Cowl Induction vs. Ram Air

[BeaterShark]

I'm working on putting a stinger style scoop on my hood. The scoop is open on both the front and back. I'm also going to build an air box to seal the air cleaner to the hood.

I'm torn as to whether or not I'm going to keep the front or rear of the scoop open. I think keeping the front open for ram air has more cool factor, but NASCAR goes with cowl induction. Which is functionally better?

[AKRAY4PLAY]

if you have an openning in the middle of the hood, ram air is better. if the openning is at the back, cowl induction is better. the trick with cowl induction is the high pressure area in front of the windshield. placement is extremely critical when dealing with cowl air systems. if the scoop is to far forward, it will create a vacuum and give a negative effect of what you are trying to do. for your application, leave the front vent open and seal the rear. Brian

[BeaterShark]

I was kinda wondering how big the "sweet spot" was for cowl induction, but mine would be in the same location as the L-88 hood. I'd like to believe GM actually did some research for that hood.

I'm a little concerned about water entering with the ram air setup, but I'd probably work some kind of drain system in it.

Maybe I'll allow for both by making a removable block-off plate for each the front and rear. Then, maybe I'll go to the strip and see which works out better.

[AKRAY4PLAY]

sounds like a good plan for the block off plates. i have the high rise L-82 hood from Eckler's. it sucks a bunch of air from the rear. there is a bridge in the middle of the flow path though, it works good for diverting water away from the air filter. without a wind tunnel, it is hard to judge the effectivness of cowl induction. i know the L-82 hood works, but don't know how well. Brian