Do you like the non-functioning hood scoop?

[Northof49]

I like the scoop....I even paid extra to get a TRD hood for my 3rd gen a few years back.

The "non-functional" part does not bother me, as 99% of all factory scooped hoods since the 60's have done nothing. Pontiac (for example) often marketed their "Ram Air" hoods, but anyone that knows even a little about engines knows that a hood scoop pointed toward the air intake *might* add 5hp at about 100+mph. Other than that, all it can do is add an extra venting point for engine heat.

As stated, others supply air to an intercooler, however, many factory FI cars, such as the Toyota Supra, use a sidemount intercooler fed by front air dam that is everybit as effective as a top mount + hood scoop. Also, a good front mount intercooler is the most efficient design, so a hood scoop, tho somewhat functional, is still mostly for looks.

I'm all for function>form, but since the 4Runner's scoop is basically as functional as any other scoop out there, there's nothing wrong with liking it jsut for style IMHO

That said, I haven't put forth an effort to find one for the 4rth gen LTD....but I sell stuff too quickly to mod it these day.

 

[iFORCE]

In vehicle design, form should follow function.

A non-functional scoop on the hood that impairs visibility and increases aerodynamic drag is ridiculous. It's acceptable as an aftermarket ripoff, but not OEM.

They should spend these extra pennies illuminating the power window buttons on the doors.

whoa buddy. Why don't you go and tell them to increase the windshield size or maybe they should remodify the front of the car so that you are able to view the road at 180degrees without obstruction. Maybe they shouldn't have put the spoiler on, because obviously its not going to help with the downforce.. so why is it there?

Instead of buying those piaa lightbulbs.. why don't you spend a little more and do a full HID modification?

I agree that there are other things to put in from the factory but you're buying a 4runner, not a Lexus. If you wanted all those little options, go buy an audi.

 

[Offroader]

Hey, on MY T4R, the scoop does have a function:

 

[iFORCE]

Did you do that yourself? add hp? got an intercooler? turbo? ohhhh diesel.. sweeet..... or maybe someone needs to give you a cookie....

 

[live4swell]

I like the look of the hood scoop, it adds a nice look to the truck....what i didnt like is when they started putting them on Rav4's...that to me was overkill....it also looks cool on the new Tacomas...but i think they messed up when they put them on the ravs. oh well...i still like how it looks, functional or not

 

[sharp4runr]

Form and Function go hand in hand, but when you want to sell something you have to appeal to the masses. I think Toyota sold many Sport Editions with just the Hood Scoop alone. I bought it because it reminded me of the Celica Alltracs (GT4 in your neck of the woods Offroader).

Car manufacturers go Form over Function all the time. Its not to "Insult the customer's intelligence", its to sell, sell, sell.

Folks, because of a recent influx of trolls on this site the rules will be strictly enforced against newcomers for the time being.

To quote Jack: "I'm watching you Fokker."

 

[Mark86]

When I saw a new poll about hood scoops, it raised a red flag in my mind. I had a feeling there was something fishy about this because it was a very hot and controversial topic a few days ago.

I don't mind the hood scoop. I like it because it is unique and you don't find one on many SUV's. However, it was not a major factor when deciding what model 4Runner to get. To me, heated mirrors and XREAS was more important in making my decision. :

 

[4RNR4BB]

Hood scoops on the T4R and the new Tacoma are freaking cool!!! Not so much on the Rav4, for some reason it doesn't look right.

When I was shopping for my 4R the wife made me buy the one with the hood scoop, not that is was that hard to convince me. SE look some much better with the paint matched grills, bumpers, fender flares, and the cool hood scoop.

Matt

 

[Kanab]

Does anyone make sensors that I can install on my front bumper to keep me from hitting things.

My hood scoop blocks my vision right in front of my 4r and I am afraid I might hit another car or some other obstruction.

If I raise up my seat to try to see over the darn hood scoop, I hit my head on the too low roof and I don't have a sun roof to pop my head out of.

None of the extra features of my Sport Edition are worth driving around with that darn vision blocking, non-functional, money wasting, bug grabbing, (cool as heck), hood scoop.


Maybe I'll just take a hammer to it and pound it down flat!!
Darn guys at Car & Driver for telling me it blocks my vision.:bash:

LMAO :biggrin2: Damn C&D :bash:

 

[Hitman]

The scoop's purpose is supplying air to the intercooler.

Actually, the first hood scoop's purpose was to direct cool, outside air (and sometimes have a ram effect) to the carb. It had nothing to do with an intercooler for a turbo or supercharger.

Putting the scoop on a vehicle that doesn't need it is an insult to the customer's intelligence, since it affects vissibility and aerodynamics.

I don't see it as in insult. Sure, it may not be functional, but it gives the vehicle an agressive look.

Don't look now, but there are plenty of vehicles available with a non-functioning hood scoop. Mustangs are notorious for that..... plenty of Pontiacs also....they're everywhere.

I wouln't buy a T4R that includes the hood without needing it.



Then you have two options, currently, for a new 4Runner. SR5 and Limited.

 

[Kanab]

Hey, on MY T4R, the scoop does have a function:

(Off topic)
That turbo diesel is very cool. I wish we had one in the USA. How do you like it?

 

[KMX3060]

Hey Pitbull-I'm glad someone got the joke.

I also would like to know if you can get the diesel 4R in the states?

 

[Gryphon]

What fun tonight!

momo.75: You rock as a moderator! I mean that, I mod other forums, it's a tough job!


Hood Scoops: I wish I had one on my '90! I like the looks of a well-done scoop, tho I think the stock Toyota part looks too...Subaru. (IMHO) I have always beleived if you have a non-functioning scoop, grab a swazall and fix it! 5 minutes careful cutting and some rust-stop later, you have a working unit!

I am looking at installing louvers, keeping it tasteful, in my new junkyard hood I am going to be getting. I am going for moving hot air out and cooler air in.

 

[momo.75]

momo.75: You rock as a moderator! I mean that, I mod other forums, it's a tough job!

I appreciate it. Like I said before, it is all of us together that are trying to make this a fun and informative site. I just happen to be sitting in front of my computer for about hours out of the day, so I recently have been able to help out more. Thanks for feeling our pain.

 

[realyfishy]

The way it looks from the drivers seat

 

[hkollie]

Being the proud owner of a non-functional but COOL hood scoop, I second the favorable opinions previously expressed...

In the same vein, a good boob job is a thing of beauty to admire that makes the front end standout, recieve greater attention than normally warranted and adds to the overall "package"!!!

Yes, it is non functional, but the Design end/ Attractiveness of the vehicle is a major component of the decision to Buy the vehicle.

:

 

[momo.75]

Being the proud owner of a non-functional but COOL hood scoop, I second the favorable opinions previously expressed...

In the same vein, a good boob job is a thing of beauty to admire that makes the front end standout, recieve greater attention than normally warranted and add to the overall "package"!!!

:

LOL.....And you usually never know it/they are fake until you have taken it for a test drive, and at that point, it really doesn't matter...........lol

 

[hkollie]

I can honestly say that some women "post hood scoop" are attractive to me, whereas, I was "flat line" on them "pre hood scoop"

I see, I want to touch and Play...

But this is AMERICA...you can like or Hate Hood Scoops!!!!!!

You can buy BIG hood scoops or Medium size hood scoops...

Being from Las Vegas, I get to evaluate numerous Hood Scoops on a daily basis....in general, regardless of the vehicle (age, type, color)...they cause me to turn my head...catch my eye...just me!!!

I do apologize for the Hijack...just feeling my hood scoop as I type!

 

[Thai]

I do apologize for the Hijack...just feeling my hood scoop as I type!

:bonk:

 

[horsey]

I love the hood scope. It makes my 4runner looks like a monster truck from the front.(but only with smaller tires)