[ghost chili]

I need to replace my hood, so I'm considering the Mod Bargains VRS style FRP vented hood for e92.

The main reason I would do this is for cooling benefits. I would like to do some HPDE and track my car a few times a year. Looks are secondary, I like the way the vents look, but that's not a compelling enough reason alone.

So my question is, has anyone observed noticeable cooling improvements from vented hoods such as this one? Would you say the benefits are worth $300 difference in cost compared to OEM? I would be combining this with an M Sport bumper, but no other cooling modifications.

And again, I have to replace my hood, so that's the only reason I'm even considering this.

[TSM330i]

I just put on a vented hood and I can't say for certain that the engine runs cooler since I don't have a temp gauge, I can tell you when I park the car I can feel the heat coming out of the vents. It is a lot of heat coming out.
I can't imagine it not helping.

[badass335]

for me it did make a difference. When i got my hood, i didn't have the second oil cooler and when i started getting into the drive, the oil temps wuld shoot up fast. Once i got the vented hood, it helped but not a replacement for the cooling items like bigger oil cooler, rad and meth etc. I will say, after a hard drive, i park my car, the vents are cooking hot and you could fry and egg by putting a pot over them so hey, it must help since the oem hood would just keep the heat inside.

[Magic-Man]

Originally Posted by badass335

for me it did make a difference. When i got my hood, i didn't have the second oil cooler and when i started getting into the drive, the oil temps wuld shoot up fast. Once i got the vented hood, it helped but not a replacement for the cooling items like bigger oil cooler, rad and meth etc. I will say, after a hard drive, i park my car, the vents are cooking hot and you could fry and egg by putting a pot over them so hey, it must help since the oem hood would just keep the heat inside.

A vented hood will not make a difference w/the oil temps.

[Tee212]

Im sorry but just like those scoops the engine nor you will not feel a change.

[JoosyJoos]

It's hard to say without doing some datalogging. I'm sure it makes a difference but you're not gonna feel any notice-able difference.

[HP Autosport]

Yes, it does help. We were the only N54 powered car competing that didn't have one or two larger aftermarket oil coolers and never had issues with either oil or coolant temperatures.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but the water cooling system is what needs to be addressed first for a cooler running engine, not the oil cooler.

[335okc]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

Yes, it does help. We were the only N54 powered car competing that didn't have one or two larger aftermarket oil coolers and never had issues with either oil or coolant temperatures.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but the water cooling system is what needs to be addressed first for a cooler running engine, not the oil cooler.

Ive always wondered the same thing. I usually pop my hood after each session.
Btw, how do you get most bang of cooling for the buck? Additives? Bigger radiator?

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by 335okc

Ive always wondered the same thing. I usually pop my hood after each session.
Btw, how do you get most bang of cooling for the buck? Additives? Bigger radiator?

Run about 10% coolant and 90% distilled water with the Redline Water Wetter. More coolant mix if you live in an area that will see freezing temperatures. Water actually cools better than coolant if you didn't know.

Bigger radiator with more capacity and more efficient core is the more expensive option.

BMW engineers would agree with me on what is the primary cooling agent - Water of course. In their BMW power kit, the 335is and the 1M, they added an extra water radiator and NOT an extra oil cooler. And for best results the cooler must have its own air source, not sit in front and behind another radiator/cooler.

[vasillalov]

That's exactly what I expected to hear. If you are able to keep the engine block cooler, then the oil will be cooler too simply because the oil is washing all around the internals.

Also, the turbos are both water cooled and oil cooled. If you are able to keep the coolant temps in check, then the turbos will be cooled better as well.

[PT's_vengeance]

yes I know I am getting a little off topic but would a vented hood with a vent where a cold air intake help with giving the filter more cold air to suck in? such as a M3 hood on a 335 n55? or is it not as much of a difference to even bother with it?

[EJ_3]

Originally Posted by PT's_vengeance

yes I know I am getting a little off topic but would a vented hood with a vent where a cold air intake help with giving the filter more cold air to suck in? such as a M3 hood on a 335 n55? or is it not as much of a difference to even bother with it?

Have the same setup you're talking about on my N54. It'll help your air temps, but you're looking at it backwards.
The vented hood doesn't provide cold/cool air to your intake. It works as an exhaust, giving hot air a place to escape (instead of getting sucked up). The more cooler air your car pull in and hot air escape, the easier the car will be able to keep cool.

[LuxAngelEyes]

just drive with no hood. just joking

[Taskmaster]

Looks like rice though.

[P1 ARH]

Yes helps a bunch.

[SWalters]

As I understand, cooling improvement from the use of an air extractor like that is incidental - the air will get out one way or another. But there are stability benefits in allowing the radiator/IC to exhaust via the hood instead of beneath the car, granted the extractor is strategically located as opposed to being placed for 'style points'.

2 cents.

[chris82]

My instructor at the last HPDE I was at said it helps because heat is a killer of components, keeping things cooler will benefit everything basically.

[gbm30]

Originally Posted by LuxAngelEyes

just drive with no hood. just joking

Hahaha for real you'll get all the benefits that way.