brandsb

Disclaimer: This mod is simple albeit somewhat gimmicky.

Remove the push pins that hold the hood sound insulator and remove the insulator and store for re-attachment at lease-end or sale. This has minimal effect at low engine speeds but allows slightly more engine sound on acceleration and at high revs without being annoying.

It's a simple way to enhance the performance acoustics AND it's a weight reduction...

Torquey5

I think you should put it back underneath your hood, the insulator is exactly what it is, a safety piece of material that is designed to collapse should there be an engine fire, it puts it out. It's also there to soak up heat and even protect the paint underneath the hood especially in the V8s because of high engine bay heat. How much weight did you save?

brandsb

The hood insulator is designed for noise abatement only. It is not designed as a 'safety piece' to collapse in the event of an engine fire nor to protect the paint. It is for sound absorption/abatement only. It is not supplied on all vehicles, particularly vehicles with smaller engines that do not have the abatement needs to meet EU and US regulations for drive-by noise emissions.

I work in the auto industry and recently met with a company that designs hood insulators. We discussed this very topic as well as the trend that hood insulators are becoming more cosmetic in nature i.e. logos are being embossed in them (Mustangs as an example) for appearance. Noise abatement, particularly in the EU, is becoming more stringent and more vehicles are requiring engine noise abatement.

The reference to weight savings was obviously a joke as per the icon.

C's Bimmer

Just lose the hood altogether and drive around. That will save weight and make the engine sound really good!

525iSE

Until you drive into a rain storm....

brandsb

Conversely, studies are being conducted on vehicles with hoods that don't open. This would eliminate enormous front end weight and $$ via eliminating the hinges, springs, struts, latches, etc. Also significant appearance $$ savings if the engine cosmetics are not required. OEM's are already eliminating oil dipsticks, so the washer fluid would be the other major maintenance item which could be filled in the trunk compartment. Radiator fluid, belts, air filters (and maybe oil top-offs) etc. would require another visit to your friendly dealer....