Today looking at the fake hood louver on my H3 and wondered if it's worth buying the real deal at HoodLouvers.com. I can see this concept working pulling hot air out of the engine bay but it's not cheap at $350 + shipping. I thought about cutting the hood myself and doing a DIY fabbed job but I'm not that handy nor can I wrench where I live - HOA rules. Anyone care to offer an opinion? Is it worth the hassle and expense? Thanks in advance!

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Here's the test, open the hood while the engine is hot. If the temps measurably drop then the mod is for you.

 

Found some Pics of Functioning Hood Louvers ....

 

My question is there anything under the Louver area of the engine that could be damaged by Rain? I suppose hood rust might be another concern?

Thanks

 

No, the mod is not a magic pill for solving overheating issues. It does work, but not as much as I had wanted it to. If you like the looks or like to tinker and make stuff then its worth it. But if asking MY opinion, YOU will not be happy with the price/effort/results tradeoffs. Me? I would do it to my own again because its uniquely mine.

 

Yes, there is crap under that area of the hood to be modified like the plug coils. The rust isn't a problem because you are going to primer and paint the raw edges.

 

Thanks for advising - I appreciate it.

 

Yes it does let alot of heat escape, how much I am not sure, but on these vehicles anything is better than nothing. I noticed a big improvement in heat soaking after shut off.
When I park and shut off the engine, I can feel the heat rising out through the vents instead of just sitting under the hood heat soaking everything.
I cant say there is any benefit, but I can not see how less heat soak is a bad thing for the motor and electrical components.

 

Thanks whylee. So you did this Mod? Which vents did you install? The small side vents or the big middle vent where the fake plastic Louver sits? Was install difficult? DIY or body shop paid install? Pics?

Thanks!

 

I did the center of the hood. I removed the fake plastic, cut the triangle and 2 rectangle pieces out out between the hood bracing. I then cut and bent a piece of diamond plate aluminum the same shape as the entire recessed depression on the hood and spaced it up 3/4 inch so it sits a tad higher than the rest of the hood so air flows under it.
I did it myself, only took a few hours of messing around with the shape using a cardboard template. I also put a 1/4 inch bead of silicon around each hole so water does not run in in the rain. I have not seen any water get in yet so Im not worried about that at all.
There is pics somewhere on here from a couple of months ago.