STi Hood Scoop

[J.M.L.]

Do drivers of the STi find that debris goes through the scoop and is
caught on the intercooler? Leaves or other road debris would restrict
the airflow through the intercooler and I assume really raise the
temps. An internal screen seems like a neccesary addition for road
use.

Thanks, Josh

 

[4MLA1FN]

Do drivers of the STi find that debris goes through the scoop and is
caught on the intercooler?

absolutely. that's why many of us have added screens:

http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/postnuke/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2450

here's a template:

http://www.imprezawrxsti.com/postnuke/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=2882

others created a screen that lays on top of the intercooler. i can't
find the thread though.

 

[Ian Firth]

absolutely. that's why many of us have added screens:

Dumbest idea ever.
Nothing like decreasing the airflow by 30% for $1.39.

I just pop the hood once in a while and brush off the dead insects.

 

[Andrew Morris]

what about bent fins from bits of crap getting through the scoop??

 

[4MLA1FN]

what about bent fins from bits of crap getting through the scoop??

not to mention people maliciously tossing stuff in there. it HAS
happened. anyway, i wonder if the 30% reduction in flow matters for
the street or highway. for the track: definately,

 

[ricardox]

I've brought up a similar question during a test drive and the salesman's
answer was:

These cars are engineered and driven in Japan, where it rains a lot. All you
have to do is open up the hood and blast any dirt or debris off with a hose.

I originally asked if the hood scoop would suck in water when it rained...

 

[4MLA1FN]

I originally asked if the hood scoop would suck in water when it rained...

in general, i take what salesmen say with a molecule of salt. in my
experience, they often know very little about the car they're selling.
his reasoning about japan being rainy is hilarious. it's not like the
sti if the first car with a hoodscoop.

in anycase, hoseable debris is not the concern. before i put in my
screen, i had an intercooler full of little pebbles that found their
way down into the fins. gotta pick 'em out with a jewelers
screwdriver. since i put in the screen, it keeps near everything
out...including 30% of the air.

 

[Ian Firth]

what about bent fins from bits of crap getting through the scoop??

No different than the AC condensor and radiator.

Cars have lived for a 100 years with unprotected radiators, and my WRX
is doing just fine with the occasional bug or rock on the intercooler.

If it was an issue, don't you think Subaru would have offered one from
the factory ?

 

[Ian Firth]

in anycase, hoseable debris is not the concern. before i put in my
screen, i had an intercooler full of little pebbles that found their
way down into the fins. gotta pick 'em out with a jewelers
screwdriver. since i put in the screen, it keeps near everything
out...including 30% of the air.

Wouldn't it let 70% of the pebbles in though ?

 

[4MLA1FN]

Wouldn't it let 70% of the pebbles in though ?

?? no. it lets 70% of the air through. last time i checked, pebbles
were a bit larger than air molecules.

 

[4MLA1FN]

No different than the AC condensor and radiator.

very true; same thing with front mounted intercoolers. and we've all
seen some pretty banged up radiators and condensors. again, it's not
just incidental debris, but also a little protection against malicious
acts.

If it was an issue, don't you think Subaru would have offered one from
the factory ?

you're kidding, right? they didn't put floor mats or mudflaps in my
car. guess that means they're not needed. there are lots of things
manufacturers don't put on car that people might want or need.

bottom line: i completely agree with you that this is isn't a
mandatory mod. however, i know from experience that there is a hell
of a lot less debris in there since i put in the screen. it's one
less thing to clean. those damn wheels take forever to clean as it is.

 

[John Coyote]

floor mats are for covering holes in the carpet.
mud flaps are for trucks so they don't blind us with spray.
if you get bent intercooler fins, it's just an excuse to install
a big honkin' front mount one.