution Motorsports hood have found out, since it comes with no protection in front of the scoop.

My CBD hood just has some mesh in front of it, which does decrease airflow compared to one without anything in front of the scoop, but it keeps the debris out at the same time. I'd have a lot of Bug Appetizers cooking on my turbo if it weren't for that mesh.

 

interesting stuff i learn something new every day on this forum.

 

I took my hood scoop insert out and cut out the back that redirects the air downward to increase the flow and volume of air back to the turbo and it has been great, nothing has gotten into the hood or back to the turbo except the air. I would have to say that with the amount I removed it should be getting 3 times more air to the turbo. It only takes about half an hour beginning to end with a rotary tool/dremel.

 

Don't forget the STB blocks airflow over the turbo, so every little bit counts!!!!

 

Today I found the perfect thing to cover up the two slots left exposed when one removes the hood scoop insert. At Pep Boys I purchased a pack of two plastic spash shield retainers. These have round heads 3/4" in diameter and plastic push through stem. The head is very thin and rests flat against the hood. My SRT-4 is white and the black dots look fine. Mine didn't fit tight in the slots so I added a drop of Super Glue to each and they are secure. Looks good to me!