Functional Hood Scoop

Has anyone been brave enough to make their scoop functional?

 

I've seen aftermarket hoods that make them "functional". Cooler air and increased airflow in the engine bay is about the only reason but the trade off seems to be increased dirt and dust in the bay as well.

 

The old man cut is front scoop open into the engine bay before switching to a vented hood.

 

Pics attached

 

Toyota clarified why it's nonfunctional, but I'll be damned if I can remember where they said it. Anyway, it's to keep the engine at proper and even temps. Up to you if you want to believe them, as I could see it being true or an easy scapegoat answer.

 

I would be curious to hear why.

Venting the bulge area will have negligible impact when you have other high pressure areas. Venting the top of the hood or opening the wheel well liners will probably have more of an impact on air flow.

 

When I upgraded my grill, I painted the surround. Having it apart, I was looking at the scoop and wondering why also. However, driving in the rain or on dirt roads will add a bunch of water and dirt to the top of the motor. If most of your driving is on pavement, then road grime I suppose. I actually thought about just drilling some pin holes to allow some air. Waiting someone else to be the guinea pig....

 

Honestly, why does it need to be functional? I'm not trying to be an ass either. The engine isn't in need of greater cooling. It all works fine as is, so what is the motivation for making it functional? If somebody were doing a turbo and it was going to be for an intercooler then I would understand, but I can't think of another reason to do it.

 

Because ram air.

 

Ah, so tying it into the air filter box?

 

Old school muscle cars with functional scoops would have the air filter right on top of the engine under the scoop. Our air intake takes cold air from the passenger side fender. Opening the hood wouldn't have any type of effect since the engine is liquid cooled and the radiator has tons of air already.