ram air hood

[polywideblock]

 probably a stupid question, but if I've got an original 71 r/t hood with the louvered insert in it can it be converted to a ram air? or do i need a differant powerbulge hood ?I'm looking at the complete ram air  kit from P.G. classics any thoughts/info would be appreciated

[AKcharger]

Hi Polly

No Not a stupid question, in fact with Ram air hoods so rare its a good one. The short answer is No, you're R/T hood opening is way too big. I've been looking for a ramcharger hood for 5 years and was about to try to "make" my own till I  finally found one. Here's the problems with making you're own:

- R/T Hood - Hole is WAY too big would take major surgery and I'm pretty sure has the same support flaw as regular bulge hoods see below
- Factory bulge hood - I thought it would be as easy as cutting a hole but with a factory Ramcharger hood the support structure is very similar to a regualr hood AND that support is where the actuator bracket & actuator assy is attached. My '72 is just open where the bulge is, no where to attach the door actuator mechanism. I guess you could remove the frame from a standard hood and graft in, but again, major surgey
- Fiberglass hood - Same problem with support structure AND there is a steel support that the air box bolts too...how do you attach that to the fiber glass??

So there's no good answers except to find an original hood...I might be able to help ya' there, PM me 

[AKcharger]

Oh....after looking at my bulge hood, I think it would work...my bad So hacking a bulge hood IS an option but I wouldn't mess withthe R/T hood. you can sell it for a profit and buy a bulge hood

[kab69440]

I'd buy the kit. A custom door could be fabbed for your opening in a couple of leisurely days. Bigger opening= more pressure in the box.