Carbon fiber hoods are known for two things - being lightweight and looking sleek! The rigidness of carbon fiber car hoods is yet another reason to install one. This performance addition is normally overlooked. Masters of the carbon fiber hood process are DG Motorsports, VIS, Vfiber, Carbon Creations, JSP, and the Seibon carbon fiber hood company. They know exactly what it takes to weave strands of carbon fiber to produce the best carbon fiber hoods in the world.
When considering weight, carbon fiber hoods definitely weigh less the stock OEM hoods. Factory car hoods are usually made of steel and are heavy; for race standards. 40 to 50 pounds can be taken off the total weight of a car when a carbon fiber car hood is installed. One can expect relatively faster start times with the installation of a carbon hood.
Improved handling is an additional plus of installing carbon fiber hoods. Weight near the front wheel of the car is reduced because of the carbon fiber material; but the rigidness and strength is kept. This increases the car's balance and enables an easy drive experience.
Further looks and performance boasts can be achieved with a custom carbon fiber hood. Vents can be added to carbon fiber car hoods to increase air flow to the engine, intake, or intercooler. Aerodynamics can be augmented with creative body designs and curvature.
When looking at carbon fiber hoods, definitely pay attention to whether or not a layer of UV protection is built in or not. Also, determine what grade of carbon fiber materials have been used to manufacture the carbon fiber car hood in question. You want only grade A carbon fiber strands and the best carbon fiber weaving and composites to make up your hood.
Several options are available for a custom carbon fiber hood. One option is to go with an EVO style hood that has vents and aggressive styling additions that surpass the OEM factory hood. Color is another feature that can be customized. A red carbon fiber hood and a silver carbon fiber hood are the most requested colors of carbon hoods. Adding a carbon fiber hood scoop or multiple vents are some more ways to customize a carbon fiber hood. Lastly, a popular detail are carbon fiber hood pins to finish off the look!
Carbon fiber car hoods are definitely not cheap - custom carbon fiber hoods, included. Cheap carbon fiber hoods are around though, especially for popular import cars like the Scion TC or Acura Integra. The import scene most likely saw the first carbon hood on an Acura in the form of an Integra carbon fiber hood.
Also, the fact that carbon fiber hoods are manufactured with CARBON FIBER is great, as well. An added level of style is attached to the car with this great material. If you want to get the show car look or actually want to benefits of lighter weight, better aerodynamics and handling, carbon fiber hoods are where it's at.
