So I am getting ready to lay another paint job on my car and am trying to decide weather or not to cut up my SS hood.

I am considering opening up the scoop area completely and then cutting out the cowl area on the back of the hood. My thought is while driving around in the Texas heat it may take some heat out from under the hood.

Anyone done this before?

Right now the scoop is left like the factory. I would think air moving through the scoop would move on top of the engine and out the back cowl, but am worried about pressure building underneath the hood.

Any thoughts/experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

Here are some pictures, so yall can see what I'm doing.

 

So the hood you have doesn't have a front opening already cut? I don't remember the manufacturer of the one I had back in the day, but it already had a hole cut in the front. Ran it as it was for a long time. My only concern was after I put the hood on I was able to see at night how much it flexed. I could see the light from my headlights thru the gap in the front at highway speed. Put hood pins on for peace of mind at high speeds. I personally wouldn't worry about cutting the back of it out. Just my 2 cents

 

Nope, its left rough fiberglass. To make matters worse there is a gap between the top and the bottom laminated pieces, allowing it to balloon up at high speeds. I have since then RTV'ed the gap and haven't had any problems.

Wouldn't worry as in should are should not do it?

My other worry is the airflow under the hood. Would this just force hot air from the radiator up through the cowl, putting more heat on the top end of the engine.

 

I cut the front of mine out, but left the back as it was, as there is enough gap to let hot air escape. I have a 1 inch spacer under my qjet, which puts the air cleaner directly in line with the screen, and it seems to benifit the carb, getting direct airflow.

Alicat.

 

I would drill a series of 1" holes (or whatever size fits nicely) along the back.
You will get your airflow and keep rigidity. And yes, open the front.