Carbon Fiber Hood Upgrade For Subaru WRX And STi

Benefits of a Carbon Fiber Hood for Your Subaru

A carbon fiber hood can be a great addition to your Subaru WRX or STi. Carbon fiber is revered for being an incredibly strong yet lightweight material. Replacing your factory hood with a carbon fiber variant brings some key benefits.

Reduce Weight and Improve Handling

One of the biggest perks of installing a carbon fiber sti hood is reducing the overall weight of your Subaru. The factory hood on a WRX or STi tends to be quite heavy. By switching it out for a lightweight carbon fiber hood, you can shave off quite a few pounds from the front end of your car.

This weight reduction leads to improvements in handling and acceleration. With less weight over the front wheels, your Subaru will turn more sharply and feel more agile overall. The reduced mass also decreases inertia, allowing quicker acceleration out of corners.

Custom Styling and Appearance

Beyond performance benefits, a carbon fiber hood also provides a unique visual upgrade to your Subaru. The layered carbon weave stands out and grabs attention. It presents a custom look that enhances the already aggressive styling of the WRX and STi.

You can choose a hood with an exposed carbon finish or opt for a gloss or matte clearcoat over the carbon layer. Either way, it makes your Subaru look race-ready straight from the factory.

Engine Bay Cooling

Many carbon fiber Subaru hoods feature built-in cooling vents. These vents allow hot air to escape from around the turbocharger and intercooler. This cooling effect increases power delivery and consistency when you're driving your WRX or STi hard.

Vented hoods prevent heat soak and reduce the chances of losing power during aggressive driving. Plus, the vents look awesome and further accentuate the performance style of your Subaru.

What to Consider When Buying a Carbon Fiber Hood

If you’re ready to upgrade to a carbon fiber sti hood, there are a few things to consider during your buying process:

Quality of Materials and Construction

As with any car mod, quality is extremely important when choosing a carbon fiber hood. Make sure to select a hood constructed of 100% real carbon fiber – not imitation materials claiming to look like carbon fiber. Also, consider sizing, fitment, and hardware to ensure it matches up properly with your car’s factory mounting points.

Exposed vs Coated

As mentioned before, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer the look of exposed carbon weave or a gloss/matte clearcoat finish over your new hood. Most hoods give you the option, so choose whichever suits your personal style best.

Vented vs Non-Vented

Vented carbon fiber hoods promote better cooling, but non-vented varieties place more focus on aerodynamics. If engine bay temperatures are a major concern for you, opt for a vented hood. Or for sleekest profile, a non-vented option may work better.

Tuner Brands

When shopping for your carbon fiber hood, look to reputable tuner companies that specialize in Subarus. Brands like Seibon, VARIS, and APR Performance have proven track records building carbon fiber parts specifically for the WRX and STi.

Professional Installation

While it may be tempting to handle the hood installation yourself, it's wise to utilize a professional shop. They have the necessary skills, tools, and experience to install the hood properly without damage. Most tuner shops are quite familiar with swapping Subaru hoods as well.

Carbon Fiber Hood Maintenance Tips

Once your new sti carbon fiber hood is professionally installed, be sure to observe these care instructions to keep it looking flawless:

Gentle Cleaning

Use only car-specific cleaners free of caustic chemicals when cleaning your carbon hood. Also, refrain from applying too much pressure when wiping it down. Aggressive scrubbing can damage the delicate fiber layers.

Protect From UV

Wax or seal your carbon fiber hood to protect against sun damage. Be extra careful with exposed carbon fiber since it lacks a clear protective coating.

Avoid Impacts

Prevent chipping or cracking of the hood by avoiding collisions with debris. Also take care not to drop any heavy objects on the hood which could impact the structure.

Inspect for Damage

Periodically examine your carbon fiber hood closely for any cracks, fractures, or splintering within the layers. If detected early, the damage can likely be repaired.

Following these maintenance tips will help your high-performance carbon fiber hood retain its structural integrity while still looking flawless. Enjoy the head-turning style and added performance your new hood brings to your Subaru WRX or STi. The carbon fiber upgrade completes the aggressive tuner aesthetic that makes these cars icons among car enthusiasts everywhere.

FAQs

Does a carbon fiber hood really improve performance?

Yes, by reducing weight over the front wheels, a carbon fiber hood allows quicker steering input and better acceleration out of corners. The weight savings is modest but still beneficial.

What’s the difference between dry and wet carbon fiber?

Dry carbon fiber has an exposed, raw woven look showing the carbon texture. Wet carbon fiber has a glossy or matte clearcoat lacquered over the carbon weave for a smoother appearance.

Will a carbon fiber hood keep my engine cooler?

Vented carbon fiber hoods can effectively reduce engine bay temperatures. The vents specifically allow hot air to escape from around components like the turbo and intercooler.

Is installing a hood difficult for a DIYer?

It's recommended to have a professional shop install your carbon fiber hood. The technicians have proper tools and knowledge for a safe, secure hood swap without damaging body panels or hardware.