The Ultimate Cooling Mod
Functional??? i've been over this a lot. while the car's going down the highway i can watch my temp gauge drop a couple ticks. The heat extraction hood works extremely well. on top of that when i check under the hood the difference is very very noticeable. the pressure from under the hood builds up enough that it just dumps out right over the top of the car.
Yes u can see the letters and i might do like a red led setup behind it. Might be too ricey though.
Yes u can see the letters and i might do like a red led setup behind it. Might be too ricey though.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 1,818
From: Bakersfield
Functional??? i've been over this a lot. while the car's going down the highway i can watch my temp gauge drop a couple ticks. The heat extraction hood works extremely well. on top of that when i check under the hood the difference is very very noticeable. the pressure from under the hood builds up enough that it just dumps out right over the top of the car.
Yes u can see the letters and i might do like a red led setup behind it. Might be too ricey though.
Yes u can see the letters and i might do like a red led setup behind it. Might be too ricey though.
ahh. thanks for clearing that up
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,442
Likes: 482
From: Houston, Texas
Xiomaro,
Perhaps I am not understanding. When I look at the picture of your hood, I am not seeing any vents. Where is the heat escaping from? It does sound like that you have accomplished the ultimate cooling mod from your description of how cool it is now under your hood. I am just confused where the heat is escaping from your hood. Where is the heat escaping from?
Perhaps I am not understanding. When I look at the picture of your hood, I am not seeing any vents. Where is the heat escaping from? It does sound like that you have accomplished the ultimate cooling mod from your description of how cool it is now under your hood. I am just confused where the heat is escaping from your hood. Where is the heat escaping from?
Ryan Christopher
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 5
From: Alabama
i feel so terribly left out and forgotten. i already did a vented hood that doesn't look anywhere near as ricey as that white one
The lettering is the vent. They are completely open. It's not a massive vent, but honestly it doesn't need to be. the main problem we found when we started this hood was that once the air comes up under the hood it just has no where to go. so it just builds up and gets hotter and slowly gets pulled out from under the car. Another thing is that once i get my new front bumper setup finished (much like eric's) it will have much better flow.
when the hood is down the "dip" sits right in front of the first cat delete. If i stick my hand on the windshield while the cars moving you can feel really hot air shooting up over the car.
when the hood is down the "dip" sits right in front of the first cat delete. If i stick my hand on the windshield while the cars moving you can feel really hot air shooting up over the car.
I have some that i turned into some cool plaques if anyone is interested
Last edited by Xiomaro; Sep 10, 2009 at 11:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,442
Likes: 482
From: Houston, Texas
Xiomaro,
Thanks for the explanation.
Good job on the hood
and good job of accomplishing the ultimate cooling mod via another method.
It is helpful for us to learn that even a small amount of venting can have a big impact on lowering the under hood temps. Thanks for the contribution.
Please post pics when you get the hood on the car.
Thanks for the explanation.
Good job on the hood
and good job of accomplishing the ultimate cooling mod via another method.
It is helpful for us to learn that even a small amount of venting can have a big impact on lowering the under hood temps. Thanks for the contribution.
Please post pics when you get the hood on the car.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 47
From: NYC
Xiomaro,
Thanks for the explanation.
Good job on the hood
and good job of accomplishing the ultimate cooling mod via another method.
It is helpful for us to learn that even a small amount of venting can have a big impact on lowering the under hood temps. Thanks for the contribution.
Please post pics when you get the hood on the car.
Thanks for the explanation.
Good job on the hood
and good job of accomplishing the ultimate cooling mod via another method.
It is helpful for us to learn that even a small amount of venting can have a big impact on lowering the under hood temps. Thanks for the contribution.
Please post pics when you get the hood on the car.
i've got it on the car i'm just waiting to get it back from my damn mechanic... it's taken a month for him to get the clutch out so i could have my machinist make me a my leigthweight setup
And no problem on the mod. Opel is right though. I duno what they were thinking on the engine bay. all the plastic covers just destroy all the hope of having any heat escape. basically it's like a pressure cooker. all that heat pressurizes the air inside and needs a means to escape or it gets too hot and messes up your food. hence the little pressure vent in the top.
The air passing under the car prettymuch keeps pushing air into the engine bay(slowly) but it never really goes anywhere other than swirling around and a little out the cowl and back out the bottom(VERY little) so if u give it an alternate exit it will be forced up and out!
the best cooling mod though is NO HOOD! thats what i had to do while we were working on it. it worked the best lol!
And no problem on the mod. Opel is right though. I duno what they were thinking on the engine bay. all the plastic covers just destroy all the hope of having any heat escape. basically it's like a pressure cooker. all that heat pressurizes the air inside and needs a means to escape or it gets too hot and messes up your food. hence the little pressure vent in the top.
The air passing under the car prettymuch keeps pushing air into the engine bay(slowly) but it never really goes anywhere other than swirling around and a little out the cowl and back out the bottom(VERY little) so if u give it an alternate exit it will be forced up and out!
the best cooling mod though is NO HOOD! thats what i had to do while we were working on it. it worked the best lol!
Ryan Christopher
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 5
From: Alabama
u mean where did i get the lettering? i had a couple prototypes made and then we just used the best one. If u look in the second pic, u can see the light going through the letters to the ground, fully open.
I have some that i turned into some cool plaques if anyone is interested
I have some that i turned into some cool plaques if anyone is interested
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 47
From: NYC
^^^^u sound like me.....changing the subject everytime someone asks me how i made 27 whp with my exhaust setup for $250, not spending $1000 on a catback with less gains lol ....some things need to remain a mystery...so we're not all the same! and have the same looking and same sounding cars lol
^ amen brotha! thats why i've been working on may different things at once and at a different angle than anyone else. And if i can attain some other info and tricks and tips to help out then hey y not.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 27
From: Spring TX
^^^^u sound like me.....changing the subject everytime someone asks me how i made 27 whp with my exhaust setup for $250, not spending $1000 on a catback with less gains lol ....some things need to remain a mystery...so we're not all the same! and have the same looking and same sounding cars lol
lol
wish i had the balls to cut up my hood... looks awesome!
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 27
From: Spring TX
My contribution to the cooling mod
Just finished up, yes I know I'm kinda late in season 
. But here is my "swiss cheese" cowl:
3/8" Holes all across the very top so sitting water won't seep through.
The stock vents are all functional now since they can get some hot air through. I cut the small rectangular sections of the cowl that sit just above the firewall insulation. My engine bay usually stays clean from water and debris. On the far left side I can actually see my cabin air filter, if leaves and other junk start sneaking through, I can always cover the hole with wire mesh used for screen doors..
I know this isn't as functional as a vented hood, but something is better than nothing
. But here is my "swiss cheese" cowl:3/8" Holes all across the very top so sitting water won't seep through.
The stock vents are all functional now since they can get some hot air through. I cut the small rectangular sections of the cowl that sit just above the firewall insulation. My engine bay usually stays clean from water and debris. On the far left side I can actually see my cabin air filter, if leaves and other junk start sneaking through, I can always cover the hole with wire mesh used for screen doors..
I know this isn't as functional as a vented hood, but something is better than nothing
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 27
From: Spring TX
My contribution to the cooling mod
Just finished up, yes I know I'm kinda late in season . But here is my "swiss cheese" cowl:
3/8" Holes all across the very top so sitting water won't seep through.
The stock vents are all functional now since they can get some hot air through. I cut the small rectangular sections of the cowl that sit just above the firewall insulation. On the far left side I can actually see my cabin air filter. My engine bay usually stays clean from water and debris, but if leaves and other junk start sneaking through, I can always cover the hole on the far left with wire mesh used for screen doors..
After a 15-20 drive I could actually feel the hot air escaping out of the holes and vents. I also touched my CAI and it was way cooler than it used to be. The CAI area closest to the fender is just warm, not hot like it used to be; which leads me to believe that now there is much cooler air entering the manifold while moving. I know this isn't as functional as a vented hood, but something is better than nothing
Mods please delete my previous post
. But here is my "swiss cheese" cowl:3/8" Holes all across the very top so sitting water won't seep through.
The stock vents are all functional now since they can get some hot air through. I cut the small rectangular sections of the cowl that sit just above the firewall insulation. On the far left side I can actually see my cabin air filter. My engine bay usually stays clean from water and debris, but if leaves and other junk start sneaking through, I can always cover the hole on the far left with wire mesh used for screen doors..
After a 15-20 drive I could actually feel the hot air escaping out of the holes and vents. I also touched my CAI and it was way cooler than it used to be. The CAI area closest to the fender is just warm, not hot like it used to be; which leads me to believe that now there is much cooler air entering the manifold while moving. I know this isn't as functional as a vented hood, but something is better than nothing
Mods please delete my previous post
Last edited by HQTL6SPD; Sep 25, 2009 at 05:45 PM.
hey, that seems like it will deff. help. Let me tell u guys, it's scary as hell cutting that hood up. one wrong cut and u are screwed. not to mention, get it too hot and it will warp in an instant.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,442
Likes: 482
From: Houston, Texas
Very well done HQTL6SPD
I was thinking about this exact design to offer to the forum. For me, I am keeping the whole cowl removed (UCM). So, thanks again for posting the pics of this Jr. Cooling Mod (JCM). I have been too busy with yard work and other mods (precat deletes, learning to make YouTube videos, etc).
People can choose what drill diameter for making the holes based on their preferences/needs. Larger drilled holes for more cooling for those that desire a more aggressive approach.
If everyone doesn't mind, we can call this mod with the drilled holes as the Junior Cooling Mod (JCM). I wish to reserve the original name of Ultimate Cooling Mod to that mod where the entire cowl is removed. After all, the word "ultimate" is a strong word.
HQTL6SPD, thanks again for coming up with the JCM. I do endorse this mod, especially if larger holes are used.
I was thinking about this exact design to offer to the forum. For me, I am keeping the whole cowl removed (UCM). So, thanks again for posting the pics of this Jr. Cooling Mod (JCM). I have been too busy with yard work and other mods (precat deletes, learning to make YouTube videos, etc).
People can choose what drill diameter for making the holes based on their preferences/needs. Larger drilled holes for more cooling for those that desire a more aggressive approach.
If everyone doesn't mind, we can call this mod with the drilled holes as the Junior Cooling Mod (JCM). I wish to reserve the original name of Ultimate Cooling Mod to that mod where the entire cowl is removed. After all, the word "ultimate" is a strong word.
HQTL6SPD, thanks again for coming up with the JCM. I do endorse this mod
, especially if larger holes are used.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 27
From: Spring TX
Yup there are a few options for the exposed side. Larger holes, more holes, grind arches or 'D' shapes on the very top, even combine them to look like this: /o\_/o\_/o\...
I was thinking of making them slotted, but I was kinda limited by my dremel grinders. Also didn't wanna make it look funky, so just kept it simple.
The cowl is inexpensive online in case some ppl rather experiment before hand.
#14 & 16:
http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal
I was thinking of making them slotted, but I was kinda limited by my dremel grinders. Also didn't wanna make it look funky, so just kept it simple.
The cowl is inexpensive online in case some ppl rather experiment before hand.
#14 & 16:
http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal
At the base of the wiper arms, there is a cap that can be pulled off. You can use a small flat head screw driver to pry them off, but be careful not to scratch them. Once you pull the cap off, unbolt the nuts that hold the arms on. Then just pull them right off.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 27
From: Spring TX
^I was stuck for a second also, but spray some WD-40 and you literally need to wipe your windshield manually while it's unbolted to shake em loose (also be careful with the hood since they are spring loaded)..
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 53
From: North Bergen, NJ
I finally did it... this time around i wasnt rushing i put some wd-40 as mentioned above and it worked like a charm... 
that thing is amazing.
I removed the cowl and i worked on it tonight, drilled all the holes. which happen to be 14 of them and to be exact there are 14 holes by 7/8" . I also drilled from the back whereever i could and where it wasnt vented already.
I hope this will be as effective as the cowl completely removed, cause looking at it without the cowl there is really a lot of room to breathe now.
im courious also about that long peace of rubber that hugs the cowl inside, did you guys remove it ?
thanks for all the help and all the great ideas.
that thing is amazing.I removed the cowl and i worked on it tonight, drilled all the holes. which happen to be 14 of them and to be exact there are 14 holes by 7/8" . I also drilled from the back whereever i could and where it wasnt vented already.
I hope this will be as effective as the cowl completely removed, cause looking at it without the cowl there is really a lot of room to breathe now.
im courious also about that long peace of rubber that hugs the cowl inside, did you guys remove it ?
thanks for all the help and all the great ideas.
LiQuiDFleX81
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 472
Likes: 1
From: Toms River, NJ
My Semi-UCM
and here's my original patent on a cooling mod name
The Semi-UCM
i been following this thread and re-creating it in my own design,
redesigned without losing the function of my washer fluid sprayers, that's important to me!
did NOT remove the rubber that protects the very bottom edge of the windshield (to keep the seal of the windshield protected from anything that could possibly hit it, rocks, hail, ect),
kept it so my "fresh air" still works on driver and passenger side
kept two of the engine bay covers that cover the strut tower bar EXCEPT i cut the part that was completly covering the CENTER section of the bar because
1) the bar looks cool, admit it
2) i realized if i didn't cut the center section to match the cowl cutting, the mod would kind of been a waste because before i cut the center bar it blocked ALL that "NEW OPENING" i made, so cut cut peeps!
DON"T just toss out the strut tower bar covers - there's tons of electronics under those and i wanted to make sure there was an absolut ZERO chance of water entering those areas in combonation with keeping 2 of the "fresh air" vents in the parts of the cowl i left, this works as a perfect seal for those areas!
From a week of driving around like this,, i've noticed 1) my CAI pipe is NEVER hot anymore, luke warm at most, 2) i can put my hands on my engine bay cover and intake manifold without being burned, 3) after the car is shut off, i put my hand where i Modded the heat to escape, and boy does IT ESCAPE! this mod was WELL WORTH the very little time it took to do, and my car does not lag like it used too!
side note - NO dremel was used in the making of this project, meaning you DON"T need a dremel for everything to the guys (like myself) who don't own a dremel, a razer blade in a holder cuts thru the cowl like BUTTER, just an FYI.
AND... TAKE YOUR TIME, i did and very pleased with the results of it all =)
next little project will be routing ducting hose from behind the grill straight to the CAI...
here are some pics of the "Semi-UCM".... finally lol
oh one last thing, i got bored during the project cuz it went by so fast, so i decided to paint my engine bay cover and intake manifold cover, that was fun and made the engine look not so dingy,dirty, crap lookin,, Brilliant Gold was the color i used to contrast my Abyss Blue Pearl exterior,, hm Gold colored wheels? who knows... it does look pretty hot on blue cars tho, just my .02.. what do you all think of my interpretation of this mod?
The Semi-UCM
i been following this thread and re-creating it in my own design
, redesigned without losing the function of my washer fluid sprayers, that's important to me!
did NOT remove the rubber that protects the very bottom edge of the windshield (to keep the seal of the windshield protected from anything that could possibly hit it, rocks, hail, ect),
kept it so my "fresh air" still works on driver and passenger side
kept two of the engine bay covers that cover the strut tower bar EXCEPT i cut the part that was completly covering the CENTER section of the bar because
1) the bar looks cool, admit it
2) i realized if i didn't cut the center section to match the cowl cutting, the mod would kind of been a waste because before i cut the center bar it blocked ALL that "NEW OPENING" i made, so cut cut peeps!
DON"T just toss out the strut tower bar covers - there's tons of electronics under those and i wanted to make sure there was an absolut ZERO chance of water entering those areas in combonation with keeping 2 of the "fresh air" vents in the parts of the cowl i left, this works as a perfect seal for those areas!
From a week of driving around like this,, i've noticed 1) my CAI pipe is NEVER hot anymore, luke warm at most, 2) i can put my hands on my engine bay cover and intake manifold without being burned, 3) after the car is shut off, i put my hand where i Modded the heat to escape, and boy does IT ESCAPE! this mod was WELL WORTH the very little time it took to do, and my car does not lag like it used too!
side note - NO dremel was used in the making of this project, meaning you DON"T need a dremel for everything to the guys (like myself) who don't own a dremel, a razer blade in a holder cuts thru the cowl like BUTTER, just an FYI.
AND... TAKE YOUR TIME, i did and very pleased with the results of it all =)
next little project will be routing ducting hose from behind the grill straight to the CAI...
here are some pics of the "Semi-UCM".... finally lol
oh one last thing, i got bored during the project cuz it went by so fast, so i decided to paint my engine bay cover and intake manifold cover, that was fun and made the engine look not so dingy,dirty, crap lookin,, Brilliant Gold was the color i used to contrast my Abyss Blue Pearl exterior,, hm Gold colored wheels? who knows... it does look pretty hot on blue cars tho, just my .02.. what do you all think of my interpretation of this mod?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,442
Likes: 482
From: Houston, Texas
Wow, wow, wow I am so proud. Seriously. I feel like a proud parent.
DAMN GOOD JOB Liquidflex81
I am proud because I see someone taking my idea and improving it to the next quantum level.
I still send my thanks to HQTL6SPD for designing the "Swiss Cheese" UCM. HQTL6SPD did a fine job of redesigning the UCM to fit the needs of the typical forum member. The "Swiss Cheese" UCM is a severe compromise in the power (Billy Mays, God bless you) of the UCM. But, for the person that is concerned with appearances, the "Swiss Cheese" UCM can be made to look "tricked out" while still offering some cooling benefit.
But, this Semi-UCM is a totally different animal. I go beyond just endorsing the Semi-UCM as a "compromise" to the real UCM. This is not a "Semi" version of the UCM. This is the New and Improved UCM.... there is nothing "semi" about it.... there is nothing compromising about it.... This is the New and Improved UCM.
Liquidflex81 - I know that you wanted to have a brand name. But, to call your mod as the "Semi-UCM" is not appropriate. If you are in agreement, I would like to call your mod as the "New and Improved" UCM. But, you remain the creator of the "New and Improved" UCM.
In the past few months of living with the UCM, I have found that the vast majority of the heat escapes thru this exact location where the "New and Improved" UCM has it's opening. After parking my car in the evenings upon arriving at home, I often times would place my hand along the entire length of the UCM opening. While parked, I discovered that nearly all of the heat was escaping along the middle of the cowl length, the exact location where the "New and Improved" UCM has it's opening. Makes sense to me.... The middle is the highest (elevation) part of the hood and hot air seeks the highest point before finding it's way thru the opening.
So, I assume that this is the sweat spot too when the car is in motion too. But, the most important aspect of the "New and Improved" UCM is that it has uncompromising surface area to allow adequate air flow to escape.
So, I present to you the "New and Improved" UCM, founded by Liquidflex81. The original UCM will remain as a mod for the hardcore radical person, such as myself.
