I have a '68 project going which includes a stinger hood, which has now been "opened" to allow air flow. But I have a couple questions.

1. How much cooler will it make it under the hood?
2. How do I keep water and other things from getting into the engine
compartment?
3. I'm open to putting a mesh screen of some kind over the open port. I've
seen some pretty cool looking stuff around. Anyone got any ideas?

11332

I don't normally drive mine in the rain (but was caught in a down pour 2 weeks ago... 2nd time in 10 years getting caught in the rain :wacko:)
Never an issue with water/rain and motor... but the drag radials and spool were another story :rolleyes:

If you're planning on normally driving in all weather... you may be better leaving it closed :confused:

Doug, how much cooler can I expect the engine bay to be with an open stinger? what's been your experience with that?

i second dont drive it in the rain..

I suggest that you just bondo it closed and call it good. I mean that's what I would do....











haha just playin'... I wouldn't drive it in the rain if you are entirely worried about it

I had an A&A stinger hood on my car for a while and bought the chrome insert from a corvette parts co. and fit it to the front opening. Looked pretty trick(wish i could post a picture but i cant)That way you can work with the opening you already cut out.The back works like a cowl induction any ways.At least mine did.

I'm not ENTIRELY worried about rain. I've only been caught in the rain once with my '69. And I don't plan on driving this '68 in all weather (I'm glad Hagerty will be glad to know that). I was just looking at all scenerios. Any thoughts on how much cooler it will keep the engine area?

I'm not ENTIRELY worried about rain. I've only been caught in the rain once with my '69. And I don't plan on driving this '68 in all weather (I'm glad Hagerty will be glad to know that). I was just looking at all scenerios. Any thoughts on how much cooler it will keep the engine area?im sure any amount of fresh air coming into the engine compartment is going to cool things off a bit!! fresh air is GOOD!!

I don't think your going to gain much with it open in the front. The opening is to small for the air needed to cool anything directly for a power gain. What your needing is cold air into the carb and cowl induction is the best way to get that. GM spent some $$$ on where to put the cowl opening on the Camaro hood and it works very well. If it's truly a performance gain your wanting by opening it up I would look to using the rear cowl area of the hood and not open the front.

Now as for the water. I think a paper filter will get wet and it could be an issue. If your using a K&N type filter it will just dry out and not cause problems, anything else coming in is just going to cook off from engine temps and direct contact with hot areas like manifolds or headers. If it's open and the Camaro is sitting in a driving down pour you might have other issues for standing water on the engine but I don't think it will do any harm other than look bad and be a PITA for stains.

I vote to not open it. I just don't think your going to gain anything from it being open in the front other than it will look good......come to think of it what more could you wanT!!

My stinger will not open in the front but then again mine is custom made from a flat metal hood. I have thought of doing one from a cowl hood just for this reason. I have also thought of just skining my current metal top onto a cowl hood bottom or hood frame. All way to much work, I just need to get her back on the road and dream later!!

Joe

It probably wont make much difference in engine temp. leave that to a good aluminum radiator and fan setup.If your refering to carb inlet air temp make up an air pan setup or duct work to draw out side air to the carb.

I wanted it open because I like the look. I knew it wouldn't help with air in the carb, just thought it might keep the engine a little cooler. It's already been opened as far as that goes. I have a good aluminum radiator and fan set up for the car. thanks to all.

I know lookin good is more important to me than bein fast!! I know it will look good!! I would just use a K&N type filter and not have any worries then.

Joe... already added K&N type filter to the list. thanks.

If the opening isn't directed into the carb and just allowed to flow into the engine bay you could end up seeing your engine running hotter. The reason I say this is the air coming through the hood opening into the engine bay could cause less air to flow through the radiator core because it's kinda like creating back pressure on the engine side of the core. I don't know if I'm saying that right but it's the same theory when you see the added seals around the core support in factory AC equipped cars to insure all air getting under the hood comes through the core. The bottom line is air flowing through the core is what stabilizes the engine temp not air flowing around the block...

I haven't noticed any difference in engine temps from the Stinger (open in front) and Flat hoods.
If I got a gain... great :beers: I didn't lose anything :noway:.... and the looks I get :thumbsup: is all worth it :yes:

Not much air is going to get in there anyway, as the opening is below the boundary layer airflow over the hood; that's why Pro Stockers have their intake 18" above the hood.

:beers:

You will get more airflow into the engine compartment with the rear opening particulary if you have a front spoiler IF you do not seal the carb to the hood. If you seal the carb to the hood you will have higher pressure to the carb but lose a little to the engine compartment. Enough to matter??? A front spoiler will direct the air through the radaitor and the low pressure behind the spoiler will suck the hot air out of the engine compartment while moving. At issue are the top and botom openings between the radiator core and front valance that can be sealed with readily available aluminum panels.

Has anyone considered one of the remanufactured Caddy Air Cleaner Housings? They are open to the front to draw air, but actually have a block directly in front of the filter which would stop any direct contact from water entering the opening. I have considered one for my 68 Yenko hood when I drive it from Indy to California just to keep birds and small planes from getting sucked it. :) I just do not know if it will fit under the hood.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v194/psy4s/CaddyAirCleaner1.jpg
Then I would run an open element K&N with the Flow Top when I get where I am going.