Carbon Fiber Hood Install

[Metalbeast]

So after searching countless forums and topics I decided to make one of my own. I have gotten different answers from members and manufacturer's themselves. I just got a VIS GTR style hood and am awaiting shipping. I want to know from those who have any kind of CF hood, what kind of struts/hood shocks they use. I've read people use none, some use one, and some go out and buy the M3 hood shocks, because their aluminum hood is lighter and more closely resembles the CF hood, in terms of weight. I heard if precautions are not taken then the hood can be warped from the OEM struts. Please give me some input, thanks.

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by DJIntel

So after searching countless forums and topics I decided to make one of my own. I have gotten different answers from members and manufacturer's themselves. I just got a VIS GTR style hood and am awaiting shipping. I want to know from those who have any kind of CF hood, what kind of struts/hood shocks they use. I've read people use none, some use one, and some go out and buy the M3 hood shocks, because their aluminum hood is lighter and more closely resembles the CF hood, in terms of weight. I heard if precautions are not taken then the hood can be warped from the OEM struts. Please give me some input, thanks.

The hood can be warped, or in extreme cases, the strut mounts on the hood can break. It's a similar idea with the CF trunk replacement. Most people remove one strut to decrease the pressure needed to close it relative to the weight of the body piece.

[Metalbeast]

yes I more than likely will use one, this is what a worker from VIS themselves said:


" I usually recommend using no struts at all, and just a hood prop. I
am not totally sure if the hood struts on an M3 are any lighter, but there
are some half/low pressure shocks out there that claim that they are for
composite hoods."

I responded:

"So that would entail, just using the front hood latch/release?"

Then him:

"Yes, unless a company can confirm that their shocks can be used with carbon hoods without warping them. Or if you personally know a guy on the forum or something, that has used the M3 shocks successfully with our hood. I just want to make sure that you maintain a part and are happy with it."

They seem to be a good company with a lot of knowledge, but I was hoping for a more definite answer from these guys since they do specialize in CF materials.

[cheshirecat79]

VIS sells products across many different product lines. CF hoods on some vehicles don't use any struts. Others require hood pins. It really is across the board with the items they sell. I can understand why they can't give you a definitive answer, both in a practical and a legal sense.

Many suppliers for Seibon parts for the e82 suggest complete strut removal. I think you'll be able to get away with one strut fine as many people have done this in the past, but be very careful with flex and keep an eye on the strut mount to make sure there isn't any wear and tear.

[Metalbeast]

ok will do, I got some good advice from jetblack on the forum and he has the same exact hood and recommended to use one strut, so I will more than likely go that route. Don't really want to invest in $40 per M3 strut.

[ilikebmxbikes]

I used no shocks on my Vorsteiner Hood and use two M3 struts on my Revozport hood.

The m3 shocks are very low pressure due to the m3 having an aluminum hood and feel perfect on my Revozport hood. I would only use two M3 shocks or none. Do not use 1x stock e82 shock as you will put excess pressure on one side and can bend your hood over time when you close it.

One thing I do strongly recommend is you get Aero Catches or another form of Hood pins for your CF hood.

[Metalbeast]

that's another thing i was interested in was the pins, some say for looks others say it only helps when driving in excess of 150. Btw do you have a part # on the shocks, I believe these are the ones people are referring to? I would just hate to drill into the hood if I really don't have to, or if I am not going to be racing at ridiculous speeds.

http://www.bmwpartsupply.com/OEMPart...237900795.html

[ilikebmxbikes]

Your CF hood will likely rise a bit going 80+ MPH without hood pins. Hood pins not only add two more points to lock your hood into place for safety but they will also help the hood's fitment and hold it flush.

[Metalbeast]

ok thanks, nice diagram! so even with the struts, you recommend hood pins? seems like it should be one or the other.

[Mr Kleen]

Hood pins and struts if you want to do the job right.

[josemh23]

Just had yesterday installed a seibon hood... The installer used all the original parts, I bought aerocatch ( did not used them) .. Haven't yet past 100mph but the hood has not even moved.. You got to be careful when closing. Press it evenly and gently.. If you want I could send you pictures to your email( don't know how to post it from phone)

[Metalbeast]

yea that'd be nice, can send to djintelligence3000@yahoo.com

[Metalbeast]

Originally Posted by josemh23

Just had yesterday installed a seibon hood... The installer used all the original parts, I bought aerocatch ( did not used them) .. Haven't yet past 100mph but the hood has not even moved.. You got to be careful when closing. Press it evenly and gently.. If you want I could send you pictures to your email( don't know how to post it from phone)

received, really nice pics, like that M3 look, but I went with the GTR style on my jet black and will just leave the CF look. I am thinking of doing the install myself since the hood will be at my house and transferring it to a shop will be more than a hassle, since I don't have access to a truck. Either way i'll look for some DIY for replacing the hood. Thanks for the pics!

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by DJIntel

ok thanks, nice diagram! so even with the struts, you recommend hood pins? seems like it should be one or the other.

Hod pins hold the hood shut, and struts hold the hood open. I recommend both.

[MuNkY6913]

I installed the seibon hood in my garage. Had my wife help me hold it in place cause its awkward to carry. Not sure why hood pins would be needed. I've been above 130-140 with it and no lifting or anything. Both latches transferred over from OEM hood an the rubber grommets transferred as well. Bought the hood used and it looks like on strut was used before and it is slightly warped. I use the rubber grommets up front to correct that when its closed. I have both struts OEM struts on. I have to push down on the roundel after I latch it a little to get it to close. I adjusted it like that because the grommets push up against it.

[Metalbeast]

yea i'll be having my wife help me as well since i don't want to drop the hood, even though i know it's not too heavy, it's the width and grip that might kill me.

[MuNkY6913]

Yeah it's very awkward I started to try it but then smartened up a bit I got some help for maybe 30 seconds. Although the next mornin I opened the garage door with the hood up and scratched it pretty good. Idiot! Still hate myself for that. Hahaha.

[Metalbeast]

lol i'll try to do this in the driveway

[Metalbeast]

getting soon and will install, will take pics if anyone is interested, like a DIY I guess

[Billup]

Originally Posted by MuNkY6913

I installed the seibon hood in my garage. Had my wife help me hold it in place cause its awkward to carry. Not sure why hood pins would be needed. I've been above 130-140 with it and no lifting or anything. Both latches transferred over from OEM hood an the rubber grommets transferred as well. Bought the hood used and it looks like on strut was used before and it is slightly warped. I use the rubber grommets up front to correct that when its closed. I have both struts OEM struts on. I have to push down on the roundel after I latch it a little to get it to close. I adjusted it like that because the grommets push up against it.

Hood pins aren't necessarily just "holding the hood", which is contrary to popular belief. While its not significant, the added force to make a carbon fiber hood clasp on a stock hood release system, puts added stress on the components that make up the hood. Carbon fiber is of course much stronger than steel, however, the force can put a damper on the "hook" that interlaces with the latch itself and can stress the hood and inadvertently crack. The use of hood pins (aerocatch or nostalgic) eliminates this force and gives the hood an added amount of protection against wear.

OEM struts can also lead to inadvertent wear that won't be noticeable until after an extended amount of time. Based on the ratio of weight to the ft/lbs of pressure to close the hood, the struts add dampening and require more force than is necessary to properly close the hood without stress.

Alot of this may seem minimal, but it also coincides with how often you are under the hood. If all you are doing is changing oil or belts, I wouldn't fret. But for those who are using the hood for a reliable amount of weight reduction and will be under the hood often, its better to retain that integrity rather than destroy it.

[M54Black135i]

Reviving an old thread here but does the extra length on the m3 hood struts matter when installing them for a cf hood?

[TTerman777]

Originally Posted by M54Black135i

Reviving an old thread here but does the extra length on the m3 hood struts matter when installing them for a cf hood?

I made an account just to revive this thread... I am wondering if you ever found an answer to this question because my situation is exactly this. I am getting ready to order the final parts needed from https://www.bmwdiscountparts.com, but I want to make sure they are the correct parts before ordering. I have searched the internet but haven't been able to find a reliable answer, and that search led me to this thread.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.