Vented bonnets and rain?

I've seen a fair few vented bonnets lately and wondered what the owners do about rain. Are these cars only brought out on the sunny days? and/or what kind of damage would be done if they did take them out in the wet? I'm guessing it wouldn't be the best thing for any electrical components...

 

I have a vented bonnet...

& living in Tas I drive in ALL weather conditions in one day! The vent in my bonnet is above the radiator, so when it rains it's like having a water sprayed radiator

 

It depends on where the vents are

PEXZED has the biggest vents i have seen on a bonnet.. As him if he is having any problems... If he isn't then it you should be fine....

Further it depends what vents you ahve as well. Negative airflow vents shouldn't propose that much of a problem.. Air escapes from there so it may direct the water out rather than in.. Not 100% sure though.

 

The negative airflow vent theory makes complete sense..except when stationary at traffic lights for example. What then lol. Might find out how PEXZED copes with his.

 

trafic lights ..yep .. and what about just parked all day

in heavy, consistent rain...???!!!!

 

i'd be going a car cover if sitting outside all day in the rain

i wonder how much oxidisation occurs on polished ally parts... i.e plenum and water pipes

 

rain

my car has a normal bonnet an open front spoiler, (no mesh) and a K&N cone air filter, i drive it in downpours and it doesn't miss a beat, not much point in having a car you can't drive in the wet i reckon
cheers

 

i dont see why having bonnet vents would affect it too much man, alot of people hose the shit outa there engine when degreasing anyway, so itd be kinda like that... would make it a bitch to keep clean tho for sure.

 

I have had a UAS vented bonnet on RedZed for over 2 years now and have never worried about driving or parking in the rain. At home it's under cover, but at work if it rains, she gets wet. RedZed gets driven daily - rain, hail, shine or mud.

It's not an issue if you're in motion, or even parked at traffic lights. If the car is left stationery in heavy rain for a period of time, enough rain can build up to braek surface tension and fall into the vent. I've had a second or so of belt squeal in this circumstance, but nothing to worry about. I don't have a polished plenum, CAS or water pipes yet, but they will be done one day.

One thing I won't be doing is losing the timing belt covers and going for the exposed cam gears look.

 

Well I suppose it's about time for my $0.02

I never have had any problem driving in even the heaviest rain.
There is enough air coming out of the vents even at engine idle to keep 95% of the water out.

My "front most" two vents are over the gap in between the radiator and the engine, so any water down there goes nowhere important anyway.

Some water does get through obviously, but only a fine spray. Only really annoying in so far as the plenum needs a wipe over so as the polished finish doesn't get stained by any water. Anyone with a polished plenum or radiator air guide in alloy will attest to the staining ability of even clean water if left on the surface too long.

Parking in the rain all day would obviously be a different matter. That would be disastrous in my case. Luckily for me, I work from home, so the car is garaged when not in use and while at work. I do however carry a plastic bag in the Zed, so I can pop the bonnet and lay it over the engine, and then close the bonnet. That stops water from settling on or in the motor.
At a pinch I have used a targa cover, on an occasion I had forgotten the bag.

So a vented bonnet (well my custom bonnet in any case)

• PITA? - Yes sometimes
• Worth it? - for the 20 degree average engine bay temperature drop - Absolutely

 

Cheers for all the responses guys. I think it's pretty clear to say keep it out of the rain where possible, but abit of water won't hurt.

 

Just don't put the plastic over when it's too hot ey

 

Exactly the same one i want mikey, now just need the cash

 

hehe

Most plastics melt around 150-160 degs C. Hopefully the engine won't get that hot.:zlove:

 

good choice, miksta .. a damn nice bonnet ..!!!

.....wish i had the $s also ..!!!

 

yes i too like that bonnet, but i prefer the one called "t1" very similar only tiny differences.

pex whatwould be the problem with water getting on your engine anyway?

everything in the bay is designed to be able to take anything, its all internal or else your car would be a death trap!

 

Vented Grilles?

While we are discussing a similar subject, what about vented grilles (gonzo style)? As they sit directly ontop of the air filter, wouldnt water soak the filter and affect its filtration effectiveness?

I was thinking of getting one, but what will happen when I wash my car? Wont all the water & suds drench the air filter?

 

i have both vented bonnet and grille and dont have any issues with rainy days...as for washing your car unless u get your hose and aim it directly where the grille is u wont get any on the air filter

ive washed mine numerous times and filter is totaly dry!!

 

Ok thanks.