I don't understand the need for others to debate this at all. If there is ANY chance that toxic gasses can enter the cockpit - DON'T DO IT.

It is such a no brainer. This is an example of someone getting gasses into the cabin from removing the rubber seal. That is ENOUGH FOR ME! I'm not even going to THINK about doing that.

I'm with you 200% on that. A leak can happen at any time. Carbon Monoxide is invisible and has no smell. It makes you sleepy, then kills you.

Based on basic aerodynamics, Alex'* position for the inlets/scoops was well-planned or good luck. Farther forward gives the best chance of pulling in cool air. Farther back puts them too far out the normal airstream. The hood in general is low pressure air flowing over it. Farther forward for inlets and farther back for outlets is the best bet (in general).

Keep up what you are doing Alex.
It looks good and will work a little to reduce temps.

Don't remove the rubber seal. It'* a safety device. It might not be leaking killer gases now but could in the future and before you know it, you could fall asleep at the wheel at a most inopportune time.

One setup you may want to consider is that of the Firehawk hood design. It does have "ram air", but with the functional heat extractors. I don't have consice pics of the setup, but here'* the overall concept:






This was designed by SLP in the early 90s. If you'd like, I can get more pics one night after work.

Mark...I'd love to see how they did it, even if it'* posted outside of this thread.

I like to better understand how the ppm would be high enough from the engine bay without the audible sound of an exhaust leak. It was suggested as an idea for the OP based not only on what many other car enthusiasts have done. This picture illustrates an opening directly in front of the seal that allows air to come out right about where the HVAC would pull in air. If the vehicle is not in motion it appears to be a 8-12inch distance.


The last thing I would want to do is jeopardize the heath or well being of another person. I am looking for more research material on the use of that rubber piece to find hard data on it'* intended use.

Bill, hot air RISES. With that lip seal out of place, the hot gasses/fumes will rise up the firewall and exit through the gap where the seal is missing, which is DIRECTLY adjacent to the inlet of the HVAC/ECC system.

This is basic physics. Because it'* hot, it rises and will find the easiest path out. Particularly when the radiator fans are on, forcing it to go somewhere.

Remember, I RAN my car for a couple days with the seal out. My engine and entire drivetrain are always as spotless and leak-free as you've seen it. Yet it still creates vapors and smells that were directed into the cabin of the car.

You cannot hear all exhaust leaks. Especially with the windows up and the ECC or Stereo on.

This discussion is hard to read. It is laced with misconceptions and oversimplifications.

Bill, I suspect your question is something in the realm of:
"Wow, look at the location of those louvers, It is very close to the rubber seal, I wonder why there doesn't seem to be a problem with toxic gasses getting into the HVAC system. I wonder what'* different?"

Will, your understanding is very limited. "Heat rises" is a VERY small part of what directs the air. Most light aircraft have DOWNDRAFT cooling for their air cooled engines. With a LOT MORE heat energy than you will be dealing with in a car, the air goes DOWN between the cylinders. There are FAR MORE variables than you understand (and it is clear by your attempt at explaining things). Remember, fluid dynamics is COUNTER intuitive.

This discussion should be in its own thread.

Hawkjet, I assumed boost was asking about the path of air up the firewall and through the gap where the seal SHOULD be. Not regarding my hood vents. This is what my reply was directed towards.

I'm quite familiar with aircraft and aerodynamics, and have had education and experience in those fields. That'* what I did for a living before I worked for Hewlett Packard.

My hood vents (and driverjohn2005'*) have been tested and proven not to cause vapors to be drawn into the HVAC inlet vents. I explained that to billboost via PM.

My hood vent location is VERY different than the rubber seal under the rear edge of the hood directly adjacent to the inlet vents for the ECC/HVAC.

This conversation and topic are about Alex'* car. He has no hood vents. As such, the conversation should be directed back to what would be a factor for him.

Anyone that wants to discuss my hood vents is welcome to start another topic.

When I asked what rubber seal I was being sarcastic, because I dont have it installed.
I removed it when we were working on the hood & havnt goten to it yet. Now let me tell you that since I got the car back from the painter there has been a smell on the car thats been bothering me (engine smell). I thought that the car needed a tune-up. Now I think that maby I should install all of the pieces back on the car.

I think hawkjet and I would strongly encourage you to replace it ASAP.