C2 Aero heat extractor install

Maximum95

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I've had a few people ask for better pictures of the heat extractor vent on my hood, so I figured I'd share the install process.

First, here's a link to the product: https://c2aero.com/heat-extractor-hood-vent/

The vent was designed to fit the S550 GT350 but matches the SN95 hood lines very well. Living in the desert, I've always battled high coolant temps during the summer. Other changes I've made to help are a Mishimoto radiator, Stant 180° thermostat, Ford Ranger air dam, and a high fan override switch. With the low-slung hood of the SN95, and the fact that heat rises, my next step was to let that hot air out of the engine bay. I bought the C2 Aero heat extractor, and it showed up in perfect shape. Here is the first pic when it arrived.

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The vent ships flat, which allows you to use the vent itself as a template. So, I taped the area of the hood to be cut and started measuring. I was sure that the front of the vent is positioned just slightly behind the radiator.

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Next, came the nerve-racking part. Luckily, the point of no return passes extremely quick. I drilled a hole to start my cut. Since the hood is fiberglass, the drill blows though it with ease. Now I'm committed! The rest of the cut was done with a pneumatic body saw. Took less than 10 minutes. Once the main piece was cut out, I drilled the mounting holes.

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Then, a preliminary bend of the vent. I wanted to be sure that it would fit inside the cut-out when bent.

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Once the hood made it home (I cut it at work, easier to clean up.), I reinstalled the hood on the car. I finalized the bending angle to clear under-hood components. Steepest bent towards the radiator, with decreasing angles of bend towards the rear.

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Paint time! I used the Dupli-Color Engine Enamel with Ceramic Semi-Gloss Black. This engine enamel is one of my favorite paints, it goes on smooth and is safe to handle in 3 hours.

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Exactly 3 hours later, it was bolted to the car. Here is the end result.

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The functional end result? Awesome! I noticed much lower engine temperatures around town with the air conditioner running. I was also able to get another two laps in at the road course before pulling off to let it cool (no oil cooler). The fan runs for a significantly shorter period of time. When I had the car tuned, both fan trigger temps were lowered by 20°. I have cruised the car around town on a 95° day with the air conditioner running and the coolant temp stayed around 200° no problem. Also, you can't argue with the look of this vent! I hope this helps for anyone who is thinking about a hood mod like this.

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Maximum95

Maximum95

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Looks good, I like it. is it steel or aluminum? Did you prime it prior to paint?

Thank you my friend! The vent is aluminum. And no primer, just cleaned it real good with glass cleaner and painted. I've used that paint on a bunch of projects. My engine block, the hood, control arms & sway bars on the Cadillac... Great stuff.
 

ttocs

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ever used it on thin/bendable aluminum? I have learned the hard way that you need to use an etching primer on aluminum or if/when it flexes a little it will start to chip and peel off.
 
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Maximum95

Maximum95

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ever used it on thin/bendable aluminum? I have learned the hard way that you need to use an etching primer on aluminum or if/when it flexes a little it will start to chip and peel off.

This is probably the thinnest material I've used it on. I actually just went into the garage to take a look. Inspected the corners closely. No paint damage to note! It's been on the car for 8k miles now. I'll have to keep an eye on it though.
 

cobrajeff96

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Nice, thanks for the share. I plan to get my hood cut out for a little heat extraction some day. I was not sure about how clean a cut I could get but this takes the edge off.
 
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Maximum95

Maximum95

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Nice, thanks for the share. I plan to get my hood cut out for a little heat extraction some day. I was not sure about how clean a cut I could get but this takes the edge off.

The hood cuts like butter, the pneumatic air saw is the way to go. Just be sure to measure thoroughly!

Nice write up! Looks great.

Thank you my friend! Even if it didn't help me with temps, might have been worth it for the aesthetic alone :cool:
 

cobrajeff96

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Didn't need to apply any lubricating agent while cutting the composite hood either?
 

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