I know some years (I think '85-up TAs and GTAs) had small hood mounted vents- about 18" long and very narrow- near the side edges of the hood.

Were these vents functional (i.e. would air flow through them)? If not- could they be made functional? Also- what years and models definetly had them? I know 86TAs had 'em but I am really unsure of others...

Beyond that- does anyone know if a company out there sells a similar type of vent with a full flow-through ability (i.e. aftermarket vents of different shapes/sizes)?

-Just so no one is left wondering- I have a huge heat buildup issue under my non-vented hood and the engine compartment becomes like a very large convection oven, especially when idling in traffic or at a stop light- the hot air has no escape but downwards and is so bad I can stand behind the car and warm my feet from the air coming down the length of the car.

 

Mine are not functional... I suppose you could make them functional by trimming the sound dampner around the vent.

I believe only T/A's got the "vented" hood, Firebirds got either the normal hood, or the "single hood scoop" hood.

 

nate look again. air comes in the front 2 vents and passes through the hood in ducks and back out the two on the sides. i belive that they are to help with cooling.

if you look under the hood latch there is a hole to draw air in. the air then travels alonge the front of the hood and up each side to the other vents. there are hole also along there to help draw air in from the engine bay. or at least that what it looks like to me

 

The Formula hoods have the 'power bulge' that you can open up.

I have opened mine up and hot 'engine air' can clearly be seen exiting through this opening. My engine runs very cool as well -- surprisingly cool for a 185 thermostat especially after this last humid week. With A/C on and 42 celcius with humidex it ran at normal engine temp in downtown traffic. Obviously this is the result of a system in overall good condition however I am willing to bet the hot air exiting through the hole in the hood is helping it alot.

thx,
RP.

 

The front two vents are definitely open. When my waterpump blew up I had steam coming up through them (an unusual sight...). I'd imagine the rear ones are open to some degree as well.