New Hood Louvers Done

[v8z4]

I started looking at the factory hood and the underlying brace structure would certainly be a pain to work around. CF is certainly the "easy" solution, it's just so dang expensive.

[Twisted Six]

Originally Posted by v8z4

I started looking at the factory hood and the underlying brace structure would certainly be a pain to work around. CF is certainly the "easy" solution, it's just so dang expensive.

How on earth is CF the "easy" solution ? A steel hood would have to be modified, built into a plug then molded b....THEN the process of engineering the lay-up schedule and tests for final product.

All I see is many weeks of hard work, trial and tribulations.

[v8z4]

Originally Posted by Twisted Six

How on earth is CF the "easy" solution ? A steel hood would have to be modified, built into a plug then molded b....THEN the process of engineering the lay-up schedule and tests for final product.

All I see is many weeks of hard work, trial and tribulations.

CF hood can be purchased with vents already in it (no modification necessary).

[Twisted Six]

Originally Posted by v8z4

CF hood can be purchased with vents already in it (no modification necessary).

None that I've seen properly built and executed. Vent placement was always in the wrong zones. But I see your point.

[v8z4]

Originally Posted by Twisted Six

None that I've seen properly built and executed. Vent placement was always in the wrong zones. But I see your point.

It shouldn't be "hard" to get one built with vents in the correct location, just expensive (more than my budget would ever allow).

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by v8z4

Will do. I just grabbed the first thing I could find. Certainly need to do more research/planning before I'd ever consider cutting.

Here's a pic of an E86 Z4 GT3. You'll notice the hood vents are MUCH farther towards the front of the hood rather than near the cowl.

[v8z4]

I don't know about everyone else, but to me all those vents (hood and fenders) look sick!

[Twisted Six]

Originally Posted by TSM330i

Here's a pic of an E86 Z4 GT3. You'll notice the hood vents are MUCH farther towards the front of the hood rather than near the cowl.

When they are nearer the front , they are used specifically for the front grilles to cool the radiator etc.

When back near the windshield, more more manifold heat/engine bay heat.

[v8z4]

Originally Posted by Twisted Six

When they are nearer the front , they are used specifically for the front grilles to cool the radiator etc.

When back near the windshield, more more manifold heat/engine bay heat.

My goal would be to increase radiator efficiency/let all the air that passes through the radiator out from under the hood.

[Twisted Six]

Originally Posted by v8z4

My goal would be to increase radiator efficiency/let all the air that passes through the radiator out from under the hood.

Sounds like you'll benefit from the front mounted vents like pictured then. Very effective .

[Sterling Roadster]

I think if you could smooth out the edges on the louvers and blend it with the rest of the hood it would look perfect. I love the minimalistic design on the Z4 but on the M, I think this is totally fitting of it's personality.

[Steeler]

Attachment 1304732

Originally Posted by Sterling Roadster

I think if you could smooth out the edges on the louvers and blend it with the rest of the hood it would look perfect. I love the minimalistic design on the Z4 but on the M, I think this is totally fitting of it's personality.

FRP from scross the pond

[Sterling Roadster]

Originally Posted by dbarton62

Attachment 1304732

FRP from scross the pond

This works for me, looks almost like something the concept would use. If I had an M, mine would being wearing this.

[v8z4]

Originally Posted by dbarton62

Attachment 1304732

FRP from scross the pond

Is that a fiberglass hood?

[Steeler]

Originally Posted by v8z4

Is that a fiberglass hood?

Fibreglass reinforced plastic

[v8z4]

Originally Posted by dbarton62

Fibreglass reinforced plastic

Where did you get it? Is it lighter than the factory aluminum hood?

[Steeler]

Originally Posted by v8z4

Where did you get it? Is it lighter than the factory aluminum hood?

No I don't have

It is from here
http://www.r-racing.co.uk/bmw-z4-e85...et-22869-p.asp