Sunday, November 22, 2009

Which Carbon Fiber Car Hoods Are Best For Your Car and How to Choose Carbon Fiber Hoods

By Nic Stewart

Being a very low weight material and looking cool is what people associate with carbon fiber hoods. The rigidness of carbon fiber car hoods is yet another reason to install one. People normally overlook this factor. Carbon hood manufacturers like DG Motorsports, VIS, Vfiber, Carbon Creations, JSP, and the Seibon carbon fiber hood company have mastered the art of weaving together the stretched out strands of carbon fiber to make carbon fiber hoods that are stronger than steel, but much lighter.

When considering weight, carbon fiber hoods definitely weigh less the stock OEM hoods. Since steel is what primarily comprises OEM hoods, they are very heavy. 40 to 50 pounds can be taken off the total weight of a car when a carbon fiber car hood is installed. When a carbon hood is installed, acceleration times will definitely be faster!

Something else to consider is the added handling improvement that will be gained from having carbon fiber hoods. Because of the lighter weight of the carbon fiber material while maintaining strength and rigidity, weight is reduced in the front portion of the car; more specifically the front wheels. Driving the car is thus easier due to the increased balance.

Further looks and performance boasts can be achieved with a custom carbon fiber hood. For instance, air flow to the engine can be boosted with strategically placed vents on a carbon fiber car hood. Added curves and details can heighten aerodynamics as well.

When looking at carbon fiber hoods, definitely pay attention to whether or not a layer of UV protection is built in or not. The grade of the carbon fiber used is also important in the quality of the carbon fiber hood produced. Definitely ensure that the carbon fiber used is of grade A quality strands, weaving, and composites.

Back to customizing and creating a custom carbon fiber hood, there are many things that can be done. One option is to go with an EVO style hood that has vents and aggressive styling additions that surpass the OEM factory hood. Another option is color. A red carbon fiber hood and a silver carbon fiber hood are the most requested colors of carbon hoods. Other things that can be added are vents or a carbon fiber hood scoop. Carbon fiber hood pins are yet another detail that can be added!

Carbon fiber car hoods can be very expensive; especially a custom carbon fiber hood described above. Cheap carbon fiber car hoods CAN be found though, like for the Scion TC or Integra by Acura. The import scene most likely saw the first carbon hood on an Acura in the form of an Integra carbon fiber hood.

In the end, it's simply just awesome that carbon fiber hoods are produced with CARBON FIBER. 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.

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