Well, Got my new bonnet installed today. It's a custom design from the ground up. We started with a standard Z32 bonnet (Thanks Mat - Static Existence), and constructed a fibreglass design around the holes that Mat had already cut. My motivation was to dramatically drop the under bonnet air temperature, and I wasn't particularly satisfied with the venting arrangements on most production CF and fibreglass bonnets. I had taken temperature readings at 6 points under the bonnet under the following conditions:- 30 Deg ambiebt air temp, 60% humidity, freeway driving @ approx 100 KM/H constant, air conditioner off. The 6 points I chose were 1) In front of the battery. 2) Half way down the upper plenum (approx around the suspension tower' 3) In front of the TPS. 4) Near the brake booster 5) Same as point 2), but on the drivers side of the car 6) Near the drivers side throttlebody. With the old bonnet temperatures recorded varied between 67 degrees and 72 degrees. With the new bonnet in similar ambient conditions I have recorded temps between 47 and 55 degrees. So roughly 15-20 degrees cooler at any time. I have some city driving to test it on, and I will update this thread if people will find the information valuable. I know the car will appreciate (and me too) having cooler air around the turbos and associated piping + all the elec wiring and hoses. Here are some pics of the bonnet design. If anyone is interested, there is a mould made, so copies can be created, although I have yet to ask the fibreglasser for a quote. Undoubtedly it will be cheaper than mine which was a little over $1000 painted. Here are the pics:-
Forget the flame suit, your engine is gonna freeze Love the look of it Pex, has a real tough grunty feel to her :thumbsup: Can't wait to see her up close n personal. Guess you'll get the extra power you need to beat me now hey Fate...
WOW.............. ..........what about putting some fibre glass with those vents mate?:LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL: Seriously now, I actually like it. You will certainly have no heating problems because your bonnet doesn't breath. Well done.:thumbsup:
Congrats on making something original Greg :thumbsup: I have to say it doesn't look bad at all, too aggressive for me though That will well and truly achieve lowering engine temps. Only thing I'm worried about, water! Won't those vents let a lot of rain into the engine bay, drip on the plenum, and worse still, run down to the injector plugs?
Interesting ..... Hmmm, some questions Not sure if I like it, but it would certainly be effective. A couple of questions: 1. Agree with Markga - What if it rains? 2. Are there any regs that this car now breaches? Is it legal? Is your insurance still valid? 3. What does the underside look like? (aesthetics) Cheers, Peter
Re: Interesting ..... Hmmm, some questions 1. Never rains in Brisbane (LOL) have a daily driver anyway. 2. Most reinforcing is still there, some added too. I will notify the insurance co tomorrow now that it is fitted, as they require pictures. 3. Underside is black and looks quite neat, I should have taken some fotos of that too.
Re: Looks really nice. We are yet to find that out. Although I rarely drive the Zed in heavy rain, and now it will require a rebuff of the plenum each time I do, or get caught out Should be OK while driving though with the airflow, and the direction the mesh has been placed.
Re: awesome job Greg, I would like something like that too Would be good for the track Pete. I will get a quote to get them made, and see what you think.
Just wondering if the bonnet is multi-function for lunch cruises - thinking of supersize cheese grater and grill plate. Just kidding Greg, it does look mean! :thumbsup: Maybe you could develop a removeable centre cover that will lock in place for those rainy days.
you know what would look better? my butt hole! :thumbsup: just kidding.. but I really think it'd look better with black mesh.
