Airflow is very rarely a bad thing when it comes to your car’s performance. In fact, the more airflow, the better—when it’s directed and utilized properly that is. That’s exactly why hood scoops exist. Originally a performance part, hood scoops were designed to pull fresh, cool air from outside of the vehicle into the engine bay, either to keep the engine cooler or force more air into the engine for better vehicle performance.
Today, hood scoops serve a few functions, but they’re still fairly synonymous with performance. This guide on hood scoops, their functional and aesthetic benefits, and other tips will highlight why.
What Are Hood Scoops?
A hood scoop is an opening or inlet on your hood, designed to direct cool air into the engine bay or air intake system. These scoops can be functional or non-functional (aesthetic only), but when properly designed, they contribute significantly to performance by improving airflow and keeping the engine running cooler.
You’ll typically find scoops on high-performance vehicles, muscle cars, and race builds. They vary in width, length, and design, and some are designed for specific intakes, such as ram air systems or those funneling cool air to turbocharged systems. Scoops can be added to an existing hood or built into a new one, depending on the car and style.
Functional Benefits of Hood Scoops
Installing a hood scoop isn’t just about style (though few aesthetic mods make a car look meaner)—here are the practical perks:
1. Improved Engine Cooling
By channeling cool air directly to the engine, the hood scoop can reduce the atmospheric temperature under the hood. They may also work as vents, allowing hot air to escape the engine bay. This can allow the engine to run more efficiently, improving efficiency and potential longevity.
2. Enhanced Air Intake Efficiency
Functional scoops serve as inlets to your intake system. They help feed more cool, dense air into the engine, whether through a ram air setup or standard intakes. The result? An increase in throttle response and horsepower.
3. Better Aerodynamics
Controlling how the vehicle interacts with wind resistance can improve handling and acceleration. Hood scoops are designed to push air into the engine bay rather than up and over the vehicle will change aerodynamics, which could potentially improve performance in some vehicles.
Types of Hood Scoops
There are several styles of scoops, and choosing the right one depends on your car, your goals, and your budget. It’s important to note that some of these need to be custom fitted to an existing hood, while others will come built into a new hood.
Ram Air Scoops
Ram air scoops are designed to force air into the intake system at high speeds, effectively pressurizing the air before it reaches the engine. These setups can increase horsepower by pushing more oxygen molecules (more volume and denser with oxygen) into the engine when installed correctly.
Shaker Scoops
Mounted directly onto the engine, shaker scoops move with engine vibration and protrude through the hood. They’re popular on muscle cars for both aesthetic and performance reasons. Their design allows them to funnel air from overtop of the hood and into the engine.
Cowl Induction Scoops
Cowl induction hood scoops are some of the most iconic, especially in terms of muscle cars. These are wide, raised scoops located at the rear of the hood near the windshield. They take advantage of the high-pressure area near the windshield to draw in cool air.
Universal and Custom-Fit Scoops
If your hood doesn’t already come with a scoop, you can install universal or fit-specific models made from plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. These options vary in price, width, length, and finish (such as gloss black or matte black). They may feature closed or fake vents, but can sometimes be adapted to allow for actual airflow, provided you’re comfortable with cutting your hood.
Installation Best Practices
Installing a hood scoop correctly is crucial—especially if it’s functional. Here are some best practices:
1. Measure Twice, Cut Once
If you’re cutting into your hood to create an opening, double-check all measurements. Consider the length, width, and position in relation to the intake or engine components. A mistake here could be very expensive.
2. Choose High-Quality Materials
Look for scoops made from durable materials like plastic composites, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Reputable brands offer items that are lightweight and designed for high-speed stability.
3. Ensure a Proper Seal
To maximize performance, ensure the scoop seals properly with your intake system. This helps deliver consistent air flow and prevent leaks. This may mean building a metal box around the air filter that seals to the hood, taking full advantage of the air.
4. Mind the Paint and Finish
If you’re painting your scoop, match it to your hood color or go for contrast with a black or carbon fiber look. Some scoops come pre-finished and ready to install.
Cost Considerations
Hood scoops often vary in price as much as they do in style. Prices typically depend on the material, function, and brand. Universal, non-functional plastic models might only cost a bit of money, but fully integrated ram air systems or custom scoops can run several hundred dollars.
While the upfront price may be higher for premium scoops, the performance gains and decreased engine temperature—which lead to better engine health—often make it well worth the money—especially for track cars or vehicles that see long-distance or high-speed driving.
Why Shop for Hood Scoops at Vivid Racing?
At Vivid Racing, we carry a wide selection of hood scoops and hoods with scoops built-in from top brands, carefully chosen to deliver both form and function. Whether you’re looking to increase performance, add a custom touch to your car, or simply find the best fit for your build, our team, with over 25 years of experience in the performance car industry, is here to help.
We’re car enthusiasts ourselves, and we only shop and stock products we believe in.
