Title says it all.
Over the Xmas break I’m planning on taking my hood off the car and cutting a hole for functional ram air.
I’ve gotten as far as taping off the area with painters tape and drilling a starter hole…then?
So what is the best way to do this? Jig saw with fine metal blade? Sawzall with fine metal blade?
I used a jig saw with sheet metal blade many moons ago on mine. Worked beautifully without producing any heat then I dressed it with a file to fine tune it. Not sure you could get a sawzall blade to make a sharp enough turn…too wide of a blade. I would also recommend a variable speed jig saw.
Jig saw with a sharp metal cutting blade. Debur with a grinding wheel in a drill. You shouldn’t be cutting through any hood supports, just sheet metal. If there was ever a measure twice, cut once, situation this is it. Verify that the hole is centered over the air cleaner base which should be centered on the carb center stud. Verify that the scoop will cover the hole. Be sure the hole is smaller than the outer circumference of the air cleaner base so there is a good landing for the seal to underneath the hood. You should tape over the area where the jig saw will touch the hood. It is easy to make a good mark on the tape to guide you. Good Luck!
I would use a jigsaw and a fine tooth metal blade or a air powered cut off wheel. 3rd option would be a grinder and cut off wheel but gotta be careful not to overheat and warp the metal.
Don’t use a sawsaw, it will probably catch and bend the material. They are good for rough cuts only. Not
Precision by any means
Measure the hole. Lay it out. Double check the placement. Triple Check. Quadruple check. Walk away. Check it again.
I used a cordless Makita jigsaw with a fine tooth blade. Worked very well.
Just did the same to my hood less than a month ago, I was able to use a Dremel and two of their cutting discs, but I’m sure a jigsaw with a finer blade would work just as well.
Its a bit daunting to start but once you get cutting its pretty simple.
You probably have already done this but it’s worth a reminder if not, make sure your hood gaps and alignment are exactly where you want them before finding carb center line. Fresh engine mounts beforehand wouldn’t be a bad idea either if you plan on changing them soon anyway. They could possibly change engine position slightly… especially aftermarket vs. OEM. Just a thought.
100% correct. Measure 5x. Get the right fine tooth metal blade. Take your time, replace the blade if it gets dull.
Thanks all! And merry Xmas.
Picked up a couple of very fine metal blades for my jig saw.
Going to place the template and then check it probably 10 times before i drill that starter hole!
Will post pics when i’m done. Now i have to get one of my buddies to come over and help me take the hood off.