Description
Why vent your hood?
This is a key element to improving the cooling system, well documented in the high performance and racing communities. Reducing the pressure behind the radiator creates a larger differential between the front and rear of the radiator. The larger the differential, the greater the airflow. Reducing underhood pressure also cuts down on lift under the front of the car – thus improving downforce.
Developed through Testing
We started by investigating the pressure and airflow of the stock hood. The shape and airflow of the RX8 hood is extremely similar to the MX5, and we found that our 2006-2015 MX5 hood louvers turned out to be ideal on the RX8 as well, with their placement slightly adjusted. With placement optimized for the RX8, the result is a louver system including gurney flaps that reduces the pressure under the hood by a staggering 50%. Our louvers work in the lightweight factory aluminum hood to minimize cost and you don’t have to deal with poor fitment of aftermarket hoods, and doesn’t sacrifice hood rigidity so that even the stock hood latch can still be used.
Features of the kit
Our RX8 louver kits feature an integrated gurney flap design: a vertical fin at the front that creates a low pressure pocket above the length of the vent. Other vents on the market are not designed around actual airflow testing on the car and do not include this feature.
This is a DIY part. That said, we’ve thought about ease of install from the beginning and you get a full vinyl cutting template specific to the RX8. The cut template removes all of the guesswork from your install – just stick it on and it shows you where to cut. Also included is rubber trim that fits around the circumference of the holes, making it easy to achieve a clean and finished look.
The louvers ship flat (unbent), you bend the fins when you receive them.
Great install video of this kit by AR Hindrichs (video is on an NC hood but install process is the same for RX8):
VERSION 2 UPDATE: This louver kit now comes anodized black, but note that the anodize will fade with time and UV/heat. We recommend paint or powdercoat after bending if you want a long lasting finish. Powdercoat will have great longevity, but even simple Rustoleum flat black looks great for a race car. Another great option is to go down to your local NAPA store and they can paint match to your car’s color and mix it up in a spray can for a very reasonable price.
Michael W. –
Keeping the RX8 cool under track conditions has been a challenge for the past few years. I’ve was contemplating installing hood louvers or purchasing an aftermarket carbon fibre hood with louvers molded in just about the time I saw these on your web site.
Performance wise I couldn’t be more pleased. Previously the water temp would reach 210 degrees F going down the long straight away at Auto Club Speedway prompting me to roll out off the throttle a bit. This past weekend I was able to go flat out all the way through turn 2 and the water temp never climbed above 190.
Thanks for all your help!
Jackson R. –
Well worth the wait. Singular Motorsports has a high quality product here with attention to detail that makes install pretty idiot proof. The supplied template and measurement guidelines were spot on and the louvers themselves are really a work of art. Love the way these look!
Neshan A. –
The most upgrades that you will never regret to have and the most that you will love to have.
I live in the middle-east, where summer is our default weather! the Singular Hood Louver made the AC and the car heat more efficient and better by 80%!
Dave A. –
Needed to keep my oil temps down (turbo car) when pushing it hard for more than a minute or so… sticker for layout wasn’t the easiest to place but was easily able to be ‘re-applied’ as needed. Cutting the aluminum hood was a breeze. I would suggest using the 4 bolts and putting the hood on some saw horses to do the actual cutting. Awesome product and comes with everything needed.