NSX-R scooped hood....aerodynamic assistance??

Meeyatch1

Meeyatch1

Legendary Member
Joined
1 May 2001
Messages
8,454
Location
Point of No Return
Okay...I have been reading about the NSX-R scooped hood, and the Cantrell Studios replica, that is said to have the ability to reduce frontal lift at high speeds and increase cooling efficiency. My question is two parts: 1.) Is this true? 2.) How does that work?

The reason is that I may buy one for my '94 NSX because one of the things that does bother me about the car is when you are at speeds above 120 mph it feels like the front wheels are lifting off quite a bit, and I would like to correct that. Plus, it might be a nice little mod to make the car a little more stable in general when cruising at speeds higher than that. ;)

So, if you can help I would appreciate it. If you have a picture of a carbon fiber one on a white NSX, I would love to see it. Thank you!! :D
 
did some research for you HTH

"Aerodynamic lift of the NSX type-R has been reduced to below zero through the use of a carbon fiber hood with air outlet duct, finned front under cover, a rear diffuser and a carbon fiber rear spoiler."

"increased downforce and more responsive handling, the Honda boffins have also managed to considerably reduce the weight of the NSX-R. Making use of CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic), Honda has developed a new carbon fibre bonnet with outlet duct using an autoclave. It also has a large, hollow-form, one-piece carbon fibre rear spoiler – a world first in a production car."
 
How does it work?

Low air pressure under a car with high air pressure on top of the car = downforce. Fast moving air = low pressure, slow moving air = high pressure.

Air under a car is turbulent becuase of the mechanical bits and shape of the floor, this makes it slow moving. Air over the car is fast moving as it has to travel further over the body, than the air moving under. So all cars (without wings etc) generate lift, they are like airplane wings. An Audi TT is a classic example, its smooth shape gives it lift, so much that Audo had to recall the cars to fit a spoiler to stop it.

So the answer lies in lowering the air pressure under a car. This can be done, by stopping air from going under the car in the first place with a low front spoiler, and the ducted hood, which directs air over, rather than under the car. Also a flat bottom, will speed up the air creating a lower pressure as well.
 
Meeyatch1 said:
Okay...I have been reading about the NSX-R scooped hood, and the Cantrell Studios replica, that is said to have the ability to reduce frontal lift at high speeds and increase cooling efficiency. My question is two parts: 1.) Is this true? 2.) How does that work?
Click to expand...

I posted some numbers here .

I let question No. 2 answer the pros...
 
Thank you all for the replies so far....I will read up on that and look forward to further replies. Thanks again!! :D
 
By the way...besides Science of Speed and Taitec...who makes these style hood?? I am trying to find one for a good price.
 
MiamieNeSeX said:
Cantrell Concepts.

Armando
Click to expand...


Yeah, that is the one sold by Science of Speed though, correct?? I am checking to see if it is possible to get one for under $1,000.
 
Meeyatch1 said:
Yeah, that is the one sold by Science of Speed though, correct?? I am checking to see if it is possible to get one for under $1,000.
Click to expand...


Trust me on this one....You do not want to go the cheap way on a hood for the NSX. Fit and finish are weak with all the American made hoods. If you spend $1100.00 you will spend another $300-$500 bucks just to get it to fit right and look almost OK, and I mean almost. I have tried 3 types of aftermarket hoods for the NSX. I gave up the less costly way and went for the gold, a factory OEM NSX-R hood. Yea it cost 5 times as much but it will be correct fit for my 2002 NSX and I will have one of only a handful in the US.
:D
 
The hoods really work, at least if the dish is deep enough. It is not the venting that aids downforce unless the vent (scoop) can remove most of the air from the rear of the radiator. Otherwise the air has to escape underneath the car and this increases lift at the front.

It probably helps with removing heat also, but that is just an educated guess. The down side to open hoods is the hot radiator air gets directed right over the HVAC intake screen, which is located just in front of the windshield on the passenger side. Vented air becomes hotter, AC has to work harder to cool. It is not a huge difference, but both MB and MJ openly admit this.

Dali Racing will modify an existing hood with any sort of vent setup you would like, and the aluminum work is excellent. You either have to buy a new hood, buy a used hood, or send him yours. It usually takes 6-8 weeks to get it back. Go here to see a few, including my old one (the Ronald McDonald car:D ).
 
AJKS said:
Trust me on this one....You do not want to go the cheap way on a hood for the NSX. Fit and finish are weak with all the American made hoods. If you spend $1100.00 you will spend another $300-$500 bucks just to get it to fit right and look almost OK, and I mean almost. I have tried 3 types of aftermarket hoods for the NSX. I gave up the less costly way and went for the gold, a factory OEM NSX-R hood. Yea it cost 5 times as much but it will be correct fit for my 2002 NSX and I will have one of only a handful in the US.
:D
Click to expand...



So, are there any other ones besides the OEM NSX-R that you felt were up to par??
 
Meeyatch1 said:
So, are there any other ones besides the OEM NSX-R that you felt were up to par??
Click to expand...

I did not try one but the Back Yard Special hood is said to be top notch. Pro Car Specialties will have an NSX R replica hood coming out soon. I belive this will be crbon copy of the OEM R hood.
The only thing is you will be in the 2-3 grand price range. If I did not get an OEM R hood I would stay stock or wait for the Pro Car R hood.
 
AJKS said:
Trust me on this one....You do not want to go the cheap way on a hood for the NSX. Fit and finish are weak with all the American made hoods. If you spend $1100.00 you will spend another $300-$500 bucks just to get it to fit right and look almost OK, and I mean almost. I have tried 3 types of aftermarket hoods for the NSX. I gave up the less costly way and went for the gold, a factory OEM NSX-R hood. Yea it cost 5 times as much but it will be correct fit for my 2002 NSX and I will have one of only a handful in the US.
:D
Click to expand...
i agree, if you buy cheap parts expect cheap quality. which means, bad fitment and many cheaper carbon fiber hoods clear coat peels off. then you have to get a new one or replace it with the your stock hood. its better to spend the money the first time.
 
AJKS said:
Trust me on this one....You do not want to go the cheap way on a hood for the NSX. Fit and finish are weak with all the American made hoods. If you spend $1100.00 you will spend another $300-$500 bucks just to get it to fit right and look almost OK, and I mean almost. I have tried 3 types of aftermarket hoods for the NSX. I gave up the less costly way and went for the gold, a factory OEM NSX-R hood. Yea it cost 5 times as much but it will be correct fit for my 2002 NSX and I will have one of only a handful in the US.
:D
Click to expand...


Just for clarification, are you saying that the Science of Speed, Cantrell Studios, and Taitec hoods were all below par for fitment and finish?? I just want to be sure before I buy a hood from anyone. Thank you.
 
Meeyatch1 said:
Just for clarification, are you saying that the Science of Speed, Cantrell Studios, and Taitec hoods were all below par for fitment and finish?? I just want to be sure before I buy a hood from anyone. Thank you.
Click to expand...

All will require TLC from your local body shop, some more than others.

Armando
 
Meeyatch1 said:
Just for clarification, are you saying that the Science of Speed, Cantrell Studios, and Taitec hoods were all below par for fitment and finish?? I just want to be sure before I buy a hood from anyone. Thank you.
Click to expand...

I would pass on any hood made in the US for the NSX, I will leave it at that. As far as the Taitec, it is at the bottom of my list (a short list). I would not even consider a hood from another company other than the following.
1. OEM NSX R
2. Pro Car
3. BYS
4. Taitec
 

Similar threads

Remi
NSX-R Hood Duct FRP -SOLD!!
Replies
6
Views
560
Remi
Remi
TANTO
R - MIRROR QUESTION
Replies
10
Views
258
TANTO
TANTO
Remi
SOLD! -NSX Type R 2002 Hood Screen in carbon fiber
Replies
1
Views
351
Remi
Remi
J
JDM gear ratios visualized
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
Figgy
F
MotorMouth93
  • Locked
*** SOLD *** NSX-R Differential
Replies
0
Views
170
MotorMouth93
MotorMouth93
Back
Top