A carbon fiber hood not only gives the car an exotic sporty look, it also has many advantages over the original hood, which is usually made of steel or aluminum. Replacing a hood with a fiber one can save up to 25 pounds of weight! This weight reduction is of great importance to drivers as the car can now perform relatively well in terms of acceleration, braking and cornering. Carbon fiber is perfect for car enthusiasts looking to spice up their ride without the performance penalty of added weight. They are particularly popular within the aftermarket “tuner” scene, commonly seen on Honda and Toyota cars.
These days, the use of carbon fiber is almost endless. On cars, it can be used as a replacement for original hoods, roof scoops, bumpers and side skirts and many other small parts. But of all these, replacing the hood offers the most significant weight reduction due to its large size, as well as providing added strength and a better appearance at the same time. Another advantage of using custom fiber hoods is that they are manufactured as moulds. Occasionally this means that the customer can order them according to their needs. Most of the time, these hoods have an air intake at the top that provides cooler, denser air from outside the vehicle to the engine. This increases the efficiency of the motor and, consequently, its performance. In high speed racing, the blade sucks in air at very high speeds creating a supercharging effect and giving the car an extra boost of power.
Racing cars have to endure a lot of severe punishment requiring parts that are strong and durable. Since the hood is a critical part that is likely to be exposed to many hazards, it should be able to withstand impacts. In addition, the fiber is coated with a UV protective layer to protect it from prolonged exposure to sunlight and allows it to retain its strength. The very tight weave of the fibers guarantees its strength and durability over time.
Carbon fiber is a cutting-edge technology and is used today in many industries, such as aerospace and construction, due to its light weight and strength. The benefits of the carbon fiber hood are pretty obvious; they are light, strong and most importantly sporty and exotic looking, making them irresistible to any car enthusiast. So if you are thinking of modifying your car, the addition of a carbon fiber hood has a lot to offer you.