zeroptzero

Every strut bar I have owned ends up rubbing on the hood insulation that is affixed to the underside of the engine hood. If the bar has any kind of finish on it, the finish eventually gets a rub mark on it where it contacts the hood insulation. My hood insulation is getting a bit brittle and it may eventually wear through where it contacts the strut bar.

I was just wondering if there is any practical purpose for the hood insulation ?. I don't know if it is there to reduce noise or if it is needed to protect the hood from engine heat ?. If it is only for noise reduction then it's an easy decision to remove it. But if the hood needs protection from engine heat then I'd probably keep it.

Any opinions on this ?, thanks for reading. I appreciate any replies.

BBV S2K

Dont know specific reason for it... but none of the CF or aftermarket hood got them... so I took it out... havent seen difference in paint in my hood or heat marks.. I do feel less heat under my hood when I open it after a while...

Moddiction

I removed mine many years ago. I believe it's there for noise and fire suppression but not positive.

Tons just remove it. Seems to let me hot air out with it removed since its no longer insulating the heat to stay in the engine bay.

zeroptzero

Thanks for the quick replies, I appreciate the info. I think I will just remove mine then. I just read that the CR model doesn't have the hood insulation, so I should be safe I guess. Thanks again guys

zeroptzero

It is now gone. It took me about 3 minutes to remove it, and my car is officially 1.5 lbs lighter, lol, more importantly my strut bar won't rub anymore, thanks for the help on this.

starchland

Hmm. I'm down for the removal of any piece that will let me hear the engine and reduce weight

Moddiction

I remember it making my intake a lot louder. It also makes the sc sounds much louder with it removed!

zeroptzero

I can't drive my car right now as my rims are out for painting, but I will post up any sound differences later in the week once I get it on the road again. I have the oem air box with a J's Snorkel, so it is pretty quiet. Probably won't notice much with my setup.

dwight

You also lowered your car's center of gravity by about one-eightieth of an inch.

zeroptzero

Wow , another benefit I wasn't expecting, lol, every bit helps I guess. I was just wanting to eliminate the rubbing on my strut bar but I got some fringe benefits to go with it, lol . i was surprised how thick the insulation was behind the panel, about 2-3 inches thick in some areas.