Got My Carbon Fiber Hood - APC W Vented Carbon Fiber [Archive]

NC_MP3

07-31-2002, 06:05 PM

Here are the details:

APC W Vented Carbon Fiber Hood
APC Part Number 101026
Ordered from Autozone
Price $745.00 w/ Tax
Ordered on 07-26
Recieved on 07-31

The best place to order this would be Pep Boys. They can get it for $639.99 plus tax.

The hood is not vented, but has indentions in it that make it look like it is W vented. Quality is really good. Good fit. Good weave. Good gel coat. The gap between the hood and fenders looks a little bigger, but it looks fine. I am happy with it.

Bottom side looks good. The latch is metal and feels sturdy.

I have a car show Sat so I will take pics then. This is the last time I will call it an APC hood. I really hate APC so I am gonna tell everyone its a fuckin C-West or something :)

I_Vtec

07-31-2002, 06:08 PM

Can't wait to see your pics. Good luck at the show.

big_ben

08-01-2002, 10:38 AM

Can you cut holes where the vents should be. I want to vent some of the heat in my engine bay from the turbo. $640 isn't bad at all. What does the underside look like. Is it like the fiber images where there is no supports or like the dg motorsports onle where it has the ribs for support. I wan't one like the fiber images because it is lighter.

mazdamp3performance

08-01-2002, 01:06 PM

Should be getting the hood very soon (hopefully in the next few days) but I ordered mine from Autobahn Wholesale...got it for 599.00. Hopefully will get it in soon :)

dc5

08-01-2002, 01:27 PM

dang. over 600 for a APC cf hood + tax/shipping...isn't that way too much for a hood made by APC?? i thought APC is only famous for their aluminum wings.... aren't the fiberimages hood running about the same price?:confused:

mazdamp3performance

08-01-2002, 01:50 PM

Yeah, roughly same price for a factory style hood from both DG Motorsports and Fiber Images. The APC hood is shaped differenty though.

blynzoo

08-01-2002, 02:03 PM

so does anyone have a vented hood?

dc5

08-01-2002, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by mazdamp3performance
Yeah, roughly same price for a factory style hood from both DG Motorsports and Fiber Images. The APC hood is shaped differenty though.

is there any functional vented cf hood?

quikmp5

08-01-2002, 05:35 PM

http://www.dgmotorsports.com/asp/processtype.asp?ProductID=1099&ProcessType=1

CharlieP5

08-01-2002, 05:58 PM

The vented hood from DG Motorsports is actually a Hood and the AEM Ram Air Intake. I wonder how the inside of the hood looks like.
(redp5)

NC_MP3

08-01-2002, 07:37 PM

That DG hood looks nice, but $1100 for it? That is a bit much.

The APC has fiberglass under it to support it. It isn't the lightest CF hood I have seen, but it is light. In my opinion the APC hood is top quality. Has anyone ever seen a cheap CF hood? Not a pretty sight. Cheap CF looks like shit. I haven't seen a DG hood in person, but I heard good things.

dc5

08-01-2002, 09:29 PM

apc is quality?? are u sure? i have never seen the hood in person, so i am not gonan say much about it.. but the last thing apc made was the LED muffler tip... to me. apc just dun with performance.... has anyone have these yet? a friend of mine had a apc cf hood, not for the bj, but for another car. and he was having fitment problem with the latch. so u might wnan check on the fitment before jumping into these.. you might wanna check Vis racing... they make some good hood and not as pricy.

charlieP5..so the hood from DGM comes with the ram air??? that's strange...(not a bad idea i think).. i am also curious as to how it look from the inside.

APEXistud

08-04-2002, 03:31 AM

I can testify that APC makes good quality hoods. I've seen quite a few on Ford Foci back in Michigan. Very nice weave damn near flawless on the ones I saw. I'm not to crazy about gel coats since I'd have the hood wet sanded and clear coated. But yes APC does make quality CF hoods. I am looking forward to seeing pics of NC's hood.

NC, please be sure to get some good close ups in direct sunlight so we can see the quality of the weave. I still haven't decided which of the 3 companies I'm going to go with when I do buy a hood, but so far it's either Fiber Images or APC. I don't like how DG has their little badge on the front of the hood. I love how Fiber Images has the badge though.

zombiefreak

08-05-2002, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by APEXistud
NC, please be sure to get some good close ups in direct sunlight so we can see the quality of the weave. I still haven't decided which of the 3 companies I'm going to go with when I do buy a hood, but so far it's either Fiber Images or APC. I don't like how DG has their little badge on the front of the hood. I love how Fiber Images has the badge though. [/B]

NC_MP3

08-05-2002, 04:36 PM

Here are a few pics.

<img src=http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/NC_MP3/080402_0012.jpg>

<img src=http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/NC_MP3/080402_0015.jpg>

LinuxRacr

08-05-2002, 05:24 PM

Ok, now back away and take some pics of the whole car with the hood.

NC_MP3

08-05-2002, 07:38 PM

Look in the photo section for pics of my car.

mazdamp3performance

08-07-2002, 12:20 AM

NC...are you happy with the hood? I posted in the general section about the one I ordered since mine was covered in defects...and how they are telling me I can't get my money back...just wondering if yours turned out better?

NC_MP3

08-07-2002, 08:29 AM

Mine was near perfect. I don't want to sound like a dick, but you shoulda ordered through Autozone or Pep Boys. Low prices are not the first thing to look for when buying. Customer Service is always number one for me. I though about Autobahn but their CS was shitty. I chose Autozone cause they are a big company and have good CS. My hood was here in 3 buissness days and the guys were super nice and helpful. They even went out of their way to get me a tracking number.

Ordering through the Internet can be bad. Always be sure the company has a good rep and good CS. Tripoint, Corksport, NOPI, Mazdamotorsports, Shine Street. Those are good Internet sellers.

mazdamp3performance

08-07-2002, 10:59 AM

The sad part is, when I called Autobahn, they were extremely nice and helpful....the hood came in 4 business days....but now that there is a problem everything has changed...guess I live and learn.

MP5s Make Ready

08-07-2002, 11:18 AM

I hate living and learning, it always costs soo much money!!!!

(moon)

tommyboy212

08-21-2002, 02:09 PM

NC did you or are you going to put hood pins in? My CF hood is on its way and I cant wait to get the thing. only 4 more days.... tick tock tick tock

NC_MP3

08-21-2002, 03:04 PM

No, I don't plan on getting hood pins. The latch on the APC is metal and looks to be very solid, so I don't think hood pins will be necessary, just remember to shut the hood good :)

dc5

08-21-2002, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by NC_MP3
No, I don't plan on getting hood pins. The latch on the APC is metal and looks to be very solid, so I don't think hood pins will be necessary, just remember to shut the hood good :)

well. the built of the latch is a factor, however, that is not the only deciding factor as to whether ur hood will give or not. It also has to do with how well the cf hood is bonded to the frame. the frame most of the time is made with fiberglass...it is only the top cover u see that is of carbon fiber. one way the cover is bonded to the frame, or skeleton, is by the use of epoxy. i have no doubt that if the latch is strong enough, the skeleton will give during high wind, however, when a strong enough air get between the frame and the hood. there are chances that the hood will get scoped up, and break off from the frame. so just to be on the safe side, i think you would wanna put hood pins in, that's alot better than having the hood fly off while u are going at 100 mph and with it blocking ur front view.

i've been using a cf hood for about 2 months now..and everytime i went over 110 mph or so, i get hestiated and that i would slow back down. but just last nite i installed a set of pins on it...and 140 here i come.

tommyboy212

08-21-2002, 03:35 PM

thanx for the feedback guys:D Im gonna probably put them on. God knows I dont wanna be flying down the highway and have the hood slap me in the face :eek: like in TommyBoy when he forgets to take the oil can out of the engine. different situation but gawd was that hilarious :) Well Im gettin off track now better go back to work, later..................

Mac Daddy

08-21-2002, 08:19 PM

I just received mine a couple of days ago. I can say I'am about 80% satisfied. There are a couple of imperfections on the lay of the carbon fiber matte and also a rub mark from the improper packaging. Overall I think it looks awesome. The under part resembles a factory hood with the exception of where the "vent" is. I have gone about 110 without any considerable wind lift.

In my opinion, if extreme quality is your main concern, then you should get the DG Motorsports hood. If weight is your concern (of only a couple of pounds) then the Fiber Images should be your choice. If looks is what you want (the vents) then the APC is the one. Also it helps I only paid $502.00 for it.

I just recently re-formatted my hd, so I have not posted any pics on my webpage of the hood, but soon will.

dc5

08-21-2002, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by Mac Daddy
I just received mine a couple of days ago. I can say I'am about 80% satisfied. There are a couple of imperfections on the lay of the carbon fiber matte and also a rub mark from the improper packaging. Overall I think it looks awesome. The under part resembles a factory hood with the exception of where the "vent" is. I have gone about 110 without any considerable wind lift.

In my opinion, if extreme quality is your main concern, then you should get the DG Motorsports hood. If weight is your concern (of only a couple of pounds) then the Fiber Images should be your choice. If looks is what you want (the vents) then the APC is the one. Also it helps I only paid $502.00 for it.

I just recently re-formatted my hd, so I have not posted any pics on my webpage of the hood, but soon will.

so the DG makes a better quality hood for the protege than FI?? do u mean the fitment of the hood?? coz i dun think there are many companies who can top FI's hoods.... too bad they cost so much...

Mac Daddy

08-21-2002, 10:57 PM

Well, before I bought the APC I saw a FI and it was extremely well built, the same with the DG. But IMO the internal supports make the DG a more complete package.

APEXistud

08-22-2002, 04:11 AM

The clean underside of the Fiber Images hood is way more attractive the DG's skeletal remains. Don't forget that it is Carbon Fiber that we are talking about. I can vouch for Fiber Images hood being the strongest of all the Carbon Fiber hood available after seeing the torture tests a while back.

dc5

08-22-2002, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by Mac Daddy
Well, before I bought the APC I saw a FI and it was extremely well built, the same with the DG. But IMO the internal supports make the DG a more complete package.

internal supports?? you talking about the frame right? but FI uses carbon fiber skeleton...i believe...i could be wrong..that the DG uses fiberglass.....

chdesign

08-26-2002, 09:14 AM

I can vouch for Fiber Images hoods strength as well. My buddy got in a bad wreck with his GSR swap hatch and the wreck was so bad that hte block cracked. Well he rebuilt the car adn all that needed to be done to the hood was buffed out and reinstalled.

dennis_protege5

10-05-2002, 09:38 PM

So, if you had the money right now, which Carbon Fiber Hood would you buy? Fiber Images or DG Motorsports. Also, whats the prices for these hoods and if anyone has bics of the two i would appreciate it. Thanks.

APEXistud

10-06-2002, 03:15 AM

Fiber Images for me. I don't like how DG has their logo on the front of the hood.

dennis_protege5

10-06-2002, 11:59 AM

do you have a pic of the underside of the fiber images hood?

slug420

10-10-2002, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by blynzoo
so does anyone have a vented hood?

well.......the only vented hood I have seen for our cars is the DG ram air one......I am getting a Mazdaspeed and have been greatly moved by the concept MSP drawing which you can see here:
http://www.msprotege.com/vbb225/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7889
And I have been trying to plan out how to make an evo style vented hood. It would not be CF, I would probably go to a junk yard to get a protege hood and try working with one of the vents available from erebuni......

what do you guys think of the idea?

big_ben

10-11-2002, 10:27 AM

I would probably go to a junk yard to get a protege hood and try working with one of the vents available from erebuni......
Hey, hey, hey,.....you are stealing my ideas!

Stou

10-14-2002, 09:06 AM

That's exactly what I did. The P5 hood is identical to the MP3 hood.

ARD MP5

12-14-2002, 07:24 PM

I don't consider the DG hood to be a vented one. The true purpose of a vented hood is to alleviate high pressure under the hood, in order to move air from out of the engine bay. The purpose of the DG ram air hood is to push air into it.

A well designed vented hood will take use of the flow through the mouth of the air dam and allow for this air to evacuate through the vents on the top of the hood. In turn creating a good flow rate for air through the engine bay.

DG hood is not a vented hood. It is a ram air hood.