What Exactly Does a Hood Scoop Do?

Written by

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

Updated on November 11th, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • A hood scoop is an elevated section or an opening cut into a vehicle’s hood supported by a shroud or air channel.
  • A hood scoop is a component of a forced induction system that lets more air enter the engine bay to produce more power.
  • The working principle behind forced induction is that increasing an engine’s air intake translates to more horsepower.

A hood scoop is an elevated section or opening cut into a vehicle’s hood supported by a shroud or air channel. It is sometimes referred to as an air vent or air dam.

Some vehicles have hood scoops built into their hoods, while others need to have their hoods replaced with one that comes with a hood scoop.

Hood scoops are typically made from materials like metal, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

What Is a Hood Scoop For?

a white car with hood scoop
A hood scoop is also considered an aesthetic upgrade that gives vehicles a more sporty look.
a white car with hood scoop

A hood scoop is a component of a forced induction system that lets more air enter the engine bay to produce more power.

Initially, a vehicle without a hood scoop relies on its grille to receive adequate airflow while in motion. Having a hood scoop doubles the air entering the engine bay.

Aside from its functional purpose, a hood scoop is also considered an aesthetic upgrade that gives vehicles a more sporty look.

Types of Hood Scoops

You’ll find a variety of hood scoops in the market, including the following:

Shaker Scoop

A shaker scoop is an engine-mounted scoop that protrudes through a hole in the hood. Because of its design, the shaker scoop vibrates or shakes with the engine’s rumble. It’s also commonly found in V8 engines.

Compared to other hood scoops, a shaker scoop can be particularly loud, especially when paired with a large engine. This can make it hard to pass through areas with strict nuisance laws.

Ram Air Intake

A ram air intake is characterized by a small opening that gets wider as it gets closer to the engine, forcing air to enter quickly and eventually slow down.

A ram air intake is essentially a cold air intake that alters the air pressure entering the engine. As fast air comes down the scoop, slow air pools around the engine, increasing pressure in the same manner a supercharger would.

This type of hood scoop only works in a fuel-injected system or a carburetor with a pressurized system. In addition, this hood scoop will only work under certain speeds.

Cowl Induction

A cowl induction hood scoop is a rather unconventional setup, as the opening faces the windshield instead of away from it.

Because of its design, many people view a cowl induction scoop as an aesthetic upgrade more than a functional one. In reality, however, a cowl induction scoop works the same as a conventional hood scoop.

The cowl induction scoop was more popular during the 1960s when most windshields were more vertical than today’s designs.

A hood scoop facing a vertical windshield can help reduce drag and generate pressurized air at the windshield’s base, which then goes into the engine compartment.

Thanks to this hood scoop’s design, it’s less likely that rain, snow, and other contaminants will enter the engine bay.

Thousands of happy customers choose CarParts.com. Shop Now

Intercooler Scoop

Unlike other hood scoops, an intercooler scoop can’t force air into the engine on its own. Instead, it needs some help from the turbocharger.

In a turbocharged system, the intercooler scoop simply functions as an engine cooler that prevents temperature-related damage, given that turbochargers operate at extremely high temperatures.

In terms of compatibility, an intercooler scoop will only work if the intercooler is top-mounted.

Faux Scoop

A faux scoop does not have any opening to the engine at all. This type of hood scoop is only intended to enhance a vehicle’s appearance.

More Air Means More Power

The working principle behind forced induction is that increasing an engine’s air intake translates to more horsepower一a concept that you’ll find in upgrades other than a hood scoop.

Injecting compressed air into the combustion chamber causes forced induction to squeeze more air in along with more fuel.

This action generates bigger booms, resulting in more powerful crankshaft rotations that increase horsepower and torque.

Cons of Having a Hood Scoop

As convenient as it is to drive around with a hood scoop, there are some downsides to having one.

The extra opening on the hood increases the chances of contaminants entering the engine bay, which can clog the air filter.

It can also be challenging to drive in inclement weather since there’s a high probability of rain and snow drenching your engine.

There are, however, some workarounds to these issues. For instance, you can choose a hood scoop that comes with a blocking plate to prevent contaminants from entering the engine.

In most cases, these blocking plates are operated via a vacuum switch at full throttle. Some of these plates can also be operated manually.

How to Install a Hood Scoop

The traditional way of installing a hood scoop can be quite complicated, as it involves cutting a hole in your hood and reshaping the scoop to match your hood’s dimensions.

The old-fashioned way of installing a hood scoop involves using power tools and accurately measuring your hood and other engine components.

It’s important to note that installing a hood scoop isn’t exactly a beginner-friendly project. Instead, it’s a task best left in the hands of a professional.

There are aftermarket hoods that are already modified with hood scoops, so all you may need to do is order one that matches your vehicle’s specifications.

How Much Does a Hood Scoop Cost?

An aftermarket hood scoop can cost anywhere between $50 and $250, depending on factors such as material, finish, and your vehicle’s specifications.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.