Mazdaspeed 3 07-09 Carbon fiber hood

[86AmishMs3]

Just a little review for those who are interested.

Basically over a month ago, I went off-roading to prevent a car collision. Needed a new hood. Decided to get a carbon fiber OE style hood. I'm not one for visual enhancements, so I was going for some weight savings. Obviously it it weren't for the wreck, would have never done this. You'd be better off not eating so much fatty...then getting the "racers edge"

Anyways I've helped a friend install his Fiber Images...I tried to get that, but the lead time was too long. 3-4 weeks. So I ordered a VIS hood.



Comparison between two:


Weight: Fiber Images - it is carbon fiber laid over a skeleton frame, unlike the VIS which is laid over a smooth fiberglass top, and then it has a frame on the underside. I would say the VIS saves 10lbs where the FI saves 15+

Fitment: VIS - near perfect fitment. There is more gap around the top of the headlamps, but I guess eyelids would fix that. The sides are almost perfect. The Fiber Images I helped install was a little off on one side, you tried to adjust it, the hood was off on the other side. Wasn't huge but it was there.

Visual - Same, both looked good.

Anyways here are my pics

[anavrinIV]

where did you get it and how much did it cost? My hood is long, long, long.......loooooooooonnnnnnnnng overdue for a new hood.

[Domino81]

If I were you I'd clear it or paint it. I know it's cool to see the weave but I've never seen a carbon fiber hood that hasn't had a hazy gel coat after a certain amount of time.

[86AmishMs3]

Originally Posted by Domino81 If I were you I'd clear it or paint it. I know it's cool to see the weave but I've never seen a carbon fiber hood that hasn't had a hazy gel coat after a certain amount of time.

Well it doesn't get out of the garage much...if it starts to haze I'll just paint it body color.

And I got it from bodykitsdepot they only had one in stock. Ebay is a viable option as well.

[Masterbaiter]

Thanks for the review. I am actually in the process of buying a VIS oe hood right now

[EvoFire]

I see you aren't running a TMIC, but are there provisions to bolt all the ducting back on? And how accurate do you think it is?

[mituc]

Let us know how that works above 120mph.

[86AmishMs3]

Originally Posted by mituc Let us know how that works above 120mph.

Works fine. I would feel comfortable going to 170.

Originally Posted by EvoFire I see you aren't running a TMIC, but are there provisions to bolt all the ducting back on? And how accurate do you think it is?

Honestly don't know

[mituc]

Originally Posted by 86AmishMs3 Works fine. I would feel comfortable going to 170.

No, I meant how it really works above 120mph, not how fast are you comfortable going. I wanted to know if it vibrates, lifts, unsets or anything, and I really meant it.
I'm asking this because I've seen a few CF hoods (not for our platform though) that had to be held in place with lock pins.

[mxlplx71]

I have the vis hood, ive gone 120 with it and haven't noticed any movement or vibs.
seems to fit just like stock to me.