Like the title suggests, I'm interested in what people think are the pros and cons of having a CF hood vs keeping a stock hood. The only pro for CF hood that I can think of is the potential weight reduction, of course. And the only downside that comes to mind is overheating and cracking of the CF. If anyone else wants to add their two cents in, please go right ahead. Any input will be much appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

Well that all depends on the type of cf hood. Either your gonna spend over a $1000 for a REAL cf hood that weighs less. Or you'll spend less on a cf hood that looks better but weighs slightly more.

 

I have yet to notice a CF hood that fits correctly and has perfect lines. I've yet to see a CF hood that doesn't yellow when left in the sun. As the poster above pointed out, cheaper ones actually weigh more and fit like crap.

 

NOTHING fits like OEM. I don't have a cf hood for this exact reason. had 2 different brands of cf trunks due to the stock one being wrecked by an alignment shop. neither fit really at all so i went and found a stock one in a junk yard and had it painted. the clear coat cracks way to easily, it will yellow over time and it usually takes a little work to get it to fit just right but will never have as good of lines as OEM.

 

the Varis fits correctly and have perfect lines.. jaw dropping impressed by it!

 

In the evo case I see one pros over the stock , which is a look when they not faded yet.
Other then that , maybe if the design is great maybe better cooling with a extra or larger openings - louvers.
I would not get a cf hood is not worth it if you, by them other the bling. The cf trunk ( good quality) is another story .

 

My Varis vsdc (double carbon) hood fits 100% perfect and is lighter than the stock. I don't have an exact weight savings, sorry. However like stated in a couple posts up it is starting to slightly yellow, like ALL carbon does. Unless it's garage kept and not daily driven there's no getting around it. I've had Seibon, Vis, and Varis hoods on the car and I will say that you pay for what you get and Varis by far was the best, if you can deal with the long wait.

 

CF when wet will actually be heavier then stock, CF hood wont save you much weight if any at all, unless you buy dry carbon,, IMO stock is alot better!! if you like the looks then by all means get one!!! some people like stock looking much better!
I would love to have a CF trunk and Hood!!! just for weight savings but would paint them to match the car, still a dry carbon hood will only save 9lbs max! so what are you really saving with a CF hood? 2lbs max?

 

It looks above like you are saying multiple things. Your first line reads that a wet CF piece will be heavier than stock. That isn't always true, it depends on how it was manufactured. The rest of your post indicates that you will save weight though?

I'm not familiar with X parts, but there are a couple "wet CF" hoods for VIII's/IX's that are lighter than stock. Fitment is definitely an issue on most CF hoods but some fit perfectly. CF can flex over time too depending on how it was cured; I can't remember the term for the phenomenon.

The clear coat issue can obviously be fixed, but is horrible looking in person.

 

personally i would get the nice branded FRP hood with nice ventilation that suit your need and paint the hood. it wont be as strong as carbon but you'll get the look, bigger vent, 'save some weight' and you wont have to deal with fading.

 

Wow thx guys for all the feedback. I see there are more cons than pros when it comes to having a CF hood. Like a previous poster has stated, maybe I'll just get a FRP hood instead and have it painted. I heard Chargespeed is bringing the FRP version of it's Evo X Type-2 vented hood to the US sometimes in early 2012. I can't wait XD

 

I don't it's worth it for a CF hood. Sun damage is unattractive.

 

CF hood or fenders = waste of money...

*especially* if you are doing it for weight reduction